Area Obituaries

Iona M. Wampner, of Licking, Mo., passed away on October 21, 2025, at the age of 101 years old. She was the daughter of the late George Riley and Ethyl Roberts Baldwin. To this union was born Iona, two brothers, George and Riley, and one sister, Doris Anderson; her siblings have all preceded Iona in…

Ricky Andrew Arthur, of Edgar Springs, Mo., passed away Monday, October 13, 2025, at the age of 72. He was born on March 9, 1953, to the late John Arthur and Mary (Walker) Arthur. In addition to his parents, Rick was also preceded in death by four brothers, Gerard Arthur, Joe Arthur, Anthony Arthur and…

Kim Diana Briggs, age 67, passed away on October 15, 2025, at Ozarks Healthcare, West Plains, Missouri. She was born on July 14, 1958, in Rolla, Missouri, to Jim Yandell and Vivian (Bailey) Yandell. Kim married Darrell Leon Briggs on August 5, 1978, at Eunice Baptist Church, Eunice, Missouri. She was preceded in death by…

  Neil Delano Higgins, age 90, passed away October 13, 2025, in Joplin, Missouri. He was born September 30, 1935, in Rolla, Missouri, to Coy and Bertha Higgins. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Betty Higgins; and sister, Cora. Neil is survived by his three stepchildren, Richard Lynge, Donna Combs and Michael…

James Thomas Smith, Sr., age 74, passed away October 8, 2025, in Springfield, Mo. He was born June 21, 1951, in Eunice, Mo., to Thomas and Hattie Smith. Jim married the love of his life, Vickie Lynn Jarrett, on Valentine’s Day in 1976. To this union, two children were born. He is preceded in death…

Donald “Donnie” A. Simmons, Jr., age 58, of Licking, Mo., passed away Friday, October 3, 2025, at the University Hospital in Columbia, Mo. Donnie was born July 13, 1967, in Jacksonville, Fla., a son to Donald A. Simmons, Sr., and the late Paula Martin. On May 14, 2020, Donnie was united in marriage to Rebecca…

Norman Eugene Lingo, age 92, of Plato, Missouri, passed away on October 5, 2025. He was born on September 9, 1933, in Evening Shade, Missouri, to Margrett Elizabeth (Sudheimer) Lingo and James Clabourn Lingo. Norman graduated from Plato High School in 1951. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy, where he earned…

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Aaron “Ron” Chandler Davis, of Platte City, Missouri. Aaron was born on July 16, 2002, to Stephan Burns and Susan “Danielle” Roberson. Aaron grew up in the two towns of Weston and Platte City, Missouri, with his grandma, four siblings, aunt and two cousins.…

Lois Ann (Eckert) Shrout passed away on September 21, 2025, in St. Louis, Mo. She was cremated as per her wishes. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Lois was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Barbara and Harold Eckert on April 26, 1961. She enjoyed fishing, camping, and being outdoors. Lois…

Christina Sue Thebeau, age 57, of Edgar Springs, Mo., passed away September 26, 2025. Chrissy was born on April 11, 1968, in West Plains, Mo., to Kenneth Richard Ellison and Susan Frances (Pettis) Ellison. Chrissy enjoyed decorating, organizing, and cleaning. No matter where she called home, she took great pride in making sure it was…