Daniel Funeral Home

03/03/2026

Velma Irene Horton

Velma Irene Horton, age 75, of Golden City, Missouri, passed away Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.

A visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Daniel Funeral Home in Lamar, Missouri.

A private family burial will be held.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested and should be made payable to St. Jude Children's Hospital in care of the funeral home.

The complete obituary will be updated soon.

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03/02/2026

Ken Eugene Godfrey

Ken Eugene “Zeke” Godfrey, age 78, of Lamar, passed away Sunday, March 1, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Ken was born April 20, 1947, in Lamar, Missouri, to Lester Eugene Godfrey and Gladys Margaret “Shorty” Godfrey.

He graduated from Lamar High School with the class of 1966 and later earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Missouri Southern State University in 1974. Ken devoted his life to education and coaching, beginning his career in Archie from 1978–1979; McAuley from 1979–1982; Archie again from 1982–1987; Liberal from 1987–1988; Golden City from 1988–1990; and concluding an extraordinary 49-year career at Jasper from 1990 until his retirement in 2025.

In addition to teaching and coaching, Ken served as the Summer Recreation Director in Lamar for four years during the late 1970s. During that time, he took great pride in caring for the baseball fields—often with nothing more than a rake and a lawn mower.

Known affectionately as “Coach Godfrey,” Ken dedicated his time, heart, and life to the students and schools he served, touching countless lives along the way. As an aide, he worked closely with many students, offering patience, encouragement, and unwavering support each day. He coached multiple sports throughout the years, mentoring and inspiring generations of young athletes.

Ken was a familiar and faithful presence at sporting events, always cheering on the Jasper teams. Behind the scenes, he spent countless summer hours watering the football field, quietly ensuring everything was ready for Friday night lights. For many years, he also served as a school crossing guard, greeting students and families with a warm smile and a kind word. Ken was truly a blessing to his community and will be deeply missed.

Survivors include his brother, Gordie Godfrey and wife Luella of Lamar; three nephews, Ryan Godfrey and wife Leah of Leavenworth, Kansas; Jeffrey Godfrey and wife Ashley of Republic, Missouri and Ryan Collier of Belton, Missouri; as well as three great-nieces and two great-nephews.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Lester “Les” and Gladys “Shorty” Godfrey.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Jasper High School Gymnasium in Jasper, Missouri, with burial to follow at Lake Cemetery in Lamar.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Daniel Funeral Home in Lamar.

Memorial contributions are suggested and may be made payable to Daniel Funeral Home, as the family is in the process of establishing a scholarship fund in Coach Godfrey’s honor.

Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com.

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03/02/2026

Julie Ann Miller

Julie Miller was born July 25, 1970, to Fleeter and Margaret (Berryhill) Marti. She graduated high school with the Lamar High School class of 1988. On March 25, 2001, she married Erin Miller in Las Vegas, Nevada. They have 2 beautiful daughters. Marlie Blair and Josie Margaret, yes, she used their middle names often.

If you didn’t know, Julie was a Chiefs fan, a Royals fan, and a Razorback fan. She enjoyed traveling to the beach, going to games and watching them on TV. She also enjoyed going to sporting events and programs of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Erin and the girls were fortunate that Julie had written her obituary for them. They had to go through it and narrow it down so that it wasn’t 15 pages. Some names have been changed to protect the guilty.

Julie is survived by many, many family members. It’s easy to start the list, it’s hard to know where to stop:

First (and foremost) her wonderful, awesome husband (maybe she should have entrusted this to someone besides us) and two beautiful daughters.

Jerry and his wife Debbie. They definitely have a clan, so here it goes. Kimberly & Alex Cantrell and their children: Milo, Peter, Audra, Samuel, and Baby Cantrell on the way. Jennifer & Kale Regier (Re-gear) and their children: Darien, Marti Julian (I finally got my namesake), Aviana, and Skylar. And obviously you know J-Dawg (I promise not to tell anyone I’m your favorite aunt, sorry Rhonda).

Sharri and her husband Bill Emmerling. Their children Charis & Rodney Woods and their daughter Reagan. Rinnah & Caleb Ross. Josiah & Mariah Emmerling and their daughters Carmia and Morgan Emmerling.

Dana and her husband Troy Todd and their clan. Cody & Regina Buzzard and their children Gentry, Della, and Elsie. Kyle & Lyndsey Buzzard and their daughter Kennedy. Kaden Buzzard and Kristn (it would be a lot easier if we could put her before the last name, HINT HINT). Jenna Todd.

A very special Aunt Reni (Lorene, maybe that’s why I call her Reni). Would someone please tell Jarrett her name is L-O-R-E-N-E, not Loraine? And we all know that wherever Reni is…here comes Johnny! He sure filled a big part of my heart when my dad died. I spent lots of time with them all through my life. Summers together usually came with homemade ice cream and sugar cookies (Jarrett, I gave you the recipe, say her name right, please). They have three children. Chase and his wife Julie Darrah; Their children, Madison and Adam. Dustin and his wife Nicole Darrah. Their children: Sky, Max, and Jack. Sara and her husband Andy Foster. Their children: Camden and Kenzie.

Rob and his beauty of a wife Deana. Her boys Dallas and Dakota. I love you guys dearly. SO many memories together. SO many trips, SO many games, SO many laughs. If y’all are actually reading this out loud, that means my wishes were honored and Rob wasn’t allowed to give a speech. He knows WAY too much, and there are some very sweet kids here that think Aunt Julie is sweet and innocent. And if he tries Josie, you’re my sure thing to take him out. So much laughter and tears. We’ve sat through some BAD football games and baseball games, but the Chiefs (3 times) and Royals have both been World Champions in my lifetime. Raise your hand if you snuck into game 7 of the 2014 World Series, sorry Nate and Jeanie. Rob was more than my cousin; he is one of my best friends….and he knows WAY too much.

Jim and Sherri Bayless and their boys. Brian & Charity, Chad & Heather, and Seth & Megan. So much more than family. From working to playing at the cabin and so much more, you have ALWAYS, ALWAYS been there.

The Blanchard Clan. Josh & Amanda and their children Kayne and Malia. They started out as friends and quickly became family. The very best thing that came from covid is our relationship with you all.

Aunt Kay Marti, Aunt Kay Adams Divine and husband Bob, Uncle Charlie and wife Ronda Berryhill.

I always took pride in being the last Marti grandchild. If I remember correctly, Grandma wrote in her diary “Julie Ann was born today, cutest one yet.” And this kind of surprises me since she tried to get Fleeter to name me Rolanda LeAnn. Fortunately, he told her, “Too bad you didn’t have a kid of your own, then you could have named them what you wanted”. Fleeter was the youngest of 12 kids.

Now I have been very blessed in the friend’s category, and I do mean blessed. These are in absolutely no particular order. Ok, maybe Torre goes first since we were forced upon each other at birth. Torre Ricketts, Andrea Peel, Shonna Kramer, Laura White, Susan Price, and Angie Weiskopf. I have been truly blessed by all these ladies and their true hearts of caring, sharing, praying, and trust me, LOADS and LOADS of laughter. I will have the smoked chicken dip ready.

To my football family: Stammie, Jason & Michelle, Justin, Montel, Chelle, Sara & Tamara, Katelyn, and so many more. Thank you for the many years of terrible, miserably cold, stifling hot, soaking wet, awesome games. Love you all

To Erin’s family: Thank you for everything. Please wrap your arms around them and continue to love on them.

How ‘Bout those CHIEFS! Let’s Go Royals Woo Pig

To EVERYONE:

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

John 3:16-17

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m, Friday, March 6, 2026, at the First Baptist Church of Lamar.

The family will receive friends beginning at 9:00 a.m. until service time at the church.

The family kindly invites those attending to honor her by wearing Chiefs, Arkansas Razorbacks, or Royals attire in tribute to her at the service. It's what Julie would want.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested and may be made payable to Ronald McDonald House, in care of Daniel Funeral Home.

View Julie Ann Miller's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/18/2026

We see every day how difficult it is for families to make decisions in the middle of grief. Preplanning eases the burden on the people you love most and ensures your wishes are clearly known. If you’ve ever considered putting a plan in place, we would be honored to visit with you.

Our doors are always open, and you’re welcome to call us anytime.

02/11/2026

Jeremiah Dean Buchanan

Jeremiah (Jeremy) Dean Buchanan was born February 20, 1974, to Cynthia Buchanan in Springfield, Missouri, and tragically left us too soon on February 4, 2026.

At the age of four, Jeremy relocated with his parents to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he was later joined by a sister and brother. Despite a significant age gap, the three shared a close and loving bond. Jeremy was a devoted father to four sons, who were the center of his life. In 2024, he moved to Lamar, Missouri, to begin a new chapter. He began working at the Lamar Fire Department, where he served as a station attendant and firefighter.

Jeremy faced many struggles throughout his adult life, and though his journey was not an easy one, he will be remembered for his goofy sense of humor, his deep love for his family, and his unwavering dedication to those he cared about. His absence leaves a profound sadness in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his mother, Cynthia Buchanan; his father, Bill Benford; his sister, Aimee Rabb; his brother, Jordan (Amber) Thibodeaux; his bonus brother, Joshua Benford; a brother-in-law, Jason Rabb; his four sons, Brendan Buchanan, Michael Buchanan, Conner Buchanan, and Payton Buchanan; his nephews, Carter, Jordan, Jaxon, Gage, and Liam; his niece, Jayla, along with a large extended family.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Buck and Norma Buchanan; his brother, Kylan Oxendine; and his uncle, Tim Buchanan.

A memorial visitation will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Memorial Hall in Lamar, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Daniel Funeral Home to assist the family with expenses.

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01/28/2026

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Lamar Police Department for their continued service and respect shown to the families we serve. Your presence during funeral processions reflects dignity, respect, and professionalism, and brings a sense of honor to the families entrusted to our care during times of loss. Your dedication to our community does not go unnoticed, and we are truly thankful for all that you do.

With sincere thanks,
Dan and the staff at Daniel Funeral Home

01/25/2026

Randall Scott McPeak

Randall Scott McPeak, age 76, of Sheldon, Missouri, went to be with the Lord on Friday, January 23, 2026 at his home surrounded by his loved ones.

Scott was born February 23, 1949, to Donald V. McPeak and Melba McPeak. Scott proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1968 - 1972.

On March 1, 1980, Scott married the love of his life, Marty Higgins in which they have spent 45 wonderful years together. Scott and Marty were blessed with two children, Scotty and Jared and God also gifted them with 5 grandchildren, Grace, Gage, Garrison, Max and Anna. Scott was very proud of his grandchildren and loved them dearly.

Scott is survived by his wife Marty of the home; one daughter, Scotty Wagner; one son, Jared McPeak (Brittney) and his five grandchildren. He is also survived by his father-in-law, Bill Higgins.

Scott was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Melba McPeak; two brothers, Donald Ray McPeak and Terry McPeak; one sister, Sandy Hacker, along with his mother-in-law, Blanche Higgins.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Daniel Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Sheldon Cemetery, Sheldon, Missouri.

Scott was a loving and devoted husband, dad and papa. He loved his family dearly and cherished the time he spent with them.

Our hearts are broken. We have an emptiness that can never be filled.

Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com

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01/21/2026

Robert (Bob) Floyd Slinker

Robert “Bob” Floyd Slinker, age 86, of Springfield, Missouri, formerly of Lamar, Missouri, passed away on January 18, 2026.

Bob was born August 9, 1939, in Lamar, Missouri, to Floyd Elbert Slinker and Goldie Fern (Snead) Slinker. He graduated from Lamar High School with the class of 1957, where he was active in football, basketball, track, and baseball.

On May 15, 1959, Bob married Karen Joyce Davis in Miami, Oklahoma. In 1978, Bob and Karen moved to Willard, Missouri, and later settled in Springfield, Missouri, in 1981.

Following high school, Bob worked at Lawn-Boy and later at Gilkey Chevrolet. With the guidance and encouragement of Tom O’Sullivan, he became a general contractor and established his own construction business. After moving to Springfield, Bob continued his construction work until his retirement.

Survivors include one son, Derek Slinker and wife Diane; one daughter, Rochele Woodard; four grandchildren, Chelsea (Whitney) Russell, Kimber (Sean) Reid, Madeline (Nick) Sheppard, and Hanna (Kindall) Martin; seven great-grandchildren, Margot, Stella, Mac, Caroline, Beau, Dow and Robert; and one brother-in-law, Stan Davis.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Karen, who passed away in 2018.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Daniel Funeral Home, with burial to follow in Lake Cemetery in Lamar, Missouri.

The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested and may be made payable to Barton County Memorial Park, in care of Daniel Funeral Home.

View Robert (Bob) Floyd Slinker's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/20/2026

Luther "Luke" Pierce Sherman

Luther “Luke” Pierce Sherman, age 38, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away on January 13, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.

Luke was born December 3, 1987, in Prince George’s County, Maryland, to Ronald Sherman and Betty Embry Sherman, during his mother’s service in the United States Navy. He spent his early childhood in San Diego, California. When Luke was six years old, the family returned to Lamar, Missouri, where he attended elementary school and middle school through the eighth grade. He later attended high school in Springfield, Missouri. In 2006, the family settled in Joplin, which remained Luke’s home until his passing.

Luke traveled extensively for work early in his career, helping to build water tanks across the country. He later served the City of Joplin in the Parks and Recreation Department as a groundskeeper. Luke went on to spend several years as a manager at Downstream Golf Course in Quapaw, Oklahoma, where he worked in groundskeeping and landscaping.

Luke was passionate and highly knowledgeable about vehicle mechanics and enjoyed working on motorcycles and automotive projects. He loved fishing and would have gone every day if he could. An avid outdoorsman, Luke enjoyed riding dirt bikes, mountain bike racing, camping, and spending time outdoors. He also had a deep appreciation for music of all genres and loved traveling.

Luke was deeply family-oriented and made every effort to attend family gatherings, no matter the distance. He was very knowledgeable about fi****ms and was an avid collector. Above all else, Luke’s greatest love was his daughter, Paislee—his “baby girl” and “princess.”

Survivors include his mother, Betty Embry Sherman; his daughter, Paislee Sherman; four brothers, Franco Embry, Patrick Smith, Ronald Sherman, and Levi Barnard; and four sisters, Chelsea Sherman, Golda Sherman-Burns, Kendra Sherman, and Kisha Borden.

Luke was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Sherman.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Daniel Funeral Home.

Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamasr.com.

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01/14/2026

Imogene Williams

Imogene Williams, age 99, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026, in Jackson, TN at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital.

She was born on August 14, 1926, in Muncie, IN the daughter of the late Dow and Vera Harris Hobbs. Imogene's vibrant spirit and loving heart touched many throughout her ninety-nine years.

A dedicated educator, Imogene shaped young minds with unwavering commitment during her thirty-five-year career as a teacher. Her passion for knowledge was evident to all who knew her, and her influence extended far beyond the classroom. Imogene was a proud alumna of Arkansas State University, where she earned her bachelor's degree, setting a strong example of the importance of education for her family and students alike.

Imogene's life was a tapestry of simple joys and shared moments. She found pleasure in the rhythmic dance of needle and thread, creating beautiful quilts that served as tangible expressions of her love. Alongside her late husband, she explored the country through the lens of their shared adventures in RV camping, forging memories in the great outdoors. An avid fisherwoman, Imogene relished the tranquility of nature and the thrill of the catch. Her love for the game of Bridge was matched only by her skill and competitive spirit, which she enjoyed with friends and family alike.

Her legacy is lovingly carried on by her son, Ron Williams and his wife Laurian; her beloved grandchildren, Kenneth Williams, Kelsey Typaldos, Cassie Burley, Rebecca Norton, Melissa Adams, and Skyler Williams; and the light of her later years, her nine great-grandchildren and her two great-great grandchildren.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Clifton O. Williams, a son, Clifton L. Williams and a sister, Evelyn Silsby.

Imogene was the embodiment of thoughtfulness, her gentle demeanor and loving nature leaving an indelible mark on all who had the fortune to cross her path. Her presence was a comforting constant, her guidance a compass for those she loved. In every role she embodied—educator, mother, grandmother, and friend—Imogene exemplified a life lived with purpose and grace.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at Daniel Funeral Home with burial to be follow at 2:00 p.m., at the Missouri Veteran's Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., on Monday, January 19, 2026 at the funeral home.

Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com

View Imogene Williams's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/12/2026

Betty Grace Willhite

Betty Grace Willhite, age 99, of Lamar, Missouri, passed away on January 9, 2026, at Good Shepherd Community Care in Lockwood, Missouri.

Betty was born on November 14, 1926, in Columbus, Kansas, to Rial and Marjorie (Riley) Wallace. She graduated from Jerico Springs High School with the class of 1944.

On November 1, 1947, Betty was united in marriage to Charles Beverly Willhite in Harrison, Arkansas. Three children were born to this union: Charles, Christy, and Brent. While devoted to raising her family, Betty enjoyed sewing and took great pride in creating beautiful clothing for herself and her daughter, Christy. She also worked for many years at King’s Clothing and Dot’s, where she enjoyed visiting with customers and coworkers alike.

Betty is survived by two sons, Charles (Debbie) Willhite and Brent (Sallie) Willhite; one daughter, Christy (John) Mayfield, all of Lamar; five grandchildren, Travis (Holly) Willhite, Tyler (Julie) Willhite, Kristen (Justin) McGuan, Brandon (Andrea) Ihm, and Erin Ihm; eleven great-grandchildren; and one sister, Glenda Thomas of Stockton, Missouri. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rial and Marjorie Wallace; her husband, Charles Willhite; three brothers, Richard Wallace, Kenneth Wallace, and Ga***rd Wallace; and two sisters, Dorothy Kenimer and Glora Faye Estes.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Daniel Funeral Home. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church of Sheldon, Missouri, in care of Daniel Funeral Home.

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01/11/2026

Charles Edgar Ritchey

Charles Edgar Ritchey, age 88, of Lamar, Missouri, passed away on January 10, 2026, at Good Shepherd Community Care in Lockwood, Missouri.

Charles was born on May 17, 1937, in Winfield, Kansas, to Leslie and Grace (Widener ) Ritchey. He graduated from Golden City High School with the class of 1955. On March 14, 1958, he was united in marriage to Elsie Marie Stump in Jasper County, Missouri, and together they shared 60 years of marriage.

Charles owned and operated Ritchey’s Refrigeration, faithfully serving the area since 1965. He was also a devoted member of First Baptist Church in Lamar, Missouri.

Charles is survived by three sons, Chuck (Becky) Ritchey of Lamar, Missouri, Randy (Diane) Ritchey of Waxahachie, Texas, and Stuart (Rachelle) Ritchey of San Antonio, Texas; two daughters, Pam Ritchey of Lamar, Missouri, and Nancy Ritchey of Springfield, Missouri; two grandchildren, Justin Ritchey and Michelle (Brandon) Vines; and three great-grandchildren, Ryan Ritchey, Megan Anderson, and Savannah Vines.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Elsie Ritchey; an infant daughter, Joyce; an infant grandson, Jacob; a sister, Marcella (Carl) Robertson; and a brother, David (Dalpha) Ritchey.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Daniel Funeral Home, with burial to follow in Morehead Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Morehead Cemetery, in care of Daniel Funeral Home.

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