OBITUARIES

As of Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024
Cities without a state are in Missouri

OBITUARY

Nelda Burrow

Aug. 10, 1938 – Dec. 20, 2023

Nelda Ruth Burrow, age 85, of Joplin, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, at Mercy Hospital Joplin.

Nelda, daughter of the late Jack and Willa (Roughton) Etris, was born on Aug. 10, 1938, in Decatur, Ark. She graduated from Decatur High School with the class of 1955. Soon after, she was united in marriage to Lloyd Burrow, and they enjoyed several years of marriage until his passing on Aug. 11, 1991.

Nelda was devoted housewife and mother. Her dedication to her family was a testament to her devotion as a Christian woman. An avid reader and pianist, she found solace and joy in the pages of her beloved music and cherished the wisdom she gleaned from her Bible.

Survivors include her children, Scott Burrow, Joplin, Steve Burrow, and his wife Jayma, Webb City, and Sonia Gaw, Springfield; grandchildren, Brandon Burrow and his wife Amanda, Webb City, Whittney Stockdale and her husband Jason, Webb City, Heather Burroughs and her husband Steve, Webb City, Gentry Gaw, Joplin, Lindsay Gaw, Springfield, Lloyd Joseph “L.J.” Burrow, Tulsa; great-grandchildren, Cooper Burrow, Peyton Burrow, Emma Stockdale, Alex Henson, Blake Henson, Paxton Gaw, Chevelle Gaw, Kalee Stickrod, Carson Stickrod, and Dalton Stickrod; and one great-great-grandchild, Maddox.

Funeral services were held Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023, at Parker Mortuary.

OBITUARY

Jo Cox

Feb. 14, 1926 – Jan. 1, 2024

Jo Cox, a beacon of kindness and wisdom, passed away peacefully on the 1st of January 2024, after a recent decline in health, at Webb City Health & Rehab in Webb City, Missouri. Born on Valentine’s Day in 1926 in Waxahachie, Texas, Jo’s gentle spirit and unwavering strength were her hallmarks throughout an admirable 97 years of life.

Jo was the cherished daughter of the late William Lee and Mary Ruth (Howorth) Dandridge. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Fred, with whom she shared a life full of love and devotion. Jo’s legacy continues through her daughter, Cheryl Cox Beasley, and her dear friend, Connie Corbin. Also surviving are three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

An avid learner and an inspiring educator, Jo earned a PhD in Physical Education. Her career as a school teacher in Texas spanned many years.

Jo’s commitment to her community was evident through her active involvement in various organizations. She was a proud charter member of the Business and Professional Women (BPW), volunteered with the American Red Cross and was a devout member of the Baptist church, she lived her beliefs through her actions and demeanor. She enjoyed playing computer games, embracing technology with the same curiosity and enthusiasm that she brought to all her endeavors.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, 2024, in Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery, with Chaplain Roger Flint officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.

OBITUARY

Steve Eck

Aug. 8, 1952 – Dec. 30, 2023

With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of Steven Ray Eck on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023. Born on Aug. 8, 1952, in Sedalia, Steven was a dedicated and compassionate man who touched the lives of many throughout his 71 years.

Steve coached youth sports for his children, grandchildren and community. He supported Webb City athletics, and youth sports through the lives of his grandkids, making significant contributions to the Webb City community. He was also a hardworking carpenter, dedicating his professional life to commercial construction. He retired in 2016 from the Webb City R-7 School District.

What mattered most to Steve were his grandkids and great-grandkids. He was an amazing grandfather, always showering his family with love and affection. He is survived by his daughter, Krista Eck; son, Ryan Eck; mother, Norma Eck; brother, Gary (Lisa) Eck; granddaughter, Kailee Putnam (Javon); grandson, Gabriel Putnam; and great-grandchildren Kreed Rigsby, Jolee Rigsby and Forrest Lawson. He was preceded in death by his father, Gilbert Eck.

A life celebration will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, at Simpson Funeral Home. A visitation will be held on from 10 a.m. until service time. Contributions may be made to the Webb City Athletic Booster Club, in care of the funeral home.

OBITUARY

Greg Farrin

Jan. 20, 1952 – Dec. 26, 2023

Gregory Donald Farrin, known affectionately as Greg and Shane to his loved ones and Duck to his aunt Lynn, passed away at the age of 71 on Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023, at his residence in Jasper. He was born on Jan. 20, 1952, in Sioux City, Iowa.

In 1957, Greg’s family moved to California, where he would spend his formative years. His work ethic was unparalleled. He owned and operated Farrin Trucking Company for several years. Additionally, his skills as a union carpenter were well-respected, showcasing his craftsmanship and attention to detail. In 2004, Greg made a significant life change by moving to Jasper to enjoy life on the family farm.

A man of many talents, Greg was an avid motorcyclist, a skillful operator of his John Deere tractor, and private pilot. He found great satisfaction in cutting wood and immersing himself in outdoor activities. His hands were rarely still, as he was always tinkering, building, or fixing something.He had a knack for making people laugh with funny anecdotes and joyful demeanor.

Greg was preceded in death by his parents, Clifton and Jeannie (Christensen) Farrin. His is survived his beloved wife, Gaylene Farrin; his daughter, Tiffani Bergeron; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; stepmother, Geraldine Farrin; sister, Alana Jean Scott; nephews Jesse and Shad Scott; cousins, Greg and Mark Farrin; and other family and friends.

Visitation was Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. Private burial will take place in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.

OBITUARY

John Matthews

June 8 – 1938 – Dec. 31, 2023

John Matthews, age 85, of Webb City, passed away Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023.

He was born June 8, 1938 in Webb City to Norval and Marie ( Etter) Matthews.

John graduated with the Webb City High School Class of 1956. He started working at young age at his parents’ business, Matthews Coffee Company. He put himself through the University of Missouri, graduating in 1960 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. During his college years he joined the Missouri National Guard in Webb City and was a member for eight years, working as a gunner, commander and obtaining the rank of sergeant. He was also a member of the Webb City/Carl Junction Rotary, having served as president.

After graduating from college he returned home to run the family business Matthews Coffee Company. He served as president of the company from 1960, until it was sold in 1967 to Cain’s Coffee.

In January of 1964, he met the love of his life, Joyce Harris, and they were married June 20, 1964, at Diamond Christian Church.

John took a job as a pharmaceutical sales representative with Schering Plough in 1967. He remained with them for 35 years, retiring in 2002.

In 1969, John and Joyce welcomed their first child, Rebecca (Matthews) Fisher. In 1973, they welcomed their second child, Mark Matthews. Nothing made John happier than spending time with his family. He was proud and supportive of those he loved.

John and Joyce traveled extensively throughout their marriage. Together they visited all 50 states, took numerous cruises, including two repositioning cruises across the Atlantic Ocean, as well as visiting numerous countries. Some of his favorites included Switzerland, Scotland and the British Virgin Islands. He had a passion for planning trips and was amazing at remembering all the details of his adventures. He could always give advice on the best restaurants, the best route to take and the best places to see.

He had a fantastic sense of humor and loved to tease his family.

John is survived by his wife Joyce; children, Rebecca Fisher and husband Mark, Carl Junction, Mark Matthews and wife Sue, Webb City; granddaughter, Kira Fisher, Madison, Wisc.; grandsons, Max Fisher, Carl Junction, Ian Matthews, Webb City, and Collin Matthews, Webb City; as well a several extended family and friends.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, at Mason-Woodard Mortuary, with Richard Spencer officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery. The family will receive friends at 1 p.m. prior to the service.

OBITUARY

Michael Stephens

Jan. 1, 1950 –Dec. 23, 2023

Michael Richard Stephens, age 73, of Webb City, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023, at his home surrounded by family.

Michael was born on Jan. 1, 1950. in Joplin to the union of Joseph Richard “J.R.” and Peggy (Krokroskia) Stephens. He graduated from Joplin High School in 1967. He then went on to work for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in 1968 as a switch man. Shortly after, he joined the U.S. Navy in 1969 and served on the battleship destroyer, U.S.S. Sterett. Once he returned home, he went back to Southwestern Bell and then retired from AT&T in 2008.

Michael married Connie Wintjen on Feb. 21, 1970, in Joplin. Together they were blessed with 53 years of marriage and two children, Chris and Cari. Michael loved the outdoors and you could often find him fishing or hunting in his spare time. He enjoyed riding motorcycles and collecting knives and guns. Above everything though, he loved his grandchildren and getting every chance he could to spoil them.

Michael is survived by his wife, Connie, of the home; son, Chris Stephens and wife Teaira; daughter, Cari Ray and husband Jason; grandsons, Cale, Caden and Cooper; granddaughter, Leila; sister, Cheryl Ernest and husband Pat; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gary and Sandy Wintjen; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and so many good friends that he enjoyed spending time with.

Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.

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