Vera Ann Gilbert, daughter of the late Ira C. Taylor and Robbie Odum Taylor, was born on June 2, 1947, in Essex, Missouri, and departed this life on July 6, 2024, at Winchester Nursing Center in Bernie, Missouri, at the age of 77 years.
Mrs. Gilbert was a former clerk for TG&Y and a homemaker for VNA. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Essex, Missouri, and a resident of Essex. She enjoyed shopping, loved her dogs and spending time giving and doing for others.
She is survived by two sons, Gary Gilbert and wife Stephanie of Dexter, Missouri, and Larry Michael Gilbert of Essex, Missouri, by two daughters, Tracy Azure and husband John “Jay” of Bloomfield, Missouri; and Jamie Kimbrel (Dale Dodson) of Essex, Missouri; by thirteen grandchildren, Joshua Gilbert, Lindsay Boxdorfer, Megan Gilbert, Aaron Gilbert, Ryan Gilbert, Samantha Azure, Tino Azure, John Azure III, Cody Ritch, Nicholas Azure, D.J. Kimbrel, and Kelsey Kimbrel; and by nineteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Thursday, July 11, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Funeral services will then be conducted in the Mathis Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Gary Gilbert officiating.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
Darrell Wayne Green, son of the late Kenneth Lee Green and Cletis Marie Simpson Green, was born in Bernie, Missouri on October 13, 1946 and departed this life at his home in Bernie, Missouri on July 3, 2024 at the age of 77.
Mr. Green was a truck driver, having driven for Owens Brothers, Tilmon Trucking and PTI. He was a resident of Bernie.
He is survived by his caregiver, Carol Ann Green of Bernie; by two sons, Kevin Green and Shane Green both of Orland Park, Illinois; by three grandchildren, Lainey Green, Malley Green and Avery Green; also by other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death other than by his parents, by one son, Shawn Green; by one brother, Donald Greer; by one sister, Cathie Dennington.
No services are being planned. Mathis Funeral Home of Bernie is assisting with arrangements.
Samuel Doran Vancil’s story began on May 15, 1934, at 444 N. Walnut St. and at the age of 90, he departed this life surrounded by his loved ones, on July 2, 2024, in his home at 422 N. Walnut St. in Dexter, Missouri.
Doran was born in his family home now fondly called the Sally House, to the late Ralph and Virl “Sally” Vancil, in Dexter Mo. Doran graduated from Dexter High School in 1952, and married the love of his life Wanda Louise Vancil, on June 6, 1954. They shared 69 years of beautiful marriage. Wanda went to her Heavenly home in January of 2023. Doran and Wanda had 4 beautiful children Bruce Vancil, John Vancil, Wade Vancil and Angela Vancil. John, Bruce and Wade left this world prior to Doran and Wanda. What a beautiful reunion that must have been.
Doran was a lifelong citizen of Stoddard County. He joined the Army National Guard in 1953, he was in the 140th infantry. In April 1967, he was honorably discharged from service as Master Sergeant over Weapons. During his lifetime in Dexter MO, he was a City Alderman, Elks Lodge member, member of Hidden Trails Country Club, MHCA member, and a devoted member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dexter. Doran worked for over 30 years at Lucas Florist on Walnut Street and then went into long-term care. He opened 37 nursing homes in his 40-year career as a nursing home administrator. He became Owner and Operator at Gideon Care Center, in Gideon Missouri in 1990. Nursing Care was a way of life for Doran and has since become the same for his family as the Legacy he built, brought them into the business as well. Doran cared for every resident, employee, and resident family member as if they were his own. You knew when you entered his facility that you were at home. In 2006, Doran opened Winchester Assisted Facility, in Bernie MO. Being able to bring the level of exceptional care into another town that truly needed it brought him such Joy. At 85 years old, Doran did what others might have thought was a little crazy. He built and opened Winchester Skilled in Bernie MO, next to his Assisted Living Facility. It is a stunning forty bed facility and he overseen the entire process of building and opening. He wanted it perfect for his residents. Not only did it do amazing after they opened, but he also filled every bed and had a waiting list within 3 months. He retired in 2022, at the age of 88.
Doran was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Virl “Sally Vancil”; his wife, Wanda Louise Vancil; his three sons, John, Bruce and Wade; his brothers, John A Vancil and Ralph Vancil; and his sisters, Evelyn Jean Vancil and Marta Jo Dunlap.
He is survived by one daughter, Angela Jones and husband Don; Daughter in law, Kathy Vancil (married to the late Bruce Vancil); Daughter in law, April Vancil (married to the late Wade Vancil); Grandchildren, Matthew Vancil and wife Faith Vancil, Jeffery Hull, Ashley Vancil, Bailey Sells, Ben Sells and wife Leigh Sells. As well as by his great grandchildren, Clayton McGowan, Aidan McGowan, Liam McGowan, Aubrey Sells and Nora Sells.
Doran is leaving a Legacy of love, compassion, care and strength for all those he left behind. May we find peace in knowing he was reunited with many loved ones who went before him and is dancing with his sweet Wanda Lou again in the Heavenly sky.
Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Friday, July 5, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will then be conducted at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dexter on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. David Coon officiating. Interment will follow in the Dexter Cemetery.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
Richard Udell Clark was born on June 22, 1955, and entered the kingdom of heaven on July 1, 2024. He had attained the age of 69 years.
Richard was a lifelong member of the Church of God of Prophecy and was a devout Christian. Richard grew up at Van Buren, Missouri and was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, golf and spending time on Current River.
On October 19, 1973, he was united in marriage to his sweetheart Glenda Kennedy, who remained his sweetheart for the next 50 years of their marriage.
Richard worked in timber and logging with his father David Clark during his young adult life. In 1997 Richard and Glenda moved to Dexter, Missouri, where he started selling cars at Bud Shell Ford. It was there he met numerous customers many of whom became more like family to him and he cherished those friendships so very much.
Richard was preceded in death by his only son, Eric Clark.
He is survived by his wife, Glenda Clark; daughter, Lelah (Jaramiah) Jennings; grandsons, Eric, Spencer, and Uriah Jennings; granddaughters, Evelyn Jennings, and Jourdan Sturdefant (and family); his parents, David and Dorothy Clark, and numerous family members and lifelong friends who will greatly mourn his passing.
“Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God.”
Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter, Missouri on Friday, July 5, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Visitation will then be conducted at McSpadden Funeral Home in Van Buren, Missouri, on Saturday, July 6, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. with funeral services following at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. Ron Brisson officiating. Interment will follow in the David Clark Cemetery in Van Buren, Missouri.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter and McSpadden Funeral Home in Van Buren are assisting with arrangements
Lillian Frances Singleton, beloved by many, passed away on June 26, 2024 in Sikeston, Missouri. She was born to Guy W. and Maudie (Johnson) Jordan in Holladay, Tennessee on October 30, 1927. Lillian lived a life full of warmth, compassion, and service to others.
Throughout her career as a loan officer, Lillian touched the lives of many individuals with her kindness and dedication. However, it was through her selfless acts outside of work that she truly shone. Lillian devoted over 20 years of her life to serving in the hospital auxiliary, taking on every position within the organization. Her commitment to helping others extended to volunteering at the Dexter Senior Citizen Center, afterschool programs, blood drives, and serving as a poll worker in Bloomfield, MO during elections. Lillian was a very active member of First Baptist Church of Bloomfield, MO. It was because of her devoted work that she was honored with the Senior Service Award from the Missouri Lieutenant Governor, Peter Kinder.
Lillian's impact went beyond her professional and volunteer roles; it transcended into her personal relationships. She leaves behind a legacy of love and care that will be cherished by all who knew her. In this time of mourning, we remember Lillian for the love she shared and the lives she touched.
Lillian was united in marriage to J.C. Singleton on June 28, 1947, in Piggott, Arkansas, and remained married until the time of his passing on February 7, 1998.
Lillian is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one son, Dennis Michael Singleton, and two sisters, Nellie Jo Morris and Emma Lou Webb.
She is survived by her son, Keith Singleton of Murfreesboro, TN, one daughter, Kelly Singleton Kincade of Jackson, MO, six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, one sister, Mary Alice Douglas of Dexter, MO, a close family friend, Mike Yeakey of Bloomfield, MO, her church family from First Baptist of Bloomfield, MO, as well as a host of other family members and friends.
Services to honor and celebrate Lillian's life will be held at Watkins Funeral Homes in Dexter, Missouri, with Charlie Robertson of Bloomfield officiating. A visitation will take place from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on July 2nd followed by a funeral service at 12:00 PM. The interment will be held at Stanfield Cemetery in Clarkton on the same day.
In memory of Lillian Frances Singleton, let us carry forward her spirit of kindness and service towards others. May she rest in peace knowing that she made this world a better place with her presence.
