As of Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025
Cities without a state are in Missouri
Nov. 17, 2005 – Oct. 26, 2025
Xander James Cupp, born on Nov. 17, 2005, in Joplin, was a radiant spirit whose journey on this earth was tragically cut short at the young age of 19 due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
Xander was a cherished son to Charles “Andy” and Amber (Beale) Cupp. From an early age, he was known for his infectious sense of humor, always the funniest person in the room, and a source of joy for everyone around him.
Xander’s educational journey began at Heartland Christian Academy in Bethel, from the age of 3 to 15, where he was active in basketball. The Heartland Community Church is also where he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and followed in believers baptism. He often served alongside his mom and dad during their annual missions conference and open house and many times helped his mom deliver meals for those in need in the community.
He later graduated from Webb City High School in 2024. During his high school years, Xander worked at Subway in Carthage and Casey’s in Joplin, Webb City and Oronogo, and he was currently honing his mechanical skills as a valued mechanic with his Papa Mark, at his family’s business, All Around Automotive, in Granby, a place where he envisioned his future. Xander had a flair for creativity, exploring his artistic side and learning the craft of tattooing. Xander’s wit and charm, paired with his mechanical inclination and entrepreneurial spirit was evident as he dreamed of taking over his grandfather’s automotive business one day.
His character was defined by a hard-working nature and an old loving soul, embodying kindness and consideration for others. Xander took immense pride in being a big brother to his two sisters, Mikynna and Leah, and was deeply committed to caring for those he loved. He never missed an opportunity to be a jokester. Xander’s selflessness extended beyond his family; he gave the gift of life as an organ donor, ensuring that a part of his vibrant spirit will continue to live on in others.
He is preceded in death by his uncle, Blake Fitzgerald; and his great-grandparents, Ed Clevenger, Bernadine and Ronald E. Crews and Katherine Hawkins.
Xander is survived by his loving parents, Charles “Andy,” who he got his outgoing and humorous spirit from and Amber (Beale) Cupp, who he got his heart for serving others from, and he loved deeply like both his mom and dad; his sisters, Mikynna and Leah Cupp; his fiancée, Halle Hannum; and a host of family and friends, including aunts Dr. Jasmine Hawkins and Kristin Long and her husband Greg; uncles Dr. Christopher Fitzgerald and his husband Julien, Josh Anderson and his wife Kelly, and Mike Cupp and his wife, Lynna; maternal grandparents Cherie Hawkins and her husband, Tom, Mark Beale and his wife Renee; paternal grandmother Rhonda Wilson; great-grandparents Jon and Peggy Brazelton, Tom Hawkins Sr., Ron Beale, Wilda Smith, Karen Beale, and Patricia Clevenger; as well as numerous cousins, great aunts, great uncles, and extended family members.
Memorial services for Xander James Cupp, age 19, of Joplin, will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, at One Church in Joplin, with Pastor Shane Munn officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the family, in care of Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery and Crematory.
June 30, 1937 – Oct. 18, 2025
Ronald “Big Ron” Lee Arlis Koch, 88, of Carl Junction, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Ron was born on June 30, 1937, in Denver, Colorado, to Margaret (Sherriff) Koch and Arlis Charles Koch. He later made Carl Junction his home, where he met and married the love of his life, Sharon Corn, on June 29, 1963. Together they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter and family.
A dedicated and hardworking man, Ron began his career as a laborer in various fields before joining PG Walker as a delivery driver. After 10 years of service, he accepted a position with P & M Coal Mine in nearby Asbury, where he worked as a tipple operator for 21 years until the mine’s closure. Ron later joined the City of Carl Junction maintenance crew, where he took pride in helping care for the community he loved, until his retirement.
Ron was known for his strong work ethic, his humble spirit and the quiet pride he took in doing every job well. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father and Papa whose greatest joy came from spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon Koch, of Carl Junction; three children, Ronnie Koch (Angie), of Grove, Okla., Roger Koch (Jennifer), of Carl Junction, and Renee Carpenter (Chad), of Carl Junction as well as a bonus daughter, Sylvia Sofian-Hurlbert; nine grandchildren, Madison Dyal (Will), Whitney Dunbar (Aaron), Sydney Koch (Adrian), Adam Koch (Mandy), Clayton Bailey (Merrita), Tristan Bailey (Chrissy), Brendan Bailey (Ashley), Noah Carpenter and Lexi Carpenter; 12 great-grandchildren; his brother, James Koch (Karen), of Webb City; and his sister-in-law, Sharon Koch, of Neosho, wife of his late brother, Barry Koch.
He was preceded in death by his father, Arlis Koch and his mother, Margaret Kramer; his brother, Barry Koch; his sister, Sandra Koch; and his grandsons, Trevor Joe and Trenton Lee Koch.
Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, at New Hope Church, with Randy Steele and Craig Price officiating. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, 2025 at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to New Hope Church or the Carl Junction Cemetery Care Fund, by mailing them to 27714 Maple Road, Carl Junction, MO 64834. Services are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.
Oct. 20, 1955 – Oct. 26, 2025
Carl D. Lewis, age 70, of Joplin, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, at his home surrounded by family.
Carl was born October 20, 1955, in Larned, Kan., to the late Wade Sr. and Clara (Harding) Lewis. He was a 1973 graduate of Webb City High School. Carl worked as a delivery driver for IBT Industrial Solutions for over 20 years.
He married Sheryl Ann Phillips on June 17, 1994, at Bassman Field in Joplin. They enjoyed photographing dirt track racing and spending countless weekends at the former 66 Speedway. They also enjoyed volunteering at Special Olympics events in their spare time.
Together they were blessed with 25 years of marriage before Sheryl’s passing on Jan. 18, 2020. Carl was an avid gun collector and spent countless hours going to the range to shoot. He enjoyed being outdoors and going to the ballfields to play softball.
In addition to his parents, Carl was preceded in death by two brothers, Wade Lewis Jr. and William Lewis.
Carl is survived by two brothers, Paul Lewis and wife Cindy, Omaha, Neb., and Harold Lewis and wife Gloria, Carthage; a son, Michael Judd and wife, Jennifer, of Joplin; daughter, Christine Meadows, Springfield; five grandchildren, Trenten Judd, Journey Towsand, Nickolas Hoffman, Ashley Hoffman and Keagon Turner; nine great-grandchildren, Unique Hoffman, Liliana Hoffman, Silas Hoffman, Nova Gray, Ryder Gray, Willow Turner, Catherine Judd, Orion Little and Bowen Judd; and many other extended family members.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.
July 4, 1956 – Oct. 24, 2025
Deborah Ann Smith, known affectionately as Deb or Debbie, passed away on Oct. 24, 2025. Born on the 4th of July, 1956, in Webb City, Deborah’s life was a true example of generosity, thoughtfulness, and enduring love. Her caring nature and warm heart touched everyone she met. A proud resident of Webb City for over 50 years, Debbie’s life was deeply woven into the fabric of the community she loved so much.
Debbie was dedicated and accomplished much throughout her working stages of life – from working at Southwestern Bell, a career at Leggett and Platt in Carthage, and several notable companies before her retirement in 2002. Always one to keep her mind sharp, she enjoyed genealogy. She was a great cook, known for her Puerto Rican dump cakes.
She was a lifetime member of the Blendville Christian Church in Joplin, where she attended regularly when she could. Her deeply rooted faith was a testament to how she lived her life, always putting others before herself. Debbie’s loving and generous spirit was most evident in her devotion to her family, which was her greatest joy and what mattered most to her.
Debbie is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Gregory Smith; children Stacey Struble, Enid, Okla., Thomas Smith, Fayetteville, Ark., and Tabor and Cecelia of the home; grandchildren Anna Struble, Springfield, Jonathan Rousselot, Springfield, and Miles Smith, Ft. Collins, Colo.; and a brother Bob Whyte and wife Susan of Webb City. She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Awilda Whyte; and a grandchild, Joshua Thomas Schachtner. Her profound love, compassion, and thoughtfulness will be deeply missed, but her legacy will continue to ripple through the lives of her loved ones.
The family will receive friends beginning at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, at Simpson Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held the following day, at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, at the same venue, with pastor Stephen Sansom officiating. Pallbearers will be Jeff Smith, Bryan Whyte, Mike Elrod, Terry Brake, Tom Maxwell and Rob Carey. Honorary bearers will be Ralph Fly, Alan Fly, Gary Whyte and Steve Webber. Memorial contributions may be made to the Blendville Christian Church, in care of the funeral home.
July 27, 1943 – Oct. 24, 2025
Michael P. Young, lovingly known as “Peepaw,” rose to glory on Oct. 24, 2025, at his home, surrounded by family. Michael was born to George and Louise Young on July 27, 1943 in Granby. He graduated from Webb City High School in 1962 and married the love of his life, Sherry Lee (Newberry) Young on Sept. 13, 1963, in Joplin.
By the grace of God, Michael became a believer in the late 90s. From then on, he served the Lord in various ways, including as a deacon at Fellowship Baptist Church Joplin for many years.
His working life was spent as a machinist and welder, and he enjoyed many hobbies that involved working with his hands. His greatest joys in life were his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, serving his church family, and heckling anyone who would lend him an ear.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Jean Cowen. Those left to mourn his passing include his wife, Sherry, of Webb City; siblings Jack Young (Delfina), Irving, Texas, and Mary Bullis (Michael), Ft. Meyers, Fla.; daughters, Jeania White (Michael), Webb City; and Stacey McClendon (Gary), Arma, Kan.; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory.
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.
