Rex Burk

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Rex Eugene Burk, 84, of Anderson, Missouri, a cherished husband, father, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, April 27, 2024, after months of failing health. Born on August 22, 1939, in Iowa City, Iowa, to the late Otto and Violet (Pickett) Burk. Rex's life was marked by dedication, hard work, and the love he had for his family.

His early years in Iowa City shaped the man he would become, instilling in him the values of honesty, perseverance, and the importance of family.

Rex embarked on a career that saw him work as a sanitation supervisor for various packing houses across the country. His work ethic and leadership skills were evident to all who worked with him, and he was respected by his colleagues for his fairness and dedication. Rex later took a position at Walmart in Jane, Missouri, where he worked for over ten years, earning the admiration and friendship of both customers and coworkers.

Rex's life was a testament to the love he had for his family. He was a devoted husband to his wife of sixty-five years, Connie Burk. Together, they built a life filled with joy, laughter, and an unbreakable bond. Rex was a proud father to his two sons, Ryan and Tim, who will carry on his legacy of kindness and integrity.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. at Mary Dean’s in Anderson. Cremation arrangements are under the care of Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.

Donna Carmichael

(From Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home)

On the morning of April 24, 2024, Donna Joan Carmichael, passed away peacefully at the Communities of Wildwood Ranch, in Joplin, Missouri. Donna was 92 years old.

Donna is survived by her three daughters, Velma Kidwell of Aurora, Colorado, Sherry Wells of Carthage, Missouri and Diona Valle of Lockwood, Missouri; six grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; as well as a host of other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her son, Kerry Pennington.

Graveside services for Donna are 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at the Sarcoxie Cemetery, Sarcoxie, Missouri, with Pastor Nate Gillen officiating. On-line condolences may be sent to the family through our website www.housh-goodwinfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home, Sarcoxie, Missouri.

Gerry Kramer

(From Brenner Mortuary)

Gerald "Gerry" Kramer, 83, of Pittsburg, Kansas, passed away on April 26, 2024, at his home.

Gerald was born on June 28, 1940 to Herman William "Bud" and Wilma (Krieger) Kramer in Moline, Illinois. He married Margaret "Peggy" Kramer on March 7th, 1969, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She survives of the home. 

He received his BA, MA, and PHD from the University of Iowa. He was a College Professor at Pittsburg State University, Northwest Missouri State University, and University of Wisconsin-Platteville. 

Gerry had many interests, he loved his family and collected old radio memorabilia, old western memorabilia, memorabilia from the state of Iowa and old comic books. He absolutely loved reading, he sometimes would have multiple books going at the same time. 

Gerry wrote numerous published articles, both professional and about his collecting hobbies. He authored three fiction books, one with his grandson Luke. Gerry loved to travel and do all the researching for every destination they stopped at. He truly loved life and he never wavered in his belief of a loving ever present God. To say he will be missed by family and friends is an understatement. Membership was held at the First United Methodist Church, Pittsburg Kiwanis, and the University of Iowa Alumni Association.

He is survived by his wife Margaret "Peggy" Kramer of Pittsburg, KS; two children, Geoffery S. Kramer of Pierce City, MO and Elisa Beth Nehrbass (Max) of Topeka, KS; daughter-in-law, Chrishna Paul of Wentworth, MO; four grandchildren, Luke Kramer, Hayden Kramer, Brock Kramer, and Alex Paul; and a sister, Lois Kelly(Dennis) of Moline, IL; nephews, Brian Kelly and Scott Kelly; sister-in-law Mary Elisabeth Bender (Steven) of Burnsville, MN; nieces, Laura Lindgren and Carrie Coughlin; nephew, David Bender; brother-in-law, Robert Cummings of Pittsburg, KS, brother-in-law, John H. Cummings (Jill) of El Paso, TX; nephews, Scott A. Cummings and Kevin Cummings; niece, Johanna Cummings Bernard; numerous great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, uncle Peter Krieger, and other aunts and uncles.

According to Gerry's wishes he has been cremated. Burial will take place at a later date in the Sharon Center Cemetery, Sharon Center, Iowa. Memorial donations can be made to the Wesley House. These may be left at or mailed to the Brenner Mortuary 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary.

Ron Ferguson

(From Daniel Funeral Home)

Ronald Guy Ferguson, age 74, of Rose Hill, Kansas passed away April 25, 2024, at Ascension Via Christi St Francis Hospital, in Wichita, Kansas.

Ronald started his journey in this world on May 4, 1949 in Pittsburg, Kansas to Normand Guy and Valene Mae Ferguson. He spent his childhood in the area, having many storybook adventures and learning the fine art of being in trouble. 

 

Later, his family moved to Halstead, Kansas. Here he completed his education while making many friends. When the Vietnam conflict continued to escalate, he chose to enlist in the U.S. Army to provide his services for battlefield communications. After his discharge, Ron married Ruth Ann Giefer on April 8, 1972. In the summer of 1974, Ron became a loving father to Patrick Ferguson.

Ron enjoyed several career paths including photography, electrician, car sales and food service. He was also an avid history buff and was known for collecting coins, stamps and many trinkets along the way. He was even an amateur genealogist.

In the Fall of 2020, Ron survived an apartment fire by the grace of God. He resided in the Cheney Care Home for his recovery and then graduated to assisted living in Rose Hill, Kansas.

Ron is preceded in death by both his parents. Survivors include his son, Patrick Ferguson and wife Sheila of Mount Hope, Kansas; six grandchildren, Xavier (Ella) Ferguson, Gabriel Ferguson, Michaela Ferguson, Dominic Ferguson, Cecilia Ferguson, and Sebastian Ferguson; and one sister, Patricia Homewood of Newton, Kansas.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, April 29, 2024, at Blackjack Cemetery in Asbury, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Ronald Ferguson Memorial Fund in care of his son Patrick Ferguson.

Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com.

Bruce Hoffman

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Bruce Wayne Hoffman, age 64, of Seneca, passed away on April 25th, 2024 in the comfort of his home surrounded by loved ones.

Bruce was born on April 6th, 1960 in Albany, CA to his parents Richard Hoffman and Charlotte Minter.

He lived in California most of his life where he met his loving wife, Cindy (Hughes). They were married on July 31st, 1982 and from their union they have two beautiful children Whitney and Jordan. They moved to Seneca, MO in 2018 where they lived happily together.

Bruce was in the insulation industry for over 30 years and proudly owned Hoffman Insulation in Turlock, CA.

Of his countless accomplishments, Bruce was best known for being an incredible husband, father, and papa. In addition, he loved to play the piano and used his talent to travel the United States with a gospel band in his youth. He loved children and had a gift for leading children's church and being a youth pastor. He loved the outdoors and spent as much time as he could in nature, often taking his family camping, boating, and exploring. Bruce enjoyed telling jokes and loved to make everyone laugh, and anyone close to him knew God and family were always his first priorities.

He is survived by his wife Cindy; his children Whitney [Sebastian] Mills, and Jordan [Stefanie] Hoffman; four grandchildren, Lennox Mills, Bettie Mills, Jack Mills, and Evelyn Hoffman; four sisters, Terry Soto, Cynthia Aldrich, Leah Kincheloe, and Connie Neill.

Bruce is preceded in death by his parents Richard Hoffman and Charlotte Minter.

Services will be held at 4:00pm, Monday, April 29th at Mason-Woodard, 3701 E 7th St, Joplin, MO 64801.

Arrangements in care of Mason-Woodard Mortuary and Crematory.

Steve Perry

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Stephen E. Perry, aged 73, passed away peacefully on April 25th, 2024. He was born on June 3rd, 1950, in Joplin, Missouri, to Robert and Rosebud Perry. He was a 1968 graduate of Joplin High School and lived in Chicago in his early adult years. 

He married Melissa Thacker on October 21st, 1982, and moved back to Joplin where he raised his family and spent the rest of his adult years. He worked as a finance manager in the car business and truly enjoyed the relationships made in his professional life. Steve was an avid golfer and spent many days with friends at Schifferdecker Golf Course.

He is survived by his son, Hunter (Lynsey) Perry of Joplin, and daughters, Lauren (Kendon) Porter of Joplin, and Rebecca Perry of Joplin, and his grandchildren Connor, Bianca, Reagan, Brooks, Thatcher, Kennedy, and Griffin. Steve was preceded in death by his wife, Melissa, his mother, Rosebud, and his father, Robert.

Family, friends, and others are invited to a memorial service at Mason Woodard Funeral Home in Joplin, Missouri, at 2:00pm on Tuesday, April 30th, to honor the life of Steve. A visitation will follow at 3:00pm.

Clif West

(From Parker Mortuary)

Clifford Eugene West, known to everyone as Clif, passed from this life on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, his 71st birthday.

Clif was extraordinarily driven, witty, brilliant, and artistic. After college, he was a teacher in Jefferson City, MO before moving to Frankfurt, Germany. Clif taught for the Department of Defense in Frankfurt for more than fifteen years before moving to Japan and South Korea. He eventually returned to the U.S. and lived in Washington, D.C. working as a government employee being the supervisor of all military education facilities.

In 2009 Clif suffered a devastating stroke, and moved home to Seneca, MO. He spent the last several years of his life in Warsaw, MO.

Clif was preceded in death by his parents, Bonnie House (Millard) and Bill West, and a beloved sister-in-law, Karen West.

He is survived by his brothers, Joe West and wife Susan and Dan West all of Seneca; four nieces, one nephew, several great nephews and nieces, and his best friend, Mary Ann.

Even with a myriad of health problems, Clif remained true to his artistic self and continued to draw and paint. He was a unique individual who made a unique place for himself in the world. His loved ones would like to share one of Clif’s favorite quotes by poet Oscar Wilde, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”

Clif will be taken for cremation with a private service to be held at a later date with inurnment of his ashes in Seneca Cemetery.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.