Alvin H. Walter Jr.
Alvin H. Walter Jr., 53, Springfield, died at 1:15 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 6, 2000, in his home after a one and a half year battle with cancer. He was born Oct. 18, 1946, in San Antonio, Texas, to Alvin H. Sr. and Florence Fisk Walter. He married Marcia Yeargain on June 3, 1966. He worked for Zenith for 24 years and, after graduating from Ozarks Technical College, he worked for L & W. Industries. He joined Glenstone Baptist Church in July 1985. He was preceded in death by his father and his stepfather, Keith Kellum. He is survived by his wife, Marcia Walter of the home; two daughters, Marilyn Eagan of Little Rock, Ark., and Erica Field and her husband, Ben, of Springfield; a grandson, Kyle Egan, and a granddaughter, Bailey Egan; his mother, Florence Kellum of Clovis, N.M.; his stepmother, Charlotte Walter of Prescott, Ariz.; two sisters, Hazel Whitlock of Albuquerque, N.M., and Kathy Selvey of Rossville, Ind.; a stepbrother, Earl Ley of Bellevue, Wash.; his father and mother-in-law, Bill and Opal Yeargain of Bolivar; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. today (Wednesday) in Glenstone Baptist Church, Springfield, with Pastor Pat Ward officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Building for Tomorrow Fund at Glenstone Baptist Church, 413 S. Glenstone, Springfield, MO 65802.
Beatrice A. Ridenour
Beatrice A. Ridenour, 88, Greenfield, died Saturday, Aug. 19, 2000, in Citizens Memorial Hospital. She was born Sept. 16, 1911, in Corry, the daughter of Clyde Monroe and Ida Ellen "Kate" Glenn Hall. She married William Arthur Ridenour on Aug. 12, 1961, in El Reno, Okla. He preceded her in death in 1985. She was a member of the Christian Church. She was employed by Republic Supply Co. as an office clerk for more than 40 years in Oklahoma City, Okla., and she was a member of the Eastern Star and the Business and Professional Women's Club. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Hubert and Bill Hall, and a sister, Bernice Hall. Survivors include a son, Barry W. "Jack" Campbell of Vidor, Texas; a daughter, Patricia B. Campbell of Galveston, Texas; four nieces, two nephews and several grandchildren. Services were Monday, Aug. 21, in Greenfield Cemetery with the Rev. Gene Burnside officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Greenfield Funeral Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to Dade County Nursing Home.
Billie G. Smith
Billie G. Smith, 77, Dunnegan, died Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2000, in her home. She was born March 20, 1923, in Dade County to Charles Henry and Jessie Lee Keller Kelley. She graduated from Lockwood High School. She was married to Gerald David Smith on May 4, 1941, in Greenfield. To this union one daughter, Becky Sue Smith, was born. She was preceded in death by her father and mother; two brothers, Lester Kelley and Beldin Kelley; and four sisters, Flavel Twell, Mildred Hildreth, Johnnie Stiles and Jenny Morehouse. Survivors include her husband of 59 years, Gerald David Smith; her daughter, Becky Sue Smith of Dunnegan; two sisters, Helen Jo Burnett of Joplin and Ruby Garber of Baxter Spring, Kan.; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Services were Saturday, Sept. 2, in Lockwood Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Danny Decker officiating. Burial followed in Lockwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lockwood Cemetery.
Clarence J. Bays
Clarence Jake Bays of Half Way passed away at 2:32 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, 2000, in his residence at the age of 78 years and six days after a long battle with cancer. Clarence was born Aug. 11, 1922, in Dunnegan, the son of Jesse and Carrie Bays. He had four brothers and four sisters. On June 15, 1942, Clarence Bays and Rosa Etta Farmer were united in marriage. To this union nine children were born: Janice, Gloria, Larry, Garry, Jackie, Kent, Rodney, Alan and Ronnie. In 1943 Clarence was drafted into the U.S. Army to help fight for his country in World War II. He engaged in battles in the Rhineland, Central Europe and Normandy, France. He was wounded in action in December 1944 in France. He was awarded four Good Conduct medals, a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star before being honorably discharged on Oct. 22, 1945. In 1953 at 31 years of age, Clarence was saved at the Schofield Missionary Baptist Church. Soon afterwards he was baptized by Bro. Web Foster and at that time placed his church membership at Schofield. Later he moved his membership to Goodson Missionary Baptist Church, where he remained a faithful member until his death. A lifelong farmer, he enjoyed trading cattle and hogs at area sale barns. He was an avid fisherman and took pleasure in spending time with his family and visiting with his friends. He would drive long distances to attend church revivals. He was preceded in death by an infant son, Ronnie Lynn Bays; his parents; three brothers, Charlie, Glen and Richard Bays; three sisters, Florence Bowers, Effie Frazier and Annie York; and six grandchildren. Clarence is survived by his wife, Rosa Bays, of the home; two daughters, Janice Kay Powell and her husband, John, of Cedar Creek and Gloria Fay Simpson of Bolivar; six sons, Larry Bays of Goodson, Garry Bays and his wife, Bonnie, Jackie Bays and his wife, Janet, Kent Bays, Rodney Bays and Alan Bays and his wife, Sheila, all of Half Way; one brother, Earshal Bays and his wife, Carolyn, of Bolivar; one sister, Nellie Roberts of Springfield (formerly of Bolivar); two sisters-in-law, Lorene Bays of Humansville and Ruth Underwood of Bolivar; 13 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He will be greatly missed. Services were Monday, Aug. 21, in Butler Funeral Home with Bro. Donald Bybee and Bro. Chris Jackson officiating. Music was provided by the Goodson Missionary Baptist Church choir. Casketbearers were Larry Bays, Garry Bays, Jackie Bays, Kent Bays, Rodney Bays, Alan Bays and John Powell. Burial was in Salem Cemetery north of Bolivar with full military honors conducted by the Galmey VFW Post No. 9638. Memorial contributions may be made to the Citizens Memorial Hospital Hospice.
Danny E. Simpson
Danny Edward Simpson, 50, Bolivar, formerly of Cassville, died Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2000, in Texarkana, Ark. He was born Aug. 25, 1949, in Winfield, Kan., the son of Francis D. and Jo Annette Redmond Simpson. He received his education in Cassville. Upon entering the U.S. Navy, he went to the Great Lakes. He was a truck driver and was most recently employed with Raycore Trucking Co. in Strafford. He had been a fireman for the city of Winfield, Kan., and was a member of the National Guard. He was united in marriage to Loree Slack, and to this union one son was born. On Aug. 12, 1994, in Miami, Okla., he married Pauline Banister, who survives. Also surviving are his son, Daniel Simpson of Hutchinson, Kan.; his mother, Jo Winston of Cassville; two stepsons, Cliff Zolman and Mike Zolman; two stepdaughters, Jennifer Boyle of Winfield, Kan., and Tammy Lee Smith of Bolivar; a brother, Rick Simpson of Miami, Okla.; a sister, Sharon Simpson of Long Beach, Calif.; and five step-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father. Graveside services were Monday, Aug. 7, in Corinth Cemetery with the Rev. Mike Davidson officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Williamson Funeral Home, Cassville.
David W. Reed
David Wooderson Reed, 79, Bolivar, died of heart failure at 9:55 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, 2000, at Parkview Healthcare Facility. Born May 7, 1921, in Bolivar, he was the youngest son of Arthur Clyde Reed Sr. and Dixie Beryl Wooderson Reed. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marcine D. Reed, on May 20, 1999; both his parents in 1954; and his older brothers and their wives, John Richard and Maggie Meeks Reed and Arthur Clyde Jr. "Bud" and Alexine "Sis" Cooper Reed, all of San Antonio, Texas. David attended Alamo Heights Elementary, Junior High and High School in San Antonio, Texas, and was male valedictorian of his graduating class. He then attended Southwest Baptist College, graduating as salutatorian with an A.A. degree in 1940. David married Anita Marcine Davison, daughter of Eunice Mae Standley Davison and Melvin M. Davison, on Aug. 21, 1940, in Bolivar. They had three children: Bettyann, Susan and David Alan "D.A." Reed. David earned a B.S. in education at the University of Missouri in 1942, completed his master's degree at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Mich., taught in Mexico, Brazil and the University of Missouri at Columbia, then returned to Ann Arbor, Mich., to complete his Ph.D. in the English language in 1948. David taught at the University of California at Berkeley, Calif., first in the English department, then the Department of Linguistics. He attained the rank of full professor in 1961. He served the university as chairman of the Department of Linguistics from 1964 to 1969. He moved to Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill., in 1970, where he again served as chairman of the linguistics department from 1971 to 1973. Davie retired from Northwestern in 1986 and returned, with Marcine, to Bolivar, where he taught for one more year as a visiting professor of English at Southwest Baptist University. In his 45 years of teaching, David taught Old and Middle English literature, Chaucer, history of the English language, linguistics and literary analysis, and English as a foreign language. He was a recognized authority on dialects of American English. At Berkeley, he founded and was the first director of the Linguistic Atlas of the Pacific Coast. In addition to his accomplishments as a teacher, David was an excellent administrator and served on many university administrative committees throughout his professional life. David edited and contributed to various professional journals, including Language Learning, Names, and American Speech. He also contributed to the Encyclopedia Britannica. In addition, he served as a consultant to the public school system of Dade County, Fla., on teaching English to bilingual children (Cuban refugees) and developing reading programs to further this goal. David received numerous professional honors and awards during his career, including a Rockefeller Foundation Fellowship, 1942-43, and University Fellowships, 1946-48, at the University of Michigan; a Fulbright Grant to teach in West Germany, 1957-58; a Life Service Award from Southwest Baptist College, 1958; and a Fellowship for the Improvement of Instruction at UC Berkeley, 1967-68. He also served on many committees and executive councils at both UC Berkeley and Northwestern University, as well as in several professional and honorary societies in his field. After their retirement and return to Bolivar in 1986, David and Marcine became charter members of the Friends of Polk County Library, and David served as a member of the board for two years. David and Marcine both enjoyed recreational travel, and they visited all 50 states and many foreign countries over the course of their lifetimes. David was originally baptized in the Christian Church in Bolivar. Later he and Marcine joined the Episcopal Church in California, and he was an active member in every parish where he was a communicant. With four other families, David and Marcine helped to found St. Alban's Episcopal Church in Bolivar. He served his church and the diocese in many ways and became the first lay preacher of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwestern Missouri. David moved to Parkview Healthcare Facility in March 1999 when complications of his health required more care than his family could provide. David is survived by his three children, Bettyann Reed and Susan Reed, both of Bolivar, and David A. Reed of Oakland, Calif.; his daughter in spirit, Sage; six grandchildren and their spouses, Rachel Reed Dushoff Hess (Danny Hess) of North Myrtle Beach, S.C., Anita Marcine Reed-Hooper (Rod Hooper) of Urbana, David Charles Bird (Sheila Renee Sather Bird) of Euless, Texas, Jennifer Diane Reed of San Luis Obispo, Calif., Michael Wise Reed of San Diego, Calif., and Alexander David Reed of Oakland, Calif. He is also survived by two great-granddaughters, Sarah Marcine Reed and Mariah Nicole Reed of Urbana; four step-great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Mary Vevelle Davison Lodge of Muskogee, Okla.; two brothers-in-law, Jack Davison of New York, N.Y., and Ralph Richner of Bolivar; a second cousin, Bette Jean Killingsworth Winslow of El Prado, N.M.; and numerous other relatives of Marcine, as well as friends and colleagues worldwide. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. today (Wednesday) in Butler Funeral Home. The service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 31, at St. Alban's in the Ozarks Episcopal Church with Father John West as celebrant. The Rev. Ruth West and the Rev. Brenda Sickle will serve as deacons, and Lee Schmidt will serve as crucifer. Musical selections will be by the congregation with Kathy Brown as organist. Pallbearers will be David A. Reed, David Bird, Rod Hooper, Robert Richner, Gary Elliott and Richard Gibson. Honorary pallbearers will be Ralph Richner, Charles Neuhart, Bo Russell and John Buchholz. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Polk County Library Book Fund in memory of David W. Reed and his great love of learning.
Donnie I. Shewey
Donnie Irene Shewey was born July 28, 1932, at Long Lane, the daughter of Henry Julius and Eathel Jane Tadlock Evans. She departed this life on Monday, Aug. 7, 2000, at the age of 68 years and 10 days. She was married May 26, 1948, to Lawrence Lee Shewey. Donnie was miraculously saved in 1954 in a Nazarene church in Wichita, Kan. Her husband, Lee, was saved in 1956 and called to the ministry in 1959. Donnie helped her husband in revivals and in pastoring different churches. She used her God-given talent for singing in many churches over the years. In the last few years, Donnie, her daughter and grandsons sang and played as the Shewey Family Singers. At the time of her death she was attending the Pentecostal Church of God in Bolivar, and, as her health permitted, the Shewey Family provided the music for Sunday morning altar service. She fought a good fight and kept the faith, and through the blood of Jesus and God's amazing grace she has now won the race. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lee; her parents; and two brothers, Marion Howard and Robert Evans. Donnie is survived by two daughters, Isabelle Duryee and her husband, Joe, of Bolivar and Flowella Combs of Buffalo; a special friend, Garland Farmer of Buffalo; six grandchildren, Jim Duryee and his wife, Connie, of Bolivar, Joy Duryee Hickman and her husband, Jeff, of Springfield, J. Logan Duryee of Springfield, Nathan Hague and his wife, Melissa, of Buffalo, Chris Hague and his wife, Julie, of Bolivar and Lawrence Combs of Buffalo; four great-granddaughters, Abigail and Alex Duryee, Courtney Hickman and Savannah Hague; three great-grandsons, Logan Robert Duryee, Nathan Lee Hague and Joseph Michael Hague. To her great-grandchildren she was known as "Granny Mom." Donnie is also survived by two brothers, John Herbert Evans of Fillmore and Orel W. Evans of Buffalo; two sisters-in-law, Lorea Evans and Elna Howard, both of Long Lane; a brother-in-law, James Shewey of Burlington Junction; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dillard and Margaret Shewey Belt of Windyville; two great-aunts, Julia Mae Burtin of Blue Springs and Sarabelle Darby of Strafford; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends, all of whom will miss her very much. Services were Wednesday, Aug. 9, in the Cedar Ridge Freewill Baptist Church, Long Lane, with the Revs. Don Rogers and Harold Johnson officiating. Music was by the Rev. Larry Grey, soloist, accompanied by Peggy Rogers. Casketbearers were John Evans, Virgil Evans, Mervin Garrison, James Hicks, Gary Howard and Dale Lane. Honorary escorts were Curtis Adams, Buck Austin, Glen Carter and Gene Kates. Interment was in Cedar Rdige Cemetery under the direction of Montgomery-Viets Funeral Home, Buffalo.
Dora O. Follis
Dora O. Follis, 88, Springfield, died at 11:28 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10, 2000, in St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield, following a short illness. The daughter of Frank and Emma Kolman Mollowensky, she was born Nov. 21, 1911, near Willard. She was a longtime resident of the Willard and Springfield area. She was a homemaker and a member of St. John's E.R. United Church of Christ, Springfield, where she was active with the quilters' guild. She was a longtime member of the Flint Hill Extension Club. She was married to Carl F. Follis on Jan. 28, 1934, and they shared more than 52 years together. To this union two sons were born. Her husband preceded her in death May 26, 1986. She is survived by her two sons and daughters-in-law, Frank and Marilyn Follis of Bolivar and John and Beverly Follis of Springfield; five grandchildren, Jay, Joe, Jack, Kameron and Quincy Follis; three great-grandchildren, Kaleb, Kolby and Jacy Follis; and one sister, Ruth Berry of Willard. Services were Tuesday, Aug. 15, in Robberson Prairie Baptist Church, Willard, with the Rev. Sol Codillo, Jr. officiating. Interment followed in Robberson Prairie Cemetery under the direction of Wilson Brim-Daniel Funeral Home, Ash Grove.
Dwayne M. Brich
Dwayne M. Brich, 64, Half Way, died Friday, Aug. 18, 2000, at St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield. The son of Paul and Emma Winchell Brich, he was born Jan. 4, 1936, in Half Way. On June 30, 1955, he was united in marriage with Virginia Ruth Stout, and to this union were born two sons. He had lived on the family farm near Half Way for the past five years since retiring as an aircraft inspector for Trans World Airlines in Kansas City, where he was a member of the I.A.M. Machinists Union. He is survived by his wife, Ruth; two sons, Cameron Brich and his wife, Theresa, of Collierville, Tenn., and Darrell Brich and his wife, Tobi, of Kansas City, Kan.; a brother, Cameron Brich of Bolivar; three sisters, Doris Meadows of Ocala, Fla., Deloris Presley of Brighton and Judy Musser of Houston, Texas; and four grandchildren, Erica, Scott, Cody and Morgan. Services were Tuesday, Aug. 22, in Montgomery-Viets Chapel, Buffalo, with the Rev. Scott Carlton officiating. Recorded musical selections included "In The Garden" and "Closer Walk with Thee." Casketbearers were Robert Lamar, Delbert Barber, Lee Oldham, Mike Stewart, Dolan Harmon and Robert Stayton. Burial was in Salem Cemetery at Cliquot.
Ed Hughes
Harold Edwin "Ed" Hughes, 83, Bolivar, died early Monday morning, Aug. 7, 2000, in the Veterans Home in Mount Vernon. He was born Dec. 12, 1916, in Pike County, the son of Thomas Jefferson and Grace Irene Hughes. On May 29, 1948, he was united in marriage with Wilma Alice Houx in Warrensburg. He graduated from the University of Missouri in 1941 with a degree in agriculture and was a soil scientist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture until his retirement in January 1981. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Thomas Jefferson Hughes; and a brother, Joseph Clinton Hughes. He is survived by his wife, Wilma, of the home; four children, Jennifer Hughes Thompson, Bolivar, James Edwin Hughes, state of North Carolina, Mary Grace Erkes, state of Texas, and William Robert Hughes, state of Arizona; two granddaughters and five grandsons. Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, at the Bolivar United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dan Adkison officiating. Burial will be at a later date. Cremation was under the direction of Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, Springfield. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bolivar United Methodist Church Building Fund.
