OBITUARIES

As of Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024
Cities without a state are in Missouri

OBITUARY

Margaret Beard

July 15, 1940 – Aug. 26, 2024

Margaret Anne Beard (née Moore), beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and dedicated teacher, passed away suddenly on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, at the age of 84 in Voorhees Township, N.J.

Born on July 15, 1940, in Albuquerque, N.M., to William Hamilton Moore and Effie “Pearl” Moore, both of whom preceded her in death, Margaret lived most of her life in Webb City near the Oronogo area, before moving to New Jersey in her final years.

Margaret attended Duenweg High School and earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Missouri Southern State University. For over 40 years, she was a cherished teacher in the East Newton School District in Granby, where she touched the lives of countless students with her creativity, care, and passion for education. Her legacy as an educator is one of lasting impact, leaving fond memories for many who were fortunate enough to be in her classroom.

A long-time resident of Webb City, Margaret was an active member of the community, participating in local events and fostering friendships that spanned decades. She was known for her vibrant personality and love of shopping, dancing, and fashion. She had a flair for style and enjoyed sharing her joy for life with others. An animal lover at heart, Margaret was always willing to open her home to the occasional abandoned kitten and puppy over the years, offering them a loving place to live.

During her time at Seaton Independent Living in Voorhees Township, N.J., Margaret discovered a revitalized zest for life. She quickly embraced new activities, attending tea parties and literature discussions. She even discovered a surprising love for the song “Comfortably Numb” by Pink Floyd – a delightful departure from some of her long-standing favorite recording artists like Johnny Mathis, Elvis, Patsy Cline and The Carpenters. A Pink Floyd T-shirt was found among her possessions after she passed, a testament to her ever-evolving spirit.

Her four children survive her: Richard Hager, Webb City; Jeffrey Hager, Columbia, Md., KiKi L’Italien, Wenonah, N.J., and Kylee Coffman-Dubin, Bethesda, Md. Margaret was also a proud grandmother of five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, who will miss her presence and penchant for giving unique and unusual gifts around the holidays.

A memorial service and interment of ashes will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, in Stone Cemetery at Diamond. Well-wishers and memorial attendees are encouraged to wear something with sparkles to honor Margaret’s spirit.

Memorial contributions may be made to Joplin Humane Society.

 

OBITUARY

Dortha Cowen

March 3, 1931 – Sept. 13, 2024

Dortha Jean Cowen went to be with the Lord on Sept. 13, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family. Jean had a ready smile, a hug, and a manner that made you know you were important to her, that will be missed by all.

Dortha Jean McGregor was born on March 3, 1931, in Dallas, Texas, to Dortha (Perdue) and John McGregor. She grew up in the Denton County Texas area and was later joined by her two brothers, Walter (Bud) and William. When she was in seventh grade, their family moved to Baxter Springs, Kan.

While in Baxter, Jean enjoyed many activities in school, such as band, choir, clubs, football queen, and her favorite, cheerleading. In February of 1950, she married Jack Turner and together they had four children, Karen, Jack Jr, John and Jody. They made their home in Treece, Kan., until moving to Riverton, Kan. in 1963. The family enjoyed fishing, camping, picnics, swimming at 5-Mile, and took several trips in a Volkswagen bus to California to visit family. Jean enjoyed being the den mother, home-room mother, and proud little league supporter. She was also active in the church, teaching Sunday school, working in the nursery, and singing in the choir. Jean and Jack later divorced.

In 1967, she went to work as a bank teller at Baxter State Bank, and later worked as an account manager at Leggett & Platt in Carthage. Jean enjoyed dressing up, wearing jewelry and accessories, with hair and nails always done. Anything sparkly with bold colors became her signature style. She retired in 1993.

In 1980, Jean married Robert “Bob” Cowen. They made their home in the Joplin area. They were faithful members of the Frisco Church and helped in many areas of work there. After retirement, they enjoyed spending time with family and long-time friends from church, going antiquing, thrift store shopping, and traveling. They had several campers and spent many winters in Texas, Arizona, and Florida. A cruise to Alaska, followed by a train ride through Denali National Park was one of their biggest and favorite adventures.

There was always a Thanksgiving feast at her house, where everyone looked forward to homemade noodles and hot rolls. For 30 years, Jean also hosted the Christmas Eve party for her growing family. She was famous for cooking a large variety of snacks and goodies for the evening. The grandkids always looked forward to her unique gift selections, which gave everyone a laugh. But one of the best was finishing the night with a good ‘ol wrapping paper tube sword fight. Jean was the ultimate hostess. Visitors rarely left without an offer of a drink or snack for the road, or leftovers from dinner, as they walked out the door. Family was the most important thing in Jean’s life. She treasured time spent together with her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. Making a trip to a ball game, a concert, or any school event was always fun for her.

Jean is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, sons, Jack Turner Jr and John Turner, and husband Bob Cowen.

She is survived by children, Karen Turner and Jody (Jacque) Turner; grandkids, Kristin (Jimmy) Horner, Nikki Martin, JR Turner, Caleb Turner, Josh Turner, Chasity Wilson, Chelsea (Geoff) Haynes, Jessica (Derek) Johnson, Joseph Turner, Cheyenne (Izaiah) Wooten, Tamara Cunningham and Dustin (Me-Ly) Cunningham; great-grandkids, Kaylee, Kenzie, Jacob, Carly, Kaleila, Gavin, Addison, Evan, Zane, Rylee, Wyatt, Karson, Lyla, Myah, Bryce, Chloe, Kinley, Kaydence, Jackson, Kohen, Maevis, Oakley, Keenyn, Zoey, Abel, Rebekah, Jaycee and Ryder.

Memorial contributions may be made to Frisco Church in care of the mortuary.

The funeral service has been scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at Mason-Woodard Mortuary. Family will receive friends and visitors at 10 a.m.

OBITUARY

Paul Eggeman

March 3, 1944 – Sept. 9, 2024

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Paul David Eggeman, a loving husband, father, and friend. He passed away peacefully with loved ones nearby on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024.

Paul was born in Webb City on March 3, 1944. After graduating from Carterville High School, he joined the Navy, which provided an opportunity for him to travel far and wide. Following the Navy, Paul attended Pasadena City College in California and then graduated from Missouri Southern State College with a bachelor’s degree in history. Paul spent much of his adult life in Southern California, where he pursued a long career in the automotive industry. Upon retirement, he returned to his roots by moving back to Carterville, where he lived the remainder of his years.

Paul was a devoted husband to his wife, Katie, whom he married on Aug. 12, 1967. Together, they embarked on a beautiful adventure that spanned more than five decades, during which time they raised two beloved daughters and welcomed two dear grandsons into the world. Besides his family, Paul held great love for history and travel, which took him on many trips to historical sites (from Gettysburg to London to Rome, and many places in between) often accompanied by Katie, who shared his enthusiastic spirit. Another of Paul’s passions was restoring classic British sports cars, including a Triumph TR3, an MG TF, and an MG B; this hobby brought him immense fulfillment and pride. Paul also held a profound love for animals—all creatures great and small—and cared for many cherished pets over the years.

Paul is preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Kathrine Eggeman, and his brother, Mark Eggeman. He is survived by his wife Katie; daughters Rebecca (Milan) Eggeman-Mashanovitch and Deborah Eggeman; sister Sue Ellen (Don) Miller; brother-in-law, Robert (Brenda) Rogers; two grandsons, Luka and Sasha; nieces, Megan and Kathy, and nephews, Ryan and Dustin.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Joplin Humane Society. Arrangements are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home.

 

OBITUARY

J.C. Haywood

Sept. 30, 1945 – Sept. 14, 2024

James Calvin “J.C.” Haywood was born September 30, 1945, in Redland, Okla., to Calvin James Haywood and Dollie May England Haywood. He attended school in Gans, Okla. After school he worked various jobs until following his passion to train race horses.

J. C. married his wife and life partner, Terri Ann Shermer, on Dec. 20, 1969. They made their home in Sallisaw, Okla., but traveled throughout Texas, Colorado and New Mexico for the fair meets. When para-mutual came to Blue Ribbon Downs, he became a valet, saddling horses in the paddock and tending to the tack for various riders, including Larry Payne, Steve Harris, Troy Crissup and Tommy Byrd. After stepping away from racing, he worked at American Limousine and Federal Coach until he retired to live in Joplin, where he served beside Terri in the church.

J.C. entered into eternity Sept. 14, 2024, in his home with family at his side, after a long battle with cancer.

He is survived by his wife, Terri, of the home; two sons, Justin Haywood and wife Julie, Sallisaw, Okla., and Cyle Haywood and wife Megan, Lowell, Kan.; two daughters, Lesslie Horn-Sims, Muldrow, Okla., and Shila Horn Alvarez and husband Manuel, Muldrow, Okla.; eight grandchildren, Tarran Bankston, Tiffany Mayfield, Avery Haywood, Tyler Haywood, Jace Haywood, MacKenzie Haywood, Easton Haywood and Molly Alvarez; and four great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; other relatives; and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Myrtle Sue Woodward, Wanda DeCanter and Barbara Jean Haywood; and two brothers, David Haywood and Jimmy Lee Haywood.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, at Oronogo Church on the Hill, 176 S. Fourth St., Oronogo, where family will receive friends. Celebration of Life services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, at Blue Ribbon Fellowship Chapel, Sallisaw, Okla., with fellowship after. Interment of ashes will be a private ceremony at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Arrangements are under the direction of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.

OBITUARY

Mary Hood

Jan. 15, 1939 – Sept. 12, 2024

Mary Louise Hood, 85, of Carterville, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, at her son’s home in Webb City, after months of failing health. She was born on Jan. 15, 1939, in Carthage to the late Mark and Florence (Coady) Jones.

Mary spent her early years in Carthage, where she was born and raised, before moving to Carterville in 1973. There, she established deep roots and became a beloved member of the community. For nearly four decades, Mary was a dedicated employee at Fred’s Frozen Foods, where she worked until her retirement in 2004.

Known for her love of yard sales, Mary could often be found on the hunt for treasures, a pastime that brought her immense joy. She also enjoyed playing bingo and visiting area casinos, where her presence would light up the room.

Mary’s family was the cornerstone of her life. She is survived by her two sons, Billy Hood, Carterville, and Rick Hood and his wife, Rose, Webb City; four grandchildren, Mike Hood, Ricky Hood, Nickie Peluso and Lacie Jones; five great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

Mary’s life was also enriched by her siblings, two brothers, Arthur Ewing and Richard Jones, and three sisters, Jane Leal, Freida Beam, and Rose Selves. They, along with a host of other family and friends, will miss her deeply. Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Susan Diane Hood; a great-grandson; three brothers; one sister; and her long-time companion, Jerry Martin.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Curtis Cemetery at Carthage. Arrangements are under the direction of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.

OBITUARY

Chuck Smith

Sept. 6, 1946 – Sept. 9, 2024

Chuck Smith, age 78, of Carterville, passed from this life Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, three days after his birthday. His final hours were spent at Circle of Life Hospice, following a brief battle with cancer.

He was born in Hammond, Ind., to Fay and Gertrude Smith, of Griffith, Ind. After growing up in Griffith, he graduated from Lincoln Christian College in Lincoln, Ill. While attending, he met Joyce Hunter, and they married in August 1970. They served churches in Pence and State Line, Ind., Drumright Okla., Alba and Carterville. After preaching, Chuck served as an elder in the church and taught several groups. He also worked some years for Premdor Manufacturing in Pittsburg, Kan., before retiring as a greeter for Walmart.

Chuck loved studying and taking notes from the Bible. He was a great fan of the Chicago White Sox and Indiana Hoosiers. He loved Jesus, his wife, his kids, and his grandkids. He was a man of laughter who enjoyed sharing the funny anecdotes he would read.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Edgar. He is survived by his wife Joyce; son Mark Smith, Carterville; daughter Wendy Harris and husband Casey, Carthage; and grandchildren, Grant, Abiah, Kam and Tyler.

A memorial service, led by Austin Weece, minister, will be held at noon, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, at Carterville Christian Church, preceded by visitation at 11 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Carterville Christian Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary.