Ernest Freeman Sr., Baxter Springs

Ernest “Sam” Albert Freeman, Sr. , 77, of Baxter Springs, died Thursday, March 2, 2023 at his home. Born August 3, 1945 in San Diego, Calif. Sam was the son of Ronald Wilbert and Ethel Beatrice (Mc-Cammon) Freeman.

Josiah Fletcher, Pittsburg, 18

Josiah Lee Fletcher, 18, of rural Pittsburg, died Thursday morning, March 2, 2023. Born October 5, 2004 at Coffeyville, Josiah was the son of Joshua and Erin (Grant) Fletcher.

Raymond Messier, Baxter Springs

Raymond S. Messier, 71, of Baxter Springs, died at his home Friday, March 3, 2023. Raymond was born June 18, 1951. He has been entrusted to Derfelt’s Baxter Chapel for cremation. No services are planned at this time.

Luther Fletcher III, Weir, 80

Luther G. “Butch” Fletcher III 80, of Weir died 11:01 a.m. Friday March 3, 2023 at the Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, following an illness. Services will take place at a later date. Arrangements are by Bath-Naylor Funeral Home of Pittsburg.

Velma Marie Cox, Joplin, Mo., 89

Velma Marie Cox, 89, of Joplin, Mo., died Thursday, March 2, 2023 at the Communities of Wildwood in Joplin. Born August 7, 1933 in Hallowell, Cox was the daughter of the late Earl Eads and Alice (Wellington) Johnson.

Colleen Marilyn Gandy, Galena, 77

Colleen Marilyn (McLean) Gandy, 77, from Galena, died Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at 2:30 a.m. at Galena Nursing and Rehab after an illness. Born April 8, 1945, in Marysville, Colleen was the daughter of Chester and Ada McLean. Colleen was an amazing daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend to all.

Mary J. Stotts, Joplin, Mo., 78

Mary J. Stotts, 78, Joplin, Mo. died at Freeman Health System in Joplin, Tuesday, February 28, 2023. Born December 24, 1944, in Pittsburg, Mary was the daughter of Eugene and Della Sellars. Mary graduated from Southeast High School in Cherokee in 1962.

Gail O. Storm, Oswego, 88

Gail O. Storm, 80, Oswego, died peacefully at his home, surrounded by loved ones, on the morning of February 16, 2023, after a short battle with laryngeal cancer. Born July 2, 1942, in Oswego, Gail was the son of Orbin Keith and Kathryn (Jones) Storm.

Erma Iola Potter, Galena, 96

Erma Iola (Redwine) Potter, 96, of Galena, died unexpectedly February 24, 2023, with her family at her side. Born February 3, 1927 in Lake City, Erma was the daughter of Albert John Redwine and Ruth Fern Fulton. Erma was the youngest of six children.

John Wooster,Jr., Mapleton, Iowa

John David Wooster, Jr., 72, of Mapleton, Iowa, died Sunday, February 26, 2023, at Burgess Health Center of Onawa, Iowa. Born June 17, 1950, in Mapleton, Iowa, John was the son of John David, Sr. and Violetta (Gosch) Wooster. Growing up on the dairy farm ingrained John with a solid work ethic.