Adams Funeral Home - Ozark & Nixa, Missouri

10/28/2025

Kent R. Welch

Kent Welch, age 72, of Nixa, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, October 26, 2025, in Springfield, Missouri. He was born on January 16, 1953, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Lewis and Doris Welch.

Kent graduated from East High School in Des Moines in 1971. On September 19, 1982, he was united in marriage to Marjorie Welch, who preceded him in death on July 30, 2025. Kent and Marjorie moved to the Ozarks in 2012 after his retiring from a distinguished career of 39 years in Des Moines, Iowa at Mid-American Energy as a Gas Serviceman and in Memphis, Tennessee as a Fraud Investigator for Memphis Light, Gas and Water.

A devoted man of faith, Kent was an active and cherished member of his parish at St. Francis of Assisi in Nixa. He contributed his time as a teacher and was deeply involved in the church's hospitality. Outside of his service to the church, Kent enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including reading, gardening, bird watching, and sharing meals with his family and friends.

Kent will be remembered for his incredible knowledge and his gift of being able to provide thoughtful and careful responses. He offered insight and clarity to any question asked of him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Doris; his beloved wife, Marjorie; and his son, Donald. He is survived by his children; Kelly Winders of Des Moines, Iowa, Kirk (Jill) Winders of Des Moines, Iowa, Susan (Terry) Williams of Melrose, Iowa, Beth (Isaac) Hunsberger of Colfax, Iowa, and Kristin (Brian) Schroeder of Colfax, Iowa; fifteen grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and a host of other loving relatives and dear friends who will miss him greatly. He lived a life of integrity, faithfulness, and service to others.

A Memorial Mass will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 15, 2025, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Nixa, Missouri with the Very Rev. Shoby M. Chettiyath officiating. Inurnment will take place at Resurrection Cemetery of Springfield, Missouri at a later date.

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10/28/2025

Deborah Lou Mills

Deborah Lou Mills, 74, of Nixa, Missouri, went home to be with the Lord on October 27, 2025. She was born on October 11, 1951, in Springfield, Missouri, to Jack F. and Betty Lou Moore.

Debbie lived her life centered on faith, family, and love. She married the love of her life, Michael Stephen Mills, on December 3, 1971, and together they shared nearly 54 years of marriage filled with laughter, devotion, and an unshakable partnership.

Debbie was a proud and loving mother to her two sons, Jeffrey Scott Mills (wife Kelly) and Andrew Ryan Mills (wife Kristen), both of Ozark. She poured her heart into raising her boys and later found immense joy in being “Grandma” to her six grandchildren — Megan, Abigail, Benjamin, Lucy, Jackson, and Allison. Her home was always full of warmth, delicious meals, and the sounds of laughter from the people she loved most.

Debbie retired with 30 years of service at BluCurrent Credit Union. She had a quiet strength and a heart for helping others, whether through her church’s food pantry, her friendships, or simply lending a listening ear when someone needed it most. Debbie’s kindness, faith, and gentle spirit touched everyone who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jack F. and Betty Lou Moore, and her brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Mary Moore.

Debbie leaves behind her devoted husband, Michael; her children and grandchildren, who were the light of her life; her sister, Marilyn Simpson, and husband Brad of Overland Park, Kansas; her sister-in-law, Janet Krawitz, and husband Steve of Nixa, Missouri; her sister-in-law, Barbara Mills of Sulphur, Oklahoma, and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will miss her dearly.

Though her earthly journey has ended, Debbie’s love, faith, and joyful spirit will continue to shine brightly through the lives she touched. Her family finds comfort knowing she is now at peace and in the presence of her Lord and Savior.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 31, 2025, at Union Hill Church of Christ in Nixa, Missouri, with Chaplain Steve Martin officiating, under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa, Missouri. Burial will follow at Patterson Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at Union Hill Church of Christ. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Union Hill Church of Christ Food Pantry.

Cremation rites will be accorded by Adams Crematory.

View Deborah Lou Mills's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/27/2025

Melvin H. Ward

Melvin Harold Ward of Clever, Missouri, passed away on October 23, 2025 at the age of 99 in his residence. Melvin was born on January 13, 1926, in St. Louis, Missouri to the late Alvis and Gladys (Helms) Ward.

Melvin proudly served his country as a Tech 5 in the United States Army during World War II. Afterwards, he was a faithful employee of the United States Postal Service in St. Louis, retiring after 32 years of service. He and Linda were married on December 30, 2006 in Arnold, Missouri and have been a member of the Clever community since 2014. He is also a 32nd degree Mason, and a long time member of the Jamesville Baptist Church in Jamesville, Missouri. Melvin enjoyed fishing, reading, travel and just loafing around.

Melvin will be remembered for his warm personality, dedication to his family, and his love for the outdoors.

Melvin is survived by his wife, Linda Moore-Ward of Clever; step daughter, Karen Cutwright; cousin, Jimmy Keathly, as well as other relatives and friends.

A graveside service with military honors will be held in Hillsboro, Missouri at a later date. Arrangements under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa, Missouri. Cremation will be accorded by Adams Crematory.

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10/26/2025

Alice Jane Blanchard

Alice Jane Blanchard, age 95 of Springfield, formerly of Ozark and Nixa, died October 23, 2025. She was born April 21, 1930, the daughter of Milton Aaron and Eliza Ann (Pitts) Little.

Survivors include: her children, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Howard and Sam; her grandchildren, Greg, Desiree, Anthony, Amy, Emily, Cassandra, Ciarra and Jessica; her great grandchildren, Hunter, Colton, Alexcia, Cordelia, Kadence, Keira, Calvin, Evan, Noelle, Faith and Rachel; and a sister, Florence Rantz.

Alice was preceeded in death by her husband; a son, Joe; and her 14 siblings.

Alice was a member of Victory Baptist Church in Nixa.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at Adams Funeral Home, Nixa, with Pastor Tim Russell officiating. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025 at Adams Funeral Home, Nixa.

Donations to help with final expenses may be made to her son, Sam Blanchard, 4446 W. Juno St., Springfield, MO 65802 and memorial donations may be made to Victory Baptist Church, 252 N. Nicolas Road, Nixa, MO 65714.

https://givesendgo.com/Alicejaneblanchard?utm_source=sharelink&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=Alicejaneblanchard

https://venmo.com/u/Sam-Blanchard-8

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10/22/2025

If you were unable to attend the funeral services or livestream event for Lillian "Louise" Atkinson, we have made the recording available here.

This is "Adams Funeral Home Mobile 1" by Ron Clyde on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

10/21/2025

Dorothy Faye McConnell

Dorothy Faye McConnell, age 90, of Nixa, Missouri, passed away on October 21, 2025. She was born on January 26, 1935, to Basil and Edith (Wolfe) Ford.

Dorothy was born in Protem, Missouri, where she lived for a few years before moving to Texas for a short time, and then making the move to Nixa, where she resided for the remainder of her life. Dorothy was a graduate of Nixa High School in 1952 where she met her forever love, Tommy, and they were married in 1957. Together, they spent the next 50 years living in the same house they moved into the night they got married.

Dorothy attended Draughon’s Business College and worked in a variety of positions where she always enjoyed bookkeeping duties. She enjoyed many years working at Nixa Bank, and later at Metropolitan Bank. Dorothy enjoyed the banking duties, but more so the enjoyment of helping the customers of the bank and being a community representative. In a recent conversation Dorothy and her sister Judy had, Judy asked Dorothy what she was going to be doing when she got to Heaven. Dorothy told her that she wanted to work at a bank, but no longer as a teller, only the bookkeeping duties.

Dorothy shared a love for her grandson, Hunter, that was second to none. He was truly the focal point of her life after losing Tommy in 2007. From golf cart rides across the farm to taking Hunter to many activities and eating their favorite Chinese food seemingly on a daily basis. It didn’t matter what they did, as long as she was spending time with Hunter, she was happy.

For many years, there was a common reference of “Tommy, Dorothy, and Chad.” Dorothy and Tommy were married 16 years before Chad arrived, which was probably a bit of a surprise, and maybe even shock. But from that point forward, they were inseparable. Chad not only had two parents but also had two best friends for the entirety of their life. Farming, camping, fish fries, church, and too many adventures to even start.

After Tommy’s passing, Chad and Dorothy continued making memories. Chad would call Dorothy and tell her to get ready, and Dorothy would be waiting with her step stool to crawl in the truck and not ask where they were going, but would just enjoy the time. The memories will forever be cherished and greatly missed. But the thankfulness will live forever.

In something that can only be described as the handiwork of Dorothy’s Lord and Savior, she passed while listening to her favorite Alan Jackson hymns, and specifically the hymn that started playing when Chad watched the last breath that his mom took, “I Want to Stroll Over Heaven with You.” It was at this time that Chad knew Dorothy was in the presence of Heaven, and in what Dorothy had longed for since 2007, she was reunited with Tommy, and they will forever be together in their Heavenly home, never to be apart again.

Dorothy is survived by her son, Chad (Rachel Crawford) McConnell; her sister, Judy (Bill) Galloway — who is a very special brother-in-law; and her grandson, Hunter (Ciara Davolt) McConnell. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence “Tommy” McConnell, and her brother, Emory Ford.

A graveside service will be held 10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 23, 2025, at McConnell Cemetery, under direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa, with Chaplain Steve Martin officiating.

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10/21/2025

LIVE NOW: cutt.ly/LouiseAtkinson

Friends and family, please join us in celebrating the life of a beloved member of our community, Lillian "Louise" Atkinson, on 10/21/2025 1:00 PM Central (Chicago). We would love for you to participate in person or virtually as we remember, honor, and celebrate them.

Livestream: cutt.ly/LouiseAtkinson
Obituary: cutt.ly/LouiseAtkinsonObituary

Thank you for loving Lillian "Louise" Atkinson as much as we do and taking time to honor their life with us.

10/21/2025

Tom Alexander

Tom Alexander, age 92, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2025. He was born on June 5, 1933, in Tennessee, to Joe Carter and Beulah (Glozier) Alexander.

Tom was a devoted and loving husband to his wife, Elaine (Daniels) Alexander. They were married on November 27, 1976, and shared 48 wonderful years together. They found joy in life’s simple moments—spending time together, taking road trips, and cherishing the bond they built over the years.

Tom served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War era, where he was stationed in Japan. Tom was a hardworking man, he spent 30 years as a truck driver, many of those years in Chicago, Illinois, proudly serving as a member of Local 705 Teamsters. He was a graduate of Dyersburg High School, where he played baseball, and remained a lifelong sports fan—following the NFL and NBA, especially cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs and Chicago Bears.

Tom loved the outdoors, especially fishing, and was blessed to enjoy fishing trips to Canada. Family meant everything to him—he was a protector, a caring presence, and a true hero to those who loved him. His son honored him deeply as both a father and a role model. Tom was of the Catholic faith and held it close to his heart throughout his life.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine Alexander; his son, Tom (Kandice) Alexander; and his grandson, T.J. Alexander. He was preceded in death by his parents and many brothers and sisters.

Tom’s life was one of love, faith, hard work, and devotion to family—a legacy that will live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

Cremation rites will be accorded by Adams Crematory and arrangements are under direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa.

View Tom Alexander's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/20/2025

Friends and family, please join us in celebrating the life of a beloved member of our community, Lillian "Louise" Atkinson, on 10/21/2025 1:00 PM Central (Chicago). We would love for you to participate in person or virtually as we remember, honor, and celebrate them.

Livestream: cutt.ly/LouiseAtkinson
Obituary: cutt.ly/LouiseAtkinsonObituary

Thank you for loving Lillian "Louise" Atkinson as much as we do and taking time to honor their life with us.

10/19/2025

Louise Atkinson

Louise (Cotter) Atkinson, age 94, of Clever, Missouri, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2025. She was born on January 5, 1931, to Edward and Doxie (Shrable) Cotter.

Louise graduated from Viola High School in Viola, Arkansas, with the Class of 1949, where she was honored as salutatorian. She continued her education at Harding University and the University of Arkansas before earning her Bachelor of Science in Education from Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri, specializing in Home Economics.

On June 7, 1958, Louise married the love of her life, Jim Atkinson. They shared a beautiful marriage filled with faith, family, and adventure until his passing in 2013.

Faith was the foundation of Louise’s life. She was a founding member of Union Hill Church of Christ in Nixa, Missouri, where she joyfully shared her gift of hospitality. Her kindness and generosity touched many — her famous casseroles and pies were always delivered with love to anyone in need.

Louise had a true passion for teaching and a deep love for her students. Over the course of more than thirty years, she taught in several schools throughout Southern Missouri and Northern Arkansas, before retiring from the Nixa School District. She left a lasting legacy in the lives she touched.

A talented seamstress, Louise crafted beautiful clothing and quilts, all stitched with love. She also enjoyed gardening — especially tending her beautiful rose bushes — and was known for being an exceptional cook. Her home was always warm, welcoming, and a place where everyone felt loved and cared for.

After retiring, Louise and Jim cherished their time traveling together, especially their treasured trips to Canada.

Louise is survived by her children, Eddie (Trish) Atkinson and Karen (Mike) Gohr; grandchildren, Cody (Regina) Gohr, Brittany (Trevor) Conner, Duke (Kelly) Schupbach, and Jodie (Kevin Turpin) Payne; great-grandchildren, Leighton and Brody Gohr, Sibyl and Aivyn Conner, and one on the way, Kenton Conner; Emma (Dylan) Corbett and John Schupbach; great-great-grandchildren, Harper and Max Corbett; sisters-in-law, Aileen Cotter and Roxie Cotter; brother-in-law, J.D. Barber; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, Jim Atkinson; brothers, John Cotter and Ransey Cotter; and sisters, Mildred Foresee, Corene Hodges, and Treva Barber.

Louise will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her generous spirit, her devotion to family, and her gift for making everyone feel at home. Her life was a beautiful example of love in action, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Special thanks to Theresa Bainter, Teresa Benson, Tangie Crosby, and the other caregivers whose kindness and care meant so much to Louise and her family.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to alz.org/greatermissouri

- Or to Fair Haven Children’s Home -

https://www.fairhavenchildrenshome.com/donate/

or to any charity of choice.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Adams Funeral Home, Nixa with Chaplain Steve Martin officiating with burial to follow at Frazier Cemetery, Boaz. Visitation will precede the funeral service from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

View Louise Atkinson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/18/2025

Dr. Joe Pridgen

Dr. Joe Pridgen was born Joseph Francis Kelly, Jr. to Beulah Lorenda Huddleston Pridgen (of Alloy, West Virginia) in Inverness, Florida on March 4, 1959.

Joe loved his birthday as a Soldier because it was a command.

He was adopted by his stepfather Ralph H. Pridgen of Green Sea, South Carolina.

He grew up in Tampa, Florida and attended Hillsborough High School.

A retired major in the U.S. Army, Joe served with honor and distinction overseas, including Iraq, where he earned a Bronze Star Medal.

Joe went on to finish his doctorate degree in pastoral counseling became an endorsed chaplain.

Joe loved teaching and making people laugh.

He is survived by his lifelong friend and loving wife of more than 47 years, Denise Pridgen; his three beautiful girls who were his heart and his world, Christina Macaulay and husband Drew of South Carolina, Angel Nichols and husband Trey of Missouri and Carolyn Jones and husband Timothy of Alabama; three sisters, Debi Pridgen of Florida, and Dorothy “Dottie” Pridgen Campbell of North Carolina, Kimberly Tovar and husband Refugio of Arizona; an uncle, Ron Kelly of New Mexico; and many cousins & dear friends & church families.

Joe would want all of us to accept Jesus as our Savior - to live for the Lord with all of our being, and join him in heaven when our time comes.

Joe loved his Lord, his family and friends, and his country well.

Your race is run sweet man, wonderful Father- honorable Soldier.

Enjoy your reward!

We will see you soon.

Arrangements are under direction of Adams Funeral Home, Ozark.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to King’s Church in Ozark (please write “Dr. Joe” in guest line.)

https://pushpay.com/g/kcozark

Or to Hope Chapel, Glendale for Bibles. https://hopechapelglendale.churchcenter.com/giving/to/nicaragua-missions-trip

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10/17/2025

If you were unable to attend the funeral services or livestream event for Hurla Gene "D**k" Thornburg, we have made the recording available here.

This is "Hurla Gene "D**k" Thornburg - Adams Funeral Home Mobile 1" by Ron Clyde on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who…