Kent Thompson, 62, Cherokee

Kent Alan Thompson, 62, Cherokee, died Thursday, June 4, 2026, while at Mercy Pittsburg. Kent had lived in several areas but always considered Southeast Kansas his home.Born August 3, 1963, in Joplin, Mo., Kent was the son of Lyndon and Mary Lou (Bertella) Thompson.

Sylvia Roberts, 86, Reston, Va.

Sylvia Diane Roberts, 86, Reston, Virginia, died peacefully Sunday, May 24, 2026, surrounded by family.Born December 15, 1939, in Wichita, Sylvia was the daughter of Wilmer Glenn Brice and Leona Ruth Brice (née Zane).

Billy Lee, 84, Miami, Okla.

Billy Michael “Mike” Lee, 84, Miami, Okla., died Thursday, June 4, 2026 at Global Higher Call Nursing Center in Quapaw, Okla.Born December 18,1941 in Picher, Okla., Billy was the son of William Ward and Mary Ann (Burgett) Lee. He had lived in the Picher and Miami, Okla.

Doyle Crain, 88, Columbus

Doyle Gene Crain 88, Columbus, died at 3:50 a.m. Thursday June 4, 2026, at the Medicalodges Nursing Home in Columbus following a short illness.Born February 19, 1938, in Columbus, Doyle was the son of Clifford Lloyd and Mary Jane (Wilcox) Crain.

Shirley Hawkins, 90, Pittsburg

Shirley B. Hawkins, 90, Pittsburg, died Monday June 8, 2026 at her home.Born December 30, 1935 in Chicopee, Shirley was the daughter of James and Lucille Absher Machetta. She returned to Pittsburg to make her home in 1995.She married Richard A. Hawkins and he preceded her in death.

Jeffrey Charles, 66, Galena

Jeffrey “Pie” B. Charles, 66, Galena, died Friday, May 29, 2026.Born January 21, 1960 in Joplin, Mo., Jeff was the son of Billy Charles Sr. and Janice Fry Charles. He grew up and attended school in Galena.

Nora Gilmore, 73, Columbus

Nora Lou Gilmore, 73, Columbus, died Sunday, May 31, 2026, at 9:36 p.m.Born November 30, 1952 in Joplin, Mo., Nora was the daughter of Ira Eugene and Carmen Edna (Roberts) Shoemaker.

Walter Taylor III, 56, Parsons

Walter J. “Woody” Taylor, III, 56, Parsons and formerly of Chetopa, died Friday, May 29, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Mo.Born December 21, 1969 in Parsons, Woody was the son of Walter J. and Forestine (Caldwell) Taylor, II.As a young boy, he grew up in Chetopa and attended school in Columbus.

Darryl Anderson, 72, Coumbus

Darryl Anderson, 72, Columbus, died Sunday, May 31, 2026 after a well fought battle with declining health.Born October 24, 1953 in Columbus, Darryl was the fourteenth child of Alva and Tiney (Goodwin) Anderson.Anyone who knew Darryl knows music was one of the great loves of his life.

Martha Comfort, 80, Webb City, Mo.

Martha Frances Comfort, 80, Webb City, Mo., known lovingly as Martha, Saturday, May 30, 2026, in Webb City, Mo., She was born May 8, 1946, in Joplin, Mo. and lived a life marked by devotion to her family, her faith and the many simple joys that brought her happiness each day.