Missouri, U.S., Marriage Records, 1805-2002
Lester Columbus Freeman, 92
Mar 27, 2008
Lester Columbus Freeman, son of the late Samuel and Velda (Clinton) Freeman, was born Jan. 16, 1916, in Douglas County, and departed this life March 20, 2008, at Autumn Oaks Caring Center in Mtn. Grove, following a long illness. He was 92 years, 2 months, and 4 days of age.
Lester grew up in the Vera Cruz community in Douglas County, and was united in marriage to Alta Agnes Allen on July 4, 1940, in Wright County. Nine children were born to this union.
Lester and Alta raised their family on a farm southwest of Mtn. Grove, where they lived and called home for almost 60 years.
Lester enjoyed being outdoors, especially when hunting, fishing, tending to his garden, or just taking in the day. He always had stories to share with his family, friends, and anyone who enjoyed visiting.
Lester was saved over two years ago while residing at Autumn Oaks.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Alta Freeman, on Feb. 25, 2005; one son, Kenneth Freeman; one daughter, Joy Belle Freeman; a daughter-in-law, Linda Freeman; a granddaughter, Sheila Carder; two great-grandsons, Tyler Freeman and Noah Hunt; one brother, Chester Freeman; a half brother, Henry Freeman; five sisters, Elizabeth "Libby" Beebe, Cora Linder, Joann Adams, Pearlie Page, and Freda McConnell; and two half-sisters, Catherine McGee and Mae Brin.
He is survived by five sons, Don Freeman, of Mtn. Grove, Troy Freeman and his wife, Ann, of Norwood, Roy Freeman and his wife, Linda, of Ava, Dennis Freeman and his wife, Teresa, and Clay Freeman and his wife, Marsha, all of Mtn. Grove; two daughters: Bonnie Field and her husband, Fred, of Elk Creek, and Sherry Miller and her husband, Mark, of Ozark; one brother, James Freeman and his wife, Faye, of Mtn. Grove; three brothers-in-law, Bob Allen, Jess Allen, and Gene Allen; two sisters-in-law, Mary Allen and Helen Freeman; 21 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends who will miss him very much.
Funeral services were held Monday, March 24, at 2 p.m., in the Craig-Hurtt Chapel, Mtn. Grove, with the Revs. Roger Flint and Jerry Ratterree officiating. Burial was in the Brushy Knob Cemetery, Douglas County, under the direction of the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mtn. Grove.
William O. ‘Bill’ Casey, 80
Mar 13, 2008
William O. Casey the son of Oren Casey and Maggie Nance Casey, was born on Dec. 25, 1927 in Pottman, Kan., and went to be with his Lord Jesus on March 8, 2008 in St. John's Hospital, Springfield, at the age of 80 years, 2 months and 13 days.
Bill lived all of his life in the Bradleyville community. He was a beef farmer and milk hauler for Bradleyville Cheese Plant.
On Aug. 28, 1947, Bill and Tressie Cox were united in marriage in Crossroads, Mo., and to this union two children were born.
Bill enjoyed squirrel, turkey, deer and coon hunting, fishing, and growing a big garden to give to his friends. He also enjoyed raising hogs and the blessing of Christian fellowship at gospel/blue grass singings.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one infant sister, Linda.
He is survived by his wife, Tressie (Cox) Casey, of Heart of the Ozarks, Ava; one son and wife, Gary and Barbara Casey, Bradleyville; one daughter and husband, Sue and Bill Guerin, Taneyville; five grandchildren, Eric and Shorty Guerin, Cassey Matthews, Sara Ridings and Amy Blair; 12 great-grandchildren; two brothers and their wives, Wayne and Mary Casey, Springfield, and J.B. and Marcie Pare, Ozark; four sisters, Nita Lambeth, Springfield, Lorene and husband, Elwyn, Granite City, Ill., Betty and husband, Junior Halcomb, Oldfield, and Carolyn and husband, Frank Busek, Phillips, Wisc.; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Services were held Tuesday, March 11, at 10 a.m., in Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, with the Revs. Keith Lafferty and Jeff Marsh officiating. Interment followed in the Hall Cemetery at Mound. Visitation was Monday from 6 to 7 p.m. in the funeral home. The family requests memorials to American Diabetes Association or Gideons International.
Tawnya Lea VanDyne, 47
Mar 20, 2008
Tawnya Lea Van Dyne was born Oct. 2, 1960 in Ava, the daughter of Bud and Wilma (Collins) Hutchison.
She passed away Saturday, March 15, at Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, of injuries suffered earlier that day in a car wreck.
Tawnya graduated from Ava High School in 1978 and lived in the Ava area most of her life.
In 1979, she married Rodney Neil Van Dyne, of Independence, Kan.
They lived six years in Sublette, Kan., where two children, Justin Michael and Kelsey Nikole were born.
Tawnya was very involved in the Church of the Nazarene on a local and district level. She spent several years as the president of her church's youth group. She was also active in leadership serving on the District Advisory Board for several years. She loved working with children and she spent many years teaching, loving, and leading her own children as well as others. Many families have been influenced by her life and service to her community.
She has taught 2nd grade at Ava Elementary for the past six years. Prior to this she taught pre-school which included six years operating "Bright Beginnings" in her home.
She is survived by her husband Rodney, and son Justin and his wife, Sonia, all of Ava; daughter Kelsey, Olathe, Kan.; her parents, Bud and Wilma Hutchison, of Ava; and a host of family and friends.
Visitation was held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday at Clinkingbeard Funeral Home. Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Tuesday afternoon at Ava High School Gymnasium with Pastor Mark Hatcher and Pastor Dustin Ledford officiating. Burial was in the Ava Cemetery.
The family requests that memorial donations be made to the Ava Highway Church of the Nazarene Building Fund, Rt. 2, Box 774, Ava, MO 65608.
Richard E. ‘Dick’ Rust, 79
Mar 20, 2008
Richard E. Rust, the son of Calvin Rust and Julia O. (Metheny) Rust, was born July 14, 1928, in Paducah, Ky., and departed this life March 18, 2008 at the age of 79 years 8 months and 4 days.
Richard was resident of the Goodhope and Ava area for the past 32 years moving from Springfield. Richard served his country during World War II and the Korean War with the U.S. Army and Air Force. He was employed as a supervisor with Emerson Electric for many years and later a door greeter with Wal-Mart.
Richard was a member of the Ava General Baptist and also attended the Goodhope Baptist Church.
In 1954, Richard and Lois Fox were united in marriage in Brainerd, Minn.
Lois precedes Richard in death.
In 2006, Richard and Joyce Harper were united in marriage in Paducah, Ky.
Richard was also preceded in death by his parents, two infant sons, two sisters, Betty and Margaret, and one brother, Melvin.
His survivors include his wife, Joyce, of the home, Goodhope; three daughters and their spouses, Julie and David Posey, Theresa and Rick Miller, all of Ava, and Cynthia Marie Muessig, and Dennis, of St. Charles; eight grandchildren, Kristin, Joshua, Kandace, Daniel, Seth, Zachary, Sarah, and Kyle; two great-grandchildren, Drake and Evan; two stepchildren, Tammy Pearce, Ava, and Jim Pearce, Theodosia; three step-grandchildren, Tabetha, Chelsa, and Lindsay; one step-great-grandchild, Mea; one brother, Kenneth Rust, of Minnesota; one sister, Carolyn Cummins, Atlanta, Ga.; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, March 21, in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, with the Rev. Oren Alcorn officiating. Interment will follow in the Ava Cemetery.
Visitation will be Thursday, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., in the funeral home. A military graveside service will be by the VFW 5993 and American Legion Post 112. Memorials may be made to St. Jude's or Ava General Baptist Church.
Amy E. Douglas, 95
Mar 27, 2008
Amy Elizabeth Douglas, 95, Mosby, Mo., passed away March 21, 2008 in Excelsior Springs.
Amy was born April 17, 1912 in Smallett, to Claud and Matilda Wimmer Phipps.
She married Ivan M. Douglas in Ava, on July 30, 1932.
They lived most of their married life in Mosby. She was a member of the Mosby Baptist Church since 1932. At the time of her death, she was the oldest member of the church. Her life was spent in dedication to her family and church.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Ivan; son J.C. Douglas; six brothers; five sisters; two grandchildren; and one son-in-law.
Amy is survived by three daughters, Nora Mae Edwards and Bob, of Ava, Georgia Gillham, of Kansas City, and Betty Cazzell, of Mosby; eight grandchildren, Stephen Cazzell and Julie, of Mosby, Connie Montagna and Mike, of Winchester, Calif., Kevin Cazzell and Sherry, of Lawson, Randy Cazzell and Debbie, of Excelsior Springs, Mark Cazzell and Lori, of Excelsior Springs, Rick Smith and Kim, of Sugarland, Texas, David Smith and Robyn, of Liberty, and Jacinda Walker and David, of Ava; five step-grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; several step-great-grandchildren; 15 great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Monday, March 24, at the Mosby Baptist Church with burial at Hillcrest Cemetery, Excelsior Springs.
In lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations in Amy's memory be made to Mosby Baptist Church.
Arrangements were by Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.
Ella R. Hutchison, 80
Mar 20, 2008
Ella R. Hutchison, daughter of Warren C. Davis and Julia (Burdan) Davis, was born on March 1, 1928 in Sweden, Mo., and went home to be with her Lord on March 15, 2008 in Cox South Hospital, Springfield, at the age of 80 years and 14 days.
Ella was a resident of the Ava community for most of her life. She was a housewife and homemaker. In 1986 Ella and Bernie Hutchison were united in marriage in Ava.
Ella was a member of The Church of the Living God. Ella enjoyed quilting, crocheting and embroidery. She loved being with her family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers, three sisters, two grandchildren, and her first husband, Homer Steward.
Her survivors include her husband, Bernie, of the home in Ava; one son, Jerry H. Steward, Salem; two daughters, Louella Strong, Dora, and Vicki Nelson, Manhattan, Kan.; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Services for Ella were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, at Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, with the Rev. Don Graham officiating. Interment followed in the Evansdale Cemetery east of Ava. Visitation was Tuesday from 6:30 to 7:30 in the funeral home.
The family requests memorials to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Alta Margaret Holmes, 83
Mar 20, 2008
Alta Margaret Holmes was born Aug. 3, 1924, the daughter of David Franklin Garrett and Mary Jane (Evans) Garrett, and celebrated her Heavenly homecoming March 14, 2008, at the age of 83 years 7 months and 11 days.
Margaret was a resident of Strafford for the past nine years, moving there from the Dogwood area where she had lived for 40 years.
On July 12, 1945 Margaret and L.V. Holmes were united in marriage in Paul's Valley, Okla.
Margaret and L.V. were blessed with six children.
Margaret was a member of the Marshfield Church of the Nazarene. She led a faithful Christian life and was a positive influence on her friends and family. Margaret loved gardening, cooking, word puzzles, music, and playing table games. She greatly enjoyed being with her family and friends.
Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and three sisters.
She is survived by her husband, L.V. Holmes; six children and spouses, Larry V. and Barbara Holmes, Seymour, T. Wayne and Zella Holmes, Battlefield, Robert (Bob) D. and Neyda Holmes, Monett, Donna G. Holmes, Strafford, Dan L. and Diane Holmes, Jonesboro, Ark., and Joseph (Jody) and Montez Holmes, Ozark; 20 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren; many special nieces and nephews; and a large extended family and numerous friends.
Services were at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 19, in the Marshfield Church of the Nazarene with Rev. Brian Letsinger and Rev. John Moles officiating. Interment followed in the Marshfield City Cemetery in Marshfield. Visitation was 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava.
Elaine Watson, 88
Mar 20, 2008
Elaine Watson was called to be with the Lord on March 17, 2008, at the age of 88.
She was born Virgie Elaine Oxley, Jan. 29, 1920, to the late John and Ora Oxley, and was united in marriage to Roy Watson on Sept. 6, 1950.
Elaine was blessed with six children, 16 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson.
Elaine’s survivors include her husband, Roy Watson, of Romance, Mo.; and children, Donald Egger and wife, Belva, of Nottinghill, Danny Egger and wife, Vivian, of Derby, Kan., Reva Thomas and husband, Alvin, of Wasola, Nina McCullough and husband, Russell, of Romance, Dennis Watson and wife, Wilma, of Wasola, and her son-in-law, Roscoe Beasley, of McPherson, Kan.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father; one sister, Moline; three brothers, Roy, Ray and Jay; her eldest daughter, Evelyn Beasley; and her great-granddaughter, Amanda Thomas.
Elaine had a huge heart and a beautiful smile. She loved to bake and was known for her cooking. Another passion was gardening and flowers.
Elaine was a very spiritual person and faithfully served her Lord. She attended and was a member of the Barren Fork Church of Christ. She believed prayer was a powerful tool and loved to spend Saturday evenings on her front porch reading her Bible. She loved gospel music and loved to sing as she worked.
Services will be Friday, March 21, at 10 a.m., at Clinkingbeard Funeral Home in Gainesville with E.J. Hampton officiating. Burial will be in Lutie Cemetery.
Visitation is 6-8 p.m. today (Thursday) at the funeral home.
