Ricky Bowen, 72, Parsons

Ricky Dale Bowen, 72, Parsons, died Saturday, July 12, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Rick lived a life rooted in faith, love and service. He was known for his kind spirit, devotion to his family and was a constant example of quiet strength and grace.

Michael Higgins, 86, Pittsburg

Michael Higgins, 86, Pittsburg, died peacefully at his home July 11, 2025.Born December 26, 1938, in Bayonne, New Jersey, Michael was the son of Patrick and Mary (Welcher) Higgins. He was the youngest of 12 children.He attended Bayonne High School and joined the U.S.

Royan Meyer, 81, Cherokee County

Royan Jean (Dix) Meyer, 81, Cherokee County, died Saturday, July 12, 2025 at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri, with her son by her bedside.Born July 1, 1944 in Neosho, Missouri, Royan was the youngest daughter of Roy and Ruth (Zaring) Dix.

Kenneth Fitzer, 66, McCloud, Okla.

Kenneth Wayne “Kenny” Fitzer, 66, McLoud, Okla., died at 3:23 a.m. Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.Born April 11, 1959, in Baxter Springs, Kenny was the son of Donald R. Fitzer and Rayma J. (Corn) Fitzer.

Mildred Knight, 81, Oswego

Mildred Berniece Knight, 81, Oswego, died at 8:33 a.m. July 9, 2025, with her loved ones by her side.Born December 17, 1943, Mildred was the daughter of Mary Ruth (Wells) McCardie and Wilmer Duncan McCardie. She grew up in the town of Briscoe.

Gary Carnahan, 74, Altamont

Gary L. Carnahan, 74, a lifelong resident of Altamont, died at 12:25 a.m., Sunday, July 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, at Freeman Hospital West in Joplin, Missouri, following a brief, but courageous, battle with cancer.Born November 20, 1950, in Parsons, Gary was the son of Glen D.

Kylie Pylant, 28, Hollywood, Calif.

Kylie Skye Pylant, 28, Hollywood, California, died at her home June 25, 2025.Kylie was born in Claremore, Oklahoma, February 11, 1997. She left behind three beautiful cats, Bianca and her two precious kittens.

Lawrence Hilburn, 80, Fort Scott

Lawrence Virgil Hilburn, 80, Fort Scott, died on July 7, 2025 due to heart disease.Born January 14, 1945 in Quapaw, Okla., Lawrence was the son of Virgil and Betty Hilburn.Larry spent his childhood in California, Galena and graduated from Quapaw High School in Quapaw, Okla..

Terry Devins, 73, Joplin, Mo.

Terry Dean Devins, 73, Joplin, Mo., died Saturday, July 5, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Mo.Terry was born on August 7, 1951, in Granby, Mo. and was a lifetime area resident.He was a 1969 graduate of Diamond High School.

Catherine Swaney, 74, Columbus

Catherine Ruth Swaney, 74, Columbus, Kansas died suddenly at her home Saturday, July 5, 2025.Born Wednesday, May 9, 1951, in Joplin, Missouri, Catherine was the daughter of William Henry and Mildred (Victory) Jones.