As of Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Cities without a state are in Missouri
Feb. 23, 1934 – May 17, 2025
Joyce Lea Cook, known affectionately as Joy to her friends and family, passed away on May 17, 2025, at Foxberry Terrace in Webb City. Born on Feb. 23, 1934, in Lanagan, Joyce lived a spirited, loving, and compassionate life, making a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Joyce was a loyal friend and neighbor, always ready for a good gossip session or a friendly game of cards. She had a green thumb and a heart to match, tending to her garden with as much care and attention as she did her relationships. Joyce was also a master in the kitchen, her canning and cooking skills were refined in Duquesne, where she resided for over 60 years. Her hootenannies were the highlight of the social calendar, and her wagon rides brought joy and laughter to young and old alike.
Despite her various interests, what mattered most to Joyce was her family. Widowed, but never alone, Joyce’s love for her son and late husband was a beacon that guided her every action.
She was preceded in death by her husband Robert “Bob” Cook; her son Robert “Rob” Cook; a step-daughter Rita Shupp; a grandson Steven Haver; a great-grandson Dalton Candeleria; her 12 brothers and sisters; and two lifelong friends JoAnn and Bonnie.
She is survived by her daughter Nancy Cook Allen, Webb City; daughter-in-law Marla, Lampe; grandchildren Justin (Liea) Cook, Lampe, Julie Wendt, Alba, Christi Hoagland, Webb City, Chuck (Sandy) Shupp, Alba, Craig Hoagland, Carl Junction, and Stefanie (Hal) Simpson, Webb City; great-grandchildren Chad Erwin, Ashley (Bain) Edens, Austin (Amanda) Simpson, Bethany Hoagland, Adam Simpson (Taylar Morrow), Weston Wendt, and Maci Cook; and two great-great-grandchildren, Jack and Wylder Simpson.
Joyce’s life will be celebrated with a visitation from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 23, 2025, at Simpson Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 24th at Owsley-Union Cemetery, near Longview, with Dustin Burdin officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Joplin Humane Society, in care of the funeral home.
Sept. 12, 1931 – May 18, 2025
Dorothy Joan Hale, age 93, of Joplin, passed away on May 18, 2025. She was surrounded by loved ones during her time in Freeman Hospital. Dorothy was born Sept. 12, 1931, in St. Louis to Walter C. Olney and Esther Victoria Heath Olney. The family moved to Columbus, Kan., when she was 4. Dot attended the Columbus schools and graduated with the Class of 1950. At the age of 13, she was confirmed as a member of the First United Methodist Church. She served on many committees including Board of Trustees and Church Council. She was a lifetime member of Eastern Star.
On March 24, 1951, Dorothy was united in marriage to Kenneth W. Hale. He preceded her in death on July 18, 2014, after 63 years of marriage. As a young wife, Dorothy focused on caring for her children, Cathy and Skip, serving as room mother, scout leader, dance mom and sports mom, spending years encouraging and cheering for their activities. She and Kenny continued to love attending their grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s events.
Dorothy’s work history included office manager for State Farm Insurance and working with Betty McBride in the Cherokee County Treasurer’s Office. She then joined the family business, Hale Petroleum.
Remaining to cherish Dorothy’s memory, are her two children, Kenneth W. “Skip” Hale, Jr. and wife Kandi, Joplin, and Cathy Hale Hall, Webb City. She was a loving “Nannie” to her grandchildren, Chris and Kelly Hall, Smyrna, Tenn., Cori and Nick Reid, Joplin, Dr. Cassie and Camp Campbell, Fairhope, Ala., and K.W. Hale, Joplin; great-grandchildren, Lily, Duke, Vivi and Theo Reid, Hannah and Andrew Hall, and Roux and Rafe Campbell; and beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She loved her family dearly, and her family treasured her.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Kenny; her sister and brother-in-law Betty and Ray Leroy; and her sister Peggy Pierson.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., on Friday, May 23, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church of Columbus. Burial will follow in Park Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 1 p.m., until service time. Pallbearers will be Chris Hall, K.W. Hale, Nick Reid, Camp Campbell, Reed Robinson, Monty Overman, Bud Jesse and Marcus Kimbrough. Honorary pallbearers are Charlie Norris and John Gaither. Memorial gifts may be made to First United Methodist Church of Columbus or Columbus Community Bomber Field in care of Derfelt Funeral Home.
July 6, 1927 – May 17, 2025
Donald Leroy Maples was a dedicated and loyal individual who left this world on May 17, 2025, at his home in Alba. Born on July 6, 1927, in Huron, S.D., Don spent his life embodying the words of Winston Churchill, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Don lived a life packed with accomplishment, service, and, most importantly, love. At the age of 17, he enlisted and was stationed at Lady Golf in the Philippines, spending his 18th birthday during the World War II Pacific campaign. His time in the Navy took him to Japan, China and Hawaii, eventually encouraging his three brothers to enlist once they became of age.
After the war, Don chose to make his home in California, where he met his beloved wife, Wanda. Together, they built a life and raised their family until 1969 when they relocated to Missouri. Don’s dedication and loyalty were evident in his career as an ironworker and welder for the B&D Welding in Joplin, before his retirement in 1987. His commitment to his craft was rivaled only by his devotion to his community. He served as commander of American Legion Post 322 and VFW Post 7630, where he worked on and created the Chuck Barnes Baseball field for Legion Baseball and Webb City High School Baseball. His dedication to public service also led him to serve as mayor of Alba, where he contributed to several impactful projects.
Don is survived by his daughters, Nancy Stephenson, of Alba, Debra Fetters, of Joplin, Margaret “Margo” (John) Byrd, of Carthage, and Jennie (Bill) Lassiter, of Oronogo; a son, Roy (Tammy) Maples, of Oronogo; siblings, Gene (Linda) Maples, John Maples, Carl (Carol) Maples, and Betty Priester; 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Juanita Maples; lovely wife, Wanda Maples; siblings Billy Maples Jr., Shirley Jiles, Maxine Campbell, Tom Maples, Jim Maples and Pat Busby; and one grandson, Brandon Stephenson. His memory will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved him.
Visitation will take place at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Simpson Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at Friends Cemetery in Purcell, with Gene Maples officiating and full military honors. Pallbearers will be Eric Stephenson, Brenten Byrd, Darris Lassiter, Keith Stephenson, Bryan Fetters, Nick Lassiter, Cody Maples and Gage Pierce. Honorary pallbearers will be Carl, John, Gene and Pat.
Memorial contributions may be given in care of the funeral home to: VFW Post 7630, American Legion Post 322, or the Alba Christian Church.
Aug. 19, 1986 – May 16, 2025
Timothy James “Tim” West, age, 38, of Oronogo, departed this life peacefully on Friday morning, May 16, 2025, at KU Medical Center in Kansas City, Kan., after months of failing health. He entered this life on Aug. 19, 1986, in Joplin, one of three children born to the union of John and Debra (Settles) West.
A lifelong resident of Oronogo, Tim was a 2005 graduate of Webb City High School. Following high school, he enrolled and graduated from Tulsa Welding School in Tulsa, Okla. Previously employed with Preferred Family Healthcare, Tim dedicated the last 10 years of his professional life to serving special needs clients. His commitment to excellence was evident to all who worked alongside him.
Tim’s life was a testament to his caring nature and his desire to make a positive impact on those around him. He was a man of the Baptist faith, and his beliefs were reflected in the kindness and compassion he showed to others. His soft heart was his guiding force, and it was this quality that endeared him to friends, family, and the clients he served.
He was an avid lover of video games, finding joy and camaraderie in the virtual worlds he explored. Shooting pool was another of Tim’s favorite pastimes. His appreciation for nature was evident in his love for being outdoors, whether he was taking long, reflective walks or simply basking in the beauty of the world around him.
Tim is survived by his parents, John and Debra West, Oronogo; a sister, Jessica Neff and husband Chris, Joplin; a niece, Lily Neff; two aunts, Cindy Settles, Carterville, and Vickie Gummert, Marshall Town, Iowa; one uncle, Bruce Settles, Columbus, Ind.; and a host of other family and friends. Tim was preceded in death by a sister, April McKinnis; and his paternal and maternal grandparents.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home, with Bro. Jerry Mayfield officiating. Burial will follow in Oronogo Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Chris Neff, Josh McKinnis, Levi McKinnis, Justin Dennison, Ronald Neff and Rick Seeley, with Randy Swager serving as honorary pallbearer. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:30 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oronogo Cemetery Care Fund, in care of the funeral home.
The Webb City Sentinel isn’t a newspaper – but it used to be, serving Webb City, Missouri, in print from 1879-2020. This “newspaper” seeks to carry on that tradition as a nonprofit corporation.
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