Joyce Cudney

Joyce Marie Cudney, 85, of Columbus, died October 4, 2023. Born at home February 14, 1938, down by the Neosho River in rural Miami, Okla. Joyce was the daughter of Bruce and Dorothy (Dowty) Vanatta. They preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her grandson, Jerahmia McDonald.

Barbara Medler

Barbara Lee Medler, a selfless, faith-filled, and passionate woman, passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on October 4, 2023, in Joplin, Missouri. Born on August 21, 1929, in Columbus, Kansas, Barbara lived a life filled with love, service, and a deep commitment to her faith and community.

Carolyn Mahurin

Carolyn Jean Mahurin, 61, of Baxter Springs, died Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at her home. Born February 9, 1962 in Joplin, Mo., Carolyn was the daughter of James and Lenora (Watson) Poteet. They preceded her in death. Carolyn had lived in the Galena, Picher and Baxter Springs, area all her life.

Richard Draeger

Richard Lee “Rick” Draeger, 75, of Columbus, died October 4, 2023. He was born April 6, 1948. Arrangements are under the care of Derfelt Funeral Home of Columbus. Visitation will be held Monday, October 9 at the funeral home from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Roger Dale Burkybile

Roger Dale Burkybile, 66, of Baxter Springs, died Tuesday, October 3, 2023.,Born July 10, 1957, in Miami, Okla., Roger was the son of Charles Burkybile and JoAnn Strickland Burkybile. They preceded him in death. Roger was also preceded in death by two brothers, Charles and Frank Burkybile.

James Hefley

James R. Hefley, 90, passed away October 2, 2023 after a short battle with pneumonia. Jim was born to Floyd and Vivian (Lichtenwalter) Hefley on October 14, 1932. He attended Elm Tree School and Columbus High School. He graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in Agricultural Education.

Violet Barnes

Violet “Jean” Barnes, 98, of Schertz, Texas died September 9, 2023. Born in Neutral, August 26, 1925, Jean was the daughter of Herbert and Florence Head. She was the “baby” of the family and was proudly protected by her big brothers Charlie, Royce, John and Paul and her big sister, Geneva.

Steven Featherby

Steven E. Featherby, 26 of Seattle, Wash. died September 23, 2023 from injuries sustained in an auto accident. Steven was born 30 December 1996 at Camp Lejeune Naval Hospital, Camp Lejeune North Carolina. He was the son of Curtis and Lorie (Judkins) Featherby.

Marcy A. Sager

Marcy A. Sager, 70, of Columbus, died Friday September 22, 2023 at her home in Columbus. She had worked as a cashier. Arrangements are by Midland Cremation Society of Joplin.  

Lane Dunbar

Lane Clayton Dunbar, 17, of Commerce, Okla., died Monday, October 2, 2023, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin Mo Born July 20, 2006 in Miami, Okla. Lane was the son of Roy Thomas Dunbar and Cheryl Williams. He had lived in Commerce, Okla.