OBITUARIES

As of Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023
Cities without a state are in Missouri

OBITUARY

Sharon Birge

Aug. 16, 1943 – Nov. 6, 2023

Sharon Kay Birge, passed away peacefully at her residence in Webb City on Monday, Nov. 6. Born on August 16, 1943, in Joplin, Sharon was a beacon of love and warmth to her family and friends throughout her 80 years of life.

Raised in Diamond, Sharon was a homemaker throughout her life, dedicating herself to the care and nurturing of her family. She attended Southside Community Church of God.

Sharon was a talented seamstress, creating beautiful pieces for her family and friends. Her creativity was not only displayed through her sewing but also in her knack for finding treasures at garage sales and thrift stores.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Huie Junior Birge, who passed away on Oct. 31, 2020; a daughter, Mona Rose; and a sister, Carol Featherston. She is survived by one daughter, Kathy Rose; five grandchildren, Tommy Epperson, Robbie Rose, Ashley Cook, Chris Endicott, and Rachel Shepherd; 13 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter (and another on the way); two sisters, Debbie Rubottom and Terri Mooneyham; two brothers, Larry and Danny Shepherd; and a host of other family and friends.

Family and friends are welcome to celebrate Sharon’s life at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, at Faith Assembly, 7211 E. 32nd St., Joplin, in the lower level. Arrangements are under the direction of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.

OBITUARY

Erran Divine

May 18, 1942 – Nov. 1, 2023

Erran L. Divine, age 81, of rural Joplin, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 1, from stroke-related complications. Erran was born May 18, 1942, in Webb City to Claude Divine and Bernice Fenton Divine Eden.

The family moved to Qualey, Wyo., when he was a young boy, and Erran attended grade school in a lumber camp. He also learned to fish and hunt from his father, traits he loved and carried with him throughout his life. When his father passed in 1951, Bernice moved the family back to Webb City. She remarried James Eden, and with James’ military career from 1951-59, Erran attended schools in Langley, Va., and Victoria, Texas. They eventually migrated back to Webb City in 1959 and purchased the iconic rock house on Elm Road in Prosperity. He graduated from Webb City High School in 1960. He married Pat Crutcher in 1961. The couple had four sons together and later divorced.

When his boys were young, Erran was very active in coaching many youth sports year-round, such as baseball, basketball and football. He was instrumental in founding the MO-KAN youth football league. He continued to follow his love of many sports by attending his kids’ practices and games, then following his grandchildren through their sports careers.

Erran was employed by Atlas Powder Co. from 1968 until he retired in early 2000 He married the love of his life, Judy K. (Gladden) Divine, on June 1, 1991. The couple resided east of Webb City. Erran and Judy were retired, but Erran started a second career raising cow/calf pairs and harvesting hay crops. He leased several hundred acres and supplied thousands of tons of hay to area ranchers.

Even though he loved his cows, he loved to fish even more. He was a member of several fishing clubs in the area, and spent many years camping and fishing with friends, and guiding others on fishing trips. Erran proved to many the best bass to be caught was after dark. He was the inspiration to his family’s legacy of fishing.

Known in his earlier years to be gruff and stubborn, his demeanor softened through time with the addition of grandchildren. He was affectionately called Pop by family, and those close to him. Several people have said he turned to jello when his grandchildren made requests of him.

Erran is survived by his sons Curtis Divine, Lake of the Ozarks, Phil Divine (Connie), Centralia, daughters Katie (Mike) Krausenneck, Chesterfield, Mich. and their kids Owen and Cora and Dennisa (Mitchell) Niles, Hallsville, and their son Rylan; Brent Divine (Lori) Joplin, kids Sara (Ben) Yarbrough, and their son Maddyx, of Webb City, Josh (Monica) Divine, and their children Nyriah, Halli, Callie and Kyler, Republic; Eric Divine, Joplin; stepsons Mark Smith (Kamber) and their children Tate and Talyn, Joplin; Scott Smith and his son Tyler, Kansas City; Craig Smith (Ginny) and their daughters Kacie (Chuck) Corbitt, of Philadelphia, Pa., and Taylor (Kara) Smith, Virginia Beach, Va. and their three children Charlotte, Drew and Bodie; brothers Jack (Sallie) Divine and Claude (Judy) Divine both of Neosho; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father Claude, mother Bernice, stepfather James Eden and his wife, Judy Divine.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Nov. 7, at Mason-Woodard Mortuary. Burial was in Friends Cemetery, Purcell.

Memorial contributions may be made to Solace House of the Ozarks. The family asked those attending the service bring a fishing lure to attach to a fishing net at the service in memory of Erran. There was a procession of bass boats leading Erran to his final fishing hole.

OBITUARY

Scott Leonard

March 6, 1957 – Nov. 4, 2023

David Scott Leonard, 66, of Oronogo, better known as Scott, the man who could fix anything, make you laugh till your sides ached, and tell stories that kept you on the edge of your seat, left this world on Saturday, Nov. 4. Born on March 6, 1957, in Webb City, he managed to cram a lifetime of adventure into his 66 years. His final curtain call took place at Freeman Hospital West after months of health battles that he faced with the same grit and humor he brought to every aspect of his life.

Scott was a Webb City boy through and through, graduating from Webb City High School in 1975. After high school, he enlisted in the Missouri Army National Guard, serving with the 203rd Engineer Battalion for 24 years. A machinist by trade, Scott could fix anything, making him the go-to handyman in the neighborhood. It was a role he relished, often turning a simple repair into a full-blown comedy routine that left everyone laughing.

Scott had a love for the outdoors that was only surpassed by his love for his family and his dogs. A seasoned outdoorsman, he was in his element when he was fishing or hunting, often regaling his family with tales of his exploits. His other passion was restoring John Deere tractors, a hobby that combined his love for machinery and his knack for storytelling. Every restored tractor had a tale, and Scott was always eager to share it.

Scott was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Cleve and Beverly Jo (Steele) Leonard; his brother Carey Leonard, two nephews, Michael Leonard and Michael Johnson, and a niece, McKenzie Kisling.

He leaves behind his wife of 42 years, Jeanne Leonard; two children, Zach Leonard and his wife Tabatha, and Chelsey Parise; three grandchildren, Laken, Ryder and Ava; sister-in-law, Carol Leonard; three brothers-in-law, Randy and wife, Vanessa, Rick, and Jim Johnson; and a host of extended family and special friends.

A visitation was held Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, at Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home. Private burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery.

OBITUARY

Terry Long

Sept. 18, 1984 – Nov. 5, 2023

Terry Lee Long, 39, of Webb City, a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away tragically on Sunday, Nov. 5, in Carl Junction. Born on Sept. 18, 1984, in Springfield, Mo., Terry’s infectious laughter and adventurous spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Terry’s early life was shaped by the love and guidance of his parents, Stephen Long and Deborah (Hensley) Gordon, and his brothers, Paul and Gary Long, who preceded him in death.

Terry’s family also included his stepfather, Albert Gordon; two stepbrothers, Albey Gordon and Little C Gordon; and a stepsister, Angel Gordon.

Terry found love and companionship with his wife, Charity Long. Together, they built a beautiful family that included three children, Donavan Showalter, Mariea Nester, and Peyton McGuirk, and two stepchildren, Steven Showalter and Joshua Thompson. He is also survived by his brothers, Shawn Long and Al Harlen; his sister, Eva Long; and other family and friends.

He was a groundskeeper at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Webb City. He loved being outdoors and had an eclectic taste in music, ranging from classic rock to country, and he was known to break into song at any given moment.

Memorial services are pending at this time. Arrangements are under the direction of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.

OBITUARY

Bruce Parks

Dec. 31, 1965 – Nov. 1, 2023

Bruce Allen Parks, age 57 of Holt, Mich., passed away Wednesday, Nov. 1. He was born on Dec. 31, 1965, and graduated from Webb City High School. He was preceded in death by his parents, Martha Jean (Coleman) Parks and Verlon Earl Parks.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 29 years, Lisa Parks, his daughters, Kandace (Brayden) Drake, Holly Parks, Katherine (Cody) Pavlat, his son Joshua (Lydia) Parks, and his grandsons Decker and Dayson Drake, and Gabriel Parks.

A memorial service was held Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, at City Life Lansing Church, 5825 Wise Rd, Lansing, Mich. Arrangements were under the direction of Palmer Bush & Jensen, Family Funeral Homes.