Adamson, Leola Belle:
Leola Belle Adamson, daughter of Monroe Perkins and Ethel Pridgen Claxton, was born Jun 19, 1908 near Manes, MO. She departed this life Wednesday, Jun 4, 1997 in the Hartville Care Center in Hartville, MO at the age of eighty-eight years, eleven months, and fifteen days.  On May 18, 1926, she was united in marriage to William Harrison Adamson and to this union three sons and three daughters were born. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Harrison on Dec 3, 1982; a daughter Shirley Vanderpool; a grandson, Rory Adamson; a brother Herbert Claxton; and an infant sister.  Leola is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Rex and Karen Adamson of Joplin, MO, Ron and Dorothy Adamson of Rogersville, MO and Lowell and Sheila Adamson of Hartville, MO; two daughters, Pauline Long and Geleta Adams, both of Hartville, MO; a son-in-law Jere Vanderpool of Overland Park, KS; 13 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; several step-great-great-grandchildren; two brothers Haden Claxton of Kansas City, MO and T. J. Claxton of the state of California; 5 sisters Pat Tagtmeyer of Kansas City, MO, Twajana Chasteen of Branson, MO, Vera Crewse and Fern Cornell, both of Campbell, CA and Helena Gervais of San Diego, CA; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.  She was born near Manes and spent her childhood in Wright County. After she and Harrison were married, they spent two years in Idaho and then lived several years in the Joplin area before returning to Wright County in 1970. Throughout the years, she was a devoted homemaker and she and Harrison lovingly raised their family.  Leola was saved in the 1940's during a revival at New Home Church. She was a member of the Hartville Senior Citizens and enjoyed the friendships she made there. Her family was very special to her and she loved caring for them. In her spare time she enjoyed quilting, gardening, and playing cards.  Leola was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister and aunt, and was a caring neighbor and friend. She will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her.  Burial: New Home Cemetery, Wright Co., MO.

Admire, Eilene Plaster:
Eilene Plaster Admire, daughter of Thomas Jackson and Stella Elsa Richmond Plaster, was born Feb 27, 1924, near Odin, in Wright Co, MO. She departed this life Saturday, Jan 18, 1997, in her home, near Grovespring, MO at the age of seventy-two years, ten months, and twenty-one days.  She was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Bernice Lowery.  Eilene is survived by two sisters, Eula Kilmer, and her husband, Lloyd, of Grovespring, MO and Lorena McNealy of Hartville, MO; a brother, Owen Plaster, and his wife, Lorene, of Hartville, MO; an uncle, Wilson Plaster, and his wife, Ada, of Seymoure, MO; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.  She was born near Odin, MO and attended the Newton Grade School. She later attended the Mansfield High School before moving to St. Louis in her late teen years. After spending ten years in St. Louis, she moved to Van Buren, MO for a short time, and then to Kansas City, MO where she worked as a beautician. In the early 1970's she moved to the Grovespring area where she lived her retirement years.  Eilene attended the Mount Pisgah Baptist church, and was an active member of the Grovespring Senior Citizens. For several years she served as president of the local organization.  In her spare time she enjoyed quilting, baking, and doing craft projects. She was a very charitable person who was always giving away pies, quilts, and things she made to her neighbors, friends and others.  Eilene was a loving sister, niece, and aunt, and was a caring neighbor and friend. She will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her.  Burial: Newton Cemetery.

Archer, Robert Glen:
Robert Glen Archer, son of Robert Andrew and Luvenia Crouch Archer, was born May 21, 1918, near Ava, in Douglas Co., MO. He departed this life Wednesday, Jun 5, 1996, at his home, in Hartville, MO, at the age of seventy-eight years, and fourteen days.  Early in his life, he was united in marriage to Pearl Lorene Benson, and to this union one son and two daughters were born.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, William Truman Archer, in 1979; and a half-sister, Marie Herrod.  Glen is survived by his two daughters, Bonnie Turner, and her husband, Joe, of Springfield, MO, and Carmen Luna of Seymour, MO; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.  He was born and raised in Douglas Co., and after marrying Pearl, they continued to live in the Douglas/Wright County areas. Later in his life, he was married to Dolly Archer, who preceded him in death. In the early 1970's, he and Dolly purchased a farm, near Hartville, which he later sold and moved into town. Throughout his life, he worked as a stockman and cattle farmer. Glen had served his country faithfully in the U.S. Army.  He enjoyed gardening, squirrel hunting, and tending to his home.  Glen was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and was a caring neighbor and friend. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all of his family and many friends.  Burial: Prairie Hollow Cemetery near Mansfield, MO.

Baker, Billie D.:
Billie D. Baker, daughter of Owen and Martha O'Dell Gorman, was born Dec 4, 1914 in Hartville, MO.  She departed this life Sunday, Apr 23, 1995, in Dallas-Fort Worth Medical Center in Grand Prairie, TX, at the age of eighty years, four months, and nineteen days.  On Apr 24, 1949, she was united in marriage to Byron Baker, and to this union two sons and one daughter were born.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Byron, on Apr 14, 1983; a daughter Brenda Ann Baker, in Nov of 1975; and a sister Ruth Peters.  Billie is survived by two sons, William Byron "Bill" Baker of Garland, TX, and Steven Scott Baker of Grand Prairie, TX; five grandchildren; a sister Pauline Butler of West Monroe, LA; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.  She was born and raised in Wright County, MO and graduated from Hartville High School.  Later, she moved with her family to Jefferson City, MO where she worked for the Bureau of Vital Statistics.  She then moved to Springfield where she met and married Byron.  In 1955, she and Byron moved to Neosho, MO where they made their home for 15 years.  In 1970, the family moved to Grand Prairie, TX where she continued to live for the rest of her life.  Billie professed her faith in Christ and was a member of the Trinity Christian Center (TBN).  Her family was very special to her and she was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.  She enjoyed caring for her home and reading in her spare time.  Billie will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all of her family and many friends.  Burial:  Steele Memorial Cemetery, Hartville, MO.

Benton, Chester Hugh:
Chester Hugh Benton, son of Robert Austin and Laura Elizabeth Pridgen Benton, was born Mar 6, 1924 near St. George, MO.  He departed this life Tuesday, Jan 2, 1996 in his home near St. George, MO, at the age of seventy-one years, nine months, and twenty-six days.  On Dec 25, 1943, he was united in marriage to Jane Patterson and to this union two daughters were born.  He was preceded in death by his parents and two infant brothers.  Chester is survived by his wife of fifty-two years, Jane of the home; two daughters Barbara Graham and her husband Larry, of Shawnee, KS, and Paula Nelson of Hartville, MO; two grandchildren, Michael and Andrew Nelson, both of Hartville, MO; 6 step-grandchildren; 14 step-great-grandchildren; a sister Ferriel Delcour of Lebanon, MO; a brother Robert Benton of Birmingham, MI; a niece and a nephew; and 5 special great-nephews and great-nieces; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.  He was born on the family farm near St. George, and continued to live there throughout his life.  He graduated from the Mountain Grove High School in the Class of 1941, and then served his country faithfully in the U.S. Army from Aug 1944 until Jul 1946.  During his time in the military, he was a part of I Company, 276th Regiment, 70th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army, and received the purple heart.  Upon his honorable discharge from the Army, he returned to the family farm and continued his work as a stock farmer.  Chester made his profession of faith in Christ at an early age, and was a longtime active member of the Liberty Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  He served as an Elder in the church until it burned in 1985.  He later attended the New Home Free Will Baptist Church.  He was a member of the Hartville V.F.W. Post #3135, the 70th Division Association of the U.S. Army; had served as Wright County Director of the Missouri Cattlemen's Association, was treasurer of the Wright County Democratic Committee, a member of the Wright County I.D.A. Board, was a director of the Coldwater Cemetery Board, had served on the advisory committee of the Farm Credit Service, and had served on the Hartville School Board, and the reunion committee of the Mountain Grove Class of 1941.  In his spare time, he enjoyed taking photographs, cooking, doing woodwork projects, and tractor pulls.  He was a very friendly man who never met a stranger, and loved to visit.  Chester was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and uncle, and cared deeply for all of his family.  He will be fondly remembered as a patriotic citizen, a devoted family man, and a concerned neighbor and friend.  He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.  Burial:  Coldwater Cemetery with Full Military Rites.

Bolian, James Elmer, Sr:
James Elmer Bolian, Sr., son of Homer Archibald and Liza Arlena Garner Bolian, was born May 23, 1918, near High Point, MO.  He departed this life Thursday, Oct 3, 1996, in Cox Medical Center South in Springfield, MO, at the age of seventy-eight years, four months, and ten days.  On Sep 30, 1940, he was united in marriage to Vernice Elmira Lawler, and to this union four sons and one daughter were born.  He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sons, Jarret Max and Reginald Lawler Bolian.  Elmer is survived by his wife of 56 years Vernice of the home; two sons and daughters-in-law, James E., Jr. and Elizabeth Bolian of Seattle, WA and Roderick and Karen Bolian of Twin Falls, ID; a daughter and son-in-law, Jill and Steven Dabney of Houston, MO; two grandsons Trent and Trevor; four sisters Verna Davis, Vula Hogan and June Davis, all of Hartville, MO, and Mildred Bolian of Mansfield, MO; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.  He was born and raised near High Point in Wright County.  After he and Vernice were married, they made their home in the St. George community and lovingly raised their family.  For several years, he drove a school bus for the Mountain Grove Schools.  From 1957 until his retirement in 1983, he was employed by the Missouri State Highway Department and worked in the Manes maintenance shed.  Throughout his life, he also owned and operated a farm.  Elmer had made his profession of faith in Christ, and through the years attended the Pleasant Grove "Cope" Free Will Baptist Church.  He loved singing and enjoyed doing solos and also singing with quartets.  He liked attending revivals and going to singings.  His family was very important to him and he loved having his children and grandchildren around him.  In his spare time he enjoyed reading.  Elmer was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend.  He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.  Burial:  Coldwater Cemetery.

Boyer, Ova Lee:
Ova Lee Boyer, son of Owen Clarence and Ora Aleth Rippee Boyer, was born Jan 31, 1931 near Hartville, MO.  He departed this life Sunday, May 4, 1997, in his home near Hartville, MO, at the age of sixty-six years, three months, and thirty-one days.  On Jan 18, 1949, he was united in marriage to Alberta Eaton and together they shared 49 years before she preceded him in death on Nov 6, 1991.  On Apr 10, 1993, he was united in marriage to Sarah Faye Moore Massey, and together they shared the last 4 years.  He was also preceded in death by his parents.  Ova is survived by his wife, Faye, of the home; a stedaughter Cathy Barnett of Lebanon, MO; a stepson Charley Massey of Springfield, MO; two step-granddaughters Joy Couch and Hollie Barnett; a step-great grandson Tyler Couch; two sisters Osa Garrett and Ollie Branstetter, both of Springfield, MO; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.  He was born and raised in the Hartville area and attended the #3 Country School.  At the age of 21, he entered the U.S. Army and served his country faithfully from Oct 15, 1952 until Jul 14, 1954, during the Korean Conflict.  After being honorably discharged from the military, he returned to the family farm near Hartville, and once again operated the dairy farm.  For 16 years he also drove a truck for the Mansfield Cheese Company.  In 1967, he changed from dairy farming to raising Polled Hereford cattle.  Ova had made his profession of faith in Christ and was a longtime member of the Sunshine Church.  He was a member of the Ozark Summit Hereford Association and had served as President of the organization.  In his spare time he enjoyed gardening and working with his cattle.  Ova will be fondly remembered as a loving family man, a hard working farmer, and a caring neighbor and friend.  He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.  Burial:  Steele Memorial Cemetery with Full Military Rites.

Browitt, Ethel Mae:
Ethel Mae Browitt, daughter of Alfred and Rachel Elizabeth Reasoner Brooks, was born Feb 5, 1897, near Norwood, MO.  She departed this life Wednesday, Jul 23, 1997, in Heart of the Ozarks Nursing Home in Ava, MO, at the age of one hundred years, five months, and eighteen days.  On Dec 19, 1915, she was united in marriage to Andrew Browitt and to this union two sons and four daughters were born.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Andy, on Feb 17, 1975; an infant son, Sylvester Browitt; two daughters Velma Todd and Emily Davis; and 3 brothers Oscar, Roy, and Guy Brooks.  Ethel is survived by a son and daughter-in-law Lester and Mary Browitt of Hartville, MO; 2 daughters Gladys Dixson of Evanston, WY and Jewell Lowrance, and her husband Gayford, of Springfield, MO; 9 grandchildren, Jerry Browitt, Carolyn Huntley, Larry Dixson, Gayford Lowrance, Jr., Robert Davis, Brenda Bass, Roger, Rex and Janice Todd; 13 great-grandchildren; 14 great-great-grandchildren; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.  She was born and raised in the Norwood area.  After she and Andy were married, they made their home in the Hartville area and lovingly raised their family.  Throughout the years, she was a devoted homemaker to her husband and children.  In August of 1995, she became a resident of the Heart of the Ozarks Nursing Home in Ava, MO.  Ethel was converted and baptized at the age of 29.  She later joined the First Freewill Baptist Church in Hartville, where she maintained her membership.  She enjoyed going to church and serving the Lord for as long as her health allowed.  She enjoyed quilting and sewing, and always liked visiting with her family and friends.  Ethel was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, and was a caring neighbor and friend.  She will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her.  Burial:  Steele Memorial Cemetery.

Buttram, Anthea Viola:
Anthea Viola Buttram, daughter of Charles Monroe and Eva Cordelia Eaton Priester, was born Dec 21, 1898, near Hartville, MO.  She departed this life Monday, Nov 17, 1997 in her home near Hartville, MO, at the age of ninety-eight years, ten months and twenty-seven days.  On Jun 20, 1918, she was united in marriage to Kirk Buttram, and together they shared 63 years.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Kirk, on Dec 22, 1981; a daughter Florence Baillie; 2 granddaughters Janet Kates and Joan Baillie; a great-grandson; and a brother Leo Priester.  Viola is survived by a son and daughter-in-law Wilford and Bonnie Buttram of Hartville, MO; a daughter and son-in-law Peggy and Melvin Clift of Niangua, MO; 8 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; a sister Odessa Reed of Springfield, MO; one niece; one nephew; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.  She was born and raised near Hartville in Wright County, MO, where she met and married Kirk.  For several years they made their home in the Grovespring community and lovingly raised their family.  In 1958, they moved to Springfield, MO, where she continued to live until 1993, when she moved to her present home in Wright County.  Throughout the years, she was a devoted homemaker to her husband and family.  Viola made her profession of faith in Christ at an early age, and was a member of the Mount Pisgah Baptist Church in Grovespring.  In her spare time she enjoyed quilting and had made many beautiful quilts for her family.  She also liked to work in her garden and cook for her family and friends.  She loved her family dearly and enjoyed spending time with them.  Viola was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, and aunt, and was a caring neighbor and friend.  She will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her.  Burial:  Little Vine Cemetery near Grovespring, MO.

Campbell, James Everett:
James Everett Campbell, son of Robert Alexandria and Frances Coday Campbell, was born Mar 12, 1903 near Hartville, MO.  He departed this life Tuesday, Apr 1, 1997 in his home in Hartville, MO, at the age of ninety-four years, and nineteen days.  In 1932 he was united in marriage to Edith Elizabeth Ousley, who preceded him in death on Aug 2, 1944.  In December of 1944 he was united in marriage to Sybil Iva Hensley, who also preceded him in death in May of 1988.  He was also preceded in death by his parents; and two daughters Bessie Graven and an infant Pauline Campbell.  Jim is survived by a son Bobby Cambell of Wataga, IL; two daughters Jimmie Smart of Drury, MO and Ida Dunlap of Kingsville, MO; a step-son Irving Baker of Ozark, MO; a step-daughter Jean Nichols of Peoria, IL; 16 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; a brother Virgil Campbell of the state of California; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.  He was born and raised in the Hartville area, and served his country faithfully in the U.S. Army.  After he and Edith were married, they made their home near Hartville.  After he and Sybil were married, they resided in California for many years, where he worked as an automobile mechanic for a Chevrolet dealer in Lindsay, CA.  In the mid 1970's, he and Sybil returned to the Hartville area and enjoyed their retirement years.  Jim had established a personal relationship with His Lord and was of the Freewill Baptist faith.  In his spare time he enjoyed being outdoors where he liked to go fishing and hunting.  Jim was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, brother, and uncle and was a caring neighbor and friend.  He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.  Burial:  Coon Creek Cemetery.

Cantrell, McKinley S. "Mack":
McKinley S. "Mack" Cantrell, son of Edward and Zipporah Dodson Cantrell, was born on Feb 19, 1915 near Duncan in Webster County, MO.  He departed from this life Friday, Dec 26, 1997 in San Jose, CA, after a brief illness.  He was eighty-two years, ten months, and seven days old when he died.  On Sep 21, 1935, in Buffalo, MO, he was united in marriage to Lacy I. Massey, and to this union two daughters were born.  He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Otis and Raymond Cantrell.  McKinley is survived by his wife, Lacy; two daughters Wanda June McKoin of Clinton, MO, and Linda Jane Roy of Cupertino, CA; 4 grandchildren Michael David and Mark Andrew McKoin, Katherine Anne and Steven Albert Roy; 4 great-grandchildren Jacqueline Nicole, Matthew and Ashley McKoin; a brother Kenneth Cantrell of Fresno, CA; a sister Elsa Lowrey of Fresno, CA; 14 nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.  McKinley was raised in Wright and Webster Counties in Missouri.  Shortly after he and Lacy were married, they purchased a farm near Elk Creek, and in the early 1940's, McKinley attended the Coyne Electrical School in Chicago, IL.  During World War II, he and Lacy both worked for defense contractors.  In 1944 they moved to Fresno, CA, and lovingly raised their family.  They later moved close to their youngest daughter Linda in Cupertino, CA.  Mack was employed as an electrician by the Advance Electric Company in San Jose, CA, for many years.  His co-workers fondly remember him for his great sense of humor and for always taking time to share his knowledge and experience with them.  Mack trained many of the workers at his shop, including the present day foreman.  McKinley had a unique talent for repairing any kind of electric appliance and was always the handyman of the family and neighborhood.  He was very inventive and could create a device to solve almost any mechanical, electrical, or plumbing problem.  His many handmade toys were treasured by his children and grandchildren.  He and Lacy took their daughters and grandchildren on numerous trips around the country and saw most of the United States.  After moving to California, they made 23 car trips back to Missouri to visit friends and relatives.  In his leisure time, McKinley enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping.  He always had a special way with animals.  At one time he and Lacy had 6 dogs at their suburban home.  They also kept cats, cockatiels, and many other animals.  McKinley even tamed two squirrels in his neighborhood, hand-feeding them nuts every day.  In recent times his Siamese cat "Sasha" was his most beloved pet.  She visited him in the hospital when he was ill.  McKinley was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend.  He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.  Burial:  McBride Cemetery, near Competition, MO.

Carr, Clarence R.:
Clarence R. Carr, son of James and Ida Long Carr, was born Nov 10, 1899 in Wright County near Loring.  He departed this life Sunday, May 5, 1996, in his home near Hartville, at the age of ninety-six years, five months and twenty-five days.  He was preceded in death by his wives Bessie Widner Carr and Lola Hatfield Carr; his parents; a brother Willie E. Carr; two sisters Lanta Grissom and Gertie Myers.  Clarence is survived by a number of nieces and nehews and several great-nieces and great-nephews.  He was born and raised in Wright County and spent all of his childhood there.  In 1917 he went west to Colorado where he lived for several years.  It was during this time that he married his Wright County love, Bessie.  He and Bessie continued to live in Colorado until moving to Springfield, MO, where Clarence worked for Springfield City Utilities.  In 1963 they moved back to Wright County where he continued to live for the rest of his life.  Several years after Bessie passed away, Clarence was united in marriage to Lola Hatfield, she also preceded him in death.  Clarence had made his profession of faith in Christ and was a member of the Little Creek Baptist Church.  In years past, he always enjoyed going hunting and fishing.  Clarence was a loving uncle and was a kind and caring neighbor and friend.  He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all of his family and many friends.  Burial:  Little Creek Cemetery.

Carriger, Floyd Wilbert:
Floyd Wilbert Carriger, son of Godfrey B. and Sarah Evaline Boatman Carriger, was born Oct 15, 1914 near Grovespring, MO.  He departed this life Thursday, Oct 23, 1997 in the Hartville Care Center in Hartville, MO, at the age of eighty-three years and eight days.  On May 5, 1937, he was united in marriage to Joella Evans and to this union 3 daughters and 3 sons were born.  He was preceded in death by his parents; 4 brothers, Richard, Clarice, Arthur, and Fred; and a sister Lillie Long.  Wilbert is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joella, of the home; 3 daughters and sons-in-law Dorothy and Russ Robertson of Hartville, MO, Wilma and J.O. Squires of Grand Junction, CO, and Lois and Russell Kelley of Hartville, MO; 3 sons and daughters-in-law Robert and Priscilla Carriger of Cedar Rapids, IA, Earl and Janet Carriger, and Howard and Tammy Carriger, all of Grovespring, MO; 18 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandson; a brother Boatman Carriger of Kirksville, MO; a sister Verba Intorn of Fremont, NB; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.  He was born and raised in the Grovespring community area.  After he and Joella were married, they made their home on their farm in Wright County, MO, and lovingly raised their family.  Throughout the years, he and Joella worked side by side in the operation of their dairy farm.  Wilbert was a longtime active member of the Elk Creek Baptist Church, where he served as Deacon.  He was a former member of the Grovespring Lions Club, and always had a great affection for horses.  He also enjoyed watching baseball games and especially liked to follow the St. Louis Cardinals.  Wilbert was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, brother, and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend.  He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.  Burial:  Little Creek Cemetery.

Carter, Oscar:
Oscar Carter was born May 4, 1915.  He departed this life on Aug 17, 1997.  Burial:  Floral Memory Gardens, Albany, GA.

Carter, Raymer Ray:
Raymer Ray Carter, son of David Columbus and Nancy Isabel Roberts Carter, was born May 4, 1909 near Hartville, MO.  He departed this life Tuesday, Aug 6, 1996 in St. John's Regional Health Center in Springfield, MO, at the age of eighty-seven years, three months, and two days.  He was preceded in death by his parents; and 3 brothers, Russell, Ruel, and Robert Carter.  Raymer is survived by 3 sisters Ruth Baynes of Nevada, MO, Rhuie Hickman of Topock, AZ, and Ruby McEachern of Loomis, CA; a brother Ralph Carter of Redlands, CA; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.  He was born and raised in Wright County and left to join the C.C.C. Camps.  After he departed the camp, he moved to California, where he entered the military.  From January of 1942 until December of 1945, he served in the U.S. Army Air corps during World War II.  He was an aerial engineer gunner with the 4th Photo Mapping Squadron, and was decorated with several medals, including the Air Medal and the American and Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medals.  After his time in the military, he made his home in Nevada, MO, for a few years and then returned to the Hartville area where he owned and operated a dairy farm.  For a number of years, he also worked for Arnall's Lumber Mill.  The last several years he lived in the Gasconade Neighbors apartments.  Raymer had made his profession of faith in Christ and was a member of the Hartville Church of God where he had taught Sunday School.  He was a member of the American Legion, a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, and the Wright County Senior Citizens.  He was a friendly person, who was well-liked in the community.  He liked the outdoors, where he could be one with nature.  He enjoyed fishing and hunting, and taking pictures of wildlife.  Raymer will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all of his family and many friends.  Burial:  Shaddy Cemetery.

Clinton, Granville Theodore "Ted":
Granville Theodore "Ted" Clinton, age 53, of 2820 Iron Gates Rd, passed away at 4:20 p.m. Friday at St. John's Regional Medical Center from injuries he sustained in an automobile accident west of Joplin.  Mr. Clinton was born Jan 25, 1942, in Sioux City, IA.  He was a school teacher for 14 years, teaching chemistry and biology in the Newburg, Hartville, and Climax Springs, Missouri school districts.  Mr. Clinton owned and operated the Dependable Economy Cleaners in Joplin the past 6 years.  He was an Army Veteran of the Vietnam War and a member of First Baptist Church, Joplin.  On Dec 19, 1969, he married Sharon Fisher in Hartville.  She survives at the home.  Additional survivors include a son, Jason Clinton, Jolin; his daughter and son-in-law Rhonda and Sam Fisher, Joplin; his mother Mary A. Clinton, Joplin; 2 brothers Chris and Lisa Clinton, Rolla, MO, and Joe and Elberta Clinton, West Chester, PA, and three nieces.  Burial:  Steele Memorial Cemetery.

Coltrane, Crissie Blanche:
Crissie Blanche Coltrane, daughter of Everett James and Crissie Bual Manary Young, was born December 19, 1925 near Hartville, MO.  She depared this life Friday, March 22, 1996 in St. John's Regional Health Center in Springfield, MO at the ae of seventy years, three months and three days.  On May 20, 1943 she was united in marriage to Leeman Chester Coltrane, and together they shared twenty-seven years.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Leeman on August 11, 1970; a grandson Rory Adamson; and a brother Everett Young, Jr.  Crissie is survived by two sons, Donnie and Randy Coltrane, both of Hartville, MO; a stepdaughter Maxine Adamson of Hartville, MO; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two sisters Judy Henderson of Hartville, MO and Billie Morgans of Buffalo, MO; a number of nieces and nephews; an uncle Argus Manary; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.  She was born and raised near Hartville, and lived all of her life in the Hartville area.  After she and Leeman were married, they made their home on their farm near Hartville, and lovingly raised their family.  Besides being a devoted homemaker to her husband and family, she also helped out with the farm work.  She loved her family dearly and strived to be involved in every part of her childrens' and grandchildrens' lives.  She enjoyed being with and taking care of her grandchildren, and also opened her home to foster children during the years.  She was also very fond of her nieces and nephews, who lovingly called her "Aunt Cricky".  Crissie was a member of the Church of Christ and faithfully attended services at Shaddy Chapel.  She was a very thoughtful person, and was always willing to help anyone in need.  She enjoyed being a part of the Hartville Senior Citizens and the Grovespring Senior Citizens, and loved visiting with her friends and neighbors.  She was also a member of the Honey-Dos Club.  In her spare time, she liked listening to Blue Grass music, and watching sports, especially basketball games.  Crissie was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and niece, and was a caring neighbor and friend.  She will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all of her family and many friends.  Burial:  Little Creek Cemetery.

Connell, James Addison:
James Addison Connell, son of Walter and Kathleen Hanks Connell, was born Jun 5, 1931, in Madison, IL.  He departed this life Wednesday, Apr 16, 1997, in his home near Hartville, MO, at the age of sixty-five years, ten months, and eleven days.  He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers Walter Connell, Jr., and Leroy Connell; and 2 sisters.  James is survived by a son and daughter-in-law James M. and Vicky Connell of Hartville, MO; a daughter and son-in-law Angela and John Biekert of Hartville, MO; 4 grandchildren Kristy, Jessica, Devon, and Jennifer; a brother Robert Manues of Pittsfield, IL; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.  He was born and raised in the St. Louis and East Illinois area.  He served his country faithfully in the U.S. Army for 4 years during the Korean Conflict.  He returned to the St. Louis area after his time in the military, and worked as a machinist for the General Electric Company for many years.  In 1975, he moved to the Hartville area and made his home.  In his spare time he enjoyed fishing, and always liked visiting with people.  He loved spending time with his family and especially enjoyed his grandchildren.  James was a loving father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend.  He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.  Burial:  Little Creek Cemetery.

Cope, Ima Janet:
Ima Janet Cope, daughter of George Burgess and Mary Alice Benton Lawler, was born Aug 26, 1932 near Manes, MO.  She departed this life Friday, Jun 7, 1996 in Cox Medical Center South in Springfield, MO, at the age of sixty-three years, nine months, and eleven days.  On Mar 3, 1948, she was united in marriage to Darrell Raymond Cope and to this union one son and one daughter were born.  She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant sister; and an infant brother.  Ima is survived by her husband of 48 years, Darrell, of the home; her son and daughter-in-law Bob and Greta Cope of Hartville, MO; her daughter Pamela Cope of Marshfield, MO; 3 grandchildren David Dennis and his wife Melony, and Marianne Delcour, all of Marshfield, MO, and Aaron Cope of Ozark, MO; a great-granddaughter McKenzie Dennis of Marshfield, MO; 3 brothers and sisters-in-law Sherman and Dixie Lawler of Springfield, MO, Bill and Jeannine Lawler of West Memphis, AR, and Farris and Mary Lawler of Mountain Grove, MO; a sister and brother-in-law Venita and Melvin Claxton of Hartville, MO; a half-brother Dean Lawler and his wife Patty of Kansas City, MO; 2 half-sisters Joan Lemons and her husband Jim of Hartville, MO, and Karen Burney and her husband Kenny of Mountain Grove, MO; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.  She was born and raised near Manes and the Jerktail area.  After she and Darrell were married, they soon moved to Hartville, where they made their home and lovingly raised their family.  Throughout her life, she was a devoted homemaker to her husband and family.  In the Spring of 1949, Ima was saved and baptized and became a longtime member of the Hartville First Free Will Baptist Church.  She also belonged to the American Legion Auxiliary and the Rebekah Lodge.  She centered her life around her marriage, her family, and her home.  She spent most of her time in the kitchen and was known for her cooking.  In her spare time, she enjoyed gardening, quilting and refinishing furniture.  She also loved spending time with her family and especially enjoyed her grandchildren and great-granddaughter.  Ima was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt, and was a kind and caring neighbor and friend.  She will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all of her family and many friends.  Burial:  Steele Memorial Cemetery.

Craig, Rosa May Zena:
Rosa May Zena Craig, daughter of Newton and Tennessee Ann Rose Kelley, was born Sep 15, 1906 near Hartville, MO.  She departed this life Friday, Nov 7, 1997, in the Hartville Care Center in Hartville, MO, at the age of ninety-one years, one month, and twenty-two days.  On Apr 30, 1925, she was united in marriage to Albert B. Craig and to this union 3 sons and 3 daughters were born.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Albert on Feb 20, 1991; a daughter Avis Marie Craig; 3 grandchildren Odis Craig, Jr., Linda Craig and Ellis Ray Craig; a brother Willie Kelley; and a sister Myrtle Dunlap.  Rosie, as she was called by her family and friends, is survived by 3 sons Owen Lavern Craig of Marshfield, MO, Odis Wade Craig and his wife Betty of Springfield, MO, and Floyd Lee Craig and his wife Genia of Strafford, MO; 2 daughters and their husbands Olive Elizabeth and Eugene Crain of Mountain Grove, MO, and Dorothy Ann and Bill Wolfe of Blue Springs, MO; 24 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.  She was born and raised in Wright County, MO.  After she and Albert were married they made their home near Hartville and lovingly raised their family.  Except for one year that the family lived in Iowa, all of her life was spent in Wright County, MO.  Throughout the years, she was a devoted homemaker to her husband and family.  Rosie made her profession of faith in Christ and was baptized at an early age and was a longtime member of Little Creek Baptist Church.  She was involved in various church activities throughout the years and remained interested in her church, even after her health failed and she was not able to attend services.  She enjoyed being outdoors where she could work in her garden and grow beautiful flowers.  She was a wonderful cook and liked cooking for her family and friends.  Her family was very important to her and she especially enjoyed her grandchildren.  Rosie was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and aunt and was a caring neighbor and friend.  She will be fondly remembered and greatly missed, but the memories she has created for her family and friends will live on forever.  Burial:  Little Creek Cemetery.

Crain, Gregory Scott:
Gregory Scott Crain, son of Charles Clabern and Patty Louise Hightower Crain, was born Jul 26, 1962, in Hannibal, MO.  He departed this life Saturday, Feb 17, 1996 in the University of Missouri Medical Center in Columbia, MO, at the age of thirty-three years, six months, and twenty-one days.  He was preceded in death by a brother Allen Keith Crain; his maternal grandparents Clifford and Julia Hightower; and his paternal grandarents Heene and Mildred Crain.  Greg is survived by his parents Charles and Patty Crain of Springfield, MO; 2 sons Matthew Gregory Crain and Charles Cooper Crain, both of Columbia, MO; a daughter Ellen Taylor Crain of Columbia, MO; a brother Clay Crain of High Ridge, MO; a sister Angie Klein of Willard, MO; a special friend Joann Olivarri of Columbia, MO; a number of aunts, uncles, and cousins; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.  He was born in Hannibal, MO, and was raised in O'Fallon and St. Louis County.  Following his graduation from high school, he entered Missouri University, where he received his degree in broadcast journalism.  Upon graduation, he continued to stay in Columbia, where he was employed for 8 years as a sports announcer for channel 17.  For the last 3 years, he had been at KFRU Radio in Columbia, where he was in sales, production and promotion.  He was a member of the Missouri Alumni Club and enjoyed sports of all kinds, both as a player and a spectator.  He also liked coaching little league baseball and basketball.  Greg will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all of his family and many friends.  Burial:  Shaddy Cemetery.

Crapo, Francis "Frank" Charles:
Francis "Frank" Charles Crapo, son of Francis Charles and Lydia Evelyn Mason Crapo, was born Jul 19, 1914 in West Plains, MO.  He departed this life Wednesday, Apr 3, 1996, in Meadowbrook Manor in Thayer, MO, at the age of eighty-one years, eight months, and fourteen days.  On Apr 8, 1943, he was united in marriage to Mable Carrie Fullington and to this union 2 sons and 7 daughters were born.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Mable on Jul 22, 1990; a brother David Crapo; and a grandson Frankie Greathouse.  Frank is survived by 2 sons Charles and Donald Crapo, both of Hartville, MO; 7 daughters Ruth Volner, Sarah Boudreaux and Mavis Harrison, all of Hartville, MO, Carolyn Volner of Summersville, MO, Kay Gates of Eugene, OR, Margaret Fullington of Springfield, MO, and Beulah Hutsell of Graff, MO; 28 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; 3 step-grandchildren; and a step-great-grandchild; a brother Jesse Crapo of Duluth, GA; 2 sisters Laura Fullington of Hartville, MO, and Pearl Gilmore of Springfield, MO; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.  He was born in West Plains, MO, and was raised there and in Gainesville.  After he and Mable were married, they moved to Hartville where they made their home until 1974.  When their health began to fail, they moved into the Meadowbrook Manor in Thayer, MO.  Throughout the years, he worked as a self employed builder and plumber.  Frank attended the Church of God and faithfully attended worship services in the Manor.  In his spare time he loved to work in his garden, where he grew produce that he sold.  He was also a devoted family man, who loved having his family around him.  Frank was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle and was a caring neighbor and friend.  He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all of his family and many friends.  Burial:  Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

Crisp, Verba Eulas:
Verba Eulas Crisp, daughter of Arley G. and Effie M. Ward Austin, was born Dec 28, 1914 near Jerktail in Wright County, MO.  She departed this life Friday, Feb 16, 1996 in Trinity Lutheran Hospital in Independence, MO, at the age of eighty-one years, one month and eighteen days.  On Sep 8, 1936, she was united in marriage to Nolan Dallas Crisp and to this union 3 sons were born.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Nolan on Dec 8, 1984; her stepmother Amy Austin; and a brother Parris Austin.  Verba is survived by 3 sons Dr. N. Denney Crisp of Kansas City, MO, Marlin E. Crisp of Bates City, MO, and Kerry L. Crisp of Knob Noster, MO; 7 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters Verla Mosley of Manes, MO, and Gladys Edwards and Margie Davis of Hartville, MO; 3 brothers Nolan Austin of Van Nuys, CA, Virgil Austin of Hartville, MO and Billy Joe Austin of Mountain Grove, MO; a sister-in-law Ruby Austin of Lebanon, MO; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.  She was born near Jerktail, MO, and lived all of her childhood years there.  After she and Nolan were married, they made their home on their farm near Manes, where their 3 sons were born.  In 1955, the family moved to the Kansas City area where she lived the rest of her life.  Besides being a devoted homemaker to her husband and family, she worked for several years as a receptionist at The Doctors Office.  She continued to work at Hanna Medical Clinic, even after officially retiring.  Verba was saved and baptized at an early age, and in her younger years attended New Home Freewill Baptist Church.  For many years, she was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Liberty.  She was always a hard worker and loved caring for her home and her family, who were very special to her.  She enjoyed gardening and growing beautiful flowers in her spare time.  Verba was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and mother-in-law and was a kind and caring neighbor and friend.  She will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all of her family and many friends.  Burial:  Coldwater Cemetery.

Cutbirth, Donald Glen:
Donald Glen Cutbirth, son of William and Stella Fakas Cutbirth, was born Mar 10, 1964 at Mansfield, MO.  He departed this life Jul 18, 1966 at Hartville, MO, at the age of 32 years, 4 months and 8 days.  He is survived by