All Obituaries

Sammie Francis Blakely, of Fayette and formerly of Columbia and St. Louis, passed away Friday, January 15, 2021 at the Fayette Caring Center.  He was 90 years old. Sammie was born on July 27, 1930 a son of Sam and Myrle Richardson Blakely.  Prior to retirement, he was employed as a supervisor with Chase Bag/International Paper Company in St. Louis.  He enjoyed following car racing, animals and driving his prized Cadillac.  Most of all he loved and was loved by his...

Larry James Oakley (Hallsville, MO), known to his family and friends as Jim or 'J.O.', passed on January 14th, 2021 at the Truman VA Hospital. Jim was a lover of the simple things in life. He adored his family & friends, fishing, classic cars & trucks, being in nature, mushroom hunting, BBQ and using his creative side. He was always the life of the party along with consistently being a provider for his family. As Jim reached retirement age, the long-lasting effects of his...

Nancy Lawler passed away peacefully on December 15th, after a long illness. She was living in Columbia, Missouri with her husband of 65 years, Don Lawler. Her daughter Ann was able to spend time with her; reading to her, sharing prayers, and playing Christmas carols, before she gently slipped away in her sleep. Nancy Ann Anderson was born on May 17, 1933, in Springfield, Missouri, to Berniece and Dutch Anderson. She graduated from Springfield High School, and then went to dental hygiene...

Donald Lawler passed away peacefully on January 6, 2021. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Nancy, on December 15, 2020, whom he missed very much. Donald Jerome Lawler was born on August 16, 1933, in Faribault, Minnesota, to Donald and Ethel Lawler. He graduated from Central High School in Crookston, Minnesota, and then went to the University of Minnesota for college and medical school.  He met her future wife, Nancy in college and they married in 1955. ...

Linda Lou McLarning of Centralia, Missouri, went home to be with the Lord on January 6, 2021. Linda’s passing was peaceful and her family was at her bedside. Her last days were filled with music, scripture, family and messages from friends, all pillars of her life well-lived.  Linda was born to Arthur & Carolyn (Eicksteadt) Twigg on December 30, 1941, in Rockford, Illinois and she had just celebrated her 79th birthday.  Linda and her brother, George, were raised by their...

C. Melvin Fisher, 88, of Columbia passed away on Tuesday, January 5, 2021. Melvin was born October 31, 1932, in Howard County, Missouri, the son of Charley and Martha Hackley Fisher and they preceded him in death.  On July 27, 1960, he married Virginia Frazier in Millersburg and she survives.  Melvin graduated from the University of Missouri Lab School in 1950.  He was a member of Broadway Christian Church in Columbia for over 54 years.  He served his country in the U.S....

Thelma Faye Bray, 95, of Columbia, passed on Monday, January 4, 2021 at home with her daughter by her side. Thelma was born August 24, 1925 in Toledo, Ohio, the daughter of Jack and Ethel Belman Diamond, and they preceded him in death.  On May 19, 1946, she married Herbert Bray in Toledo and he preceded her in death. Thelma is survived by her children, Michael Bray of Phoenix, Arizona and Judith Brahinsky of Columbia; four grandchildren, Ashley, Hayley, Errol, and Marcus; and three...

Jimmie Dean Coy, 74, of Columbia went home to be with the Lord with his wife at his side in their home on Sunday, December 27, 2020, after a courageous battle with cancer. Jim will be remembered as serving in many varied positions: physician, professor, soldier, teacher, mentor, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Jim was born October 31, 1946, in Kirksville, Missouri, to Dean and Arlene Coy.  He graduated from Kirksville High School.  He received a B.S. degree...

Patsy Jo Yingling, 68, of Columbia, MO passed away December 22, 2020 at her home cared for by her family. Patsy was born in Rolla, MO on July 18, 1952 a daughter of the late Wiley and Florence Wood Heavin.  She married Joseph Allen Yingling on June 29, 1974.  He survives at their home.  She was employed for many years as a registered nurse at the University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics in the cardiac intensive care unit until her retirement in 2018.  Patsy attended...

Flora Virginia (Rhea) Walker, 77, of Slater, passed away December 23, 2020 at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia. Flora was born near New Franklin April 15, 1943 a daughter of John and Grace Rhea.  She married Dennis Walker April 10, 1976.  He preceded her in death July 8, 2008, Flora was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Boonville.  She had been employed with Boonslick Industries/Unlimited Opportunities and at various area restaurants prior to retirement.  Flora...