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.
June 15, 1945 – October 2, 2025
Ronald Paul Crutcher, 80, of Webb City, passed away on Oct. 2, 2025, surrounded by family.
Born June 15, 1945, in Joplin, to Paul R. and Avis E. Crutcher, Ronnie grew up with a deep love of baseball, coached by his father. He graduated from Webb City High School in 1963 and attended Joplin Junior College before answering the call to serve his country. In July 1965, he joined the U.S. Navy and was stationed aboard the USS Essex out of San Diego, Calif. He deployed to Danang, Vietnam, as part of Air Anti-Submarine Squadron 39 (VS-39) during the Vietnam War. For his outstanding dedication to his shipmates, Ronnie was honored as VS-39’s “Man of the Month” in August 1968. He proudly served until 1969, then joined the Naval Reserves until he was honorably discharged as Personnelman Second Class (PN2) in 1971.
Returning home to Joplin, Ronnie completed his degree in business from Missouri Southern State College before beginning a 22-year career as a purchasing manager with Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Miss. Later, he returned to Webb City, where he continued his career in purchasing at Pitsco Education in Pittsburg, Kan., until his retirement in 2007.
A man of deep faith, Ronnie grew up attending First Baptist Church of Webb City and served faithfully for many years in the bus ministry at Emmanuel Baptist Church. He cherished the friendships he built through softball, golf and card games, both in Mobile, Ala., and in Webb City. A devoted fan of Webb City High School football and the Alabama Crimson Tide, Saturdays in the fall were sacred – he lived for football season.
Ronnie’s greatest joy was his family. He was a loving and devoted husband to his wife of 35 years, Susan Benson Crutcher; a proud father to Greg Crutcher (Amy Crutcher), Amy Goddard, Joe Goddard and Gretchen Goddard; and a deeply involved grandfather who poured wisdom, love, and laughter into the lives of his grandchildren: Landry Crutcher, Lawson Crutcher, Cole Stokes, Levi Stokes, Gavin Goddard and Jada Goddard. He also leaves behind his sister, Judy Hughes (Alan Hughes), and several nephews, whom he loved.
Ronnie will be remembered for his steady faith, his loyalty to family and friends, his love of sports, and his deep devotion to those he loved, including Molly dog and Dazy dog. His legacy of mentorship and encouragement will live on through his children and grandchildren.
Roll Tide!
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Webb City.
Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor the veterans resting at Mt. Hope Cemetery by sponsoring a wreath through Wreaths Across America.
April 11, 1939 – Sept. 27, 2025
Clyde “Dean” Wilson, 86, of Webb City, passed away at 2:33 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, at his residence.
Mr. Wilson was born on April 11, 1939, in Webb City, where he resided his entire life.
He worked for Atlas Powder Company, which later become ICI Explosives, for 30 years, before retiring in 1997. He then went to work for the Webb City School District, at Eugene Field Elementary School, as a custodian, before retiring in 2010.
He graduated from Webb City High School in 1957, where he excelled in football, track and field, and basketball, and he earned scholarships to go on to college.
He enjoyed watching all sports, hunting and fishing, and attending Webb City sports events. He coached girl’s softball in Webb City from 1973 to 1984. He was inducted into the Webb City Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018.
He was of the Baptist faith and served six years in the Army National Guard of Missouri.
Dean married Judy Brock on Sept. 3, 1960, in Duenweg, and she survives.
Other survivors include two daughters, DeAnn (Randy) Benford, of Joplin, and Julie (John) Evans of Scottsdale, Ariz; one sister, Linda Sue Day, Webb City; one grandson, Tyler (Maria) Page; three great-grandchildren, Nathan Jacks, Olivia Page and Carly Page.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde Alton and Violet Harlan Wilson; his grandmother who raised him, Granny Esther Rosenburg; and one sister, Patty Wilson Kinzbach.
Services were held Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025, at Mason-Woodard Mortuary, with Pastor Steve Cable officiating.
Interment, with full military honors, was in Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in care of the mortuary.
