As of Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026
Cities without a state are in Missouri
Oct. 23, 1939 – Feb. 5, 2026
Lois Arlene Crossland, age 86, of Carterville, a lifelong area resident, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, at Freeman Hospital West in Joplin. She entered this life on Oct. 23, 1939, in Webb City, the eldest of nine children born to the union of the late Earl and Minnie Dunaway.
Lois’s early years in Webb City were the foundation of a life lived with grace and resilience. Her commitment to her community was evident in her many years of service at Oak Hill/Freeman Hospital, where she worked in the housekeeping department until her retirement.
Lois’s interests were a reflection of her love for the simple pleasures in life. She was an avid solver of crossword puzzles, a testament to her sharp mind and love for words. Her enthusiasm for game shows and soap operas provided her with endless entertainment.
She is survived by one daughter, Mary White; four grandchildren, Winter Taylor, Charles Todd Marrett, Kyle Russell Marrett and Levi White; four great-grandchildren; three brothers, John Dunaway, Henry Dunaway and Earl Dunaway Jr.; and a host of other family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Bettie Crossland; and five brothers.
Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, in Webb City Cemetery. No formal visitation will be held. Arrangements are under the care of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.
Nov. 14, 1947 – Feb. 5, 2026
With deep respect and heartfelt sorrow, the life of Robert Lee Johnson is remembered and honored. A proud American, he lived with unwavering dedication to family, community and country.
Born in Kansas City, Robert grew up with a strong sense of duty and patriotism. He served his nation with honor, embodying the values represented by the American flag – freedom, courage and unity.
After his military service, Robert pursued higher education and graduated from Pittsburg State University. He went on to build a successful career as an electrician, a trade he took great pride in.
Robert was known for his kindness, integrity, and love for life. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, and Papa, cherishing every moment spent with his beloved wife, Judy Johnson, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
A true car enthusiast, Robert had a lifelong passion for Mustangs, finding joy in their power, design, and the freedom they represented. He owned a Mustang of his own, which he took great pride in maintaining and showcasing. His love for cars extended beyond the garage –he enjoyed participating in car shows, where he shared his enthusiasm with fellow car lovers and made lasting friendships along the way.
Robert is survived by his loving wife, Judy Johnson; his two children, Pete Johnson and Amanda (Kenny) Smith; his brother, Corky (Pat) Johnson; his sister, Debbie Johnson-Freeman; five grandchildren, Rayson (Katie) Johnson, Dacy Crockett, Dage Crockett, Hannah Johnson and Joseph Marshall; five great-grandchildren, Reagan Johnson, Braylen Johnson, Paxton Johnson, Montana Morrell and Magnolia Morrell; and his three bonus great-grandchildren, Astrid Smith, Cain Smith and Freya Smith.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy (Hershey) Johnson and Robert Johnson.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Feb. 14 at First Baptist Church of Oronogo. The ceremony will include military honors and the presentation of the American flag in recognition of his service and devotion to the nation. Memorial contributions may be made to Charlie 22 Outdoors, 115 N. Madison St., Webb City, MO 64870 (417) 437-7247.
Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory.
March 9, 1956 – Jan. 28, 2026
Darlene Nanney passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at her home in Webb City on Jan. 28, 2026. She was 69 years old.
Born in Muskogee, Okla., Darlene spent her early years there before making Missouri her home for more than 35 years. She built a life through hard work, perseverance, and a deep commitment to family. Known for her independence and strong will, Darlene lived life on her own terms and took pride in caring for herself and those around her.
For many years, Darlene worked as a painter and helper for hire, assisting with apartments, homes, and local jobs throughout her community. She was not afraid of work and carried quiet pride in what she could accomplish with her own hands. Even as her health declined and work slowed, she remained grateful for the life she lived and the people who stood by her.
Her family was her world, and her home was a place of conversation, stories, laughter, and comfort.
She is survived by her children, Jaime, Darci and Kim; her grandchildren, Devon, Cheyenne, Marissa, Zach, Mackezie, Damien, Dominic and Dorian; her great-granddaughter, Aurora; and her siblings Debbie, Levita, Dottie, Terry, and Keith. She was preceded in death by her sister, Peggy; her brother Rob; and her husbands, James Nanney and Floyd Mayes.
Darlene outlived many of her closest friends and much of her generation, but she never lost her voice, her opinions, or her sense of humor. She will be remembered for her resilience, her talkative nature, her love of television and everyday routines, and the unmistakable presence she carried in the lives of those who knew her.
A memorial service will be held in Joplin to celebrate Darlene’s life. In accordance with her wishes, a portion of her ashes will be returned to Oklahoma, the land of her birth, to be laid to rest in a place of peace and beauty. Another portion will be kept at her home, and the rest provided to her family.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.
Aug. 18, 1948 – Feb. 5, 2026
Brenda (Mitchell) Korth Peach, 77, of Webb City, was born Aug. 18, 1948. She passed away suddenly on Feb. 5, 2026. at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, surrounded by family. She was an organ donor.
Brenda was married to Perry Eugene Korth on August 6, 1970, in Jasper, and they lived in Stockton and El Dorado Springs. She later married Lee Peach on Dec. 31, 1998, in El Dorado Springs.
She is survived by her husband, Lee Peach, her children, Devin Korth (Jennifer), Webb City, Jennifer Korth (Mark), Portland, Ore., Krista Smith, Oronogo; her beloved grandchildren, Drew, Brett, Taylor, Braydon, Ashton and Weston; her sister, Sherrie Mitchell, Webb City; nephew, Greg Mitchell (Tina), Springfield; and great-nephews, Ryker and Matthew, Springfield.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Perry Korth; her brother, LeRoy Mitchell; her nephew, Scott Mitchell; and her parents, Lawrence and Bernice Mitchell.
Brenda was a graduate of Jasper High School and Missouri Southern State University. She was an elementary teacher at El Dorado Springs R-2 and later at El Dorado Christian School. She was an accomplished musician and played piano and organ at numerous churches in El Dorado Springs and the area. She was a devout Christian who loved Jesus and her family. She was a member of Christ’s Church of Oronogo.
Per her wishes, she will be interred next to her first husband, Perry Korth, at Gum Springs Cemetery in Stockton. Arrangements are under the direction of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.
March 3, 1944 – Feb. 6, 2026
Kenneth Doyle Rogers, age 81, of Webb City, passed away Feb. 6, 2026, at his home with his wife by his side. He was born on the March 3, 1944, in Pittsburg, Kan. He was a loving husband and father, and resilient in every sense. He exemplified strength and compassion throughout his life.
Kenneth was a skilled machinist, dedicating 55 years to CNC machining before his well-earned retirement around 2013. His work ethic and dedication were unparalleled, and he took great pride in his profession. He was a loyal member of the Nashville Christian Church, and his faith was a testament to his character. His hobby of coin collecting brought him much joy and even sparked many interesting conversations. Family trips to the lake were some of Kenneth’s most cherished moments. When asked what his most treasured accomplishment was, he wholeheartedly exclaimed his love for his grandkids. He lived by the simple, yet profound life lesson of kindness, which he instilled in his family and all who knew him.
His enduring love story with his wife, Mary L. (Dietz) Rogers, began on Aug. 29, 1963, when they were married in his hometown of Pittsburg.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Doyle and Audrey Rogers; two half brothers Mike and David Burnside; and a step father Marvin Burnside.
His legacy lives on through his devoted wife, Mary, and his loving daughters, Janet Shultz and husband Daniel, Webb City, and Beverly Mieseler and husband Paul, Duquesne; four grandkids; and seven great grandkids.
Arrangements are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home. A private graveside committal will be held in the Nashville (Mo.) Cemetery.
Aug. 16, 1952 – Feb. 8, 2026
Hal Curtis Simpson, age 73, of Webb City, passed away at 9:58pm on Feb. 8, 2026, with his loved ones by his side. He was born on Aug. 16, 1952, in Webb City to Jack Curtis and Barbara Ann (Lanham) Simpson. Hal was a lifelong funeral director in the area, being raised from a young age to care for those experiencing grief and loss.
Hal began his work in the funeral home as a young boy cutting the lawn, washing cars and changing light bulbs while working for his father. He was a 1970 graduate of Webb City High School. Shortly after high school, he attended Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science in Texas, graduating with the 1974 class. He quickly returned home to resume duties within the family business as the second generation of funeral directing.
Hal faithfully and whole-heartedly put his time and energy into the family business, while respectfully serving the families of our community with honesty, dignity, integrity and trust. He had been very active in the Webb City community. He went to Boy’s State his junior year in high school, sponsored by the Webb City American Legion. He served as past-president of the Webb City Chamber of Commerce, past-president of the Lion’s Club and past-president of the Boys and Girls Youth Baseball Association. Hal enjoyed the great outdoors, enjoying hunting, fishing and golf.
Hal’s well-known tenure in serving the community was second to none. However, at the end of the day, his family mattered the most to him. He was a loving husband to Stefanie D. (Haver) for over 28 years, and a proud father to his two boys and two girls. He left a lasting impact on his family, an impact which has inspired not only the continuation of the family business, but longstanding involvement in the Webb City community in the lives of his children.
Hal was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Barbara; and his sister, Liza Kay Willard Simpson. He is survived by his wife, Stefanie Simpson, of Webb City; two boys, Austin (Amanda) Simpson and Adam (Taylar) Simpson, all of Webb City; two daughters, Stacey (Bo) Sampson and Sarah Simpson; five grandchildren, Caitlyn Meador, Connor Sampson, Jack Simpson, Wylder Simpson and Presley Simpson; a great-grandchild, Ally; and numerous extended family members, including a niece, Melissa, of Carthage.
Funeral services for Hal will take place at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, at the First Baptist Church of Webb City, with pastors Kyle Beverlin, Dustin Burdin and Nathan Dawson officiating. A visitation will occur from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, at the same venue. Graveside services will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Simpson Legacy Scholarship, with the Webb City R-7 Schools Foundation, in care of the funeral home.
Services are under the personal care, love and direction of the Simpson Funeral Home directors and staff in Webb City. The family greatly appreciates your memories of Hal, and the impact he has had on the families he served over 50 years.
As it was when the Sentinel was in print, ‘Obituaries are news to us.’ THERE IS NO CHARGE
Obituaries on this page are primarily found by looking for those with a connection to our immediate area on local funeral home and crematory websites. So we don’t miss one, please notify us by email at news@webbcity.net.
