Null & Son Funeral Home

01/19/2026

Weekly Services Spotlight at Null & Son Funeral Home

Welcome to this week’s Weekly Services Spotlight at Null & Son Funeral Home.
Each week, we take a moment to share a meaningful way we serve and support the families in our community.

When a child experiences the loss of someone they love, it can be difficult to know how best to help them through their grief.

Supporting Children Through Grief

Children grieve differently than adults, and their understanding of loss can change as they grow. Providing reassurance, honesty, and support can help them feel safe during a confusing and emotional time.

Here are a few gentle ways to support a grieving child:

• Use simple, honest language when talking about death
• Encourage questions and allow children to express feelings in their own way
• Reassure them that they are loved and not alone
• Maintain familiar routines when possible to provide comfort and stability
• Allow children to participate in services or remembrance in ways that feel right for them

In addition to the support of family and friends, some families find comfort in trusted grief resources created specifically for children:

• www.dougy.org
– The Dougy Center offers grief support and education for children, teens, and families
• www.sesameworkshop.org/topics/grief
– Age-appropriate resources to help children understand loss
• www.nctsn.org
– Tools for helping children cope with trauma and grief
• www.hospicefoundation.org
– Articles and guidance for supporting grieving children

Grief may come and go for children over time. Patience, understanding, and ongoing support can make a meaningful difference.

Null & Son Funeral Home, we understand how challenging it can be to help children through loss. We are here to support families with compassion, guidance, and care as they navigate this journey together.

Have a great week!
Leo, Malinda, Roger, Valerie

HFA supports individuals and families facing life-limiting illness, educates hospice and grief professionals, and conducts programs and research to improve care and empower informed medical decision making.

01/16/2026

Mary Frances Ousley, of Rolla, MO, passed away Thursday, January 15, 2026 at the age of 86.

She was born on May 23, 1939 to the late Mary Ethel and James Lewis in Rolla, MO. She was always so proud of her family and she felt her main role in life was to take care of them. She loved her siblings, children, grandchildren, great grandkids and two great great grandkids. She enjoyed flea markets, antique auctions and playing bingo. She loved to listen to her son, Allen, play music and dance to his songs. In her last few years, she enjoyed getting to know friends at the St. James Caring Center. She had a strong faith for the Lord and loved hearing her brother Don preach. She loved hanging around the grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mary is survived by: her husband, of 68 years, Charles H. Ousley; two children, Allen Ousley of Rolla, MO and daughter, Kathy Lakso and husband, Jeff of Harrisburg, MO; six grandchildren, Jason Ousley of Rolla, MO, Brandi Garver and husband, James of Springfield, MO, Diane Denham of Rolla, MO, Dawn Stewart of Orlando, FL, Katie Ellis and husband, Ryan of Hallsville, MO, and Star Fegett and husband, Mark of Georgetown, IL; twelve great grandchildren, Hudson, Logan, Cooper, Malorie, Claire, Justyce, Madison, Hailey, Holley, Zachary, Echo, and Alex; two great great grandchildren, Sebastian and May; her siblings, Jimmy Don Lewis and wife, Sarah, Kenny Lewis and wife, Sherry, Johnny Lewis and wife, Judy, Pat Doyel and husband, Steve, and Debbie Muck and husband, Duane, many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her daughter, Janet Ousley; grandson, AJ Hellickson; daughter-in-law, Paula Ousley; and brother, David Wayne Lewis.

A funeral service for Mary F. Ousley will be conducted at 12 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at the Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla. Interment will follow in Ozark Hills Memorial Gardens Cemetery. A visitation for family and friends will be held prior to the service beginning at 10 a.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the AJ Hellickson Scholarship Fund.

01/15/2026

Lawrence “Larry” Edward Cook, II, of Rolla, MO, passed away Wednesday, January 14, 2026 in St. Louis, MO at the age of 65.

He was born on August 14, 1960 in Rolla, MO to the late Lawrence “Sonny” Edward Cook and Susan Leona Cook.

Larry had a passion for being outdoors whether he was hunting, boating, fishing, horse riding or camping. He had a love for the river and spending time on the river with his family was a favorite pastime.

Larry will be greatly missed by his surviving family which includes: three sons, David Embrich and wife, Courtney, Dustin Cook and Lance Cook, all of Rolla, MO; a daughter, Joy Beyers and husband, Matt of Rolla, MO; one brother, Howard Smith of Camdenton, MO; a sister, Kim Frye of Rolla, MO; a half-sister, Melissa Dalton and husband, Shawn of Lebanon, MO; eleven grandchildren; and one great grandchild.

A funeral service for Lawrence E. Cook, II will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at the Null and Son Funeral Home of Rolla. Interment will follow in the Ozark Hills Memorial Gardens Cemetery. A visitation for family and friends will be held prior to the service beginning at 12 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Rolla Animal Shelter.

Online condolences may be offered at www.nullandsonfuneralhome.com.

01/14/2026

Forrest Dale “Corkey” Neagles, Sr., of St. James, MO, passed away Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at the age of 84.

He was born on February 18, 1941 in Elvins, MO to the late Leon Douglas Neagles and Audrey (Reeves) Neagles. On July 22, 1961, he married Carol (Riley) Neagles in St. Louis, MO.

In addition to his parents, Corkey was also preceded in death by two brothers, Charles Neagles and Lyndell Neagles.

Corkey was employed as an over the road truck driver for 29 years and then became the owner/operator of his own business, Triple C Trucking Company. He enjoyed hunting and shot his last deer through the kitchen window! He loved watching old westerns, boxing and NASCAR. Living life to the fullest, he even drove a NASCAR car at Kansas Speedway. Getting text messages from Donald Trump was a treat. He loved being with family and friends, especially family vacations.

Corkey will be greatly missed by his surviving family which includes: his wife, Carol Neagles of St. James, MO; two sons, Dale Neagles and Kevin Neagles and wife, Gina, both of Rolla, MO; a daughter, Crystal Skaggs and husband, Roger of St. James, MO; three grandchildren, Ashley Neagles, Kody Neagles and Nathan Neagles, all of Rolla, MO; and two great grandchildren, Kayden Neagles and Trenton Fitzsimmons, both of Rolla, MO.

A funeral service for Forrest “Corkey” Neagles, Sr. will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026 at the Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla. Interment will follow in the Ozark Hills Memorial Gardens Cemetery. A visitation for family and friends will be held prior to the service beginning at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the St. James Masonic Lodge.

Online condolences may be offered at www.nullandsonfuneralhome.com.

01/12/2026

Marjorie Edith Woodward, of Rolla, MO, passed away Sunday, January 11, 2026 at the age of 92.
Edith was born on August 16, 1933 in Rolla, MO to the late Waldo Daniel Woodward and Bertha (Kratzmeyer) Woodward. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her brother, Daniel (Dan) Ernest Woodward.
With an interest in mission work and a strong desire to roam, Edith left Rolla after graduation to attend Bible college in San Antonio, TX. After returning to Missouri to pastor a church in Red Bird for three years, Edith then moved to Portland, OR where she attended school at Wings of Healing, an educational organization that also supported orphanages and provided missionary work in several countries. In downtown Los Angeles, CA, Edith worked for Wings of Healing until she retired in 2004 after 46 years of service. After retirement, she made the decision to come back to the Midwest.
Edith found joy in simple things of life such as crossword puzzles, watching birds through her bay windows, long country drives, and entertaining family and friends,
Edith knew what she wanted to accomplish and throughout her life, she stayed true to those goals.
Edith will be greatly missed by her surviving family which includes: one sister, Mary Ann Skouby; nephews, Randal Turner and wife, Bobbie, and Terry Turner; nieces, Donna Gates and husband, Larry, Marla Fishell and husband, Dale, Lorna Showers and husband, Warren Doug; and many endearing grand nieces and nephews.
A memorial service for Edith Woodward will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at the Full Gospel Mission,11090 St. Rt, HH, Rolla, MO.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Rolla Presbyterian Manor.

01/12/2026

Donna Jean Gann, of Washington, Missouri, formerly of Rolla, passed away on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the age of 86. She was born on April 17, 1939, in Lake Spring, Missouri, to the late Myron Bailey and Dorothy (Parrott) McBurnett.
In addition to her parents, Donna was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William “Bill” Edward Gann; her grandson, Kyle Visnapuu; and her brothers, Joseph Bailey and Orville “Skip” Bailey.
Donna was united in marriage to William “Bill” Edward Gann on April 14, 1956, and together they shared many devoted years until his passing. Donna and Bill took great pride in owning and operating for 38 years Bills Janitorial and Carpet cleaning business, while working side by side serving the Rolla community. Donna also volunteered for Senior Companions. In her free time, Donna enjoyed trips to local wineries, listening to music, cooking, and, most of all, spending cherished time with her family and friends.
Donna is lovingly remembered by her surviving family, including her daughters, Pamela Gibson and husband Glenn of Rolla, Missouri; Tamie Hinson and husband Bill of Washington, Missouri; Jackie Harris and partner Daryl Hanus of Wentzville, Missouri; Melanie Visnapuu of St. James, Missouri; her brother, Kenneth Bailey of Rolla, Missouri; her sister, Debra Stewart of St. Louis, Missouri; two grandchildren, Jeremy Light, Rolla, MO and Destini Fultz of St. James, MO; and one great-grandchild, Serenity Rose Wilkinson.
A graveside service for Donna J. Gann will be conducted at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at the Rolla City Cemetery in Rolla, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers please consider donations can be made to Phelps County Animal Rescue 745 E. Springfield Street, St. James, MO 65559
A celebration of Donna's life will be held in Washington, MO when date is available.

01/09/2026

William Owen, of Rolla, MO, passed away Thursday, January 8, 2026 at the age of 66.
He was born on October 29, 1959 in Upland, California to the late Sharon (Nance) Owen and raised by his mom and the late Keith Owen in Southern California. On January 1, 2009, he married Junie (Albert) Owen in Rolla.
In addition to his parents, William was also preceded in death by a son, Robert Garcia, one daughter, Alaina Owen, and a granddaughter, Alexie June.
William made a “living” as a professional driver for Frito-Lay, for the lumber industry in the Pacific NorthWest, and as an “ice road trucker” in Alaska traveling on the Frozen Artic Ocean.
But William’s true profession was being a music composer, classically trained pianist and performer.
William will be greatly missed by his surviving family which includes: his wife, Junie Owen of Rolla, MO; two sons, Daniel Laguatan and wife, Jessica, of McMinnville, OR, and Joshua Toole of Potosi, MO; a daughter, Emilie Toole of Branson, MO; two brothers, Rex Owen and wife, Margarita of Success, MO and Craig Owen and wife, Chris of California; a sister, Leslie Eller of Illinois; nine grandchildren, Carson, Brennedy, Isabella, Jude, Joel, Isaiah, Alora, Alex and Addie; and one great grandson, Ronin.
A funeral service for William Owen will be conducted at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026 at the First United Methodist Church in Rolla. A visitation for family is at 10:00 a.m., followed by family and friends from 10:30 a.m. – noon. The funeral service begins at noon.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the First United Methodist Church.

01/08/2026

Matthew “Matt” Scott Bramel of Rolla, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at home surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with metastatic renal cell carcinoma at the age of 52.

Born January 10, 1973 in Doolittle, Missouri to the late Scott Bramel and Dayle Bramel.

A lifelong resident of Phelps County, Matt dedicated over three decades of his life to protecting and serving his community as a firefighter and paramedic. Matt’s journey in public service began at the age of 16 when he joined the fire service with the Doolittle Rural Fire Protection District. After graduating from Newburg High School in 1991, he pursued a career in emergency medicine, earning his EMT certification, quickly followed by his paramedic license. Matt was a mainstay of the Phelps County Regional Medical Center (now Phelps Health), in addition to Pulaski County Ambulance District, and St. James Ambulance District. His leadership and expertise led him to serve as the Fire Chief of Doolittle Fire starting in 2009, and later as the Board President until his retirement in 2025.

Beyond his professional achievements, Matt was a man of deep passions. He was an elite fisherman and past president of the Gasconade River Bassmasters. Whether competing in bass tournaments or making his annual trek to Lake Tenkiller in Vian, Oklahoma, for white bass, Matt found peace and joy on the water. In his final year, he remained focused on his bucket list, which included trips to Scottland, the Bahamas, and Disney World, all with his family. He remained a fierce advocate for firefighter safety, using his own diagnosis to raise awareness about the occupational cancer risks faced by those in the fire service.

Matt’s greatest pride, however, was his family. He married the love of his life, Leah Michelle (Stough) Bramel, on March 2, 2013, in Branson, Missouri. Together, they raised a family built on strength and shared adventure. He was a member of the First Assembly of God in Rolla.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Leah Bramel; his children, Maison Bramel of St. James, Tyler Fry and his wife, Hannah, of Rolla, and Dylan Fry of Rolla; his mother, Dayle Bramel of Newburg; and his parents-in-law, John Stough and his wife, Regina, of Rolla. He is also survived by his brother, Craig Bramel and Mandy Hodges, of Newburg; his sister-in-law, Tasha Lonning and her husband, Eric, of Rolla; and his brother-in-law, Nathan Stough and Brittany Jones of Newburg. His surviving nieces and nephews include Collin Bramel of Doolittle, Toby Lonning of Omaha, Nebraska, Wyatt Stough, Thatcher Lonning, Holden Stough, Dexton Jones, Aliyah Stough, Paisley Stough, and Addie Jones.

Matt was preceded in death by his father, Scott Bramel; paternal grandparents, William “Bill” Bramel and Margaret “Peggy” (Koults) Bramel of Newburg, and his maternal grandparents.

Matt leaves behind a legacy of service and dedication to those around him. He will be remembered as a mentor, a leader, a fiercely loyal friend, and a dedicated family man who embraced every moment to the fullest.

A funeral service of Matthew “Matt” S. Bramel will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at the Rolla First Assembly of God Church. Interment will follow in the Newburg City Cemetery in Newburg, Missouri. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026 at the church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the First Assembly of God in Rolla or the Doolittle Rural Fire Department.

Online condolences may be offered at www.nullandsonfuneralhome.com.

01/08/2026

Gwendolyn “Gwen” Sue Walker, of Rolla, Missouri; formerly of Mountain Home,
Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at the age of 73.
Born April 2, 1952 in Rockford, Illinois to the late Clifford E. Bryan Jr. and Lois
Martha (Hatcher) Bryan.

In addition to her parents, Gwen is preceded in death by her brother, Curtis Lance;
nephew, Ryan Berry; and her longtime partner, Fred Mason.

Gwen enjoyed expressing her creativity through ceramics and painting and could
often be found happily shopping for her next treasure. A faithful Christian, she was
baptized at an early age and carried her faith with her throughout her life.
Our beloved sister will be remembered most for her generous heart and her deep
love for others. Gwen had a wonderful sense of humor and truly loved to laugh.
She had a sharp, sarcastic wit that kept everyone on their toes. Her laughter was
contagious and brought light into every room she entered. She was a loving soul
that made people feel seen, welcomed, and cared for. Her kind spirit and
compassion will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Animals held a special place in Gwen’s heart, and she loved them deeply and
unconditionally. She was a proud member of the ASPCA, always supporting the
care and protection of those without a voice.

Most importantly, Gwen was a devoted sister whose love for her family knew no
bounds. She leaves behind cherished memories that will remain in our hearts
forever.

Gwen will be deeply missed by her surviving family, including her three sisters:
Marletta Day and her husband, Donnie, of Dallas, Georgia; Marilyn Newkirk and
her husband, Dr. Joseph, of Rolla, Missouri; and Rebecca Burns and her husband,
Brian, of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. She is also survived by nieces and nephews,
Brett, Kevin, Joe, Corey, Carrie, Brennan, Baylee, Brianna, and Sonya; step-
nieces, Meredith and Rachel; step-nephew, Jared; as well as aunts, uncles, great-
nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and many other relatives and friends.
The family will hold a memorial gathering at a later date in the spring, at which
time Gwen’s ashes will be laid to rest at Oak Lawn Cemetery in West Plains,

01/04/2026

Mark Blair James, of Belle, Missouri, passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026, at the age of 64. He was born on May 11, 1961, to the late James “Jim” Albert James and Mary Elaine (Blair) James.

In addition to his parents, Mark was preceded in death by his brother, Brian William James.

Mark was united in marriage to his beloved wife, Mendy Lucille Moore, on August 2, 1986, at the Vienna United Methodist Church in Vienna, Missouri. Together, they shared a devoted life and raised three daughters, Crystelle, Elaina, and Lacey, who were the pride and joy of his life. Mark was a man who valued faith, commitment, and family, always placing the needs of his loved ones above his own.

Mark proudly served his country in the United States Navy before returning home to build a life centered on family, service, and community. A member of Visitation Catholic Church, he was deeply involved in local organizations and service groups. He was a proud member of the Vienna Lions Club, the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree, where he also served as Grand Knight for the Vienna Knights of Columbus, and a lifetime member of the VFW. Through these roles, Mark found great fulfillment in giving back and supporting others, living out his values through service and fellowship.

Mark owned and operated James Pest Control, taking pride in serving his community through his work. He also truly enjoyed his career in real estate and was the former president of the Realtors Land Institute’s Missouri Chapter, earning the respect of his peers as a proud Land Pro. In his free time, Mark enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, playing cards, and spending time on the Gasconade River, an area where he had deep roots and a lifelong connection in the Vienna community. Mark enjoyed spending his free time playing billiards, a pastime that brought him relaxation and friendly competition. Above all else, he cherished time spent with his family and grandchildren, creating memories filled with laughter, love, and togetherness that will be treasured forever.

Mark is lovingly remembered by his wife, Mendy James of Belle, Missouri; his three daughters, Crystelle Canuto of Columbia, Missouri, Elaina Shewmaker and her husband, DJ, of O’Fallon, Missouri, and Lacey Stockton and her husband, Tyler, of Belle, Missouri. He is also survived by his brothers, Paul James and his wife, Pam, Joe James and his wife, Sherry, and Jay James and his wife, Diane, all of Vienna, Missouri; his sister, Connie Sandbothe and her husband, Art, of Vienna, Missouri; his sister-in-law, Becky James of Vienna, Missouri; and his ten cherished grandchildren, Nakoma Canuto, Marley Canuto, Claire Canuto, Zoe Canuto, Kingston Canuto, Maeve Shewmaker, August Shewmaker, Jamey Stockton, Cam Stockton, and Allison Stockton, who brought him immense joy.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Mark B. James will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Visitation Catholic Church in Vienna. Interment will follow at James Community Cemetery. A visitation for family and friends will be held prior to the service at 9 am at the church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Vienna Knights of Columbus.

The local flower shop is The Flower Basket, 573-422-3131.

Online condolences may be offered at www.nullandsonfuneralhome.com.

01/02/2026

Alina Ann Hake, of Salem, passed away on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the tender age of five months. She was born on June 13, 2025, to Matthew Lawrence Hake and Emily Christine (Watkins) Hake.

Alina was preceded in death by her sister, Sarah Zelda Hake; and her brother, Edwin Lincoln Hake; her maternal great-grandparents, Alice Rosemann, Denis Watkins, Cora Watkins; her paternal great-grandparents, Isidore B. Glowski – Bremond Texas, Lawrence H. Hake, Estella R. Hake Krohn, Frederick Krohn Sr. She was baptized at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Rolla, Missouri.

Alina will be deeply missed by her surviving family which includes: her parents, Matt and Emily Hake; sister, Alanah Louise Hake; maternal grandparents, Dwight and Nicolette Watkins; paternal grandparents, Conrad and Ann Hake; maternal great grandfather, Clarence Rosemann; paternal great grandmother, Anna H. Glowski- Tomball Texas; along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and many other relatives and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Alina A. Hake will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Interment will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Cedar Grove Cemetery. A visitation for family and friends will be held prior to the service, beginning at 10 a.m. at the church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Alina Hake Family.

Online condolences may be offered at www.nullandsonfuneralhome.com

01/01/2026

At Null & Son Funeral Home, we remember those we lost in 2025, each life cherished, each memory honored, forever part of our community and family.