James Zane, 86, Baxter Springs

James “Jim” Arthur Zane, 86, of Baxter Springs, died March 26, 2023. He was born March 1, 1937 in Baxter Springs. Jim was a contractor during the Vietnam War. In 1970, he began his career as an aircraft machinist working for TWA in Kansas City. He was contracted to work for Saudia Airlines in 1974.

LaRita Hendricks, 60, Columbus

LaRita Marie Hendricks, 60, of Columbus, died March 21, 2023 at 10:05 p.m. after a short battle with lung cancer. Born March 5, 1963, in Columbus, LaRita was the daughter of Henry Lando and Veleta Briscoe Hendricks. They preceded her in death.

Richard Freeman, 83, Columbus

Richard E. Freeman 83, of rural Columbus, died 4:55 a.m. Thursday March 30, 2023, at the Freeman Hospital in Joplin, Mo. following an illness. Born May 28, 1939 in Oswego, Richard was the son of Orville Ray and Lola Luella (Allen) Freeman. They preceded him in death.

Richard Lawson

Richard “Lumpy” Lee Lawson, 76, of Joplin, Mo., died Sunday, March 26, 2023, at the Solace House of the Ozarks in Joplin, Mo. Richard “Lumpy” Lawson, son of Albert Lee and Nadine (Best) Lawson, was born August 12, 1946, in Yakima, Washington.

Richard Freeman

Richard Freeman, 83, of Columbus, died Thursday morning March 30, 2023, at Freeman Hospital. Services are pending at Bath-Naylor Funeral Home in Columbus.

Judith Keener

Judith Elaine “Judi” Keener, 69 of Sarcoxie, Mo., died at 8:35 a.m. Monday, March 20, 2023 from a motor vehicle accident, two miles west of Girard. Born February 27, 1954, in New Richmond, Ohio. Judith was the daughter of Jack Burrows and Carol Jean (Hill) Fisher.

Gordon Smith

Gordon H. Smith, 77, of Galena, died at Leisure Homestead in Stafford, Tuesday, March 28, 2023. Born July 9, 1945 at Cassville, Mo., Gordon was the son of Oscar and Grace (Henbest) Smith. They preceded him in death. Gordon graduated from Wichita North High School with the Class of 1963.

James Clifford Qualls, 90 Galena

James (Jimmy) Clifford Qualls 90, of Galena, died Friday morning, March 24, 2023 after a long illness. Born September 23, 1933 was the son of Grace Qualls. He was a lifelong resident of Galena. She preceded him in death.

Richard Lawson, 76, Joplin, Mo.

Richard Lawson, 76, of Joplin, Mo., formerly of Columbus, died Sunday, March 26, 2023. Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 30 at Parker Mortuary in Joplin, Mo. at 3 p.m.

Donald Lewis, 59,Baxter Springs

Donald J. Lewis, 59, of Baxter Springs died Tuesday March 21, 2023 at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, Mo.. Arrangements are by Midland Cremation Society of Joplin, MO.