Clark Funeral Homes

02/20/2026

Clark Funeral Home extends our thoughts and prayers to the family of William Knotts.

William Edward Knotts, age 79, left this world on February 17, 2026, from Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, Missouri - three days before his 80th birthday. He was born on February 20, 1946, in Carthage, Arkansas, to Edward Van Knotts and Mary Sue Knotts nee Scudder. He grew up in

02/19/2026

Christopher Ledford grew up in and around Neosho and has deep roots in the community. In his early years, he enjoyed working as a projectionist at the historic Orpheum Theatre, as well as several other theaters in the area — experiences that sparked a lifelong passion for visual storytelling.

With a professional background in photography and video production, Christopher built a 35-year career in television, primarily with NBC, serving as a Technical Director for news in multiple markets, including Joplin. Along the way, he also contributed to independent films, working in special effects and production.

Now semi-retired and operating a small side business, Christopher enjoys serving families at Clark Funeral Homes. He assists with meeting and greeting families and provides audio and video support during services, helping ensure that each tribute is meaningful and memorable.

Christopher finds great fulfillment in serving God and spending time with his wife, Tina, whom he has been married to for 17 years. Together, they enjoy attending church, volunteering, and supporting visual and technical aspects of production as well as security.

Christopher and Tina are proud parents of one son and two daughters, all of whom are grown and established in their own careers and families.

02/18/2026

Local trucker, Jim Farley "Blue Boy", signs off for the last time.

Jim Farley, 86, of Neosho, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home on February 17, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born on July 28, 1939, in Stark City, Missouri, to William Glenn and Irene Landreth Farley. He was one of twelve children and grew up learning the value

02/17/2026

Clark Funeral Home extends our sincerest condolences to the family of Mario Leonardo Alvarez Bello.

Mario Leonardo Alvarez Bello, age 65, of Neosho, Missouri, passed away on February 12, 2026. He was born on September 12, 1960, in Camagey, Cuba, to Leonardo Alvarez and Dalia Bello. Mario graduated from high school in Cuba and later earned his associate degree from college there. In 1987, he

02/16/2026

Friends and family say goodbye to long-time area resident, Ruthie Ragland.

Ruthie Bell Ragland was born on January 2, 1953, to William Henry and Millie Agnes Cowdrey Homuth in Neosho, Missouri. She passed away on February 13, 2026, in Joplin Missouri, at the age of 73. Ruthie graduated from Neosho High School. She married Anthony Karl Ragland on November 9, 1991,

02/16/2026

Clark Funeral Home extends our condolences to the family of Ms. Donna Underwood.

Donna Faye Underwood, 86, of Diamond, Missouri, passed away at her home on February 14, 2026. She was born on April 6, 1939, in Oakwood, Oklahoma, to Donald Emil Lung and Iva Ruby Smith. She married Leroy Underwood on April 3, 1956, in Geary, Oklahoma. They share 45 years of

02/16/2026

Former Neosho High School & Crowder baseball star, Keith Southern, passes away at the age of 65.

Keith Wade Southern, 65, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away at his home on Monday evening, February 9, 2026. Keith was born to Malloy Sonny Keith and Linda Bowers Southern on March 21, 1960, in Neosho, Missouri. Keith grew up in Neosho, attending Neosho High School and graduating with the class

02/13/2026

We express our thoughts and prayers to the family of Billy Francis.

Bill Frank Francis of Carl Junction, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home on February 12, 2026, at the age of 77. Bill was born on January 18, 1949, in Bentonville, Arkansas, to Thomas W. Francis and Louise Jane Duncan Francis. He graduated from Bentonville High School with the Class

02/12/2026

Clark Funeral Home extends our deepest sympathy to the family of Curtis Bishop.

Curtis Duane Bishop entered the gates of Heaven on February 10, 2026, at the age of 87. Curtis was born on July 20, 1938, in Jay, Oklahoma, to Howard Eddie Bishop and Gladys Lorene Bishop. He graduated from Neosho High School in 1956 and served his country as a member

02/12/2026

Founded in 1850, Granby is the oldest mining town in Southwest Missouri — forged in lead, zinc, and the grit of hardworking families who built a community from the ground up. Generations have shaped this town through resilience, pride, and deep roots.

Since 1890, Clark Funeral Homes has been a part of this area’s story — walking alongside families through life’s most important moments and honoring the legacy of those who helped build Southwest Missouri.

02/10/2026

The community says goodbye to local musician, Billy Brown.

Billy Brown passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on February 7, 2026. He was born on October 1, 1933, in Protem, Missouri, to George Washington and Eugie Mae Parks Brown. Billy was united in marriage to Estaleta Blanche Melton on November 11, 1956, in Del Paso Heights, California.

02/09/2026

In loving memory of Mary Kathryn DeKalb.

Obituary lovingly provided by Marys family. Mary Kathryn DeKalb, 100, of Joplin, passed away on January 24, 2026. She was born April 14, 1925, in Brazil, Iowa to Roy and Golda Lowe. Mary married Leonard Hobart in 1943 who passed away in 1973. Together they raised 4 children. She later