OBITUARIES

As of Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023 
Cities without a state are in Missouri

OBITUARY

Ed Busick Sr.

April 4, 1959 – Oct. 21, 2023

Charles Edwin “Ed” Busick Sr., a man known for his handy skills and courageous spirit, passed away peacefully at his home in Joplin on Saturday, Oct. 21. He was born on April 4, 1959, in Altus, Okla., to the late Godfrey Busick Jr and Shirley Cook Busick.

Ed was a proud graduate of Webb City High School, class of 1977. He carried the lessons learned and friendships formed during those formative years throughout his life. Ed’s work ethic was second to none. He spent many years as a machinist, contributing his skills to Bagcraft, of Baxter Springs, Kan., and Iconex, of Webb City. He was a dependable and dedicated worker.

Ed is survived by his two sons, Charles “Eddie” Busick Jr. and Christopher Busick, both of Joplin; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two sisters, Teresa Claybrook (Jay), Spring, Texas, and Brenda Fahmy (Samir), Joplin; niece Cristy Chaney; and other numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Bradly Busick; and two brothers, Larry Busick Sr. and Godfrey Busick III.

Even in the face of illness, Ed’s spirit remained strong. He tried to face every challenge with a positive attitude. A family memorial service being planned. Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.

OBITUARY

Nancy Dawson

Aug. 31, 1952 – Oct. 31, 2023

Nancy Lynn Dawson, age 71, of Webb City, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 31, at home surrounded by her loved ones, after a recent battle with brain cancer.

Nancy was born Aug. 31, 1952, in Joplin, daughter of the late Carl and Mary Broadwater. She was a graduate of Joplin High School, where she enjoyed playing violin in the orchestra.

Nancy married Jack Eugene Dawson on June 19, 1970, in Joplin. Her life was devoted to her family and church. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, who spent much of her time with her family. They will forever cherish her ability to make their house a welcoming home with countless dinners around the table which always had an open seat. Her joy and zeal for life was contagious.

She had a passion for music and enjoyed playing the violin, guitar, piano, dulcimer and a handful of other instruments. She loved bluegrass and was known for her “fiddling.” For years Nancy enjoyed leading children’s music programs at First Baptist Church and eventually became the music director at Emmanuel Baptist Church, where she directed countless programs and led worship.

She was well known for service in the community that stretched far, from providing music in numerous nursing homes to facilitating a historical children’s program for Webb City schools, called “Great American’s Day.” Perhaps one of her greatest loves was partnering with her husband, Jack to share the gospel through his artwork and managing their business, Bittersweet Gallery.

In addition to her parents, Nancy was preceded in death by her grandson, Silas Bandy.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Jack Dawson; her two children, Jeremiah Dawson and wife Michelle, and Sarah Bandy and husband Josh, all of Webb City; brother Larry Broadwater and wife Jane, Joplin; grandchildren, Zachary and wife Paisley, Joseph and wife Abby, Benjamin, Elizabeth, Elijah, and Josiah; one great-granddaughter, Wrenlee Ray; and a great-grandson, David Roger, due next week.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, at First Baptist Church of Webb City, with Pastor Kyle Beverlin and her nephew, Chaplain Major Nathan Dawson, officiating. There will be an impromptu choir for her service Friday, singing some of Nancy’s favorite hymns. The family would love for any and all to join the choir to honor Nancy’s life and lift up the name of Jesus. Internment will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery, with family serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church of Webb City.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Emmanuel Baptist Church Building Program, in care of the mortuary.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.

OBITUARY

Fay Doll

Nov. 28, 1933 – Oct. 28, 2023

Fay Bell Doll went to be with the Lord Saturday, Oct. 28, in Joplin while surrounded in love by her family.

Fay was born Nov. 28, 1933, in Anderson, daughter of the late Ivan and Violet (Elliff) Landon. She graduated from Webb City High School in 1951. Fay was an exemplary woman with many talents and hobbies. She had an unwavering faith in God and played piano for her church congregation for many years. Fay dabbled in many different forms of art, including painting, wood working, and quilting. Her works can be seen in the homes of all her loved ones. Fay was a free spirit who was always ready for anything. She found joy in the simple things in life like taking drives around the countryside, having a good laugh with friends and family, and going for ice cream. Fay was a longtime member of the Webb City TOPS. She was a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts of America, an instructor of the Webb City Shooters Education, was once president of the Mark Twain PTA. She lettered in art during high school at Webb City, and she raced in the Powder Puff Derby. Fay was a member of Webb City First Christian Church. She was a teacher to many, instilling compassion and love into every heart that she touched. She is loved beyond measure and will be missed by all.

Fay is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Frank Wayne Doll; two sons, Aaron and John; her twin sister, Gay McReynolds; and their parents.

She is survived by her children, daughter Debbie Kleidon, Wyandotte, Okla., daughter Susan and her husband Dennis Skaggs, Seneca, son Michael Doll, Grady, Ark., daughter Melinda and her husband Shawn Porter, Jasper, and son Kirk Doll and his wife Rachel, Romance, Ark.; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; and a few great-great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3 at Parker Mortuary, with Pastor Jerry Mayfield and Pastor Nick Enabit officiating. Inurnment of her ashes will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery, with Steve Grisby, Cody Grigsby, Shawn Thomas, Nathan Thomas, Josh Thomas, Jeremy Thomas, Brock Skaggs, and Zack Doll serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends at from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Parker Mortuary.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of Gentiva Hospice and the Communities of Wildwood for their excellent care, compassion, and help during Fay’s last days.

OBITUARY

Ken Morton

June 23,1944 – Oct. 30, 2023

Kenneth “Ken” Norvan Morton passed away peacefully on Monday, Oct. 30, at Mercy Hospital Joplin after a long illness. He was a lifelong resident of Joplin and Alba.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna, in March of this year; his parents, Nub and Martha Morton; and a son, Rob.

He is survived by one son, David Morton and his wife, Susan, Neosho; two stepsons, Joey and Michael; a stepdaughter, Gina; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Ken was proud of his Cherokee Indian heritage. He loved to hunt, go to firing ranges and had a large collection of guns.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, at Parker Mortuary. Interment to follow at Osborne Memorial Cemetery.

OBITUARY

Peggy Whitfield

Aug. 15, 1929 – Oct. 26, 2023

~Lovingly written by family~

Peggy Masters Whitfield was born on her family farm, four miles north of Stockton, on Aug. 15, 1929, to John D. and Birtie J. Masters. She departed this life to be with her Lord on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023. She was the youngest of four children.

Peggy attended rural elementary schools and helped on the family farm in her younger years. She attended El Dorado Springs and Stockton high schools, graduating from Stockton High School in 1947. She then attended Southwest Baptist College from 1947 to 1948. Peggy accepted an elementary teaching position at Virgil, Mo., and taught there from 1948 to 1949.

In the summer of 1948, she met James L. “Jim” Whitfield, who became the love of her life. They were married at Caplinger Mills, on May 29, 1949. To the union were born two children, Julie Ann Whitfield, Oronogo, and James D Whitfield, Jefferson City, who both survive. Jim preceded her in death in 2019. They enjoyed a wonderful and blessed 70 years of marriage together.

After their marriage in 1949, they resided in El Dorado Springs. Due to Jim’s work with the University of Missouri Extension Service, they moved to Bolivar in 1954, to Clinton in 1959, and to Columbia in 1965. Jim had the opportunity to obtain his doctorate degree in 1968, and the family moved to Tallahassee, Fla., where Jim earned his doctorate degree from Florida State University in 1970. The family then returned to Missouri and resided in Jefferson City until Jim’s retirement in 1982 from the University of Missouri. In 1983, Peggy and Jim moved to Jim’s family farm located near Oronogo, Mo.

Peggy was known for her warm and caring heart. She loved her Lord so very deeply. Her family was the light of her life. She worked tirelessly to see that they were cared for and had what they needed. She enjoyed many of life’s treasures. Her cooking ability was next to none and her cherry pies were reknowned. Peggy loved to see things grow on the farm, especially her flowers and kittens. She also loved to see and take care of the family horses. And seeing other wildlife was a joy to her. She enjoyed playing dominoes, doing jigsaw puzzles, and watching St. Louis Cardinals baseball team games with Jim. And she absolutely adored the family pet poodle, Reign, and he adored her. He spent much of his day on her lap.

Words cannot do justice to what Peggy’s loss means to her family and friends. Her down-to-earth, logical, and intelligent approach to life’s matters was exemplary. She was so very selfless and supportive. Peggy was a very loving person and always tried to do “the right thing”. God bless Peggy and there is no doubt she has already joined Jim in heaven and is in Jesus’ loving arms.

Other survivors include numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

A graveside service will be held for Peggy at the Stockton City Cemetery at 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. The arrangements are being made at the direction of Simpson Funeral Home. Due to ongoing health concerns, it is requested that those attending her service observe social distancing protocols and the wearing of protective masks.

Those wishing to honor Peggy with a gesture of love may do so with flowers or by making a memorial contribution in her memory to the Christian Broadcasting Network.