As of Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Cities without a state are in Missouri
June 15, 1929 – April 26, 2025
Darieus “Keith” Adams Sr., age 95, of Joplin, entered heaven’s gates on Saturday, April 26, 2025, and is now home with his Savior. Keith was born June 15, 1929, in Neosho, to the late Ralph S. and Carrie F. (Hauk) Adams.
Keith will be publicly remembered for his contributions as an honored member of the Joplin Area Sports Hall of Fame, a member of the MSSU Board of Regents and president of the Board of Governors, as well as a long-time Missouri Southern Alumni Association Board of Directors member, being named an Outstanding Alumni. He was the first-ever ex officio board member, the president and CEO of Oak Hill Hospital, and a key figure in so many aspects of the growth and success of the medical community in Joplin.
Keith loved nothing more than spending time with those he loved. The one he loved the most was his wife of 72 years, Alice (Shafer) Adams. They were married Oct. 19, 1952, at Gateway Baptist Church in Joplin. Keith’s love for Alice was evident in everything he did- from the small everyday gestures to the grand adventures they shared. Nothing made Keith prouder than his family, especially his two sons, Darieus and Doug. He led his family by example. He was always sharing his kindness, wisdom and integrity with those around him. They will continue to carry his lessons with them throughout their lives.
Keith’s friendships were deep and genuine, and he made a lasting impact on everyone he met. His sense of humor, generous spirit, and caring nature made him a friend to many. He served his JHS Class of 1947 High School classmates with equal love and care, strengthening their bonds and keeping them together throughout their lives. Keith also dedicated his life to God through his longtime membership of Byers Avenue United Methodist Church, his deep commitment to his very special Sunday school class and his devotion to every ministry offered by his beloved church home over the years – especially those involving families and children.
Keith was a natural athlete and had an amazing love for athletics. He was named to the Joplin Area Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024. He spent many years playing fast pitch softball. He even had the chance to play basketball against the Harlem Globetrotters. He could often be found in the stands of any MSSU athletic event, especially men’s basketball. Sports were a HUGE part of his family life and something they all loved sharing together. He will be remembered by scores of boys (who are now men) as their coach and biggest champion – beloved not only for his incredible skills, but most of all for the inspiration and encouragement they received through his devoted mentorship.
Keith is survived by his wife, Alice (Shafer) Adams; their sons, Darieus Adams, Jr. (Theresa), Joplin, and Doug Adams (Crystel), Joplin; grandchildren, Maggie Grote (Dave), Keith Adams (Alexa), Tyson Adams and Brittany Miller (Dustin); great-grandchildren, Natalie, Brooklyn, Kate, McKinley, Josie, Grayson, Addison, Cooper and Ella; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Other than his parents, Keith is preceded in death by a great-grandson, Hayden Adams; and a sister, Daisy Deanne Criser.
Funeral services are planned for 10 a.m. Friday, May 2, 2025, at the Byers Avenue United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 1, at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either Byers Ave. Methodist Church or the Keith and Alice Adams Scholarship Fund at MSSU, both in care of the mortuary.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.
Nov. 23, 1944 – April 24, 2025
James “Jim“ Craig Long, went on his final adventure on April 24, 2025, after a long battle with progressive supra-nuclear palsy.
Jim was the child of Roy and Ada “Peggy” Long of Webb City. He was born on Thursday, Nov. 23, 1944. He graduated from Webb City High School and received his bachelor’s degree in social work from Pittsburg State University.
Jim married Rebecca Long on Sept. 17, 1988, in Kansas City, and she survives of the home. In 1990, Jim and Becki moved to St. Joseph to start their new business venture.
Jim was a dedicated and compassionate father to his two daughters, Kellie Long-Wiedmaier (Bruce) of Topeka, Kan., and Heidi Long-Eggers (David), Saint Joseph.
He was the fun and advantageous Papa Jim to his two grandchildren, Lane and Olivia Eggers. Their many memories can never be taken away and will always make them smile and laugh.
Mr. Long Lighting or The Lighting God, known by some, opened Long Lighting Center with Becki in 1990 in St. Joseph. His unsurmountable expertise and insistence on providing the best experience to all their clients is why Jim is known as “one of the best in the business.”
A most extraordinary man, turned by love into our hero. He was a trailblazer and loved to travel anywhere in the world. The beach in Mazatlan, Mexico will always be his second home where he made wonderful friendships to fill his heart. He was a phenomenal teacher and treasured dreaming about how life would be if we won the lottery.
We know you are in the Kingdom of God, hugging and loving on family and friends who have passed. Don’t drive too fast and enjoy the best vacation of your life.
Farewell services, with public livestream, were held Tuesday at Central Christian Church in St. Joseph. Interment was in Seven Dolors Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Meierhoffer Funeral Home. Donations may be made to Freudenthal Center for Parkinson’s Disease or Central Christian Church in St. Joseph.
March 25, 1945 – April 23, 2025
Charles Byron Mitchell, age 80, of Oronogo, passed away at his home, surrounded by family, on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, following a brief illness. Bud was born March 25, 1945, in Joplin, to the late Byron “B.W.” and Dorothy F. (Knapp) Mitchell.
Bud graduated from Joplin Senior High and worked for Sheet Metal Works in Springdale, Ark., for many years before retiring. He enjoyed many hobbies, such as riding his Harley-Davidson, hunting, spending as much time outdoors as possible, and working on projects around the house. Still, he most enjoyed just relaxing on the mower. He was quite the homebody and always said, “If you see me sitting on the front porch, it doesn’t mean I’m home.”
Bud married the love of his life, Dixie Kae Whitworth, on April 30, 1967. She passed away on March 19, 2005. He is also preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Robert Mitchell.
Those left to mourn his passing include a son, Brent Mitchell, Oronogo; a daughter, Andrea Mitchell, Centerton, Ark.; grandchildren, Caden and Kaeylynn, Evan and Ella; brothers, Terry Mitchell (Sheila), Carthage, and Roger Mitchell (Phyllis), Joplin; sisters, Sandi Davison, Kansas City, and Sally Hutchens, Joplin; numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.
The family would like to thank the many doctors and nurses who cared for Bud, including Freeman Cornell-Beshore Cancer Institute and Compassus Hospice, who brought great comfort to all of us in his final days.
Funeral services are planned for 11 a.m. Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Parker Mortuary. Visitation will start at 10 a.m. and will continue until service time. Burial will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital in care of the mortuary.
March 9, 1948 – April 19, 2025
Patrick James Patterson, affectionately known as Pat, was born on March 9, 1948, in Chicago, Ill., and passed away on April 19, 2025. He was a loving and generous soul, known for his smart intellect and loyal spirit. Embracing life with enthusiasm and vigor, Patrick cherished the simple pleasures of life, including the joy of movies, the thrill of shooting range activities, and the delight of driving.
Born in the Windy City, Patrick’s journey led him to the Rosemont Police Academy, where he served with honor and dedication before retiring in 2008. His dedication to public service extended beyond the academy as he served as vice president of the Rotary Club Clark Centennial and president of the Garfield’s organization. His incredible generosity shone brightly each Christmas when he took on the joyous task of giving presents to public schools, touching countless lives. A brief stay in the Philippines further enriched his life, before he found his home in Webb City, where he lived for the last five years.
Pat is survived by his beloved wife, Manuelie Patterson, whom he married on April 30, 2014; children, Fred, Erica and Angel; and his sister, Catherine. He was preceded in death by his father, Harry Patterson, and his mother, Grace Amy.
Services are under direction of Simpson 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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