Randy Erb, 67, Chetopa

Randy Alan Erb, 67, Chetopa, died the evening of Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Labette Health.Born September 29, 1957, in Allegan, Michigan, Randy was the son of Robert and Barbra (Granet) Erb.Randy and Teresa L. Barker were united in marriage January 13, 1984, in Watonga, Oklahoma.

Beulah Wheeler, 84, Columbus

Beulah Irene Wheeler, 84, Columbus, died April 14, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg.Born August 22, 1940, in Oswego, Beulah was the daughter of Robert and Carrie L. (Allen) Walker. She spent her working years as a dedicated bookkeeper in the heating and air industry.

Dale Shere Jr., 73, Galena

Dale D. “Butch” Shere, Jr., 73, Galnea, died April 11, 2025.Born January 29, 1952 in Oswego in the back of a second-hand store, Butch was the son of Norma Daugherty and Dale Shere.Butch lived a long life of highs and lows, but found the Lord again and became a born-again Christian.

Joey Simmons, 47, Oswego

Joey Glen Simmons, 47, Oswego, died Friday, April 11, 2025, at Labette Health in Parsons.Born May 18, 1977, Joey was the son of James Simmons and the late Jill Houdashelt Simmons.Joey worked as a teacher for the Parsons, school district.

Death Notice

Misty L. Whitaker, 51, Weir, died Sunday April 6, 2025 at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Mo.Arrangements are made by Midland Cremation Society of Joplin.

Mickey Rupert, 56, Oswego

Mickey Allen Rupert, 56, Oswego, died at his home at 3:21 Friday afternoon, April 4, 2025, after a two-year battle with cancer. His family was present.Survivors include his four loving children: Andrew of Neosho, Mo.

Charlie Garrett, 76, Galena

Charlie Harrison Garrett, 76, Galena, died at 9:07 p.m., Friday, April 11, 2025 at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Mo.Born October 31, 1948, in Amarillo, Texas, Charlie was the son of Harrison P. and Grace I. (Moore) Garrett. He had lived in Galena since 2006, moving from Topeka.

William Walker Jr., 86, Wichita

William Andrew Walker, Jr., 86, died April 1, 2025 in Wichita.Born August 23, 1938, in Columbus, William was the son of William and Elsie Vale Walker.

Peggy Paden, 92, Chetopa

Peggy Jean (Piatt) Paden, 92, longtime resident of Chetopa, died April 4, 2025 at Westgate at Wildwood Ranch in Joplin, Missouri.Born October 28, 1932, in Butler, Missouri, Peggy was the daughter of Grover C. and Nadine Elizabeth (Hammers) Piatt.

James Walsh Sr., 79, Baxter Springs

James Raymond Walsh Sr. 79, Baxter Springs, died April 6, 2025, at the Solace House of the Ozarks in Joplin, Missouri.Born December 10, 1945, in Greenbush, James was the son of Lawrence E and Winnifred N (Conner) Walsh.James was known by many nicknames, Jim, Lighting, and Papa.