Jimmy Bland, son of the late Charles “Seed” Bland and Ruth Barton Bland, was born on March 20, 1946, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and departed this life on May 22, 2024, at Mercy Hospital Southeast in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, at the age of 78 years.
Mr. Bland was a Veteran of the United States Army. He was the former owner of Bland Insurance and Dexter Queen in Dexter Missouri, a member of First Baptist Church in Dexter, and a resident of Dexter.
Jim was a 1964 graduate of Dexter High School. He was an amazing athlete leading the Dexter Bearcats to a perfect 10-0 season his senior year. He averaged a first down every time he carried the ball and accomplished the unbelievable feat of leading all of Southeast Missouri in scoring his Sophomore, Junior and Senior years. He was recruited by many outstanding college football programs and played at the University of Arkansas, finishing his career at Southeast Missouri State.
Jim had a very distinguished Military Career, becoming an Infantry Officer, Airborne Ranger and one of the best of the best in the Army, graduating from Special Forces School and wearing the Green Beret. He then had an outstanding career in the Missouri Army National Guard, retiring with the rank of Colonel after 29 years of exemplary service.
On March 31, 1979, in Dexter, Missouri, he was united in marriage to Judy Jerls. Mrs. Bland survives of their home in Dexter.
Along with his wife, Judy, he is survived by his daughter, Lori Bland Buck of Dexter, Missouri; by his brother, Charles Lyle Bland of Fulton, Missouri; by his grandson, Keiton Buck of Dexter, Missouri; by two nephews, Bart Bland and wife Debbie of Wentzville, Missouri, and Doug Bland and wife Beth of Wentzville, Missouri.
Other than by his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Judy Bland.
Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Sunday, May 26, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Funeral services will then be conducted in the Mathis Funeral Home Chapel on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. with Charles Kruse and Greg Mathis officiating. Interment will follow in the Dexter Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to 18 Fore Life, c/o Scott Kruse, 705 Laurie Circle, Dexter, MO 63841.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
John was a man of God, and the road, finding solace and purpose behind the wheel of his truck and with his faith. His career as a truck driver at Schott Farms not only defined him but also brought him immense joy and satisfaction throughout the years.
Described as someone who talked a lot and fearlessly spoke his mind, John never shied away from engaging with anyone he met. His extroverted nature ensured that he never met a stranger; his warmth and candor left lasting imprints on the hearts of those fortunate enough to know him.
Beyond his professional achievements, John found delight in simple pleasures like fishing, perusing yard sales for hidden treasures, and the freedom of driving a truck. His loyalty extended not just to his hobbies but also to his unwavering support as a Trump enthusiast.
In John's circle of love and loss are his parents , Charles and Alice (Brady) McQueen and one brother Tim McQueen. He is survived by his devoted wife Christine McQueen of the home ; his son Jonathan McQueen of Cape Girardeau; his daughter Brena Ladner of Gulfport, Mississippi; one brother Alan McQueen of Bloomfield; one sister Linda Ottinger of Lebanon, Tennessee; along with a multitude of other cherished family members and friends.
A visitation to honor John's memory will be held at Watkins Funeral Homes in Bloomfield on May 29, 2024, starting at 12:00 noon followed by a Memorial Service at 2:00 PM. These services will provide an opportunity for all who knew John to come together in remembrance and celebration of a life well-lived.
In our hearts and minds, John's legacy will live on through the memories we shared with him. May he rest in peace knowing that he was loved greatly and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Rev. Ronald L. Ledbetter, son of the late Hershel L. Ledbetter and Naomi Keith Ledbetter, was born on November 10, 1934, in Parma, Missouri, and departed this life on May 22, 2024, at Cox South Medical Center in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 89 years.
Rev. Ledbetter was a Veteran of the United States Navy. He was a minister for 50+ years, he had sold insurance for Modern Woodmen, he was a former farmer, and a retired rural mail carrier. He pastored for 30+ years at Clines Island Baptist Church, and he attended Olive Branch General Baptist Church in Essex. He enjoyed being on the farm watching his crops and cattle grow.
On February 3, 1956, in Dexter, Missouri, he was united in marriage to Marian Beal. Mrs. Ledbetter survives of their home in Essex, Missouri.
Along with his wife, he is survived by his son, Phillip Ledbetter and wife Nola of Holts Summitt, Missouri; by his daughter, Rhonda Ledbetter of Houston, Missouri; by his brother, Gary Ledbetter of Ocala, Florida; and by two granddaughters, Leah Ledbetter and Hannah Ledbetter and his great-granddaughter, Myra Austill.
Other than by his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Jimmy Ledbetter, and Doug Ledbetter and by his sister, Phyllis Kaye Smith.
Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Funeral services will then be conducted in the Mathis Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Dudley Hamilton officiating. Interment will follow in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield.
Memorials may be made to lifetoday.org.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
Betty Sue Payne, 76, of Puxico, went home to meet our heavenly father Sunday, May 12th, 2024 after a long battle with Alzheimers. Born to the late Albert and Margaret Maggie Conner, she was one of fifteen children. She was raised on the banks of the St. Francis River just below Wappapello Lake.
Ms. Betty is survived by five daughters, Sandra Walker (Jack), Rebecca Payne, Laura Payne, Judy Payne, and Joanna Payne as well as five grandchildren, Hailey Foust, Taylor Cheatham, Meghan Cheatham, Preston Payne Carraway, and Hannah Carraway.
Ms. Betty spent many years taking care of her girls, sewing clothes, gardening, preserving food, cooking, and cleaning but in spite of all the work, she always taught her girls to enjoy life too. She loved to go camping, boating, soak up the sun at the beach, or anything outdoors in nature. She enjoyed walking eight miles a day diligently as well as mowing her yard multiple times a week with her push mower for exercise.
Ms. Betty first and foremost loved Jesus and served Gods kingdom most of her life. She was a firm believer in loving the unlovable and showing kindness to the broken. She always wanted everyone to know, regardless of your circumstances, you are loved by God. Ms. Betty had a heart for people and would give someone the last dollar in her pocket if she thought they needed it. She picked many travelers up on the road and her first question would always be are you hungry?
Ms. Betty was an employee of the Mingo Jop Corps as a food service instructor before retiring in 2014. She loved spending time with the students and encouraging them in obtaining life skills.
Ms. Betty is also survived by one brother, Buddy (Lousie) Conner and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Along with her parents, preceding her in death were eight brothers: Francis Conner (infant), Harvey Conner, Ralph Conner, Francis Conner, AJ Conner, Carl Conner, Howard Conner, and Claudie Conner and five sisters: Ruth Conner (infant), Geraldine Conner, Edna Pitt, Margaret Jones, and Lorene Grimes.
Visitation will be held at the New Hope Church and Cemetery at McGee, MO on Saturday May 18th from 11:00-1:00 with the funeral service starting at 1:00. Her beloved nephew, Bro. Dale Jones, will be officiating. Pallbearers will be Jack Walker, Preston Carraway, Brian Jones, Arlin Hale, Michael Conner, and Roger Pitt.
Morgan Funeral Home in Advance, MO is in charge of all arrangements.
To order floral arrangements please contact The Flower Box in Advance, MO at 573-722-5166. The family request memorial donations be made to McGee New Hope Church in McGee, MO.
Betty Acord, daughter of the late Cecil Colin Snider and Rose Fields Snider, was born on March 10, 1933, in Charter Oak, Missouri, and departed this life on May 17, 2024, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston, Missouri, at the age of 91 years.
Mrs. Acord was a former owner of the Airport Café and Pete’s Café in Dexter, Missouri, she was a former cook for the Hickory House in Dexter, and she was a resident of Dexter. She enjoyed gardening, working in her yard, and fishing.
On June 9, 1951, in Piggott, Arkansas, she was united in marriage to Alfred Acord. Mr. Acord preceded her in death on October 29, 1995.
She is survived by three sons, Jerry Acord of Dexter, Missouri, Stanley Acord and wife Katherine of Bloomfield, Missouri, and Stephen Acord and wife Cynthia of White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico; by three daughters, Irma Sanders, Jeanette Layton, and Laura Acord, all of Dexter, Missouri; and by fourteen grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren.
Other than by her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Otis “Cub” Snider; and by three sisters, Alma Ive, Alta Burns, and Vivian Mares.
Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Thursday, May 23, 2024, from 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. A memorial service will then be conducted in the Mathis Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. with Gary Cossey officiating. Interment will follow in the Hagy Cemetery.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
