Billy McGuire, 70, Oswego

Billy Gene McGuire, 70, Oswego, died at 6:53 p.m., Sunday, October 13, 2024, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita.Born October 7, 1954, in Cherryvale, Billy was the son of Warren Gene and Ruth Ilene (Plotner) McGuire. He grew up and attended school in Cherryvale.

Billie Bilke, 85, Baxter Springs

Billie June Bilke, 85, Baxter Springs, died Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at Freeman Hospital, Joplin, Mo.Born June 18, 1939, in Jasper County, Mo. Billie was the daughter of Lawrence and Helen (Winfrey) Robinson. Billie was a homemaker loving and caring for her family and friends.

Richard Lindsey, 88, Rogers, Ark.

Richard (Dick) Clyde Lindsey, 88, Rogers, Ark., died Tuesday, October 15, 2024, in Rogers, Ark.Born December 28, 1935, in Columbus, Dick was the son of parents Lester and Theo Lindsey.

Karen Phelps, 79, Baxter Springs

Karen Louis Phelps, 79, Baxter Springs, died October 14, 2024.Born February 18, 1945, in Russell, Karen was the daughter of Leslie and Marie Mendenhall.She worked at Eagle Picher in Joplin, Mo., for 38 years.In 2013, Karen retired and spent her time sewing, crocheting, gardening and doing yard work.

Michael Whitely, 71, Weir

Michael G. Whitely, 71, Weir, a forklift operator, died Saturday October 5, 2024 at his home in Weir. Arrangements are by Midland Cremation Society of Joplin.

Vernon Pope, 62, Pittsburg

Vernon E. Pope, 62, Pittsburg, died October 1, 2024, after a stroke.Born in Emporia, September 23, 1962, Vernon was the son of Clyve Pope and Betty (McGill) Pope (now Schreiner).Vernon loved people and enjoyed making friends and helping them whenever he could.

Norma James, 91, Granby, Mo.

Norma June (Tanner) James, 91, Granby, Missouri, died October 4, 2024.Born March 8, 1933, in Treece, Norma was the daughter of Lloyd Lee Tanner Sr. and Bessie (Tuggle) Tanner.Norma and love of her life, Joseph James were united in marriage February 25, 1950.

Johnny Jones, 84, Commerce, Okla.

Johnny Lee Jones, 84, Commerce, Oklahoma, died Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at Integris Miami Hospital in Miami, Okla.Born October 28, 1939, in Stella, Missouri, Johnny was the son of Otto and Leora Ann (Trickett) Jones.He had lived in Commerce for the past 36 years moving from Baxter Springs.

Howard Thompson, 84, Pittsburg

Howard Chester Thompson, 84, Pittsburg, died October 7, 2024, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.Born May 2, 1940, in Cherokee, Howard was the son of Chester W. and Ines (Standley) Thompson.Howard and Sherry Elaine Simoncic were united in marriage December 20, 1958, in Vinita, Oklahoma.

Gail L. Baird

Gail L. Baird, 83, rural Parsons, died at 3:20 a.m., Sunday, October 6, 2024 at the Parsons Presbyterian Manor.Born January 12, 1941, at their home north of Bartlett, Gail was the son of Elmer and Zella (Brannan) Baird.