Roy Leon “Doc” Dooley, 78, of Van Buren entered the presence of the Lord on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024.
Born Oct. 19, 1945, in Cape Girardeau, Roy was a hard-working, dedicated husband and father, a competitive and enthusiastic summer league baseball coach and an avid horseman. He was often a man of few words, but when he spoke, he was always worth listening to. He leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication to family and service to animals.
Roy’s journey through life was marked by his unwavering commitment to his family, his profession and his community. He was a proud husband to his beloved wife of 57 years, Leanne, who survives of the home. Roy was also a guiding light to his children: sons, Mike (Sharon) of Montgomery City, Steve (Samantha) of Van Buren, David (Laura) of Affton and Willie (Sarah) Dooley of Saint Claire; and daughters, Lacey Dooley of Jackson and Amanda (Bryan) Downing of Bowling Green, Kentucky. He was an adored grandfather to 16 grandchildren and cherished great-grandfather to four great-grandchildren. His family was the cornerstone of his existence, and he instilled in them the values of honesty, integrity and hard work.
Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Roy Reeves Dooley and Flora Nell Pratt; stepfather, William A. “Dub” Pratt; half brother, James Robert “Jimmy” Dooley; and his infant daughter, Lindy Lee Dooley.
An alumnus of the University of Missouri, Roy earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1969. His profound love for animals and his calling to care for them led to a distinguished career spanning two decades in private equine veterinary practice across Missouri, Minnesota, Kansas, Arkansas and Arizona. His desire to settle his family in a single area led to his decision to leave private practice for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety Inspection Service, from which he retired in 2015 after 26 years of service in Dexter.
Christina Dill, born on May 13, 1941, was a beloved member of her community who left this world September 16, 2024. Christina's life was marked by her unwavering kindness, vibrant spirit, and steadfast dedication to those around her. She touched the hearts many with her warmth and generosity.
The viewing for Christina will take place at Watkins Funeral Homes in Dexter, Missouri, on September 24, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This gathering will offer friends and family a chance to remember her lively spirit and share loving memories of her life. Following the viewing, a funeral service will be held at the same location, starting at 2:00 PM, allowing all who knew and loved Christina to come together in celebration of her remarkable journey.
Christina Dill will be remembered not only for the joy she brought into the lives of her family and friends but also for her profound impact on her community. She leaves behind a legacy of love and light that will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have known her.
Alexander Jack Ward, son of Larry Ward of Bloomfield, Missouri, was born on November 17, 2005, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and departed this life on September 21, 2024, at his home in Bloomfield, Missouri, at the age of 18 years. He was fond of his short life and loved his family, cats, and many friends.
Alex was a 2024 graduate of Bloomfield High School and was working for Walmart in Dexter. He was a master of playing video games and loved talking to people on his computer and cell phone. He was learning to cook and was good at searing meat. Like most young boys he was an avid car nut and proud of his Dodge Charger. He was the kindest and most respectful person to everyone he met, and he was the most loving and charismatic boy around. To other mothers in the area, he was like another son.
Along with his father, he is survived by his sister, Michelle Bascom of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; and by his best friend, Tori Noble of Bloomfield, Missouri.
Graveside services will be held at Gravel Hill Cemetery in rural Bloomfield, Missouri, on Friday, September 27, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
Vickie Louise Green, daughter of the late James Hugh Willis and Irene Denny Willis, was born on July 6, 1955, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and departed this life on September 17, 2024, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, at the age of 69 years.
Mrs. Green was a former bookkeeper. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Dexter, Missouri, and a resident of Poplar Bluff, Missouri. She liked to read and enjoyed crocheting, sewing and cross stitch.
On November 24, 1982, in Dexter, Missouri, she was united in marriage to David Elliott Green. Mr. Green preceded her in death on February 19, 2015.
She is survived by her son, Dan Crippen of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; by her step-son, David Green of New Melle, Missouri; by her step-daughter, Dusty Springer of West Alton, Missouri; by her sister, Karen Comfort and husband Steve of Bloomfield, Missouri; and by three grandchildren, Mia, Sydney, and Sierra.
Other than by her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Darrell Denny Willis.
Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Monday, September 23, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Graveside services will then be conducted at Bloomfield Cemetery on Monday, September 23, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. with Rev. Don Adams officiating.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
Jerry Lee Curd, son of the late William J. Curd and Mary Hyslop Curd, was born on November 7, 1954, in Sikeston, Missouri and departed this life on September 14, 2024, at the Prairie View Skilled Nursing Center in Bloomfield, Missouri at the age of 69.
Mr. Curd had worked as a truck driver and did construction work. He was a resident of Bloomfield, Missouri.
On July 4, 1991, he was united in marriage to Treeca Kay James in Bloomfield, Missouri. Mrs. Curd preceded him in death on May 10, 2017.
He is survived by his daughter, Pamela Cross and husband Chris of Puxico, Missouri; by his step-son, Vince Lockhart and wife Karen of Dexter, Missouri; by his step-daughter, Lisa Lockhart of Dexter, Missouri; by his brother, Eric Curd and wife Jamie of Essex, Missouri; by three sisters, Sharon Foster and husband Harold of Bloomfield, Missouri, Amanda Schultz and husband Kirk of Atkin, Minnesota, and Teresa Lankford of Dexter, Missouri; and by four grandchildren, Jacob Cross, Peyton Lockhart, Nathan Lockhart, and Ciarra Spence and husband Phil.
Other than by his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Justin Lee Curd.
Visitation will be held at the Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter, Missouri, on Saturday, September 28, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. A memorial service will then be conducted in the Mathis Funeral Chapel in Dexter, Missouri, on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
