News Staff
GlenDale May Willa Dean “Doogie” (Starkey) Harvey
GlenDale May Willa Dean “Doogie” (Starkey) Harvey, 89, of passed away after a brief battle with cancer on September 24, 2023. She was born August 27, 1934, to Benton J and Flossie Mae (Gaylor) Starkey in Barry County, Mo., who preceded her in death.
George Luna Nuñez, Sr.
George Luna Nuñez, Sr., 45, of Butterfield, Mo. passed away Monday September 25, 2023, at his home.
Edwin Mack “Ed” Leamon
Edwin Mack “Ed” Leamon, 78, of Purdy, Mo. passed away Saturday, September 30, 2023, at his home.
Democrat wins 11 statewide awards
The Cassville Democrat won 11 total awards in the Missouri Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest, including First Place in General Excellence. Kyle Troutman, Publisher of the Democrat, said he was thrilled with the results from the annual contest, especially given the changes at the paper in the last year, as entries were printed in the 2022 calendar year.
Through the Years, Oct. 4
30 YEARS AGO: PRAYER AMONG SMOKING EMBERS — There were still same flames at the burned out Calvary Baptist Church Sunday morning when the congregation gathered at 10 a.m. to pray for a quick rebuilding of their church. Whisps of smoke fanned by breezes drifted over the group ever reminding them of what four arsonists had caused at their near Exeter church. The structure was a total loss, despite the efforts of both Exeter and Cassville volunteer fire fighters. Only solid concrete portions of the building remained standing after the blaze. Pastor Richard Jones, Sr., said the congregation has made arrangements for temporarily holding services in the Cemetery Building in Exeter. Cottage prayer meetings will be held at the homes of church members. The rural church northwest of Exeter had just under 100 members. Democrat file photo
Jim Erwin: Cast your burden
“It’s too hard.” “I just can’t cope with this.” “Too many people around me in this room. I need to get out of here.” You know the feeling.
David Austin Soole
David Austin Soole, 34, of Exeter, Mo. passed away Thursday, September 28, 2023, at his home.
Frank Elbert Coolidge
Frank Elbert Coolidge, 68, of Cassville, Mo. passed away Sunday, September 24, 2023, at Mercy Hospital Northwest Ark.
Leatrice Lavon (Hutchens) Cox
Leatrice Lavon (Hutchens) Cox, age 80 of Cassville, went to be with her heavenly Father on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born September 4, 1943, in Cassville, the daughter of Jethro and Bess (Fogg) Hutchens.
New jail, health department on the rise
The new Barry County jail is off the ground and under ongoing construction, set to be complete in 12 months time. The $17 million facility on Old Exeter Road will be 30,000 square feet, about twice the size of the current jail, with numerous design features increasing safety and security.
