Carol Ann Vails of Puxico, Missouri was born on October 15, 1938 in Waterman, Illinois to the late Harold and Anna Belle (Sloniker) Wilkin, and passed away on February 27, 2025 in Bloomfield, Missouri at the age of 86.
Carol is survived by her husband of 64 years. Carol and George Vails were united in marriage November 5, 1960 in Sycamore, Illinois.
Carol lived in Puxico for nearly 30 years and was a member of the Puxico First Baptist Church. Carol loved doing as much as she could for the church, doing everything from playing the piano, being a part of the cooking team, teaching children’s Bible school and helping clean the church when needed. She enjoyed reading, playing the piano, cooking and baking with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and was a volunteer at the Puxico Nutrition Center for many years.
Surviving family include her children, Terry (Jill) Vails, of Baileyville, Illinois, Diane (Mark) Smith, of Poplar Grove, Illinois, Lori (Steve) Allen, of Puxico, Missouri, as well as her siblings, Harold (Marilyn) Wilkin, Kathy (Rick) Wittman, Becky (Harry) Tucker, and Tim (Linda) Wilkin, 11 Grandchildren and 1 bonus grandchild, 23 great grandchildren and 4 bonus great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.
In addition to her parents, Carol was preceded in death by her brother, Larry Wilkin.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations payable to:
Puxico Nutrition Center
335 N Harty St
Puxico, MO 63960
Walter Jackson Jr., son of Mary McFall Pulliam of Dexter, Missouri, and the late Walter Jackson Sr., was born on January 30, 1960, in St. Louis, Missouri, and departed this life on February 21, 2025, at Mercy Hospital South, in St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of 65 years.
Mr. Jackson was a Veteran of the United States Army, a van driver for the Railroad Company, and a resident of Dexter, Missouri. He enjoyed fishing and playing board games and card games with his family.
Along with his mother, he is survived by his brother, James Glenn Jackson of Dexter, Missouri; by his sister, Patricia “Trish” Jackson of Dexter, Missouri; by his nieces, Lexi Silvey, Kelly Rutledge, and Christie Jackson; by his great nieces, Courtney Cottrell, Jasmine Rutledge, Jamie Rutledge, and Addy Rutledge; and by his great nephew, Hunter Rutledge.
A graveside service will be conducted on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Missouri.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter, Missouri is assisting with arrangements.
Rev. Larie C. Burdine, 83, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2025, at West Alabama Hospice, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in a farmhouse in Bloomfield, Missouri, on May 27, 1941, to Clyde and Alma Burdine, Larie’s life was one marked by deep faith, gentle kindness, and a calling to serve. He dedicated nearly 50 years as an ordained Assemblies of God pastor, shepherding churches across Tennessee, Illinois, and Missouri. Known for his loving heart, gentle spirit, and an infectious laugh that could brighten any room, Larie left an indelible mark on everyone blessed to know him.
On November 17, 1962, Larie married the love of his life, Geraldine Burdine. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and service. Beyond the pulpit, Larie was a gifted artist, known for his oil paintings of nature and rustic barn scenes. He found joy in camping adventures with Geraldine in their travel trailer, countless hours tinkering with antique tractors on their Missouri farm, and, most of all, spending time with his beloved grandchildren.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Geraldine Burdine; his children, Chris A. Burdine (Toni) of Dexter, Missouri, Rev. Paul M. Burdine (Kara) of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and Dustin A. Burdine of Jackson, Missouri; his grandchildren, Cheyanne Smith, Madilyn Burdine, Tucker Burdine, Wyatt Burdine, Hadlee Burdine, Charlotte Burdine, and Andrew Burdine; and his great-grandchildren, Stella Pippins, Avery Smith, and Delaney Smith. He is also survived by his brother, Tony Burdine of Bloomfield, Missouri, and his sister, Peggy Hunt of Scottsville, Kentucky.
Larie was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Alma Burdine, and his sister, Mary Burdine Pearcy.
Larie’s legacy is one of faithfulness—to God, to his family, and to every community he served. He will be deeply missed but remembered with love and gratitude.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 27, from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM at Lighthouse Christian Center in Dexter, Missouri, followed by the funeral service at 6:00 PM. A graveside ceremony will take place on Friday morning at 10:00 AM at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Missouri.”
Mr. James Charles Buck, 78 of Murray, passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at his home.
Jim was born on March 10, 1946 to Charles and Lois Buck in St. Louis City, MO.
Raised in St. Ann, MO until high school, the family moved to Bloomfield, MO where he graduated. He joined the Army National Guard where he served as a Staff Sergeant. Jim was united in marriage to Judy (Kennemore) Buck who preceded him in death on November 8, 2024.
Jim and Judy settled in Sikeston, MO, where Jim served on the library board, was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Elks, as well as, the First Christian Church.
Together they had two children from their union, Keith Buck (Shelly) and Kim Crumley (Barry). He had four grandchildren, Jacob Crumley, Victoria Rogalla (Brady), Keiton Buck and Jase Crumley. Jim also considered Dillon Jamerson one of his grandchildren. He loved his three great grandchildren, Ben Jamerson, Chloe Jamerson, and Waylon Rogalla, who brought him so much joy when they came to see him. He is also survived by one sister, Barbara Dalton (David) of Bloomfield, MO.
Jim and his wife retired to Murray where they loved living at the lake. He was given the honor of being commissioned a Kentucky Colonel by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Jim’s happiest times were spent traveling with Judy and he loved talking about their adventures.
Visitation will be held on Monday, March 3, 2025 from 10 AM until 12 PM at Imes Funeral Home, 311 N. 4th St., Murray, KY 42071.
The funeral service will start at 12 PM with Jeff Rudy officiating. Entombment will follow at Murray Memorial Gardens.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place , Memphis, TN 38105.
Please join family and friends in honoring the life of Jim Buck by visiting www.imesfh.com and posting your tributes and memories.
Gertrude Elvena Martin, 82, of Dexter, Missouri, peacefully gained her wings on February 21, 2025, at her home. She was born in Fisk, Missouri, on October 9, 1942.
Elvena was a woman who touched the hearts of everyone she met, always offering kind and encouraging words to those she loved. Growing up in the rural Puxico area, Elvena’s charm and grace were evident early on. She was honored to be the first runner-up in the1959 Miss Puxico Pageant and a graduate of Puxico High School in 1960.
Elvena’s love story with her husband, Ronnie Sr., who survives, began on December 2, 1961. From their early years together in St. Louis to their final days in Dexter, their marriage was filled with countless adventures. Elvena worked for many years at Puxico State Bank before becoming an insurance agent in Dexter. Throughout her life, she was also an active member of the Puxico chapter of The Order of Eastern Star. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Dexter.
A devoted mother to Ronnie Martin Jr. (Nicky) of Puxico, who survives her, and to her late son, Corey “Petey” Martin, Elvena’s love for her family knew no bounds. She is also survived by her three grandsons: Ben Martin of Piggott, AR, Brandon (Bethany) Coleman of Gordonville, and Nathan Martin (Julia Williams) of Cape Girardeau, and a great-grandson, Baylor Coleman.
In addition to her son Corey “Petey”, Elvena was preceded in death by her parents, Elam and Lucille Newsom, and her brother, E.R. “Sonny” Newsom. She is survived by her three sisters: Marian John of Salt Lake City, Utah, Carolyn Williams of Fenton, and Judy (Joe) Farthing of Bridgeton. Elvena is also survived by many cherished brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Elvena’s legacy of love, kindness, and strength will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.
Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter, Missouri, on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will then be conducted in the Mathis Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Rock Point Cemetery in Swinton, Missouri.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
