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.
Age: 28
Steven J. Haack Stephens, age 28, passed away on Sunday, May 22, 2011 as a result of injuries sustained in the tornado.Steven was born March 17, 1983 in Holdreg, Nebraska, son of Tracy Haack of Geneva, Nebraska and Tina Salsbury Davis of Savannah, Missouri. He was a construction worker and a Baptist.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Aspen Haack Stephens, sister-in-law, Meranda Stephens, grandmothers, Linda Salbury and Shirley Clevenger.
Survivors include his wife, Tasha Stephens of Troy, Kansas; children, Dayton Stephens, Alexander Haack Stephens, Alaris Haack Stephens; father, Fred Piska of Wichita, Kansas; sister, Kali Haack of Savannah; grandfather, Mike Salsbury of Rockaway Beach, Missouri; mother-in-law, Terrie Stephens; father-in-law, Rusty Stephens; aunts, Nora Campbell, Robin Sisk; nephews, Juan DeDios, Zeke Soldanels, niece, Lyrik Stout; uncles, Steve Salsbury, Michael Salsbury; many other family members.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. in Parker Mortuary Chapel with Rev. Bob Simon officiating. Cremation will follow the service.
The family will receive friends at Parker Mortuary on Tuesday from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Source: Parker Mortuary & Crematory
Age: 62
Paul E. “Gene” Haddock, Sr., age 62 of Joplin, Mo. lost his life during the tragic tornado that hit Joplin on May 22, 2011.Paul was born at home in Spring City, Mo. on December 13, 1948 the son of Fred and Ada (Mullen) Haddock. He worked as a lead and set up welder for Lozier for 25 years before medical issues forced him to retire. Paul was well known around the Joplin YMCA where he had many friends.
He married Karen Hartje on February 10, 1974 in Webb City, Mo., she survives. Additional survivors include his three sons, Richard Haddock of Indianapolis, In., David Haddock and his fiancé Monica of Indianapolis and Christopher Haddock and his wife Faith currently of Neosho, Mo., three brothers, Bill Haddock of Kansas City, Mo., Bob Haddock of Kansas City, Mo. and Fred Haddock, Jr. of Picher, Ok., two grandchildren, Ayden Haddock and Collin Haddock. Paul was preceded in death by his parents and by his son, Paul “Tiny” Haddock, Jr.
Paul is to be cremated, the family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 7 to 8 p.m.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Chapel.
Source: Mason-Woodward Mortuary & Chapel
Age: 49
Johnna Hale, 49 of Joplin, MO passed away Sunday, May 22, 2011 at her residence in Joplin. She worked at FAG Bearing Company in Joplin. Services will be at a later date. Cremation arrangements by Midland Cremation Society.Source: Midland Cremation Society
Age: 16
Caley Lantz Hare, age 16 of Joplin, passed away from injuries sustained in the Joplin tornado May 22, 2011.Born September 2, 1994 in Coffeyville, Kan., he had lived in Joplin since 1998 and attended Joplin Public Schools. He was a straight A student of the junior class of Joplin High School. Lantz was an avid BMX bike rider. He rode at Autumn Ramp Park and loved spending time at The Bridge. He participated in bible studies, was a member of the BMX Team, and volunteered at both The Bridge and Autumn Ramp Park. He attended Christ’s Church of Joplin with fellow Bridge staff, members and close friends.
Survivors include his mother, Michelle Hare of Joplin; his father and stepmother, Walter Mike and Shannon Hare of Broken Arrow, Okla.; his brother, Matthew Hare of Joplin; two sisters Shaylee Albee of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Jayln Mattson of Broken Arrow; paternal grandmother, CeCelia Hare of Coffeyville, Kan.; maternal grandmother, Mary Lou Green of Coffeyville; maternal grandfather, Ron Green of Edna, Kan.; maternal grandmother, Teresa West of Findley, Ohio; several aunts, uncles and countless friends.
Lantz was preceded in death by paternal grandfather, Caley Kitch and maternal grandfather Fritz Jehle.
A Celebration of His Life will be held 12:00 Noon at The Bridge in the Foundry with Jeremiah Anderson and Dan Mitchell officiating. After the service, the family will receive friends during which time members of Autumn Ramp Park will hold a memorial ride/open session in Lantz’s honor.
Source: Parker Mortuary & Crematory
Age: 91
Dorothy Viola Hartman, 91, Joplin, MO, passed away Sunday, May 22, 2011 from injuries sustained in the Joplin tornado.Dorothy Viola Gray was born May 5, 1920 in Union, MO, the daughter of John Thomas Gray, Sr. and Matilda Clementine (Clark) Gray.
She was a homemaker and for many years was a member of the Bethel Methodist Church, south of Carthage. She married George Washington Hartman on October 4, 1940 in Carthage.
Survivors include her husband of 70 years, G.W. Hartman, Joplin; a daughter, Sherrie Hartman Messer, Oronogo, MO, Jerry Messer, Oronogo; two granddaughters, Angela (Jeff) Howrey, Carthage, grandchildren, Tyler and Isabelle Howrey; Michelle (Kevin) Houser, granddaughter, Tiffanie (Matt) White; three great great grandchildren, Mathew, Ryan and Kenzye White; one brother, John T. (Neva) Gray, Carthage; two sisters, Lorraine Wright, Jefferson City, MO and Marian (Chester) Hildgedick, Ashland, MO; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death her parents; three brothers, Earl, Curtis and Clifford; two sisters, Laura and Pauline.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Thursday, June 2, 2011 in Park Cemetery, Carthage. Minister Stan Elmore will officiate. 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: 47
Dee Ann Hayward, age 47, 302 E 22nd St, died Sunday evening, May 22, 2011 in the tornado that struck Joplin Missouri.Dee Ann was born August 25, 1963 in Glendora, California. Her parents were James Robert and Bernice Lee (Brady) Kelly. She had lived in Galena since 1977.
She graduated from Galena High School in 1981. She had worked the past 4 years for Hallmark Card Co maintaining card displays in area Wal Mart Stores. She was a member of Riverton Friends Church, Riverton, KS where she had been a Sunday school teacher. She had traveled to Brazil and Jamaica on different missionary journeys. She loved music and collected several recordings. Dee Ann had a very kind heart, always looking for ways she could help people.
She was married to Jim C. Hayward on May 26, 1984 in Galena, KS. He survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Robert Glen Hayward and Caleb Grant Hayward, one daughter, Christina Gail Hayward, all of the home; her mother, Bernice Kelly, Seneca, MO; two brothers, Michael Brady Kelly, Redding , CA and Kenneth J Kelly, Seneca, MO; one sister Patricia Gail Penn, Nice, CA; and her father-in-law, Jack Hayward, Baxter Springs, KS.
Her father preceded her in death.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm, Friday June 3, 2011 at the Riverton Friends Church, Riverton KS. Pastor Wes Davis and Truman Brady will officiate. Burial will be in Quaker Hill Cemetery, Riverton, KS.
The family will receive friends from 7:00 -8:00 pm, Thursday, June 2 at Derfelt Funeral Home, Galena, KS.
Source: Derfelt Funeral Home
Age: 71
Glenn Wayne Holland was born June 21, 1951, in Joplin. He graduated from Memorial High School in 1969, then later earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration, a master’s degree in health care management, and finally a bachelor’s degree in computer information science. He was a retired Air Force major and a member of the Retired Officer’s Association, the National Rifle Association, the American Legion and the National Skeet Shooting Association. He was currently working at Leggett & Platt.
Lorie and Glenn were married on May 18, 1996, and were members of Central City Christian Church.
Glenn was preceded in death by his daughter Amy, grandparents Perry and Ruth Holland, and Wesley and Velma Tracy, and is survived by daughters Shannon Mills of Cibolo, Texas, and Rachel Alexander of Bryan, Texas, grandchildren Ethan, Avery, Ryan, Taylor, Kyle, Glenn is also survived by his parents, Wayne and Mary Holland of Joplin, sister Dorothy Vaughan of Joplin, sister and brother-in-law Jenny and Rick Smith of Webb City, and numerous nephews and nieces.
Their joint funeral is to be held on Saturday, June 4, 2:00 p.m. at Ozark Christian College chapel. Visitation to be held prior to service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Burial will immediately follow services at Osborne Cemetery, 33rd and McClelland Blvd with full military honors for Glenn. Pallbearers will be nephews Zachary Tusinger, Nathan Smith, Jonathan Smith, Matthew Smith, Curt Vaughan, and friend of the couple, Rocky Swearingen. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary. A memorial service is to be held in their honor at Epcot on June 3. Memorial contributions may be made to the Joplin Humane Society, Ozark Christian College, or charity of your choice.
Source: Parker Morturary & Crematory
Lorie Marie Holland was born December 22, 1962, in Joplin. She graduated from Parkwood High School in 1981 and attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale where she was a member of the Sigma Kappa Sorority. She was a drafter for several companies in St. Louis and Joplin, having most recently worked at Allgeier and Martin. She loved scrapbooking, was an avid Disney enthusiast, a seasonal worker at OCC, and election poll worker. She was training for the Boomtown Days half marathon. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church growing up and a member of the Mayflower Society.
Lorie and Glenn were married on May 18, 1996, and were members of Central City Christian Church.
Lorie was preceded in death by her grandparents, Paul and Edna Marti, and Dennis and Lois Lippoldt. Lorie is survived by her mother and stepfather, Bonnie and William Mahood of Overland Park, Kansas, sister and brother-in-law, Kristie and Steve Tusinger of Joplin, niece and nephew, Abby Marie Tusinger and Zachary Tusinger of Joplin, father Victor Lippoldt of Joplin, stepbrother and wife, William and Michele Mahood of Overland Park, KS, and their children, Kristen and Kellen Mahood.
Their joint funeral is to be held on Saturday, June 4, 2:00 p.m. at Ozark Christian College chapel. Visitation to be held prior to service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Burial will immediately follow services at Osborne Cemetery, 33rd and McClelland Blvd with full military honors for Glenn. Pallbearers will be nephews Zachary Tusinger, Nathan Smith, Jonathan Smith, Matthew Smith, Curt Vaughan, and friend of the couple, Rocky Swearingen. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary. A memorial service is to be held in their honor at Epcot on June 3. Memorial contributions may be made to the Joplin Humane Society, Ozark Christian College, or charity of your choice.
Source: Parker Mortuary & Crematory
Age: 58
Age: 83
Hometown: Joplin
An elegant, witty and generous woman was lost to the world May 22, 2011, when a tornado devastated a large part of Joplin, Mo.Born in Joplin in 1927, Charlotte Hopwood, "Char" as she was known, moved with her family to Emporia, Kan., and then to Oak Ridge, Tenn., when her father went to work on the Manhattan Project in 1944. She later lived and worked in St. Louis, Denver and elsewhere but spent many years working in Los Angeles for the Los Angeles Times, retiring after 30 years. Her position at the Times was with the newspaper's syndicate arm which worked with and distributed articles by Art Buchwald and cartoons by Paul Conrad among others.
Her many interests grew out of her love of music, in particular the Big Band sound of Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, and Glenn Miller. She played the clarinet and piano and grew to love the theatre organ, joining at least five clubs in Southern California and participating in workshops all over the country. In Oak Ridge she sometimes took her clarinet and climbed up a tree in the woods near her home to practice so she would not disturb shift workers sleeping during the day. Ballroom dancing was also a big part of her life and she took lessons and participated in contests for several years. She would want to you know, also, that she loved baseball and bled Dodger Blue.
The fourth of seven children, Char maintained her strong family roots for all of her life, always there for siblings and nieces and nephews when times got a little tough. She was unhappy about being pulled out of high school in Emporia where she was to enter her senior year and never felt comfortable in Oak Ridge. The day after she graduated she left for Texas where she joined her sister, Florence, and worked briefly at a veterans' hospital where her brother-in-law was recovering from severe wounds incurred in the D-Day invasion of France. Char lived a good life and developed many, many good friends along the way.
In 2005, she sold her home in Burbank, Calif., and moved back to Joplin where her sister, Marian Russell, was living. After experiencing several storms she had commented to others, "This Missouri wind is going to be the death of me." And it was. Her sister, Marian, and her brother, John, were with her in her home at the time of the tornado but were unhurt. Marian is now living in Evansville, Ind., and John in Louisville, Tenn.
Charlotte was predeceased by her mother and father, Norval R. and Florence Hopwood; sisters, Florence Allen and Frances Russell; and nephew, Gary C. Hopwood.
She leaves her sister, Marian Russell, formerly of Joplin; brothers, John Hopwood and Sam Hopwood (wife, Mary Jane); and sister, Carol Gallagher (husband, Joseph); nieces Marilyn Stanford, Linda Boostrom (husband, Robert), Victoria Sieh (husband, Bob), Katherine McCrory, Sharon Kallam (husband, Hans), Susan Jenkerson, and Sandra Guinn; nephews, David Heagerty, and James Russell (wife, Marie); and 15 grand-nieces and nephews.
Age: 5
Russell T. “Rusty” Howard age 29, Harli Jayce Howard, age 5, and Hayze Cole Howard, age 19 months, passed away in the catastrophic tornado on May 22, 2011. Harli and Hayze were found securely in their daddy’s arms.Harli Jayce Howard was born on February 6, 2006 in Joplin, Mo. She was known as the family chatter bug she loved to talk almost as much as her daddy did. Her mother’s favorite saying of Harli’s “Hi, friend”.
They are survived by their wife and mother, Edie (Boss) Howard, Joplin; parents and grandparents, Harry Howard, Grove, Okla., and Dianne Long Nunez, Edna, Ks.; in-laws and grandparents, Marie and Mike Boss, McAlester, Okla.; brother and uncle, Jason Niemier, Cherryvale, Ks; sister and aunt, Amanda Nunez; grandparents and great-grandparents, Marvin and Joyce Long, Cherryvale, Ks.; sister-in-law and aunt, Missy Niemier and cousins Cooper and Carson; brother-in-law and uncle Jeff Boss, sister-in-law and aunt Erin Boss; niece and cousin, Leila Boss.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday at St. Peter the Apostle Church. Father J. Friedel will officiate. Burial will be at 2:30 p.m. Monday at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery in Cherryvale, Ks.
A rosary will be held at 4:00 p.m. Sunday with a visitation to follow at Mason-Woodard Mortuary. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rusty, Harli, and Hayze Memorial Fund in care of the mortuary.
Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.
Age: 1
Russell T. “Rusty” Howard age 29, Harli Jayce Howard, age 5, and Hayze Cole Howard, age 19 months, passed away in the catastrophic tornado on May 22, 2011. Harli and Hayze were found securely in their daddy’s arms.Hayze Cole Howard was born on October 27, 2009 in Joplin, Mo. He was our sweet little baby boy and a force unto himself.
They are survived by their wife and mother, Edie (Boss) Howard, Joplin; parents and grandparents, Harry Howard, Grove, Okla., and Dianne Long Nunez, Edna, Ks.; in-laws and grandparents, Marie and Mike Boss, McAlester, Okla.; brother and uncle, Jason Niemier, Cherryvale, Ks; sister and aunt, Amanda Nunez; grandparents and great-grandparents, Marvin and Joyce Long, Cherryvale, Ks.; sister-in-law and aunt, Missy Niemier and cousins Cooper and Carson; brother-in-law and uncle Jeff Boss, sister-in-law and aunt Erin Boss; niece and cousin, Leila Boss.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday at St. Peter the Apostle Church. Father J. Friedel will officiate. Burial will be at 2:30 p.m. Monday at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery in Cherryvale, Ks.
A rosary will be held at 4:00 p.m. Sunday with a visitation to follow at Mason-Woodard Mortuary. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rusty, Harli, and Hayze Memorial Fund in care of the mortuary.
Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.
Age: 29
Russell T. “Rusty” Howard age 29, Harli Jayce Howard, age 5, and Hayze Cole Howard, age 19 months, passed away in the catastrophic tornado on May 22, 2011. Harli and Hayze were found securely in their daddy’s arms.Russell T. “Rusty” Howard was born on July 5, 1981 in Coffeyville, Ks., the son of Harry Howard and Dianne Long Nunez. He was a graduate of Cherryvale High School a member of the class of 2000. He worked as an electrician for PCS Phosphates for the past five years and previously he worked for B.E.I. He was a member of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church. He was a member of the Kansas Army National Guard. He enjoyed fishing and riding motorcycles. He married Edie Boss on August 10, 2002 in Cherryvale, Ks. He never met a stranger and he would talk to anyone who would listen. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
They are survived by their wife and mother, Edie (Boss) Howard, Joplin; parents and grandparents, Harry Howard, Grove, Okla., and Dianne Long Nunez, Edna, Ks.; in-laws and grandparents, Marie and Mike Boss, McAlester, Okla.; brother and uncle, Jason Niemier, Cherryvale, Ks; sister and aunt, Amanda Nunez; grandparents and great-grandparents, Marvin and Joyce Long, Cherryvale, Ks.; sister-in-law and aunt, Missy Niemier and cousins Cooper and Carson; brother-in-law and uncle Jeff Boss, sister-in-law and aunt Erin Boss; niece and cousin, Leila Boss.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday at St. Peter the Apostle Church. Father J. Friedel will officiate. Burial will be at 2:30 p.m. Monday at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery in Cherryvale, Ks.
A rosary will be held at 4:00 p.m. Sunday with a visitation to follow at Mason-Woodard Mortuary. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rusty, Harli, and Hayze Memorial Fund in care of the mortuary.
Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.
Age: 70
Hometown: Carthage