Area Obituaries

Charles Dewey Smith, age 79, son of Doyle and Vivian (Fulks) Smith, was born May 5, 1946, in Lebanon, Missouri. Charles passed away on December 7, 2025. Charles is preceded in death by his parents and two infant siblings. He is survived by his wife, Linda; two sons, Brad (Teresa) and Doug (Shannon); grandchildren, Dakota…

David J. Johnston Sr., a beloved father and grandfather, passed away at his home in Montauk, Missouri, on December 3, 2025. He was 83 years old. Born on April 4, 1942, in St. Louis, Missouri, David was the son of Alvin and Marie Johnston. He spent his life sharing his love for the outdoors. David’s…

John George Sauter Gyory, age 19, passed away on December 3, 2025, in Licking, Missouri. John was born in Vancouver, Washington, to George and Cecilia Gyory on September 30, 2006. John was a 2025 Licking High School graduate. He was a member of the Archery, Science, and Astronomy Club in high school, which brought him…

Thomas Scott Ferguson, of Beulah, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly on November 19, 2025, at the age of 59. Scott was born on September 30, 1966, to Thomas R. and Judith R. (Buttenhoff) Ferguson. He grew up with his three sisters, Jill (Mark) Mueller, Melissa (Delaine) Hare and Ann (Mark) Knese, in St. Louis, Missouri. In…

Robert Allen Van Kirk, age 60, son of James and Peggy Van Kirk and Nancy (Woodward) Delgado was born November 20, 1965, in Rolla, Mo. He passed away November 30, 2025, at his home in Licking, Missouri. Robert is preceded in death by his parents, James Van Kirk and Nancy (Woodward) Delgado; one brother, David…

John Paul Wade, 49, passed away on November 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. John Paul Wade was born on January 27, 1976, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, the son of Paul Eugene Wade and Paulette Elaine Cross. He grew up in Licking, Missouri. After graduating from Licking High School, he went on to pursue…

Donna (Mavis) Crossgrove, age 75, daughter of Eugene and Mary (Spillman) Mavis, was born October 17, 1950, in Kansas City, Mo. She passed away November 15, 2025, at Phelps Health Hospital, Rolla, Mo. Donna is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by sister Stephanie York and husband Don, of Osage Beach, Mo.;…

Gabriel John Harlan, age 16, of Rolla, Missouri, passed away on November 18, 2025, in Rolla, Missouri. Born on September 29, 2009, Gabriel was the beloved son of Rebecca (Merrick) Parker and Alex Harlan, and stepson of Brandon Parker. He was a vibrant young man whose energy, kindness, and unmistakable sense of humor touched everyone…

Jacob Dean Ailer, age 63, passed away November 20, 2025, in Springfield, Missouri, surrounded by family. Jacob was born January 6, 1962, in Ashland, Ohio, to Alpha and Ruthie (Kiser) Ailer. Jacob graduated from Hillsdale High School in 1980 before proudly serving in the U.S. Navy where he was Hospital Corpsman Third Class. He enjoyed…

Erich Jones passed away peacefully in his home in Webster Groves on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, after sadly losing his short battle with cancer. Beloved husband of Susan Jones (nee Frink), loving father of Bradley and Bethany Jones, adoring grandfather of Ryleigh Jones, cherished son of Charlene and the late Larry Jones, dear brother of…