Raymond Hamblin, 81, Franklin

Raymond Lee Hamblin, 81, Franklin, died June 8, 2025, at his home in Franklin.Born September 13, 1943, in Columbus, Raymond was the son of Leslie LeRoy and Raydell Ellen (DeWitt) Hamblin.He graduated from Weir High School in 1961.

Steven Smith, 77, Joplin, Mo.

Steven Joseph Smith, 77, Joplin, Mo., died Monday, June 9, 2025 at his home.Born October 4, 1947, in Weir, Steven was the son of Lawrence Smith and Donna Marie Larson.

Helen Weir, 82, Baxter Springs

Helen Beth Weir, 82 Baxter Springs, died Monday, June 9, 2025 at Joplin Gardens in Joplin, Mo.Born May 31, 1943 in Canada, Helen was the daughter of William Langer and Agnes (Lavers) Langer.Helen and Gary Charles Weir were united in marriage May 13, 1962 in Olathe. He preceded her in death.

Melvin Reed Jr., 64, Columbus

Melvin Lawrence Reed, Jr., 64, Columbus, died at his home June 6, 2025. He was born in Fort Ord, Calif. September 25, 1960.Melvin has been entrusted to Derfelt Funeral Home of Galena for cremation. No services are planned. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes. com.

Nellie Watson, 95, Joplin, Mo.

Nellie Mae Watson, 95, Joplin, Mo., died Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at her home with family at her side.Born March 10, 1930 in El Dorado Springs, Mo., Nellie was the daughter of the late Dewey and Mable (Whiteside) Fox. She grew up in Joplin and attended Joplin Schools. She married Clarence H.

Larry Strickland, 82, Oswego

Larry L. Strickland, 82, Oswego, died at 10:10 a.m. Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at Labette Health in Parsons, following an illness.Born March 28, 1943, in rural Oswego, Larry was one of twelve children born to Elmer Lee and Thelma Mae (Lindsey) Strickland.

John Lovell, 83, Pittsburg

John “Johnnie” Robert Lovell, 83, died May 12, 2025 at 3:42 a.m. at his home in Pittsburg, The family will receive friends and family on Friday June 13 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bath Naylor Funeral Home in Pittsburg.

Mary Ediger, 82, Chanute

Mary Ellen Ediger, 82, Chanute, died peacefully at Heritage Healthcare and Rehab in Chanute Wednesday, June 4, 2025.Born April 10, 1943, Mary was the daughter of Eugene and Pauline Bailey in Earlton. She dedicated most of her life to making a home for her husband and son.

Linda Hedgcorth, 81, Carterville, Mo

Linda Estella Hedgcorth, 81, Carterville, Mo., died peacefully Friday evening, June 6, 2025, at her son’s home in Cassville, Missouri, after months of failing health. Born January 17, 1944, in Joplin, Mo., Linda was the daughter of Lloyd and Juanita (England) Hembree.

Megan Jones, 34, Carthage, Mo.

Megan Dianne Jones, 34, Carthage, Mo., died at 6:22 p.m., Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, Mo. following an illness.Born March 11, 1991 in Joplin, Mo., Megan was the daughter of Jerry Dale Jones and Tonya Ann (Haase) Jones.She was a graduate of Joplin High School.