InRemembrance
This page is an ongoing tribute to the lives of friends and family lost on May 22, 2011, in the tragic tornado that struck Joplin at 5:41 pm.
These beloved fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, children and friends are special individuals who are part of the close-knit Joplin community. They will be forever remembered for their courage, love, and dedication to their families, their friends, and the City of Joplin.
While great care has been taken to be accurate, this information was taken from sources available at the time. Should you find errors please email to info@joplinmo.org
To view our citizens lost, please click on a letter to display their information.
Click on the name to expand.
Baillie, Bruce M.
Source: Midland Cremation Society
Age: 56
Bruce Baillie, 56, of Joplin, MO, a journalist at the Joplin Globe newspaper, passed away Sunday, May 22, 2011 at his home. Services will be at a later date. Cremation arrangements by Midland Cremation Society.Source: Midland Cremation Society
Baker, Robert W.
Robert worked at the parts desk for Cycle Connection. He married Sandra Woodworth, she survives.
Additional survivors include two daughters, Trisha Cortinas of Emperial, Mo., and Brandy Baker state of Texas; two brothers, Kenneth Baker of Alto, Nm., and Daryl Baker of Joplin; two sisters, Shirley Randleman of Joplin and Jackie Beatty of Blue Springs, Mo. and four grandchildren.
Mr. Baker will be cremated. The family will hold a memorial service at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary and Crematory.
Source: Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory
Age: 54
Robert W. Baker, age 54 of Joplin, Mo. passed away Sunday May 22, 2011 from injuries sustained in the Joplin tornado. Robert was born April 23, 1957 in Michigan. to John W. and Katherine (Sanders) Baker.Robert worked at the parts desk for Cycle Connection. He married Sandra Woodworth, she survives.
Additional survivors include two daughters, Trisha Cortinas of Emperial, Mo., and Brandy Baker state of Texas; two brothers, Kenneth Baker of Alto, Nm., and Daryl Baker of Joplin; two sisters, Shirley Randleman of Joplin and Jackie Beatty of Blue Springs, Mo. and four grandchildren.
Mr. Baker will be cremated. The family will hold a memorial service at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary and Crematory.
Source: Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory
Bateson, Robert E.
Born April 14, 1964 in Bowling Green, Ohio, he lived in Joplin most of his lifetime. A licensed master plumber, he was both self-employed and did some contract work. For the past eight months he was employed at Modine. A Christian, he was a member of Central Christian Center in Joplin.
Survivors include his parents, Karen and Dan Mitchell of Joplin, Robert E. Bateson, Sr. and Donna of Sevierville, Tenn.; three children, Eric Davis, Jamie Peavler and Mariah Bateson; three grandchildren; five sisters, Diane Wood and Jack of Miami, Okla., Teresa Worley of Neosho, Kim Kemp and Brian of Columbus, Ohio, Julie Hudson of Pineville, Mo., Ruth Buxton and Curt of Webb City; two brothers, James T. Brummett and Eric A. Brummett; paternal grandmother, Thelma Mitchell of Webb City; many aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family.
Robert was loved by his family and he loved his family. Rob, we’ll miss your beautiful smiling face and twinkling eyes…We love you so very much.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at Central Christian Center with Rev. Doug Wilkerson officiating. Interment will follow at Saginaw Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. Wednesday until service time at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.
Source: Parker Mortuary & Crematory
Age: 47
Robert E. “Rob” Bateson, Jr., age 47 of Joplin, has gone to be with His Lord and Savior as the result of injuries received in a tornado on May 22, 2011.Born April 14, 1964 in Bowling Green, Ohio, he lived in Joplin most of his lifetime. A licensed master plumber, he was both self-employed and did some contract work. For the past eight months he was employed at Modine. A Christian, he was a member of Central Christian Center in Joplin.
Survivors include his parents, Karen and Dan Mitchell of Joplin, Robert E. Bateson, Sr. and Donna of Sevierville, Tenn.; three children, Eric Davis, Jamie Peavler and Mariah Bateson; three grandchildren; five sisters, Diane Wood and Jack of Miami, Okla., Teresa Worley of Neosho, Kim Kemp and Brian of Columbus, Ohio, Julie Hudson of Pineville, Mo., Ruth Buxton and Curt of Webb City; two brothers, James T. Brummett and Eric A. Brummett; paternal grandmother, Thelma Mitchell of Webb City; many aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family.
Robert was loved by his family and he loved his family. Rob, we’ll miss your beautiful smiling face and twinkling eyes…We love you so very much.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at Central Christian Center with Rev. Doug Wilkerson officiating. Interment will follow at Saginaw Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. Wednesday until service time at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.
Source: Parker Mortuary & Crematory
Bell, Dorthey C.
Born Oct. 15, 1922 in Barnsdell, OK, she had lived in Joplin for many years. She attended Joplin Junior College and graduated Pittsburg State Teachers College. Later she taught school and was a farm woman. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and Central City Christian Church, and she was active in the Joplin Y. She enjoyed travel, bird-watching, reading, genealogy and water walking. She married Edwin M. Bell April 28, 1950, in Joplin. He died Sept. 29, 2000.
Survivors include three sons, David Bell, Joplin; Dan Bell, Plano, TX; Steve Bell, Fairfax, VA; and five grandchildren: Frances Bell, Florida; Ian Bell, Houston, TX; Lauren Bell, Plano, TX; and Christopher and Leanne Bell, Fairfax, VA.
Memorial services will be held at a later date at Osborne Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.
Source: Parker Mortuary & Crematory
Age: 88
Dorthey C. Bell, age 88 of Joplin, died as a result of injuries received in a tornado on May 22, 2011.Born Oct. 15, 1922 in Barnsdell, OK, she had lived in Joplin for many years. She attended Joplin Junior College and graduated Pittsburg State Teachers College. Later she taught school and was a farm woman. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and Central City Christian Church, and she was active in the Joplin Y. She enjoyed travel, bird-watching, reading, genealogy and water walking. She married Edwin M. Bell April 28, 1950, in Joplin. He died Sept. 29, 2000.
Survivors include three sons, David Bell, Joplin; Dan Bell, Plano, TX; Steve Bell, Fairfax, VA; and five grandchildren: Frances Bell, Florida; Ian Bell, Houston, TX; Lauren Bell, Plano, TX; and Christopher and Leanne Bell, Fairfax, VA.
Memorial services will be held at a later date at Osborne Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.
Source: Parker Mortuary & Crematory
Bloxham Williams, Regina Mae
Regina Mae Kirkpatrick was born August 9, 1955 in Reno, Nevada, the daughter of George F. Kirkpatrick and Pauline (Porter) Kirkpatrick. She was a graduate of Hugg High School, Reno, NV and attended the University of Nevada for 3 years. She married Leslie Lynn Williams on October 2, 2009, he survives.
Regina worked for AT&T as a customer service representative. She moved from Nevada to Ozark, MO in 1992, then to Carthage and to Joplin in 2002. She was a member of the AT&T Pioneers.
Survivors include her husband, Leslie Williams; three daughters, Jennifer (Chad) Bybee, Strafford, MO, Catrina Bloxham, Joplin and Miranda Lynn Williams, Lebanon, MO; two sons, Kirk Bloxham, Joplin, MO and James Paul Williams, Springfield, MO; one sister, Candace Harrison, Las Vegas, NV; her mother, Pauline Kirkpatrick, Joplin, MO; two grandchildren and Edgar Allen Bloxham, Sacramento, CA.
She was preceded in death by her father, George Kirkpatrick.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, June 1 in the Knell Mortuary Chapel, Carthage. Funeral services will follow the visitation at 11:00 A.M. Burial will be in Park Cemetery, Carthage. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary, Carthage, MO. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com.
Source: Knell Mortuary
Age: 55
Regina Mae Bloxham Williams, 55, Joplin, MO., passed away Sunday, May 22, 2011 from injuries sustained in the Joplin tornado.Regina Mae Kirkpatrick was born August 9, 1955 in Reno, Nevada, the daughter of George F. Kirkpatrick and Pauline (Porter) Kirkpatrick. She was a graduate of Hugg High School, Reno, NV and attended the University of Nevada for 3 years. She married Leslie Lynn Williams on October 2, 2009, he survives.
Regina worked for AT&T as a customer service representative. She moved from Nevada to Ozark, MO in 1992, then to Carthage and to Joplin in 2002. She was a member of the AT&T Pioneers.
Survivors include her husband, Leslie Williams; three daughters, Jennifer (Chad) Bybee, Strafford, MO, Catrina Bloxham, Joplin and Miranda Lynn Williams, Lebanon, MO; two sons, Kirk Bloxham, Joplin, MO and James Paul Williams, Springfield, MO; one sister, Candace Harrison, Las Vegas, NV; her mother, Pauline Kirkpatrick, Joplin, MO; two grandchildren and Edgar Allen Bloxham, Sacramento, CA.
She was preceded in death by her father, George Kirkpatrick.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, June 1 in the Knell Mortuary Chapel, Carthage. Funeral services will follow the visitation at 11:00 A.M. Burial will be in Park Cemetery, Carthage. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary, Carthage, MO. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com.
Source: Knell Mortuary
Boyd, Barbara
Source: Midland Cremation Society
Age: 87
Barbara Boyd, 87, of Joplin, MO passed away Sunday, May 22, 2011 at Greenbriar Nursing Home in Joplin. Services will be at a later date. Cremation arrangements by Midland Cremation Society.Source: Midland Cremation Society
Bradford, Lathe E.
Lathe Edward Bradfield passed away at St. John’s hospital on Sunday, May 22, 2011 during the tornado that swept through Joplin. He was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He was an avid fisherman in his youth and enjoyed all animals and children. He was Uncle Lathe to many and a stranger to none. He would often greet people with “hello friend”, and he meant it.
He was proud of his service in the Army during WWII and was honorably discharged on December 25, 1946. He was injured in the war and received a purple heart.
He was a life-long member of the Teamster’s Union and the Disabled American Veterans. He also belonged to the American Legion and the Veteran of Foreign War Organizations.
He married Florence Ellen Clifton in Columbus, Kansas on June 24, 1947. Lathe and Florence raised a family of two daughters and one son. They lived, laughed and cried together for 64 years.
Lathe worked as an auto mechanic all of his life. He spent a number of years at the old 408 Cab Company, at Joplin Police Station and he retired from Fleming Foods where he worked as their head mechanic for a number of years. He was sent to Indiana to a technical institute on repairing Thermo King units. He worked every day of his life and then would often come home and work on cars or build on his home. He would offer his help to anyone that needed it.
He is survived by his wife, Florence Ellen Clifton Bradfield; his daughter, Sharon Bradfield of the home, his daughter, Karen Bradfield and Ernie Blackford; his son Steven Bradfield and daughter-in-law Shelley Bradfield; his two grandchildren, Samantha Bradfield and Cole Bradfield, who were his pride and joy. We miss him dearly every day.
Lathe was the oldest of six brothers and two sisters. All survive him; Leroy and Earleen Bradfield, James and Joanne Burtrum, Bill and Mary Burtrum, Ray and Jolene Burtrum, Rex Burtrum, John Burtrum, Etta Morgan and Mary and Pauly Hembree, Cecil Weber, a cousin who grew up with Lathe and was always regarded as a brother.
Lathe Edward Bradfield’s funeral will be held at Parker Mortuary, 1502 S. Joplin Street, at 11:00am, Saturday, with Minister Doug Wilkerson officiating. Graveside with military honors will be at approximately 12:00 pm at Fairview Cemetery. There will be a gathering of friends and family to follow at Karen Bradfield and Ernie Blackford’s home at 3125 N. Lone Elm Avenue, located directly across the street from Lathe’s home.
Source: Parker Mortuary & Crematory
Lathe Edward Bradfield passed away at St. John’s hospital on Sunday, May 22, 2011 during the tornado that swept through Joplin. He was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He was an avid fisherman in his youth and enjoyed all animals and children. He was Uncle Lathe to many and a stranger to none. He would often greet people with “hello friend”, and he meant it.He was proud of his service in the Army during WWII and was honorably discharged on December 25, 1946. He was injured in the war and received a purple heart.
He was a life-long member of the Teamster’s Union and the Disabled American Veterans. He also belonged to the American Legion and the Veteran of Foreign War Organizations.
He married Florence Ellen Clifton in Columbus, Kansas on June 24, 1947. Lathe and Florence raised a family of two daughters and one son. They lived, laughed and cried together for 64 years.
Lathe worked as an auto mechanic all of his life. He spent a number of years at the old 408 Cab Company, at Joplin Police Station and he retired from Fleming Foods where he worked as their head mechanic for a number of years. He was sent to Indiana to a technical institute on repairing Thermo King units. He worked every day of his life and then would often come home and work on cars or build on his home. He would offer his help to anyone that needed it.
He is survived by his wife, Florence Ellen Clifton Bradfield; his daughter, Sharon Bradfield of the home, his daughter, Karen Bradfield and Ernie Blackford; his son Steven Bradfield and daughter-in-law Shelley Bradfield; his two grandchildren, Samantha Bradfield and Cole Bradfield, who were his pride and joy. We miss him dearly every day.
Lathe was the oldest of six brothers and two sisters. All survive him; Leroy and Earleen Bradfield, James and Joanne Burtrum, Bill and Mary Burtrum, Ray and Jolene Burtrum, Rex Burtrum, John Burtrum, Etta Morgan and Mary and Pauly Hembree, Cecil Weber, a cousin who grew up with Lathe and was always regarded as a brother.
Lathe Edward Bradfield’s funeral will be held at Parker Mortuary, 1502 S. Joplin Street, at 11:00am, Saturday, with Minister Doug Wilkerson officiating. Graveside with military honors will be at approximately 12:00 pm at Fairview Cemetery. There will be a gathering of friends and family to follow at Karen Bradfield and Ernie Blackford’s home at 3125 N. Lone Elm Avenue, located directly across the street from Lathe’s home.
Source: Parker Mortuary & Crematory
Bresee, Burnice
Age: 81
Bridgeford, Romona
Ramona Mae Peavey was born February 18, 1934 in Waseca, MN the daughter of Alvin Hugh and Violet Lilly (Sanders) Peavey. Ramona had formerly taught pre-school in California and was a member of Harmony Heights Baptist Church in Joplin. Ramona was the best mother a man could have an inspiration to all who knew her. She loved her family and her church family. She was an amazing, honorable mother and a gracious loving grandmother. Ramona Mae Peavey married Leo Russell Bridgeford Sr., July 15, 1952 in Yuma, AZ and he preceded her in death in December of 2001.
Additional survivors include two sons, Leo Bridgeford Jr., Seneca and Robert “Bob” Bridgeford, Gravette, ARK; one daughter Brenda Lindo, Seneca; her friend Augusta Webb; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and adopted grandchildren.
Funeral services under the direction of Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home, Seneca will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, June 2, 2011 at the First Baptist Church in Seneca with Rev. Charlie Burnett officiating. Burial will be in the Seneca Cemetery with Robbie Bridgeford, Leo Bridgeford III, Michael Bridgeford, Tommy Lindo Jr., Dale Daniels and Lester Cooper Jr. serving as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 PM Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at the Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home.
Age: 77
Ramona Bridgeford, 77, Seneca, MO, went home to be with her husband and Jesus, May 22, 2011 from injuries sustained in the tornado that devastated Joplin, MO.Ramona Mae Peavey was born February 18, 1934 in Waseca, MN the daughter of Alvin Hugh and Violet Lilly (Sanders) Peavey. Ramona had formerly taught pre-school in California and was a member of Harmony Heights Baptist Church in Joplin. Ramona was the best mother a man could have an inspiration to all who knew her. She loved her family and her church family. She was an amazing, honorable mother and a gracious loving grandmother. Ramona Mae Peavey married Leo Russell Bridgeford Sr., July 15, 1952 in Yuma, AZ and he preceded her in death in December of 2001.
Additional survivors include two sons, Leo Bridgeford Jr., Seneca and Robert “Bob” Bridgeford, Gravette, ARK; one daughter Brenda Lindo, Seneca; her friend Augusta Webb; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and adopted grandchildren.
Funeral services under the direction of Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home, Seneca will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, June 2, 2011 at the First Baptist Church in Seneca with Rev. Charlie Burnett officiating. Burial will be in the Seneca Cemetery with Robbie Bridgeford, Leo Bridgeford III, Michael Bridgeford, Tommy Lindo Jr., Dale Daniels and Lester Cooper Jr. serving as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 PM Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at the Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home.
Brown, Leo E.
Leo was born April 18, 1925, the son of the late Wilburn and Mary Kingston Brown.
He was a graduate of Joplin Senior High School class of 1943. He graduated from Manhattan Bible College and Phillips University at Enid, Okla. He was a retired clergyman of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) having served churches in Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas and Illinois.
He is survived by his wife, Katherine of the home; one daughter, Debra Brown of Springfield, Mo.; one son, Earl Brown of Fort Scott, Kan.; two grandchildren, Travis and Dixie; one great-grandchild, William; two brothers, Paul E. Brown of Joplin, Ivan Merle Brown of Eugene, Ore. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Carl W. Brown.
Graveside services will be held 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 31st at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery with Rev. Fred Pugh officiating. Memorial contributions are suggested to your favorite charity. Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.
Source: Parker Mortuary & Crematory
Age: 86
Leo E. Brown, 86 of Joplin, Mo., passed away Sunday May 22, 2011 as a result of the tornado that hit St. John’s Regional Medical Center, where he was a patient.Leo was born April 18, 1925, the son of the late Wilburn and Mary Kingston Brown.
He was a graduate of Joplin Senior High School class of 1943. He graduated from Manhattan Bible College and Phillips University at Enid, Okla. He was a retired clergyman of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) having served churches in Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas and Illinois.
He is survived by his wife, Katherine of the home; one daughter, Debra Brown of Springfield, Mo.; one son, Earl Brown of Fort Scott, Kan.; two grandchildren, Travis and Dixie; one great-grandchild, William; two brothers, Paul E. Brown of Joplin, Ivan Merle Brown of Eugene, Ore. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Carl W. Brown.
Graveside services will be held 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 31st at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery with Rev. Fred Pugh officiating. Memorial contributions are suggested to your favorite charity. Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.
Source: Parker Mortuary & Crematory
Buttram, Hugh Odell
Funeral: 10 a.m. Monday, June 6, 2011 at Lucas Funeral Home in Hurst. Interment: 12:30 p.m. at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gideon’s International, P.O. Box 24471, Fort Worth, Texas 76124,
First Assembly of God, P.O. Box 140, Baxter Springs, Kansas 66713, Happy Hills Farm, Union Gospel Mission or any mission of choice.
Odell, as he was known by friends and family, was born February 2nd, 1926 in Hillsboro, Texas. He was a veteran of WWII, serving as a chaplain’s assistant in the Armed Forces. He subsequently received his bachelor’s degree from Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie, TX and did graduate studies in marketing at Texas Wesleyan College and Texas Christian University. He was an accomplished salesman receiving many significant sales awards over more than fifty years in the insurance business.
Odell was a devout Christian and lifelong member of Bethel Temple Assembly of God in Fort Worth, TX. His family and friends are comforted that he is with the Lord and they will see him again. He was much loved and will be sorely missed.
Survivors: He is survived by his wife, Evelyn Buttram of Joplin, Missouri; three daughters, Judith Rylee, and husband Tom Rylee of Springfield, Missouri, Lisa Satterfield, and her husband Rev. Dallas Satterfield of Baxter Springs, Kansas, and Cathy Buttram of Joplin, Missouri: two siblings, James Buttram and wife Lou, Sims Buttram and wife Fern; five grandchidlren, Meredith Cunningham, Shannon Hachman, and husband, Chris Hachman, Paige Giarrizzo, and husband, David Glarrizzo, Morgan Satterfield, and Drew Satterfield; and one great-grandson, Dominic Ochoa.
Age: 85
Hugh Odell Buttram, age 85, passed away Sunday night, May 22, 2011, after sustaining injuries from the tornado that struck Joplin, Missouri that evening.Funeral: 10 a.m. Monday, June 6, 2011 at Lucas Funeral Home in Hurst. Interment: 12:30 p.m. at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gideon’s International, P.O. Box 24471, Fort Worth, Texas 76124,
First Assembly of God, P.O. Box 140, Baxter Springs, Kansas 66713, Happy Hills Farm, Union Gospel Mission or any mission of choice.
Odell, as he was known by friends and family, was born February 2nd, 1926 in Hillsboro, Texas. He was a veteran of WWII, serving as a chaplain’s assistant in the Armed Forces. He subsequently received his bachelor’s degree from Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie, TX and did graduate studies in marketing at Texas Wesleyan College and Texas Christian University. He was an accomplished salesman receiving many significant sales awards over more than fifty years in the insurance business.
Odell was a devout Christian and lifelong member of Bethel Temple Assembly of God in Fort Worth, TX. His family and friends are comforted that he is with the Lord and they will see him again. He was much loved and will be sorely missed.
Survivors: He is survived by his wife, Evelyn Buttram of Joplin, Missouri; three daughters, Judith Rylee, and husband Tom Rylee of Springfield, Missouri, Lisa Satterfield, and her husband Rev. Dallas Satterfield of Baxter Springs, Kansas, and Cathy Buttram of Joplin, Missouri: two siblings, James Buttram and wife Lou, Sims Buttram and wife Fern; five grandchidlren, Meredith Cunningham, Shannon Hachman, and husband, Chris Hachman, Paige Giarrizzo, and husband, David Glarrizzo, Morgan Satterfield, and Drew Satterfield; and one great-grandson, Dominic Ochoa.