As of Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025
Cities without a state are in Missouri
May 8, 1936 – Nov. 21, 2025
Shirley A. Eddy, age 89, of Joplin, passed away on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, at Freeman West Hospital, surrounded by her family.
Shirley was born on May 8, 1936, in Neosho, daughter of the late Otis and Mary Kane. She grew up in Kansas and later graduated from Missouri Southern State University. Shirley spent her career shaping young minds as a second-grade teacher with the Galena, Kan., and Webb City school districts until her retirement in 1992.
On July 5, 1957, she married the love of her life, Paul Dean Eddy. Together they shared 65 wonderful years of marriage before his passing in 2021. She was also preceded in death by her beloved son, Michael Eddy, of Webb City, who passed away in June 2022, as well as her sister, Alice Jeannine Morey, and her parents.
Shirley was an avid sports enthusiast throughout her life, playing on both softball and tennis leagues over the years. She especially loved cheering on her sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren at their games and events. She was their biggest fan – always present, always proud. More than anything, Shirley lived to watch her family grow and thrive. She loved deeply, unconditionally, and with her whole heart. To know her was truly to love her.
Shirley’s unwavering faith in God was the foundation of her life. She lived her faith powerfully, demonstrating Christ’s love through her kindness, compassion and steadfast devotion to her family. She faced every joy and every hardship with grace, prayer and trust in God’s plan. Her faith carried her throughout her life, and it remains a lasting example to all who loved her.
Survivors include her son, Mitchell Eddy and his wife, Sharell, of Oronogo; her daughter-in-law, Anita Eddy, of Webb City; her brother, Jim Moss, of Joplin; grandchildren, Derrick Eddy, of Rogers, Ark. David Eddy and his wife, Christy, of Prosper, Texas, Lindsey (Eddy) Rivero and her husband, Miguel, of Webb City, Nathan Eddy and his wife, Caitlin, of Joplin, Dakotah Questelle and Jaime Myler, of Joplin, and Emmyrson Reynolds-Questelle and her husband, Mathew, of Springfield; great-grandchildren, Elly Eddy, Grayson Eddy, Peyton Wright, Trennen Eddy, Hallie Eddy, Carter Eddy, Camila Rivero, Hannah Eddy, Cameron Eddy and Everleigh Eddy; along with several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, at Parker Mortuary, with a graveside service to follow at 11 a.m. in Mount Hope Cemetery. Scott Boudreaux will officiate.
Pallbearers will be Derrick Eddy, David Eddy, Nathan Eddy, Miguel Rivero, Dakotah Questelle and Mathew Mills.
Memorial contributions may be made to Christ’s Church Oronogo or Souls Harbor of Joplin, both in care of the mortuary.
Nov. 6, 1937 – Nov. 19, 2025
Harlan Leon Royer, 88, of Webb City, passed away on Nov. 19, 2025. He was born on Nov. 6, 1937, in Idaho to the late Earl and Katherine (Provins) Royer.
Harlan’s entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly when he and his brother established the Royer Brothers Freeway, a full-service gas station in Carthage in the 1960s. Harlan’s career path later led him to become a fuel and feed distributor, where he supported the backbone of America by providing essential supplies to farmers. His love for the open road was evident in his several years working as a truck driver for CFI. Even after retiring, Harlan’s dedication to his work was unwavering, as he continued to contribute to the company in a corporate maintenance role.
Outside of his professional life, Harlan’s passion for the outdoors was a significant part of who he was. He found joy in the tranquility of nature, whether he was casting a line into a lake or tracking game through the quiet woods. These moments were made all the more special when shared with his son, Curt, as they bonded over the thrill of the catch and beauty of the wilderness.
Harlan’s love for horses and trail riding had been a constant since boyhood. His skills as a horseman were recognized and celebrated through his proud membership in the Missouri Governor’s Mounted Guard.
Harlan married Wilma Daniel on June 7, 1958, and they spent 67 wonderful years together before her passing on Nov. 11, 2025. We find comfort in knowing that they are reunited.
He is survived by his son, Curtis Royer and wife BaDeana Royer; grandchildren, Shane Royer, Katie Belk, and KaSandra Newell; great-grandchildren, Colton, Owen, Emmett, Lucas, Gabriel, Elijah, JaceLynn, Wyatt, and Archie.
Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by the love of his life, Wilma Royer; siblings, Fred Royer, William Royer, and Earline Spence.
A graveside service was held Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025, at Emmanuel Cemetery in Carthage. Arrangements were under the direction of Parker Mortuary.
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