Glenn Eldon Sell
Glenn Eldon Sell was born may 12, 1935, in Claremore, Okla., the son of Oscar Eldon and Elsie Inez Blackwell Sell.
He grew up and attended school in Piper, Kan., where he excelled in basketball, football and track.
He graduated from high school in 1954. Glenn served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1954 to 1958.
After his honorable discharge, he traveled around.
He made his home in Kansas City during the 1950s and '60s where he founded Edcore Safety and served in the Kansas City Police and Fire Department.
From Kansas City, he moved to Detroit where he worked in sales.
He moved to Bellville, Texas, in 1976 and had made his home in Sealy, Texas, since the early 1980s, where he owned and operated Town and County Real Estate until his death.
He enjoyed coin collecting and computers.
Although he enjoyed rodeoing and saddle bronc riding, Glenn used to say, "There's got to be a better way to make a living than this."
He passed away suddenly Saturday, May 26, 2001, in Houston, having celebrated his 66th birthday.
He is survived by his aunt Elva Blackwell of Bolivar; nieces and nephews, Mildred Frances Sell of Kansas City, Rebecca Martens of Chicago, Ill., Carolyn Sell Zinn of Elkland, David A. Sell of Peculiar, John F. Sell of Poteau, Okla., Donald Wayne Sell II of Kearney, Jeffrey F. Sell of Lancaster, Kan., Tracy Keeling of Overland, Kan., Tammy Sell of Cummins, Kan., Deborah Sell Kordes of Osage, Okla., and Sissy Bass of Bellville, Texas; great-niece, Shawn M. Hunt of Springfield; and numerous other great-nieces and nephews and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and one nephew.
Funeral services for Glenn E. Sell were held Thursday, May 31, 2001, at the Schmidt Funeral Home Chapel in Bellville, Texas, with the Rev. Tom Knight officiating.
Graveside funeral services were Saturday, June 2, in the Flemington Cemetery in Flemington under the direction of Pitts Chapel.
Memorial gifts to the Glenn Sell Memorial Fund may be made in care of The National Bank of Bellville, 100 E. Main, Bellville TX 77418
Arlington Ernest "Arlie" Sherrard
Arlington Ernest "Arlie" Sherrard, Bolivar, was born on Feb. 24, 1922, in Lohrville, Iowa, the son of Robert Marshall and Blanche McCready Sherrard. He passed away on Thursday, May 31, 2001, at 10:08 p.m. in Citizens Memorial Hospital, Bolivar, after a brief illness, at the age of 79 years, 3 months and 7 days.
After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.
Arlie was happiest out in his shop working on small motors.
Once in a while he would take time out to go fishing, but he couldn't wait to get home and work on those motors.
Arlie had a couple of hobbies that he really enjoyed and they were weather watching and trap shooting.
On July 2, 1950, he was united in marriage to Avis and they had two lovely children (twins), Connie and Ronnie.
They met because his mother had Avis picked out for him before he got out of the service, so when he came home, she introduced him to a special girl, and mom did a good job.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister and brother-in-law, Lavern and Claude West, and his brother, Robert Sherrard.
He is survived by his wife, Avis Sherrard; one son, Ronald Lee Sherrard; one daughter, Constance Lynn; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law, Margaret Eskee of Buffalo, Dolores Heizelman of Columbia and Dorothy Sherrard of Northwood, Iowa; a brother-in-law and his wife, Roger E. and Clarice Miller of Bellevue, Neb.; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral Services were held on Sunday, June 3, 2001 in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Dan Adkison officiating.
Burial will be today (Wednesday) at 1:30 p.m. in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood, Iowa.
Gerald "Jerry" David Smith
Gerald "Jerry" David Smith of Dunnegan, formerly of Lockwood, departed this life on Monday, May 21, 2001, in St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield.
Gerald was born on Aug. 28, 1921, in Golden City to Herbert and Maude Greely Smith.
He was married to Billie Georgia Kelly on May 4, 1941, in Greenfield.
Billie preceded Gerald in death on Aug. 30, 2000.
Mr. Smith served his country in the Navy in World War II.
He was a member of the Carpenters Local 61 and had received his 50 years Gold card.
He had been a district chairman.
Preceding him in death are his father and mother; his wife, Billie Smith; five brothers, Loren, Max, Al, Bob, and Milton "Mip" Smith; and one sister, Denzel.
Survivors include one daughter, Becky Sue Smith of Dunnegan; one sister, Clarice Selvey of Webb City; a host of nieces and nephews and other family.
He will be greatly missed by all.
Services were Thursday, May 24, in Lockwood Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Danny Decker officiating, with military rites by Lockwood American Legion Post No. 372.
Burial followed in Lockwood Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Lockwood Cemetery.
REV. DENNIS EDWARD SPEAR
Dennis Edward Spear, was born February 10, 1924, in his family's home near Louisburg, MO.
He was the son of Joe and Nora (Harris) Spear.
He departed this life at 5:55 AM, Friday, May 4, 2001 at the age of 77 years, 2 months, and 24 days.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Dorothy, his five children; Denise Jessen and her husband Don, Neosho, MO; Diane Clark and her husband Norm, Alamosa, CO; Donna Gaynor and her husband Gaylord, Pleasant Hope, MO; Doyle Spear and his wife Ronda, Halfway, MO; and Denelle Spear, Halfway, MO. Eight grandchildren, Jeff Jessen, Christine Regan, and her husband Tony, Sarah Rovenstine and her husband Chuck, Holly Jessen, Steven Gaynor, Melinda Jones and her husband Casey, Michael Spear and Morgan Spear.
Also three great-grandchildren, Justin and Jarrett Rovenstine, and Cassidy Opal Regan.
Other survivors include his two brothers, Marion and Joe, and two sisters, Merlee Parker and Wanda Fastle, and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Dennis graduated from Emma D. High School at Goodson, and later joined the United States Navy during World War II and served in the South Pacific.
Dennis was saved at Lindley Creek Church when he was a boy between the age of 12 and 13.
He was a member of the Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church at the time of his death.
He was ordained by Lindley Creek in 1957 and pastored churches in Polk, Dallas, Jasper and Hickory counties for over 40 years.
He held numerous revivals and drove many, many miles preaching the gospel and serving God.
Dennis and Dorothy were married September 21, 1947, at their home near Louisburg.
They made their home there until 1956 when they moved north of Halfway, where he resided until his death.
Dennis loved farming and always worked hard at whatever he did, whether it was farming or serving God.
He was always willing to help a neighbor or anyone else in need, and he made friends everywhere he went.
He loved his family very much, and truly enjoyed the time they spent together.
He will be sadly missed and often remembered by his family and friends.
Funeral services for Dennis E. Spear were held on Sunday, May 6, 2001 at 2:00 PM in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Doyle Mayfield and Bro. Joe Sprague officiating.
Musical soloist was David Barham, with Janice Barham as the Pianist.
Gene Agee was the Songleader.
Burial was in the Ragsdale Cemetery northeast of Halfway under the direction of the Butler Funeral Home of Bolivar.
Casketbearers were: Jeff Jessen, Tony Regan, Chuck Rovenstine, Steven Gaynor, Casey Jones, and Michael Spear.
Memorial contributions may be give to the American Cancer Society or the Community Hospices of America-Southwest Missouri.
Donations may be sent to Butler Funeral Home, P.O. Box 11-Bolivar, MO 65613
Tessley D. Swearengin
Tessley "Red" D. Swearengin, 57, Collins, died Thursday, May 17, 2001, at St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City.
He was an automobile mechanic, working several years for Bill Roberts Chevrolet in Bolivar, and was a long-time area resident of Collins.
He was born Nov. 18, 1943, at Theodosia, the son of Roy L. and Alaska Herd Swearengin.
Survivors include two sons, Keeton Swearengin of Wheatland and Billy Swearengin of Collins; three daughters, Karmin Giroua of Wichita, Kan., Chris Swearengin of Cross Timbers and Kelle Huntsman of Wheatland; his parents, Roy and Alaska Swearengin of Collins; two brothers, Lesley Swearengin of Shawnee Mission, Kan., and Darrell Swearengin of Stockton; two sisters, Wanda Cassell and Thelma Underwood of Stockton; and eight grandchildren. Services were Saturday, May 19, at Hathaway-Peterman Funeral Home Chapel, Wheatland, with the Rev. Kent Parson officiating.
Burial was in Holsapple-Freeman Cemetery in Collins.
Marie Walden
Amanda Marie Walden, 88 of Bolivar died on at 5 a.m. Friday, May 25, 2001, in Parkview Health Care Facility in Bolivar after a short illness.
She was born on Sept. 16, 1912, in Dallas County, the daughter of Walter David and Rebecca Jane Gann Wilkerson.
In 1956, she was united in marriage to Price Baker Walden, and had been a Polk County resident for the past 44 years.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers.
Marie is survived by her husband of 44 years, Price Baker Walden; two daughters, Doris and her husband, William L. Hooper, of Bolivar and Helen Marie Gill of Ozark; one brother, Fred Otis Wilkerson of Springfield; three sisters, Violetta Craig of Springfield, Edna Ewing of Roaoke, Va., and Hazel Broad of Broken Arrow, Okla.; and seven grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
Services were Tuesday, May 29, in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel, Bolivar, with the Rev. William L. Hooper officiating and a reading by Donna Nelson.
Music will be provided by George and Susan Baker.
Burial was in Greenlawn Cemetery, Springfield.
Casketbearers were Bill Hooper Jr., Rick Hughlett, Steve Hughlett, Kelly Wester, Mark Duree and Gene Nelson.
Donald Clay Whitlock
Donald Clay Whitlock, 53, Pleasant Hope, passed away Thursday, May 8, 2001, in his home after an extended battle with cancer.
He was born Jan. 2, 1948, in Springfield to Scotty Clay and Mildred Elene Freeman Whitlock.
Both preceded him in death.
He was united in marriage to Laurie Marie Albright on Feb. 6, 1971, and to this union, two sons were born, Justin Clay and Jim Ellis.
Don grew up on his family's farm and was active in FFA.
After graduating from Pleasant Hope High School in 1966, he served four years in the U.S. Air Force.
He retired as a rural mail carrier for the Pleasant Hope Post Office on Feb. 2, 2001, after 22 years of service.
He was a member of the Methodist Church and served his community as a school board member, member of the rural fire department board and city council. He earned his private pilot's license in 1983 and enjoyed flying, building and restoring airplanes.
He also enjoyed spending time in the outdoors hunting, fishing and playing golf.
He is survived by his wife, Laurie; two sons, Justin and his wife, D'Nette, of Amarillo, Texas, and Jim of Springfield; two grandsons, Austin and Coltin; three brothers, Dave and his wife, Janet, and Darrell, all of Pleasant Hope, and Dale and his wife, Sheila, of Amarillo, Texas; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Services were Friday, May 11, in Klingner Mortuary Chapel, Springfield, with the Rev. Harold Hendrickson and the Rev. Keith Lee officiating.
Burial was in Mount Comfort Cemetery. Pallbearers were Wes Campbell, Bob Harralson, Mickey Hillenburg, Don Kimble, Larry Skidmore and Mike Stokes.
"In the Garden," "Amazing Grace," "It is Well With My Soul" and "Open My Eyes" were sung by Theresa Hillenbuug and Connie Robertson with Gail Devore as pianist.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Hospice of Southwest Missouri.
William P. Wright
William P. "Pete" Wright went to meet the Lord on Friday, May 18, 2001.
He walked on this earth for 90 years.
He was a former teamster construction worker in Kansas City and retired to Bolivar in 1973 with his family.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ruby L. Wright of the home; six children, Joyce Wright, Diane Floyd of Bolivar, Linda Browning of El Dorado Springs, Buddy Wright of Grandview, Gregory Wright of Bolivar and Jana Wright of Springfield; seven grandchildren, Brenda Spruance and Kenny Floyd, both of Springfield, Shane Floyd of Bolivar, Debbie Peres of Overland Park, Kan., Sharri Hacker of Independence, and Amber Clark and Tracy Wright, both of Grandview; four great-grandchildren, Dylan Spruance and Brady Spruance, both of Springfield, and Melinda Hacker and Jessica Hacker, both of Independence.
In honoring Mr. Wright's request, his body has been cremated and a private family burial will take place at a later date in Greenwood Cemetery.
The family requests that anyone reading this take a moment to tell someone you love them and are grateful for their presence in your life. Arrangements are under the direction of Pitts Chapel.
Jackie Howard Wrinkle
Jackie Howard Wrinkle, 65, Rolla, died Wednesday, May 9, 2001, at his home after a lingering illness.
He was born in Bolivar on Feb. 13, 1936, to Willard Thomas and Augusta Alberta Ammerman Wrinkle who preceded him in death.
He attended Bolivar public schools until 1953 when his family moved to California.
After completing his high school education, he joined the U.S. Navy and retired after 20 years as a Chief Naval Officer.
After retiring, he served as a Naval Recruiter in the Rolla and Springfield area for some time.
Survivors include his wife, Jean of the home; one son, Richard of Redding, Calif.; two daughters, Sandra Kurts or Eureka and Tracy Beavers of Dow, Ill.; one stepdaughter, Shanna Deardorf; two stepsons, Darin and Tom Deardorf; five grandsons, three granddaughters and one step-granddaughter; one aunt, Eunice Payne of Springfield; two brothers, Baryl Gene Wrinkle of Stockton and Willard Thomas Wrinkle of Redding, Calif.; and four sisters, Dixie Loui Payne of Goodson, Shirley Ann Church and Sharron Kay Bradley of Shasta Lake City, Calif., and Norma Lee Culbertson of Weed, Calif.
Also surviving are a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Services were held in Kordes Funeral Home in Rolla on Friday, May 11, with burial in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis with full military honors.
