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Cliston Paul "Sparkie" Barker
(Nov 25, 1944 - Mar 18, 2026)
Cliston Paul Barker, 81, known to many as “Sparkie,” passed away on March 18, 2026, at Harry S. Truman VA Hospital in Columbia, Missouri.
Cliston is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Anita (Mathes) Barker; his brothers, Rick Barker and Jack Barker; his daughter, Tami Western (Bryan); and his cherished grandchildren, Sidney Jeffries, Landon Doosing, and Emma High. He is also survived by his bonus grandchildren, Jourdan (Darin) Swisher and Danyelle (Connor) Chinn. Great grandchildren Abel, Tinlee, and Laramie. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Barbara Miller and several nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his son, Cliston Paul Barker, Jr.; his parents Paul and Roselen; his sister, Karla Walker; and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Roy and Allene Mathes; sisters-in-law, Roylene, Linda, Brenda.
Cliston enlisted in the United States military at a young age, proudly serving three tours in ...
Connie Sue (Bragg) Johnson
(May 15, 1958 - Mar 09, 2026)
Connie Sue Johnson (Bragg), 67, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026.
Connie was born on May 15, 1958, to Mary and Laverne Bragg, who preceded her in death. She spent most of her life in Kirksville, Missouri, a community she called home and where she built many lasting friendships.
Connie was a spirited, warmhearted person who was rarely still for long. She loved being on the go and could often be found planning the next outing, adventure, or place to try. She enjoyed camping and fishing, browsing shops, trying new restaurants, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. Connie had a sense of humor and never passed up the chance to hear a good joke or make someone laugh.
She was proud of her education and earned her PhD, reflecting her determination and lifelong curiosity. Connie had a generous heart and a way of making people feel welcome ...
Recent Services
Anita Marie (Atchison) Armstrong
(Mar 16, 1949 - Mar 14, 2026)
Anita Marie (Atchison) Armstrong, 76, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Saturday, March 14, 2026 at her home.
Born March 16, 1949 in Benson, Minnesota, Anita was the daughter of the late Charles Leo and Dorothy Lorraine (Wilson) Atchison. She was also preceded in death by one daughter, Joely Bachman; one grandson, Gage Bachman; one brother, Lee Atchison; four sisters, LaVina Sellman, Judith Halbe, Bonnie Burns, and Sheree Atchison; as well as her daughter-in-law, Gail Armstrong ...
Deborah Kaye "Deb" (Chandler) Elsea
(Oct 30, 1956 - Mar 13, 2026)
Deborah Kaye Elsea, 69, of Novinger Missouri passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026 at the University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia, Missouri.
Born October 30, 1956 in Omaha, Nebraska to Irl and Margaret Chandler. Deb grew up in the Kirksville area and graduated from Kirksville High School with the class of 1975. She later received her teaching degree in physical health and education from Graceland College in 1979. Deb married the love of her ...
Phyllis Ann (Jones) Sevits
(Feb 20, 1942 - Mar 10, 2026)
Phyllis Ann Sevits, 84, of Kirksville, MO passed away Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at Schuyler County Nursing Home in Queen City, MO.
Phyllis was born February 20, 1942 to parents, Cloyce and Mary Lethia (Liverman) Jones, who preceded her in death.
Phyllis attended Novinger R-1 schools, graduating with the class of 1959. On June 19, 1959 she was united in marriage to William “Bill” Sevits.
Phyllis is survived by her husband Bill of sixty-six years ...
Willadean (Ayers) Lawrence
(Nov 28, 1926 - Mar 05, 2026)
Willadean (Ayers) Lawrence, 99, of Novinger, Missouri, passed away Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the La Plata Nursing Home in La Plata, MO.
Born November 28, 1926, in Pennville, Missouri, Willadean was the daughter of William Robert and Ina A. (Fetters) Ayers. On June 19, 1947, Willadean was united in marriage to Paul Walters, who preceded her in death on June 24, 1975. On September 9, 1976, in Shibleys Point, she was married to Gerald ...
John Franklin Burkhardt
(Oct 02, 1949 - Mar 04, 2026)
John Franklin Burkhardt, 76, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away March 4, 2026. John was born on October 2, 1949, in Edina, Missouri. He graduated from Knox County High School and honorably served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He was united in marriage to Brenda Sharp on November 14, 1975.
John was a hard worker; but he also took time to enjoy his hobbies. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, known ...
Dorothy Helen (King) Selby
(Feb 06, 1930 - Mar 02, 2026)
Dorothy (King) Selby, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed from this life in her home March 2 at the age of 96. Her life was marked by unwavering love for her family, deep faith, and a generous spirit.
Born Feb 6, 1930 near Milan, Missouri, to George and Amanda (Yardley) King. One of seven children, she graduated from Kirksville High School in 1948. She married Paul Selby, of Brashear in 1947. He proceeded ...
James Carroll Bell
(Jan 05, 1957 - Mar 01, 2026)
James Carroll Bell, 69, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly, Sunday, March 1, 2026 at his home.
Born January 5, 1957 in Kirksville, Missouri, James was the son of the late Carroll Lovell and Gladys Venus (Hatcher) Bell. He was also preceded in death by three sisters, Peggy, Kimberly, and Bonnie; three brothers, Roger, Curtis, and Darrell; and one niece, Theresa Stewart.
James is survived by two sons and a daughter-in-law, Jared and Leah Bell ...
David Joe Fleak
(Dec 27, 1940 - Feb 24, 2026)
David Joe Fleak, 85, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville.
Born December 27, 1940 in Hurdland, Missouri, David was the late son of Joseph Leroy and Willa Viola (Golden) Fleak. He was also preceded in death by one brother, Robert Fleak, and one sister, Margaret Fetters. On August 17, 1963 in Edina, Missouri, David was united in marriage to Sharon Ann Hall.
David is survived ...