As of Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Cities without a state are in Missouri
July 25, 1945 – March 21, 2026
With a heart brimming with kindness and a spirit as generous as it was resilient, Sammy George Kahwaji departed this world on March 21, 2026, leaving a legacy of love and cherished memories behind. Born on July 25, 1945, in Los Angeles, Calif., Sammy lived a life that was a testament to his empathetic nature, his ability to connect with people, and his unwavering dedication to his family. His compassionate soul and thoughtful demeanor made him a beloved figure, a beacon of support, and a source of strength to all who knew him.
Sammy’s journey took him from the big city of Los Angeles to the quiet small town of Webb City, where he truly called his home. He thrived in his role as a business owner of the Mediterranean Palace, Uncle Sammy’s, and the Cardinal Room. Later, he moved to Bloomington, Ill., where he retired to be around his children and grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and uncle.His love for his family was evident in his joy in watching his kids’ and grandkids’ sporting events and activities. If you knew Sammy, he had an unwavering support of University of Southern California sports. He will be watching and cheering them on for eternity.
Sammy was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Annie George; his loving wife, Jeanette Kahwaji; and his brothers, George and Phillip George. His memory will be cherished by his children, Michael (Laura) Kahwaji, Gregory (Robyn) Kahwaji, and Melanie (Matthew) Gray; his sister Joanne (Michel) Kahwaji; his grandchildren, Lexi (Charlie) Powell, Kale Kahwaji, Samuel (Shaylee) Kahwaji, Anthony Kahwaji, Joseph Kahwaji, Grace Gray and Annie Gray; his great-granddaughters, Evelyn and Rosemary Powell; and his great-grandson, to be born in July.
A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Mt Hope Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 2, 2026, (casual attire) at Flat Creek Bar and Grill, 215 S East St.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Stroke Association, in care of Simpson Funeral Home.
– March 20, 2026
Jerry Keifer passed away March 20, 2026, at his home in Webb City.
Jerry married the love of his life, Linda, on Nov. 13th 1974. Jerry started working with his father at a very young age. His father taught him how to weld and build Bendelari Jigs. Jerry’s sister, Sharon, and he took on the business after their mother’s passing in 2010. Jerry devoted his young years to being a husband, father and grandfather, business owner, baseball and basketball player and most importantly a follower of Christ.
He lived a beautiful life, highlighted by two daughters, four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and a big family who loved him so dearly.
Jerry’s life consisted of worshiping Jesus, traveling, spending his time with loved ones, working in his garden, keeping his yard mowed, building Bendelari Jigs, watching UCLA basketball and St. Louis Cardinals baseball, playing Candy Crush, hosting international college students, cracking jokes (they may not have been very funny) and being a devoted father, papa and great papa.
Jerry put up a strong fight, losing the love of his life in 2023 to being diagnosed with cancer in April of 2025. He went through the ultimate sacrifice and kept up the fight to the end. He won that fight and now is home with Jesus and his wife and his parents and uncle AJ.
He was preceded by death by his wife, Linda Keifer; his mother and father, Mary and Glenn Keifer; and his Uncle AJ.
He is survived by his children, Elizabeth Clark and her husband Travis, Natalea Wininger and her husband Jason; four grandchildren, Jared Wininger and his wife Katelyn, Gabrielle Bass and her husband Cody, and Liam and Lucas Clark; two great-grandchildren, Layla Wininger and Griffin Bass. Jerry was loved so deeply by his family and friends and sons and daughters around the world.
Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park.
June 14, 1950 – March 16, 2026
Samuel Leroy “Sam” Pittman, age 75, of Webb City, passed away suddenly on March 16, 2026, at Mercy Hospital Joplin.
Sam was born on June 14, 1950, in St. Louis to Howard Pittman and Juanita (Riggs) Pittman. The family later settled in Webb City, where Sam attended school, participating in football, ROTC, and other activities before graduating in 1968. After high school, he attended college in California until the tragic passing of his father. Sam then returned home and began a career as an over-the-road truck driver to support his mother and younger sister. He loved the open road and the freedom of traveling the country.
Sam later worked for Foremost Dairy then Hiland Dairy as a route driver in Joplin. Through hard work, dedication, and a deep sense of responsibility, he eventually became Hiland’s branch manager in Nevada, Mo., where he served for nine years. He later returned to Joplin as sales manager, a role he held until his retirement in 2016. Sam devoted 41 years of loyal service to the company.
In 1972, Sam married Vivian Moore, and in 1980 they welcomed their son, Brian, who became the center of Sam’s world. Sam loved his son with his whole heart he was a devoted father, mentor, teacher, and best friend. His quiet strength, patience, guidance, and unwavering support shaped Brian’s life in every way.
Sam was a gentle soul who never hesitated to help when someone needed him. He was remarkably capable, knowledgeable, mechanically gifted, and endlessly resourceful, and he passed those qualities on to his son. His kindness, humility, and steady presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Sam was preceded in death by his parents; and his sisters, Linda and Darlene.
A celebration of Sam’s life was held Wednesday at Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.
June 30, 1934 – March 21, 2026
Mary Ellen Vinyard, age 91, of Webb City, passed away peacefully at Freeman Hospital West in Joplin on Saturday, March 21, 2026, following a brief illness. She entered this life on June 30, 1934, in Joplin, the third of six children born to the late Wesley and Hettie (Forkner) Gilbert.
A 1952 graduate of Webb City High School, Mary Ellen’s passion for learning and personal growth led her to Stapp’s Beauty School, where she honed her skills as a beauty operator. Her adventurous spirit later inspired her to embark on a unique journey, graduating from Crowder College School of Trucking to become an over-the-road trucker. Mary Ellen eventually found her calling in service to others, retiring from Jasper County Support Services after more than two decades of compassionate work as a caregiver for physically and mentally disabled individuals.
Mary Ellen’s life was enriched by love and companionship when she married Fred L. Vinyard Sr. on Dec. 15, 1953. Together, they welcomed three children into the world. Although Fred Sr. preceded her in death on March 29, 1989, the legacy of their union continued to flourish through their family. Additionally, she was preceded by a grandson, Mason Moback; an infant brother, Paul Gilbert; and three sisters, Jennie Vinyard, Lois Alumbaugh and Ruth Gilbert.
She is survived by her loving children, Jean Vickers and her husband Mike, of Webb City, Fred L. Vinyard Jr., of Webb City, and David L. Vinyard of Carterville; her five grandchildren, Misty Pfau, Justin Moback, Andrea Waldo, Crystal Alexander and Eric Vinyard; three great-grandchildren; her sister, Janice Essex, of Miami, Okla.; and a host of other family and friends.
Mary Ellen’s interests and talents were as diverse as they were delightful. She was a talented seamstress and an avid fiddler, whose music brought warmth to many gatherings. Her love for cooking and craft projects was only surpassed by her love for her family. As a former Cub Scout Den Mother, she guided young minds with patience and care. Her faith was an integral part of her life, and she was a member of Fairview Christian Church in Carthage, Missouri.
Services are under the direction of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.
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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.
