Charles Lee “Chuck” Chism, son of the late Thelmo Chism and Imogene Springs Chism, was born on May 31, 1956, in Chicago, Illinois, and departed this life on April 27, 2025, at his residence in Wappapello, Missouri, at the age of 68 years.
Mr. Chism was a former heavy equipment operator and auctioneer. He was a member and past president of the Wappapello Crappy Club and a member of the Wappapello Eagles and VFW. He enjoyed fishing, playing pool, and hunting.
On June 2, 2018, in Wappapello, Missouri, he was united in marriage to Opal Freeman. Mrs. Chism survives for their home in Wappapello.
Along with his wife, he is survived by his son, Kyle Chism of Bloomfield, Missouri; by two daughters, Kelley Alsup and husband Richard of Dexter, Missouri, and Amanda Woodall and husband Billy of Wardell Missouri; by two step-daughters, Rebecca Wilson of Wappapello, Missouri, and Suzie Tippen of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; by his sister, Debbie Snider and husband Jeff of Dexter, Missouri; and by eleven grandchildren, Zach Alsup, Ben Alsup, Landon Chism, Faith Chism, Gemma Chism, Piper Wilson, Skylar Pugh, Dustin Olson, Emily Snow, Ethan Ellsworth and Samantha Woodall.
Other than by his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, James Chism and Bob Chism; and by his sister, Sandra Hill.
Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Funeral services will then be conducted in the Mathis Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow in Bloomfield Cemetery.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
Betty Ann Cheatham, daughter of the late Homer Barks and Clodine Hahn Barks, was born on October 7, 1951, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and departed this life on April 26, 2025, at StoneBridge Nursing Center in Marble Hill, Missouri at the age of 73 years.
Mrs. Cheatham was a retired motor carrier with a logistics company. She was a member of St. Johns Church in Leopold, Missouri, and a resident of Marble Hill, Missouri. She enjoyed reading, watching NCIS, traveling and visiting casinos. She loved spending time with her family and caring for her pets.
On December 8, 1986, in Marble Hill, Missouri, she was united in marriage to Boyce Cheatham. Mr. Cheatham preceded her in death on April 19, 2005.
She is survived by two daughters, Amy James and husband Danny of Marble Hill, Missouri, and Julie Long and husband Brian of Pine Grove, Pennsylvania; by her sister, Myra Kay Dickerson of Marble Hill, Missouri; by four grandchildren, Josh Long (Taylor), Brock Long (Taylor), Macey Brown (Grant) and Sophia James; and by four great grandchildren, Jack Long, Ella Kay Long, Greyson Long, and Benett Brown.
A private graveside service will be held at St. Johns Cemetery in Leopold, Missouri, at a later date.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
Donna Maxine Barker, daughter of the late Bruce Edward Gant and Beulah Mae Maskill Gant was born on March 12, 1949, on the family farm in Dudley Missouri and departed this life on April 25, 2025, at Memory Lane Nursing Center in Dexter, Missouri at the age of 76 years old.
Ms. Barker lived most of her life in Dudley, specifically on the family farm. She was a 1967 graduate of Dexter High School. Following graduation, she began a 40-year career with the Missouri Department of Social Services as a social worker.
On January 3, 1969, she was united in marriage to Richard Barker also of Dudley, Missouri. Mr. Barker preceded her in death on October 8, 2005.
During her life, she enjoyed the skills taught to her by her mother, such as canning, crochet, and needlework. Ms. Barker was an avid cook of southern staples and baker. Friends and family were always grateful for the gifts of her holiday cookies and candies. No one loved her cookies more than her grandchildren who enjoyed time in the kitchen with her throughout their childhood.
Ms. Barker is survived by her daughter, Janelle Barker Gibson of Webster Groves, Missouri, and two grandchildren Gant Hunter Gibson and Mary Genevieve Gibson also of Webster Groves, Missouri. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Arvella (Tracy) Gant of Dexter Missouri.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bruce Edward and Beulah Mae Gant, her husband Richard Barker, her sister Sylvia Gay Gant, her sister Mary Elaine Gant Wagner and her brother Richard Dennis Gant.
Graveside services will be held at Dudley Cemetery in Dudley, Missouri, on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with the arrangements.
In honor of Donna Barker or the Gant family, please consider a donation to the Stoddard County Children's Home, PO Box 164, Dexter MO 63841.
Gilbert Raymond Mitchell of Dudley, was born in a barn in Stringtown, Mo on September 25, 1941 to the late Raymond Jackson and Zelma Mae Mitchell, and made his way to Heaven on April 23, 2025 at the age of 83 years.
He married the love of his life, Jenny Windle, on September 22, 1973 in Poplar Bluff. Their marriage of nearly 52 years gave them three children: Stephanie(Kevin) Brown, Dianna(Randy) Barnes, and Shawn(Gwen) Mitchell. They later adopted their grandson Bradley Mitchell. Four more grandchildren Amanda(Norman) Henson, Steven Kent, Jr., Christopher Barnes, and Jasmyn Mitchell. Three great-grandchildren: Isla Henson, Hazel Henson, and Ka'Leah Mitchell.
Gilbert worked several jobs over the years. He was known as the "can-pusher" at Purolator, "Gil-fish" at John Deere, and he worked at the Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing with his family, playing his guitar, and writing gospel songs to worship the Lord. He was always singing his songs. His faith was more than a religion, it was his way of life. Gilbert was a member of the Marston Trinity Pentecostal Church.
Gilbert never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand.
Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings Alma, Elvin, Dorthy, Earlene, Everett, and Charles. And by one son-in-law Steve Kent, Sr.
Private graveside services were conducted on Saturday, April 26, 2025.
Janet Darlene Cave, 75, of East Prairie, Missouri, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2025, at Mercy Southeast Hospital, surrounded by those who loved her most.
Born on November 9, 1949, in Mississippi County, Missouri, Janet lived a life full of love, kindness, and quiet strength. She was a familiar and beloved face in East Prairie, first working at Bob’s Convenience Store and Gas-a-Mat before going on to serve the community as a dispatcher and court clerk at the East Prairie Police Department. Both avenues of employment gave opportunity to capture her sharp memory and easy charm. This would make her the unofficial keeper of the town’s stories (and sometimes secrets), a role she held with both humor and heart.
Janet was a lifelong practicing Baptist and a member of Elm Street Baptist Church. Her faith was a steady compass throughout her life and a comfort to those around her.
She never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone, often leaving people feeling seen and heard. Her warmth was magnetic, her laugh unforgettable, and her soul, truly pure.
But above all, Janet’s heart was devoted to her family. She loved her daughter and grandchildren more than anything in this world, and her role as “MawMaw” was the one she cherished most.
Janet was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jimmie Wayne Cave, her parents Virgil Lee and Mildred Lynese Adams-Moore and her two brothers, Larry and Gary Moore.
She is survived by her daughter, Dana Cave; her three granddaughters, Haleigh (Finley) Hequembourg, Ashton Allred, and Elin Browning; and her great-grandson, Channing Shelby. She also leaves behind her dearest and lifelong friend, Patti Russell; one brother Jerry (Connie) Moore; one special sister-in-law Lawanda ‘Peachie’ Moore (wife of the late Larry Moore); and a host of nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Monday, April 28, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Elm Street Baptist Church in East Prairie. A funeral service celebrating Janet’s life will take place at the church on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., with a private graveside burial to follow for family and close friends.
Pallbearers will be Dennis Allred, Finley Hequembourg, Jeff Moore, Tim Moore, Kenny Walton, and Ray Givens. Honorary pallbearers include Trent Russell and Mandy Aycock.
Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, the stories she shared, and the love she gave so freely. Her warmth, wit, and wisdom will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
