Obituary - Hubert Fox

October 4, 1932 ~ September 13, 2025 (age 92)

Hubert Fox was born October 4, 1932 to John Albert and Lorine (Wolfe) Fox of Nevada, Missouri. As a nine-year-old, Hubert placed his faith in Jesus Christ; and not many years later, he began to sense God's leading into ministry. He preached his first sermon at the age of fourteen.

He was a graduate of Nevada High School, Southwest Baptist College, William Jewell College, and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

On June 26, 1955, he was united in marriage to Ann Robinson, at the Sylvan Dale Baptist Church.

Following seminary training, the couple, along with their two children, moved to Thailand, where they served as missionaries for 35 years. During that time, Hubert served as a pastor, and later as a professor at the Thailand Baptist Theological Seminary, where the Hubert Fox Chair of New Testament was endowed upon his retirement.

But Hubert couldn't stay retired. Following the couple's return to Nevada, they joined the First Baptist Church and Hubert was soon serving part-time as Pastor to Senior Adults. He and Ann taught Sunday school and loved singing in the choir.

But even as declining health brought retirement from each of these activities, Hubert's ministry continued. His was a spirit that kept shedding grace on the people around him, even to the last hours of his life, on September 13, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-nine years and their son, Philip Fox; by his parents and two brothers, Charles Fox and Loren Fox.

Those left to cherish his memory include daughter and son-in-law Beth and Charles Gregory; daughter-in-law Cathy Fox; sisters-in-law Sue Robinson and Linda Erwin; brother-in-law John Robinson; brother-in-law Charles Lowe; and nine grandchildren and great-grandchildren; along with many nephews and nieces.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at First Baptist Church, Nevada, with Dr. Kevin Daugherty officiating. Interment will follow in Moore Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute to Hubert's memory to First Baptist Church of Nevada, Missouri, or to First Baptist Church of Chapman, Nebraska.

Courtesy Ferry Funeral Home

Obituary - Lella Hackler

Lella B. (Johnson) Hackler, was born in Kansas City on February 13, 1936 to Edgar M. and Nelle A. (Lines) Cross. She departed this life in Clinton, Missouri on September 15, 2025 at 89 years of age.

She grew up in Kansas City but completed her junior and senior years, graduating from Osceola High School. Following graduation she worked for McDonnell Aircraft in St. Louis before returning to the area and marrying Orval Johnson. She operated her own beauty shop before staying at home and raising her family on the farm outside of Appleton City, Missouri. Later, she moved to Sedalia, Missouri where she remarried and became a nurse. She moved to Clinton and finished her remaining years there.

Lella was preceded in death by her parents, one brother Robert Cross and her daughter Renee. Survivors include her sons, Blair Johnson of Clinton, Missouri and Craig Johnson of Appleton City, Missouri; six grandkids and several great-grandkids.

Courtesy Hill & Son Funeral Home

Obituary - Debra Yvonne Angus

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved sister, Debra Yvonne Angus, on Monday, September 15, 2025, at Skills Unlimited in Joplin, Missouri. A visitation will be held on Monday, September 22, 2025 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, MO. Graveside services will immediately follow at West Union Cemetery in Cleveland, MO. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Arc of the Ozarks, 4722 E 32nd St, Joplin, MO 64804, is appreciated.

Debbie was born on March 15, 1954, in Smyrna, Tennessee. She lived in Belton and Blue Springs, before relocating to Joplin, MO, for the last 8 years of her life. She spent a number of years working at CASCO in Harrisonville.

Debbie touched many lives over the years with her infectious laughter. She knew no stranger and enjoyed sharing her stories to anyone who would listen. She loved the Chiefs, Elvis Presley, shopping, doing crafts, and especially her family. Debbie was profound with her comments and her view of others that would make you smile or laugh. Thank you, Debbie, for the memories. She has left footprints on our hearts and will be greatly missed.

Debbie is preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Delitha "Dee" Doty, and her sister, Denise Angus. She is survived by her sisters: Wanda Fleming and Becky Millstead (Philip); her brother, Wayne Angus (Becky); her nieces: Beth Kiely Johnston (Cory), Abigail Angus, and Emily Millstead; and her nephews: Curtis Millstead and Matthew Angus (Rosa Lea).

Obituary - Karen Russell

Karen Russell, 79 of Butler, Missouri passed away Sunday, September 14, 2025 at Golden Valley Memorial Hospital in Clinton. A visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Funeral services will be held 10:00 am Thursday, September 18, 2025 also at Mullinax Funeral Home. Burial to follow in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Memorial contributions may be made in Karen's memory to the Happy Hill Church of God. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

A complete obituary is pending at this time and will be published when it becomes available.

Obituary - Wayne Tyrone Berry

 A Celebration of Life service for Wayne Tyrone Berry of Adrian, Missouri will be 10 a.m. Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri.  Visitation prior to services 9 - 10 a.m. Saturday at the Schowengerdt Chapel.  Burial in Englewood Cemetery, Clinton, Missouri.  Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Wayne Tyrone Berry, age 86 of Adrian, Missouri died Monday, September 15, 2025 at Medicalodge in Butler, Missouri.  He was born May 24, 1939 to Glenn H. and Ruth Alta Weir Berry in Pullman, Washington.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Sharon Berry of Adrian, Missouri; two sons, Rodney Berry and wife Jill and Mark Berry and wife Amy all of Clinton, Missouri; one brother, Teddy Berry; eight grandchildren, Tyler, Sydney, Collen, Chelsi, Josi, Nick, Justin and Ashley; and one great-grandson, Beckham.  Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Ruth Berry; and one brother, Glenn Berry.

Obituary - James T Popplewell, (JT)

James T Popplewell, ( JT) born on April 17, 1949, in Butler, Missouri, passed away at his home in Pinckneyville Illinois on September 10, 2025, at the age of 76. Surrounded by his three daughters. James was known for being hard-working, loyal, honest, wise, devoted, humorous, and adventurous.

James spent his early life in Amoret and attended school at Miami R-1. He helped his parents and grandparents with farming. He was born to Gilbert and Marjorie Popplewell of Butler, Missouri, and had a brother, Pat Popplewell, and a sister, Linda Bronnenberg.

James served in the Army as an aircraft mechanic and was honorably discharged as a Specialist 4. His military achievements include the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, 1 Overseas Bar, Aircraft Crewman Badge, and the Sharpshooter Badge M-16. He retired from Kansas City Power and Light and was a proud Mason, Shriner, and lifetime member of the American Legion, VFW, Combat Vets, and AmVets.

James was married to Marilyn from 1971 to 1990, and together they had three daughters: Kandie (Jim) Glynn, Bridget (Jack) Miller, and Tanya (Ted) Kantor. He later married Teena Jones Popplewell, with whom he shared his life from 1996 to 2022.

He is survived by his three daughters Kandie, Bridget and Tanya, grandchildren Brook, Cameron, Kaden, Mariah (Max) , Gage( Lacy), Kaitlyn(Seth), Pheebe, Addison. Great grandchildren Amelia, Sylvia, Sophia, Kimbry, Easton, Odyn, Finnegan.

He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, brother and his wife Teena.

In his personal life, James enjoyed being a Shriner, riding motorcycles, boating, and spending time with friends. His adventurous spirit and dedication to his family and community will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Sex abuse case postponed until November

Corey Snead 48, of Butler, who has been charged with one count of misdemeanor sexual abuse was arraigned in the Bates County Circuit Court this morning before Judge Blane Baker.

At the request of Snead's attorney, Scott Friedrich, the case has been continued until November 10, 2025 at 10 am.

Snead is facing charges stemming from an incident that allegedly occurred earlier this year at a Butler bar.

Free movie this weekend!