Obituaries

Joanne Garrett

Joanne Garrett

Joanne Garrett, 87, Joplin, Mo.

Joanne Josephine Garrett, 87, Joplin, Mo., died Friday, April 17, 2026.Born November 2, 1938, in Baxter Springs, Joanne was the daughter of Marvin and Josephine (Savute) Sills.Joanne was a woman who found meaning in caring for others and she carried that spirit into every part of her life.
Carl Maples

Carl Maples

Carl Maples, 92, Joplin, Mo.

Carl Eugene Maples, 92, Joplin, Mo., died Friday, April 17, 2026.He was born April 2, 1934, in Jasper, Mo.Carl was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Darrell Belcher

Darrell Belcher

Darrell Belcher, 87, Oswego

Darrell Gene Belcher, 87, Oswego, died at 2:41 Thursday, April 16, 2026.Born July 14, 1938, Darrell was the son of Carl Gene Belcher and Geneva Orvilla (Bain) Belcher. He had spent several decades living in Nevada, Mo. before moving to Oswego in the 1970’s.
Gary Scott

Gary Scott

Gary Scott, 81, Riverton

Gary Wayne Scott, 81, Riverton, died peacefully Monday, April 13, 2026 Born September 29, 1944, Gary was the son of Skip Scott and Betty Scott.Gary was raised on a dairy farm in Kansas, where he developed a love for the land and hunting.
Bruce Shanks

Bruce Shanks

Bruce Shanks, 66, Columbus

Bruce Johnny Shanks, 66, Columbus, died Friday, April 10, 2026 at Cox South Hospital in Springfield, Mo. surrounded by members of his congregation, pastor and family.Born July 2, 1959, at Maude Norton Hospital in Columbus, Bruce was the son of Orlan and Lucille Shanks.
Frank Grispino Sr.

Frank Grispino Sr.

Frank Grispino Sr., 89, Maryville, Mo.

Frank Darrell Grispino, Sr., 89, Maryville, Mo., died Saturday, April 12, 2026.Frank died from a broken heart, a testament to the depth of his love for his late wife, Vicki. Frank was a man of immense character and stature, living a life defined by a fierce, unwavering devotion to his family.
Mary Coffee

Mary Coffee

Mary Coffee, 82, Joplin, Mo.

Mary Louise (Conley) Coffee, 82, Joplin, Mo., a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, died peacefully from natural causes Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Joplin, Mo.Born January 6, 1944, in Syracuse, Mary was the daughter of Norton and Kathryn (Eaton) Gordon.
Alexander Stayton

Alexander Stayton

Alexander Stayton, 18, Commerce, Okla.

Alexander O’Brian Lee Stayton, 18, Commerce, Okla., died unexpectedly early Saturday, April the 11, 2026, at Mercy Joplin, Mo.Born July 8, 2007, in Fayetteville, Ark., Alexander was the son of Benny and Leslie (Chasten) Stayton. He was currently in his senior year of high school.

Harvey Cornwell, 81, Chetopa

Harvey Cornwell, 81, Chetopa, died the morning of Monday, April 13, 2026, at Galena Nursing Center in Galena.Complete obituary details and funeral arrangements will be announced by the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Chetopa.
Patricia Girton

Patricia Girton

Patricia Girton, 78, Joplin, Mo.

Patricia “Patti” Ann Girton, 78, Joplin, Mo., died Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in Joplin, Mo., leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness and devoted service to others.Born July 23, 1947, in Joplin, Mo., Patti was the daughter of the late Charles and Patricia Ross.