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As of Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Cities without a state are in Missouri
April 21, 1973 – May 7, 2024
Tamara Kay Beckham, a supportive and loving beacon of her family and community, departed this life on May 7, 2024, in Springfield. Born on April 21, 1973, in Joplin. She was a devoted wife, an extraordinary mother, a cherished daughter, and a loyal sister.
Tamara became a dental hygienist right out of college and was recognized for her skill and dedication for over a decade. A long-time resident of Carl Junction, Tamara also contributed to the family business, Beckham Machine and Fabrication. She was a faithful member of Christ’s Church of Oronogo.
Tamara is survived by her husband, Terry Beckham II; her sons, Ari (girlfriend Tory Snodgrass) and Eli Beckham; her parents, Timothy and Sharon Wilkins; brothers Justin Wilkins and Aaron Wilkins; a niece, Josie Badgley; and a host of loving family and relatives.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursdayk, May 16, 2024, at Christ’s Church of Oronogo, with Mark Christian officiating. A graveside service will follow at the Carl Junction Cemetery. Funeral services are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home.
June 21, 1939 – May 5, 2024
Nana Jo (Sheppard) Cassatt, age 84, passed away on Sunday, May 5, 2024. Nana was born in Neosho, on June 21, 1939, daughter of the late Rev. Don and Helen Sheppard.
She graduated from School of the Ozarks in 1962 with a degree in education. She taught in Jasper, Carl Junction, and Joplin, where she retired in 1999. She married Larry Delbert “Boss” Cassatt on Aug 2, 1962. She was a member of the Pleasant Hill County Church since 1964 where she played the piano and organ, lead the choir, and taught numerous Sunday school classes.
Nana is proceeded in death by her husband Larry “Boss” Cassatt; parents, the Rev. Don and Helen Sheppard; brother Ted Sheppard; and son James Green.
Survivors include son Joey and wife Hilary Cassatt and grandsons Jesse and Joshua Cassatt, Carl Junction; daughter Shannah Cassatt and four grandchildren Lannah, Tannah, Zannah, and Danny Grigg, Jasper; brother Paul and wife LeAnn Sheppard, Tulsa, Okla.; daughter Christen Jones, Webb City; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins on both sides of her family.
Special thanks goes to Susan, Marty, and the Phoenix Hospice staff (Christy, Brittney, Sheila, Pastor Paul, Mikayla, and others) that took great care of Nana.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday May 10, 2024, at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, with the Rev. Bob Simon and Pastor Jason Powers officiating. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Pleasant Hill Country Church or Gideons International. Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.
Aug. 31, 1937 – May 9, 2024
Sandra “Sandy” De Spain, a dedicated and hardworking servant of the Webb City community, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2024, at the age of 86. She was born to her parents, Lester and Gertrude De Spain, on Aug. 31, 1937, in Custer City, Okla.
Sandra and family moved to the Webb City area toward the end of World War II, having briefly lived in both Lamar and Prosperity. Sandra was a woman of great integrity who committed herself to her work as a clerk at Bruner Pharmacy in Webb City. She was dedicated to her family, her work, and her faith in God.
Sandra is preceded in death by her father, Lester De Spain; her mother, Gertrude De Spain; and her step-mother, Ethel De Spain. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Simpson Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Lake Cemetery of Lamar. Services are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home.
July 19, 1937 – May 8, 2024
Victor “Vic” Hailey, age 86, of Webb City, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. He was surrounded by loved ones in the comfort of his home after a brave fight from a lengthy illness.
Victor was born on July 19, 1937, in Joplin to his loving parents, Walter Daniel and Louise Margret (Cogbill) Hailey, of whom he had three siblings, Samuel, Donald, and Iola.
He married his wife, Jacquette “Jackie” (Epperson) on Jan. 2, 1981, in Joplin.
Victor worked at Eagle Picher for 39 years as a supervisor until his retirement at which time he was called to serve as an interim pastor at several area churches. He continued to serve faithfully even as his mobility began to decline.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Louise Hailey; two brothers, Samuel Hailey and Donald Hailey; and a son, Curt Patrick.
Victor is survived by his loving wife, Jacquette “Jackie”; one sister, Iola Bryant; four children, Stephen Hailey (Cathy), Vicki Hailey, Kenny Patrick, Jeff Patrick (Denise); eight grandchildren, Jessi Hailey (Jennifer), Stephen Hailey Jr (Tracy), Rebecca Sinyard, Lisa, John Browder Jr, Erin Chism (Brad), Lindsey Landers (Josh), Emma Orman (Gray); thirteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
He had a way of always making a huge impression on those he came in contact with. Vic was a staple of the Webb City community and will be missed and remembered by all who knew and loved him. The family would like to extend a special thank you to his dialysis team from Fresenius Kidney Care and an extra special thanks to Cindy and Brenda who were always a bright spot in Vic’s day when they came to assist him.
The family would also like to thank the nursing staff and team of physicians at Mercy Hospital, who have a passion for caring and made a huge impact on Vic’s quality of life.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Emmanuel Baptist Building Fund.
Services were held Monday, May 13, at Emmanuel Baptist Church. Arrangements were under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary.
April 1, 1948 – May 4, 2024
John Leslie McKee, 76, of Webb City, passed away Saturday, May 4, 2024, in Joplin. He was born on April 1, 1948, in Joplin, to the late Lee McKee and Marie (Marrs) McKee.
After graduating from high school, he proudly served his country as an army tank gunner, where he earned a marksman classification. His military service was a period of his life that instilled in him a sense of discipline and camaraderie that he carried throughout his life.
Following his honorable discharge, John returned to Joplin and worked at the family restaurant, Lee’s Steakhouse. He married Teresa Stone, and to this union, Ryan McKee was born. John became a heavy equipment operator, a role he excelled in at McKee Construction and later at Crossland Construction. In 1983, he married Jeanne Gladbach and together they had a son, Aaron McKee.
John was a devoted husband to his wife, Jeanne (Gladbach) McKee, and a loving father to his children, Ryan McKee (Chrissy), and Aaron McKee (Kay Dee); and grandfather to Colton, Braden, Lydia, and Elizabeth. He is also survived by his brother, Mike McKee (Barbara).
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepfather, John Holmes; and stepmothers, Lorane McKee and Thelma McKee.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.
Aug. 24, 1954 – May 6, 2024
Lovingly written by Rhonda’s family – Rhonda Jo Preston, age 69, of Oronogo, passed away on Monday, May 6, 2024, at Mercy Hospital Joplin after battling health issues. Born on Aug. 24, 1954, in Long Beach, Calif., Rhonda was the daughter of the late Don LaRue and Lela LaRue. She graduated from Leland High School in her hometown in California.
In 1995, Rhonda embarked on a new chapter of her life when she relocated to Webb City. It was here that she found love and companionship in her husband of 20 years, Johnny Preston, a bond that remained steadfast until her final days. Rhonda’s legacy extends beyond her immediate family to include her daughter, Montesa Rodriguez, and son-in-law Stephen Rodriguez, residing in her birthplace of Long Beach, Calif., as well as William Wright of Carl Junction. Additionally, Rhonda leaves behind numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were a source of immense joy and pride for her.
During her life, Rhonda wore many hats, working as a preschool teacher, medical receptionist, insurance administrator, nail technician and dispatcher. She had a keen eye for fashion, loved animals and gardening, and had a passion for travel, exploring many countries and landmarks.
Rhonda will be remembered for her kind heart, infectious laugh, and love for children. She will be deeply missed.
Arrangements were under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary.
The Webb City Sentinel isn’t a newspaper – but it used to be, serving Webb City, Missouri, in print from 1879-2020. This “newspaper” seeks to carry on that tradition as a nonprofit corporation.
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