OBITUARIES

As of Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023
Cities without a state are in Missouri

OBITUARY

Mathew McDaniel

May 20, 2003 – Aug. 13, 2023

Mathew Logan “Boo” McDaniel, an adventurous soul who walked this earth for 20 vibrant years, was born on May 20, 2003, in Perryville. An embodiment of spirited love and compassion, he was a beacon of joy and laughter, illuminating the lives of those around him. Mathew was a fun-loving, quick-witted kid with a heart as wide as the world, never hesitating to lend a hand or even the shirt off his back to anyone in need. His zest for life was contagious, making strangers into friends with his easy-going charm and genuine kindness. A lover of the outdoors, he found solace in nature’s embrace, always ready to embark on an exciting new adventure.

Mathew was a dedicated airman in the U.S. Navy, where his untamed spirit and unyielding dedication earned him the honor of Sailor of the Quarter VAQ/138 in June 2023. His accomplishments did not end there, as he was a proud member of the Webb City football team, leading them to a state championship in 2019. He graduated from high school in 2021 and from U.S. Navy recruit training in October of the same year. A tenacious weightlifter, Mathew proudly joined the 1,000 lb club, a testament to his unyielding determination and strength.

When not serving his country or pushing his physical limits, Mathew cherished his time spent fishing, camping, hiking, and repairing vehicles.

He was a beloved son to John Jr. and Samantha McDaniel, and a protective and caring brother to Bailey, Joshua, and Lane. Family was the cornerstone of Mathew’s world, and he dedicated his life to nurturing those bonds with unending love and care. His love for family, fun, and the great outdoors was the essence of who he was, and it is this spirit that will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew him.

Mathew’s journey may have been cut short, but his legacy of love, laughter, and adventure lives on in the hearts of his family and friends.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, at the Mount Hope Cemetery Pavilion with full military rites performed by the Navy.

Services are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home.

OBITUARY

Oliver Moss

Oct. 16, 1946 – Aug. 25, 2023

Mr. Oliver Joseph “O.J.” Moss, 76, of Oronogo, formerly of Webb City, departed this life on Friday evening, Aug. 25, at Mercy Hospital Joplin after a recent decline in health.

Oliver entered this life on Oct. 16, 1946, in Carthage, the only son born to the late Oliver G. and Ruth (Thetge) Moss. He was a lifelong area resident and a 1965 graduate of Webb City High School. He furthered his education at Missouri Southern State University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in business.

On Sept. 21, 1968, Oliver was united in marriage to Cindy Summers, and to this union two children were born, Jeff and Wendy. Oliver retired from Atlas Powder as maintenance inspector with over 25 years of service. He went on to retire a second time in 2013 from Hartford Insurance Co., where he worked as a boiler inspector. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, traveling and spending time with his grandchildren. He was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Webb City and a proud veteran of the U.S. Army.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Cindy Moss, on Jan. 12, 1990.

Oliver is survived by his two children, Jeff Moss and wife, Gretchan, Oronogo, and Wendy Williams and husband, Timothy, of Galesburg, Ill.; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Helen Hoover and husband, Larry, Cassville, and Catherine Anderson, San Francisco, Calif.; and a host of other family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 1, 2023, at First Baptist Church in Webb City, with Pastor Shaun Watson officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Chris Moss, Joseph James, David Randles, Denny Dukes, Glenn Moll and Colton McCann. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mt. Hope Cemetery Care Fund, in care of the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.

OBITUARY

Glendora Maples

June 14, 1935 – Aug. 27, 2023

Glendora Faye Maples, age 88, of Joplin, a longtime Carterville, resident, passed away at 10:37 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 27, at Solace House of the Ozarks in Joplin.

Glendora was born June 14, 1935, in Alba, the daughter of James and Sylvia Lamb. She was raised in Alba and lived most of her adult life in Carterville.

Glendora was employed with the U.S. Postal Service for 29 years, the last 19 years of which were as the postmaster for Carterville. She was a member of the Park Plaza Christian Church of Joplin.

Glendora married John R. Maples on Oct. 8, 1956, in Oakland, Calif., and he survives.

Additional survivors include two sons, John R. Maples Jr. and wife Pam, Montezuma, Kan., and Jim Maples and wife Charlene, Baxter Springs, Kan., one daughter, Portia Miller and husband Randy, Baxter Springs; one sister, Treva Hoog, Broken Arrow, Okla., seven grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by nine siblings.

Services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, at Mason-Woodard Mortuary, with Rev. Brandon Atwell, officiating. Burial will follow at the Friends Cemetery in Purcell. Pallbearers will be Chris Maples, Keith Briscoe, Ander Briscoe, Asa Briscoe, Tyler Stewart and Benjamin Miller. The family will receive friends from 6-7 p.m. Friday at the Mortuary. Memorial contributions may be made to Solace House of the Ozarks, in care of the mortuary.

OBITUARY

Dayna Spencer

March 16, 1937 – Aug. 23, 2023

Dayna Lamb Spencer stepped into glory on Wednesday, Aug. 23, after a lengthy illness. She was born at home on March 16, 1937. Dayna was the daughter of Henry L Lamb, of Stockton, and Hazel Annette Stewart Lamb, of Webb City. She attended school in Webb City and Joplin and graduated from Joplin High School in May 1955.

Dayna married Jospeh Dale Spencer on July 23, 1955, in Miami, Okla. Survivors include four children, Patrice Nadine Landon and husband Tim; Terri Spencer Rager-White and husband Jesse; Joseph Bradley Spencer; and Brian Forrest Spencer and wife Cristy. One daughter-in-law, Lesli Spencer, preceded her in death in 2020.

Joe and Dayna celebrated 50 years of marriage in July 2005, before he preceded her in death in December 2007. They were members of First Baptist Church in Webb City.

Dayna was a homemaker and earned the “Betty Crocker Homemaker of Tomorrow “ award in 1955. She enjoyed attending Missouri Southern State University, where she graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in education. While in college, she received honors in excellence in foreign languages. She attended summer school at Christ Church Oxford, England, in 1988 completing a course called Warwick to Windsor. She completed a summer language program in Mexico.

Dayna was admitted to Pittsburg State University in 1991 to a master’s program in English and literature with a teaching assistantship. Dayna taught briefly in Jasper and Golden City public schools before returning the MSSU as an adjunct professor teaching remedial English classes.

She was loved by her students and had many published works of art, essays and poetry in the Winged Lion. Dayna was a member of Sigma Tau Delta and Kappa Delta Pi.

Dayna was an accomplished artist. She picked up an Artex paint tube in 1967 and became an accomplished instructor and completed her own original works of art. She taught herself to crochet and oil paint. She learned a Japanese embroidery art form called Bunka and was awarded mastery status. Then she got serious and taught herself an old rug-making craft, which she turned into a business called Recycled Rainbows. She made rugs and potholders out of every type of fabric and recycled clothing and won many awards at county and state fairs. She had several art shows and craft events over the years. Dayna made many friends while teaching her crafts and helped them make treasured family heirlooms.

Dayna assisted her husband in his business, Joe Spencer’s Scale Service, by keeping books.

She took the scale mechanics test for Missouri weights and measures on a dare and told them to issue her a license when she passed. She was an avid reader of the Joplin Globe and the Webb City Sentinel.

Surviving are eight grandchildren, Christopher Rager, Annie Philliber, Nicholas Rager, Amanda Spencer, Joe A Spencer, Rachel Walls, Savannah Spencer and Bethany Spencer. Also surviving are 14 great-grandchildren, Anthony Isley, Christopher Philliber, Cody Philliber, Isaac Rupe, Gavin Philliber, Daniel Rager, Russell Rager, Tatianna Harris, Evelyn Rager, Melody Rager, Gimli Rager, Remus Rager, Aveline Walls, and Perseus Walls. Dayna also has seven great-great-grandchildren, Archer, Adallyn, Aubraley, Summer, Amelia, Aries and Ivy Grace.

Dayna was loved by numerous nieces, nephews and many friends and will be missed by all.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at Faith Baptist Church, 1302 Mineral St., Webb City, Missouri. At 11 a.m. Sept. 30, 2023, there will be a committal of ashes at Ozark Memorial Cemetery.

Services are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home.