The Reporter covers Miller, Morgan and Camden County in Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks and is published once per week on Wednesdays.
Obituaries
Published November 13, 2024
Norma Jean Abels, 49
Norma Jean Abels, daughter of Richard Sisto and Lucile (Goldsberry) Sisto, was born, April 25, 1975 in Jefferson City, Missouri. She passed away October 31, 2024, in Springfield, Missouri at the age of forty-nine years, six months and six days.
Just prior to her passing, she was united in marriage to Steven Stover.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her sister, Sheila Goldsberry.
She is survived by her husband, Steven; children, Anthony, Savanah, and Johnathan; brother, Richard Sisto and wife, Paula, of Pittsburg, Missouri and their three children; sister, Tammy Howard and her two children; and a host of other relatives and many friends.
Norma was raised in the Linn Creek, Missouri area and attended Camdenton School.
In her spare time, she enjoyed being outdoors, taking care of her animals, spending time with her husband. While indoors, Norma enjoyed listening to music and crocheting. But, her favorite thing to do was watching TV.
She was a loving and a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and her accomplishments and will treasure the memories she created for her family and friends.
A visitation will be held at Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home in Camdenton, Missouri from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 14, 2024.
Memorial donations may be made to Allee-Holman-Howe and left at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be made at
www.alleeholmanhowe.comArrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home, Camdenton, Missouri.
Donna Fay Shoemaker, 75
Donna Fay Shoemaker, of Eldon, Missouri passed away on November 6, 2024, at her home in Eldon, Missouri.
She was born on July 6, 1949, in Dixon, Missouri; a daughter of Louie and Pauline (Sharp) Patton.
She was united in marriage to the love of her life Ray Shoemaker on November 1, 1969. They shared 55 wonderful years together at the time of her passing.
Donna was a member of First Assembly of God in Eldon for 20 years. Donna’s relationship with God and her family was the most important things to her in life. She was a proud grandma and great grandma.
Donna was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Donna is survived by husband, Ray Shoemaker of the home; her children Rebecca Brown and husband Tim, and Kevin Shoemaker and wife Nicole; her grandchildren Jessica Rayl, Brandon Fergerson, David Shoemaker, and Cole Shomaker; her great-grandchildren Elli Weed, Shepard Shoemaker, and Gage, Lilly, and Luna Rayl; her siblings James Patton, Velma Patton, Mildred Rogers, Diann Appel, Mary Shoults; other relatives and many friends.
Donna was preceded by her parents Louie and Pauline Patton, and brothers Charles and Jerry Patton.
Funeral Services were held Saturday, November 9, 2024 at Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Home-Camdenton.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family.
Arrangements are under the direction of Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes, 1270 S Business Route 5, Camdenton, MO 65020 573-346-2090. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.hedgesscottmillard.com
George De Geal, 81
George De Geal, of Camdenton, Missouri passed away on October 31, 2024, in Camdenton, Missouri.
He was born on March 5, 1943, in St. Louis County, Missouri; a son of Louis and Caroline (Jilg) De Geal.
He was united in marriage to the love of his life Carol Cunningham on August 28, 1965. They shared 59 wonderful years together at the time of his passing.
George was known for his hard work ethic, his talent in achieving whatever goals he set for himself, and his service to his country and family. George served in the United States Marine Corps and was proud to serve his country. George was a man of many talents. He was an auto mechanic, a heavy equipment operator, and golf course shaper. He was known as a jack of all trades.
His career as a golf course shaper started in Carrollton, Illinois and took him all over the United States and overseas to places like China. He even built a local golf course here at the Lake of the Ozarks known as Deere Chase in Camdenton.
George was a loving husband and loved and cared for Carol and his son Doug. He was a private man who enjoyed spending time with God in God’s creation. He and Carol moved to the Lake of the Ozarks and established a homestead on their estate. George took care of every acre of that property. He called it Carol’s Park. He enjoyed cutting firewood and his meticulous care of the property.
George is survived by his wife Carol De Geal of the home; his son Doug De Geal and wife Rhonda of Camdenton, Missouri; his grandson Joshua De Geal of California; his sister Dorothy Ruyle of Kentucky; his brother-in-law Roger Cunningham of Denver, Colorado; his sisters-in-law Connie Boykin of Evergreen, Colorado and Jackie De Geal of Rockbridge, Illinois; and other relatives and friends.
George was preceded in death by his parents Louis and Caroline De Geal; his brother Edward De Geal; and his sister Loena Kelley.
Friends will be received from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Home-Camdenton. Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Home-Camdenton.
A private burial will be held at a later date.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to Hospice Compassus.
Arrangements are under the direction of Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes, 1270 S Business Route 5, Camdenton, MO 65020 573-346-2090. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.hedgesscottmillard.com
Janie Longhibler, 84
Janie Longhibler passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at her home in Sunrise Beach, Missouri.
Janie leaves behind her beloved husband Henry Joseph (Joe) Longhibler; her cherished children James F. (Dorothy), Miller JR, Barbara (Owen) Willtrout, and Patricia (Randy) Horner; her dear sister Sandra (Joe) Prainito; her dear grandchildren James F (Jackie) Miller III, Tarah (Brad) Chandler, Ashley Davis, Shawn Willtrout, Owen Willtrout IV, Bradley (Rachel) Horner, and Mary Rhodes; her nine great-grandchildren; her three great-great-grandchildren; her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; her nieces and nephews; her cousins, and many friends.
Janie was preceded in death by her parents Cullye V. and Floye Edna Ashe; her daughter Athena Napier, and her brother, John Travis Ashe.
Janie was born in St. Louis, Missouri on February 3, 1940. She married the love of her life, Joe Longhibler on August 3, 1974. They celebrated 50 wonderful years of marriage on August 3, 2024. She worked for Continental Can Company in St. Louis where she retired after 34 years.
We celebrate Janie’s accomplishments and her life; she will truly be missed, and we will forever treasure our memories she created with her family and friends.
Friends will be received from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Home Osage Beach. Funeral Services will be held at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Home Osage Beach.
Arrangements are under the direction of Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes, 514 Highway 42, Osage Beach, MO 65065 573-348-3232. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.hedgesscottmillard.com
Charles “Gene” O’Farrell, Sr., 84
Charles “Gene” O’Farrell, Sr., of Camdenton, passed away Thursday, October 31, 2024, at his home. He was born May 30, 1940, in Kansas City, Missouri, a son of the late Clifford Martin and Janette (Greenlee) O’Farrell.
Gene worked for High Brothers Lumber for many years until his retirement.
He was a member of the Montgomery Baptist Church and the National Rifle Association.
Gene loved spending time outdoors, especially while hunting and fishing.
He is survived by his companion, Polly Allen of the home; his children, Gene O’Farrell and Erin Warren both of Springfield, Missouri; grandchildren, Noah Warren and Ashley Warren; his brother, Sonny O’Farrell of Appleton City, Missouri and many other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Richard O’Farrell and George O’Farrell.
There are no services planned at this time. Expressions of sympathy may be left online at www.kidwellgarber.com
Cremation arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Laurie/Sunrise Beach Chapel.
Scott Curtis Gremminger, 65
Scott Curtis Gremminger, of Sunrise Beach, Missouri passed away Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at Lake Regional Hospital, Osage Beach, Missouri. Scott was born on January 6, 1959, in St. Louis to the late Donald and Patricia Gremminger.
In April 1981, he met the love of his life, Mary, and they were joined in marriage on March 20, 1982, at the Shrine of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Laurie, Missouri. The following year, they welcomed their first son into the world and their second son five years later.
Always driven to do something with his hands, Scott ventured out as a small businessman and started CSP Construction with his father-in-law Cecil and brother-in-law Peter. Later, his brother Mark joined him as a partner, and they built over a hundred homes throughout the lake area for nearly two decades.
In 2004, Scott moved away from the construction business and started Midwest Kennel. Over the past twenty years, he shared his love of dogs with the customers he served.
Scott had a plethora of interests including pheasant hunting, homesteading, cooking, and painting, but he loved spending time with his family above all else. He always looked forward to summers when he could spend time building memories with his kids and grandchildren.
Scott is survived by his wife, Mary; two sons, John Gremminger and wife Hilary of Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington and Bryan Gremminger of Sunrise Beach, Missouri; three grandchildren, Robert, Elsa, and Clare Gremminger; his sisters, Kim, Donna, and Patricia; and his brothers, Doug and Kevin.
Visitation took place at the Kidwell-Garber Laurie/Sunrise Beach Chapel on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, followed by a funeral service. Burial followed at the old Shrine of St. Patrick’s cemetery in Laurie, Missouri. Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Diabetes Association. Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Laurie/Sunrise Beach Chapel.
Ronald William Power, 85
Ronald William Power, of Gravois Mills, passed away Friday, October 25, 2024, at the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital in Columbia, MO. He was born February 12, 1939, a son of the late Robert and Nellie (Caywood) Power.
On April 25, 1959, in Jasper, AR, he was united in marriage to Joan Elain Spencer. They celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary this year.
Ron started gunsmithing at a very young age, over 40 years ago. He worked for a gun shop in Kansas City in 1957 doing all types of repair and customizing on rifles, shotguns, and pistols. He Started Power Custom in 1959. During this same time he worked for Armco Steel full-time. He retired from Armco Steel in 1988 with 30 years.
Ron has attended several gunsmith seminars given by all the major US manufactures. He served in the U.S. Army and was assigned to the Marksmanship Unit as a pistol team member and national Match Weapons Armorer. For Several years he taught gunsmithing seminars at all of NRA Gunsmithing Schools in the USA including Trinidad State Junior College, Montgomery Community College, Ruger Police Armorer School, and as a Police Firearms Instructor.
He was President of the Missouri State Rifle and Pistol Association for 5 years. Ron has been a serious pistol competitor and is an avid big and small game hunter and fisherman.
Ron was one of the first to build heavy barreled PPC revolvers and refine their accuracy. He specialized in alterations to stainless steel revolvers made by Smith and Wesson and Ruger. Ron has designed and patented many tools and accessories for the firearms industry. He holds the record for the most gunsmithing magazine articles nationally than any other gunsmith in history. He also enjoyed working around the farm and spending time with family and friends.
He was a member of First Christian Church in Versailles. He also was a Charter Member of the American Pistolsmiths Guild and the received the 1986 Pistolsmith of the Year Award and was inducted in the Handgun Hunters Hall of Fame.
In 1991 he received the N.R.A Professional Public Service Award. He also received these awards from the Outstanding American Handgunner:
1992 Top-10 Outstanding American Handgunner Award
1996 Top-6 Outstanding American Handgunner Award
1998 Top-4 Outstanding American Handgunner Award
1999 Top-3 Outstanding American Handgunner Award
He was presented with the lifetime achievement award from the American Pistolsmiths Guild in 2021.
He was a life member of the Missouri Sport Shooting Association, Kansas Rifle & Pistol Association, Handgun Hunter International, American Trap Association, Safari Club, American Hangunners Club 100, Police Marksman Association, & Varmint Hunters Association.
He is survived by his wife, Joan; children, Randall Power and wife Angele and Rhonda Power Garcia and husband Carlos; four grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents he was, preceded in death by his sister, Maisie Power Karnes.
Services were held Friday, November 8, 2024 at Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home of Versailles with Pastor Jeff Spielman officiating. Burial with military honors followed in Versailles Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to First Christian Church of Versailles.
Online condolences may be left at www.kidwellgarber.com
Arrangements are under the direction of Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home of Versailles.
Larry Thorald Call, 77
Larry Thorald Call, of Sunrise Beach, passed away Sunday, November 3, 2024, at his home. He was born November 26, 1946, in Perry, Utah, a son of the late Frank Wendell and Delilah (Rollins) Call.
On June 23, 2018, in Las Vegas, he was united in marriage to his surviving wife, Deanna Call.
Larry proudly served his country in the United States Navy for four years.
He owned and operated Call’s Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Repair, serving the lake area for many years until his retirement.
Larry was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Church and the American Legion Zack Wheat Post 624 in Sunrise Beach where he served as secretary for ten years.
In addition to his wife, Deanna, he is survived by his daughters, Diana Richardson and Jolene Marble; step-daughters, Jamie Gibson, Andrea Meador and Brandy Delehant; eleven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; five brothers; four sisters and many other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Bruce Call.
A celebration of Larry’s life will be held at a later date.
Expressions of sympathy may be left online at www.kidwellgarber.com
Cremation arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Laurie/Sunrise Beach Chapel.
William Gene (Bill) Bates Sr., 87
William Gene (Bill) Bates Sr. was born April 14, 1936, in Espanola, New Mexico. He passed away at his home in Westfield, Indiana on December 9, 2023. As he requested, he was cremated and then on November 7, 2024, his ashes placed in a columbarium in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Fort Leonard Wood, Waynesville, Missouri.
He was preceded in death by his parents Pearl and George Bates, Brother Robert Bates and Sister Betty (Jim) Cunningham.
An Air Force Veteran of the Korean war, he served a tour at Kempo Air Force base at the 38th parallel in the K9 company with his dog “Bero” at his side, he was a Patriot and proud to serve his country.
On September 6, 1956 he married the love of his life Ann O’Quinn. He was an Endowment member of the NRA, the American Legion, and Camdenton United Methodist Church. He was an avid hunter and loved fishing and scuba diving with his son. He was a loyal fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals.
Bill started his career in sales in Springfield, Mo with Lily Tulip Cup Co. After he retired from Solo Cup Company in Sales, he built their home on Lake of The Ozarks, where he and Ann enjoyed spending the last 28 years entertaining family and friends.
He loved flowers and usually had something blooming in his yard to share with a friend. He was “Mr. Fix It" and when family and friends needed help, he was there. He loved country music and had front row seats at the Opry Show in Lebanon for several years. He loved joking with people, had a good sense of humor, quick wit, and was a storyteller, especially to his three Granddaughters. Bill loved the Circus and attending with his granddaughters. You could find us there eating peanuts, cotton candy and shaved ice in an elephant head mug! Bill loved his family.
He is survived by his wife Ann, Son Bill and wife Paula and Granddaughters, Jessica, Alex and Samantha, two nephews Gene and George Carter.
Rest in Peace Bill, we love you.
Message from his three Granddaughters: Grandpa was his three girl’s biggest fan! Anytime we had success, it always came with an “atta girl” from Grandpa. No matter where we went in Camdenton everyone knew who we were. Grandpa either had on his T-shirt or coffee mug with a picture of us skiing and if he didn’t have those, he had plenty of pictures in his wallet. There was no way he wasn’t pulling them out to show the cashier before he bought his favorite drink at the gas station, a “cappi” (cappuccino). We have the best memories of our trips to the lake, Grandpa always made sure we had the best time. Even if we were there for a short weekend, he took the time to put our trampoline in the water, had the tubes blown up and ready to go so we could spend the entire day playing on the lake. One of our favorite memories was getting dressed up, Kelly would do our hair and we would have a date night at the country music show with Grandpa and Grandma. We couldn’t have asked for a better Grandpa. We miss him so much but know how lucky we are to have had the years we had with him. Thank you for being the best Grandpa ever and for never saying goodbye without a hug and a $2 bill. We love you forever.
Arrangements are under the direction of Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes, 1270 S Business Route 5, Camdenton, MO 65020 573-346-2090. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.hedgesscottmillard.com
Carl Len Cooper, 70
Carl Len Cooper died Tuesday October 22, 2024, after a brief illness due to liver cancer.
Carl was born on May 18, 1954, at St. Joseph Hospital in Wichita, Kansas to Carl Lee and Judy (Stauffer) Cooper. He grew up in Haysville, Kansas at Sandy Beach, a family run local swimming lake. He worked at “the beach” from eight years old until he graduated high school in 1972. He enlisted in the Marine Corps and spent his military years in southern California. He returned to Haysville Kansas where he worked installing car audio systems.
He married Karen Peterson in December of 1978. They welcomed a daughter Elizabeth in October of 1979 and a son Robert in January 1981.
Carl worked as an aviation technician for 40 years. First at Aeromach Labs in Wichita and then at Smiths Industries Aerospace. In 2004, he was transferred to Clearwater Florida where he worked for GE Aviation until he retired in 2019.
He and Karen moved to property near Gravois Mills Missouri in 2019.
Carl is survived by his wife of 46 years, Karen; his daughter and son-in-law, Matt and Elizabeth Jackson; his grandson Benjamin Jackson; his sister and her husband, Dr. Joseph and Kathryne Delcarpio; niece and husband Brad and Anne Burgel and nephews Thomas Delcarpio and Heath Cooper.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son and daughter in law Robert and Ariel Cooper, brother Kelly and niece Heather Cooper.
No services are planned.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home of Versailles.
Published November 6, 2024
Vicki Wallace, 81
Vicki Wallace, of Camdenton, MO passed away on October 24, 2024 at Arrowhead Senior Living. She was born on March 8, 1943, in Topeka, KS, daughter of Charles and C. Rose (Smith) Vinckier.
Vicki grew up in Kansas and graduated from Garden City High School in 1961. She married her high school sweetheart, Richard, on July 21, 1962. Together they had two children, Rich and Kim.
Vicki obtained her teaching degree from University of MO – St. Louis and began her teaching career in the Parkway School district. She transferred to Hazelwood West High, where she spent over 20 years. She taught business and was the color guard sponsor for many years. Vicki and Richard retired to the Lake area full-time in 2000.
Vicki was a member of St. Anthony’s church, where she met many friends with whom she enjoyed playing cards with. She got a kick out of telling people she was a “hooker,” or rather a rug hooker. She and Richard loved to travel, especially in their camper. And she enjoyed spending time with her family.
Vicki is survived by children and spouses, Richard Jr and Vicky (Kelly) Wallace, Kimberly (Wallace) and Michael Gericke; grandchildren, Jessica (Wallace) and Ryan Motts, Sarah Gericke, Allison (Wallace) and Brandon Edwards, and Megan Gericke; great grandchildren, Olivia and Cora; sister and spouse, Charla (Vinckier) and Dale Fowler; along with many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her spouse, Richard Wallace; parents, Charles and Rose Vinckier; sister, Linda Forster; and beloved aunt, Julia (Vinckier) Kohlberg.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, November 4, 2024 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.
Arrangements are under the direction of Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes, 1270 S Business Route 5, Camdenton, MO 65020 573-346-2090. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.hedgesscottmillard.com
Shirley Madeleine Harding, 88
Born May 25, 1936 Alamo, Texas; Died October 22, 2024 Osage Beach, Missouri
During WW II, Shirley stayed with her grandmother, along with her two brothers, in a home with no running water. She often talked about walking from the school bus stop to home, then walking with her grandmother to the town post office, hoping for letters from her parents or her uncle in Europe.
Her parents were sent to Oregon in the war shipyards as welders. They made good money at the time, 1945, making $75 dollars a week. As she got older, she volunteered at the local Salvation Army. And in the 1950s, she got married and had three children, Katherine, Michael and Lisa.
While her husband, Otto Adams, served in the Army in Korea, she stayed in a one-room apartment with a woodstove for heat. This was near Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. There was no base housing for dependents at the time. With no phone, she would walk to a nearby neighbor’s house to use the phone to call her parents in the Rio Grande Valley in Texas.
In the early 1960s, they moved to California during the Space Administration’s peak time. In 1970 she married Donald Harding and they have celebrated 54 years of marriage together. In 1973, they established a home in Garden Grove, California.
In 1995, during a bird show near Los Angeles, a baby Amazon Parrot walked across a long table and climb into her hand and into her heart. They named her Liz-Beth. She is with them today, 29 years later.
In 2005, they moved to Osage Beach, Missouri (before the housing crisis of 2007). They loved living in Osage Beach with seeing nature walk up to the back door and views of the Lake of the Ozarks. And during their final years, the Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church committed to providing Pastoral Care for the aging couple. Shirley had a wonderful, long life and leaves a legacy of loving memories to everyone whoever knew her.
Memorial Mass was held at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, on November 2, 2024, for immediate family only.
Nanette Joyce Wendt, 85
Nanette Joyce “Nan” Wendt, of Sunrise Beach, Missouri, died Friday, October 25, 2024, at her home.
Nan (Coglianese) Wendt was born November 11, 1938 at Chicago, Illinois, the only child of Ernest E. and Mary E. (Parks) Coglianese. Nan grew up in Chicago and graduated from parochial high school in 1956.
On July 7, 1956, she married Kenneth A. Wendt in Chicago.
They lived many years in Chicago where Nan worked for Jewel grocery stores for 35 years; she also helped Kenny run their White Hen convenience store. They moved to Lake of the Ozarks in the late 1990s and built many homes in the area. In 2006 they moved to the current home in Sunrise Beach.
Nan had a feisty, fun-loving, witty personality; she loved to visit and talk on the phone, and seemed to befriend everyone she met. She enjoyed playing cards, especially Canasta; she enjoyed many years of playing shuffleboard at the Elks Club in Laurie. Nan boasted that she was a pretty decent bowler in her day! She and Kenny enjoyed boating in the Chicago area, and carried on that love at the Lake. She loved perusing the local real estate books; all the new housing in the area was always fun for her to see and talk about.
Nan was a lover of animals; her last pet, a golden retriever named Chance, was such a joy to her. She enjoyed helping where she could with Meowtown Animal Rescue.
Nan was a member of the Lady Elks in Laurie. She enjoyed being a member of the Villages Social Committee. She loved to be on the go and never turned down an invitation to go to lunch, happy hour, or dinner.
She is survived by her daughter, Kathy Wendt of Rolling Meadows, Illinois; her son, Dale Wendt (Donna) of Sandwich, Illinois. ; her grandchildren, Dale (Cassandra) Wendt, Ryan Wendt, Katy Wendt, and Bradley (Keri)Wendt; step-grandchildren, Matt Williams and Evan Williams; great-granddaughter, Vivian Wendt; brother-in-law, Terry (Diane) Wendt and sister-in-law, Joyce Wendt.
Nan was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Kenneth; brother-in-law, Paul (Sonny) Wendt.
Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at the Historic St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 800 Highway 0, Laurie, Missouri. Burial followed in St. Patrick’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Osage Community Elks Lodge #2705 in Laurie, Missouri.
Online condolences may be left at www.kidwellgarber.com
Arrangements are under the care of Kidwell-Garber Laurie/Sunrise Beach Chapel
Tommy Leland Taylor, 81
Tommy Leland Taylor, of Eldon, Missouri, passed away Sunday, October 27, 2024 at his home. He was born October 5, 1943 in Eldon, Missouri, a son of Thomas Benton and June Louise (Lawbaugh) Taylor.
On July 11, 1977 in Miami, Oklahoma, he was united in marriage to Janice Mae Robinett. They shared the past forty-seven years of marriage.
Tommy was a life-long resident of the Barnett area and was a graduate of Eldon High School in the class of 1961. He worked with his grandfather hanging wallpaper and painting and later was a brakeman for the Rock Island Railroad. He was the co-owner and operated Taylor’s Amoco in Barnett. He liked making a big garden each year. Spending time with friends and family brought him joy.
Survivors include his wife, Janice of the home; four children, Ty Stith and wife Meredith of Kaiser, Missouri, Joe Taylor and wife Tara of Springfield, Missouri, Zach Taylor and wife Syntesa of Eldon, Missouri and Tessa Gray and husband Richard of Eldon, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Kailey Newbrough and husband Zakk, Ty Stith, Jr., Jacob Stith, Hudson Gray, Kora Gray, Colt Taylor and Bear Taylor; three great-grandchildren, Azayla Newhouse, Daylan Newhouse and Andersen Newbrough and a host of other relative and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Charles Herbert Taylor and Mark Myron Taylor.
Services were held Friday, November 1, 2024 at First Baptist Church of Eldon. Burial followed in Greenmore Memorial Gardens, Barnett.
Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Eldon.
Online condolences may be left at www.kidwellgarber.com
Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home of Versailles.
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