After a lengthy battle with cancer, our beloved wife, mother, Nana, great-grandma & sister, Debra Ann Swafford, passed away on September 22, 2023. Debbie, as she was known to friends & family, passed away at Delta South Nursing & Rehabilitation in Sikeston, Missouri, surrounded by family & loved ones. Debbie left us with a legacy of kindness, love and quiet strength as well as many treasured memories.
Debbie was born to Wayne Benson and Betty Menz Keesee in Arnold, Missouri on August 12, 1956, the second of four siblings. The family moved from Arnold to Commerce, MO and Debbie graduated from Kelly High School in 1974. In high school she was drum majorette and enjoyed twirling, a skill which she passed on to her daughters. After high school, Debbie became a licensed insurance agent and worked for Davis & Byrd Insurance in Sikeston, MO for seven years. From her first marriage, she was blessed with a daughter, Carrie Ann Miller (Haynes), born in 1977.
On May 22, 1981, Debbie was united in marriage to Norman Swafford at his residence in rural Bernie, MO. Through that marriage she became a loving stepmother to Noelle Dawn Swafford. Norman and Debbie created a loving family with their girls & spent 42 happily- married years traveling the United States, making happy memories.
Debbie joined Norman in Swafford Photographic Service, where she kept the business organized & kept Norm in line. For most of their 42 years together they photographed countless schools, dance studios, weddings and families. Debbie was beloved by the clients, teachers and students. Never far from each other’s sides, Debbie and Norm were also a team in his courtroom, where she became his court clerk. Norm’s first court clerk passed away and Debbie was asked to fill in for her, which she did…for 38 years, even working past Norm’s retirement as clerk for Judge Shannon Foster.
One of Debbie’s best friends described her perfectly when she said, “If you can’t get along with Debbie Swafford, you can’t get along with anyone.” Debbie was known for her kindness, her peaceful spirit and her love of cats, especially Fluffy, Muffin and Miss Kitty. She kept cat food in her car and was feeding ten cats around town until she could no longer drive. She had a true loving heart for animals and enjoyed sitting on her covered deck watching birds and drinking wine. Most of Norm & Debbie’s trips included rivers & waterfalls and the mountains, which she loved so much. Some of her happiest memories were visiting the Yule Log Cabin with her grandkids and enjoying nachos and wine at River Ridge. She loved her grandkids and her great- grandson & loved baking them her famous sugar cookies. Debbie was a talented cross-stitcher and she spent hours stitching with her daughters on vacations and at their homes. Debbie was absolutely beloved by her sons-in-law as well. Debbie was simply the best example of Christian faith and embodied treating others as she would want to be treated.
Debbie is survived by her husband, Norman & daughters Carrie (David) Haynes & Noelle (Chuck) Buttry. Other survivors include one sister, Connie (Eddie) Workman of Scott City, MO; two brothers, Rodney (Bridget) Benson of Kelso, MO; Stacy Benson of Scott City, MO; one aunt, Faye (Alan) Farrow of Fruitland, MO; six grandchildren, Ryder Buttry of Dallas, TX; Wyatt Buttry & Brooks Buttry of Fayetteville, AR; Hannah (Michael) Hale of Dexter, MO; Shelby Haynes of Walnut Ridge, AR; Madelyn Haynes of Dexter, MO; and one great-grandson, Memphis Hale, son of Michael & Hannah.
Debbie was preceded in death by her dad, Wayne Benson; her mom, Betty Keesee; and her stepfather, Glenn Keesee.
The family would like to thank Barry & Michelle Aycock, Jason Shelton, Shannon Foster, Delta South Care Center (especially Bobbie Young & Stephanie Markham), Crown Hospice and all of Debbie’s medical caregivers at Siteman Cancer Center, especially Dr. Daniel Morgensztern, M.D. & Mary Ellen Flanagan, NP, and countless friends and relatives.
Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. A memorial service will then be held in the Mathis Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Missouri.
Memorials may be made to wreathsacrossamerica.org or The Humane Society of Missouri.
William "Eddie" Edward Vanover of Puxico, Missouri, the son of the late Theral David Vanover and Rhonda Viana (Pratt) Vanover was born in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, on November 22, 1991, and passed from this life on September 21 2023, at the age of 31 years 9 months and 30 days.
William lived in the Southeast Missouri area his whole life. He worked as a farm manager, enjoyed hunting and fishing, and spending time with family and friends.
William married Katie Goodman in Scott City, Missouri, on October 17, 2020.
He is survived by his wife of the home; two sons, Seth Goodman and Hunter Goodman both of Puxico, Missouri; one daughter, Courtney Shepard of Puxico, Missouri; his mother and step-father, Rhonda and George Taylor of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; two sisters, Tonya Vanover of Puxico, Missouri and Wendy (Mark) O' Kelley of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; one nephew, Seth O'Kelley of Poplar Bluff, MIssouri; one niece, Tori Head of Puxico, Missouri; two uncles, Tom (Pettie) Buttry of O'Fallon, Missouri and Chris (Lisa) Pratt of Puxico, Missouri; two aunts, Kimmie Hendrix of Advance, Missouri, and Terri Worley of Puxico, Missouri; as well as a host of family and friends.
William was preceded in death by his father; maternal grandparents, Charlie and Joyce Pratt; paternal grandparents, RV and Trecie Vanover.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 24, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m. at the Watkins and Sons Funeral Chapel In Puxico, Missouri, with funeral service at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Dusty Stroud officiating.
Interment will follow at the Puxico Cemetery in Puxico, Missouri, with Watkins And Sons Funeral Service of Dexter in charge of arrangements.
Daniel John Lewis, son of the late Lt. Colonel Glenn Lewis and Elizabeth Forsman Lewis was born on January 12, 1953, in Long Branch, New Jersey, and departed this life on September 20, 2023, at Clearview Nursing Center in Sikeston, Missouri, at the age of 70 years.
Mr. Lewis worked in various careers throughout his life, including healthcare, selling insurance and computer repair. He attended New Salem Baptist Church in Marble Hill, Missouri and was a resident of Marble Hill. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, aviation, photography, hunting, dogs and nature. Dan always had a positive outlook on life and his smile always brightened up the room.
On October 6, 1989, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, he was united in marriage to Theresa Hammock. Mrs. Lewis survives of their home in Marble Hill.
Along with his wife, he is survived by his son, Daniel Lewis Jr. of Houston, Texas; by his daughter, Valerie Lewis of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; and by two sisters, Stephanie Helms and Michelle Shanklin both of Desoto, Missouri.
A Celebration of Life service is being planned for a future date and will be held at New Salem Baptist Church in Marble Hill.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter assisted with arrangements.
Michael Anthony Clodfelter, son of the late George Clodfelter and Shirley Nadine Bennett Clodfelter, was born on April 22, 1961, in St. Louis, Missouri, and departed this life on September 20, 2023, at Southeast Health of Stoddard County, in Dexter, Missouri, at the age of 62 years.
Michael was raised by Carl and Rena Hefner of Dexter, Missouri.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Elaine Hellings.
Graveside services will be held at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Bell City on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
On Tuesday, September 19, 2023, our hearts grew heavy as we said goodbye to a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Larry Gene Brown. Larry passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by the warmth and love of his family and loved ones. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished moments that will forever live in our hearts.
Larry's journey began on February 23, 1951, in Flint, Michigan, as the child of Bob and Barbara (Shipman) Brown. He was one of six siblings, all born within the remarkable span of five years. Because Larry was a twin, he later embarked on a family trip back to his birthplace, personally covering the expenses of the multiple birth. This act spoke volumes about his character and the importance he placed on family.
The Brown family was raised on their farm in Frisco, MO, under the loving guidance of Bob and Barbara. Here, Larry and his siblings learned the enduring values of hard work and unwavering loyalty. His Brethren faith sustained him throughout his life. Those who knew him affectionately called him "Smoothie" because of his quick wit and infectious humor, qualities that endeared him to everyone he met.
On May 15, 2008, Larry married Erin Jackson Hampton at the Liberty Hill General Baptist Church in Aid, MO. Together, they built a loving home, sharing the joys and challenges of life. They share five remarkable children: Larrie Ann Brown (Brad) of Lawrence, KS, Tracie Seabaugh (Stan) of Cape Girardeau, MO, Alexandra Diebold (Levi), Conner Tres Hampton, and Gracen Hampton of Dexter, MO. His love and guidance will forever shape their lives.
Larry's love extended to his four brothers: Garry Brown (Carol) of Dexter, MO, Robert Brown (Cindy) of Murray, KY, Ronald Brown (Maureen) of Indialantic, FL, Dennis Brown of Dexter, MO, and his sister, Debra Brown Kelley (Ronnie) of Essex, MO. He treasured family bonds and leaves behind 7 grandchildren, Audrie, Ty, Josiah & Jozy Seabaugh, Ridge Diebold and Betsy & Sarah Smoot and a host of nieces and nephews.
In the tapestry of Larry's life, some of the brightest threads were woven through moments spent with family and friends. He had an infectious passion for making memories, whether through side-by-side rides on his Honda, fun golf games with friends, or spontaneous sing-alongs that echoed with laughter and joy. One could always count on Larry to work hard, yet he was equally prepared to revel in the good times with those he held dear. The highlight of Larry’s routine was when he and his friends gathered at the Elk’s Lodge for Wild Man Wednesday, for a weekly celebration of camaraderie and merriment with “Smoothie & The Smoothettes”, a testament to his vibrant spirit and zest for life.
In closing, we wish to express our deepest and most sincere appreciation to our family and friends for being a part of Larry's journey and for standing with us in this time of sorrow and remembrance. Your unwavering support, love, and kindness have been a source of strength for us all. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to a part of our family, The Martins, who were ready to go at a moment’s notice during the many trips made during Larry’s illness. Your steadfastness and commitment meant the world to Larry and our family. In honoring Larry's memory, we are reminded of the importance of community, love, and resilience.
Today, as we gather to bid farewell to Larry Brown, we do so with heavy hearts but also with gratitude for the profound impact he had on our lives. Larry's legacy is one of love, laughter, and a boundless generosity that touched us all. He will be deeply missed, but his memory will continue to brighten our days and warm our hearts. Larry's legacy lives on in each of us, and together, we will continue to carry his light forward. Rest in peace, dear Larry, knowing that you will forever be loved and remembered.
Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Saturday, September 23, 2023 from 11:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Funeral services will then be conducted in the Mathis Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.
Interment will follow in the Harper Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Dexter Elks Lodge No. 2439, PO Box 353, Dexter MO 63841-0353
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
