Loreena Williams, 83, Galena

Loreena “Reena” Williams, 83, Galena, died at her home the morning of Thursday, February 13, 2025.Born October 28, 1941, in Joplin, Mo., Reena was the daughter of John “Raymond” Norvell and Lorraine (Bliss) Norvell. She graduated from Galena High School with the Class of 1959.

George Stapleton, 92, Oswego

George Wesley Stapleton, 92, lifelong resident of Oswego, died Wednesday, February 12, 2025.Born in Craig County, Oklahoma, George was the son of Fred Zachary Stapleton and Marchie Miranda Sprouse Stapleton.

Debra McMurry, 70, Pittsburg

Debra Lynn “Debbie” McMurry (née Perry), 70, Pittsburg, died February 11, 2025, in Pittsburg.Born June 18, 1954, in Joplin, Mo., Debbie was the daughter of Warren and Joyce Perry.

Ronald Thomas, 79, Columbus

Ronald William Thomas, 79, Columbus, died Friday, February 7, 2025, at his home.Born June 15, 1945, in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Ronald was the son of the late Russell Fuller and Anne Conniff Thomas.

Evelyn Buckner, 97, Baxter Springs

Evelyn J. Buckner, 97, Baxter Springs, died Saturday, February 15, 2025 at Westgate, Joplin, Missouri.Born May 24, 1927 in Baxter Springs, Eveylyn was the daughter of Wesley E. and Alpha J. (Hendrix) Robinson.She lived her entire life in Baxter Springs until 2020 when she moved to Joplin, Missouri.

Death Notice

Danny Bitner, 79, WeirDanny L. Bitner, 79, Weir, a commercial printer, died Friday February 7, 2025 at Guest Home Estates in Pittsburg. Arrangements are by Midland Cremation Society of Joplin.

Billy Thompson, 93, Olathe

Billy Sam Thompson, 93, Olathe, died February 7, 2025.Born March 31, 1931, in Skidmore, Sam was the son of Agnes Fuller Thompson and Bill Thompson, He married Erma Ellen Clevenger September 17, 1955, at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in Scammon.

Gary Huffman, 72, Galena

Gary Dean “Huffy” Huffman, 72, Galena, died at 7:24 p.m. Friday, February 7, 2025, at Galena Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.Born December 9, 1952, Gary was the son of John Henry Huffman and Verda Mae (Johnson) Huffman.

Robert Duncan, 83, Temecula, Calif.

Robert Dee “Bob” Duncan, 83, died Monday, February 10, 2025, in Temecula, California.Born January 20, 1942, in Huntington Park, California, Bob lived a life defined by intellect, kindness, and an unwavering dedication to those around him.

Betty Wulf, 85, Chetopa

Betty J. Wulf, 85, Chetopa, died Thursday evening, February 6, 2025, at Freeman Health in Joplin, Missouri.Born February 8, 1939, in Roswell, New Mexico, Betty Jane Rue was the daughter of Cedric and Ecelia (Franco) Rue.Betty and John Wulf, Sr., were united in marriage September 19, 1956.