Danny Lee Estes, son of the late Hershel “Bake” Estes and Lanora C. Wammack Estes, was born on February 18, 1948, in St. Louis, Missouri, and departed this life on May 31, 2025, at Mercy Hospital Stoddard in Dexter Missouri, at the age of 77 years.
Mr. Estes was a Veteran of the United States Army serving in Vietnam. He was a former landscaper for Hardaway Coats in Nashville, Tennessee and a resident of Dexter, Missouri.
He is survived by his daughter, Katina Marshall and husband Robert of Sikeston, Missouri; by his sister Pat Estes of East Cape Girardeau, Illinois; by his grandson, Landon Estes; and by his niece, Anita Eddy.
Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Funeral services will then be conducted in the Mathis Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, June 5,2025, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Dale Jones officiating. Interment will follow in Dexter Cemetery.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
Clesten Glaspy Johnson, son of the late Herbert Johnson and Alice Richardson Johnson, was born on October 10, 1938, in Corning, Arkansas, and departed this life on May 30, 2025, at Mercy Hospital Southeast in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, at the age of 86 years.
Mr. Johnson was a veteran of the United States Army, he worked in the paint department at General Motors retiring with 30 years of service and he was school bus driver for Bloomfield RXIV Schools for 20 years. He was a member of Lighthouse Christian Church in Dexter and a resident of Dexter. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed spending time with his family.
On March 19, 1966, in St. Louis, Missouri, he was united in marriage to Elma Grim. Mrs. Johnson preceded him in death on May 31, 2015.
He is survived by his son, Brian Johnson and wife Kimberly of Clever, Missouri; by his daughter, Shaundous Lutman and husband Carl of Sikeston, Missouri; by his special friend, Marilyn Brehmer; and by eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Other than by his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his step-son, Rick Weaver; by his step-daughter, Charlotte Carden; and by two brothers, Aubrey Johnson, and Rudolph Johnson.
Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Sunday, June 1, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will then be conducted at Lighthouse Christian Church in Dexter on Monday, June 2, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Hagy Cemetery.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
In Snowdonia National Park in Wales, several people reported hearing repeated cries on the mountain slopes for help, so a rescue team was sent out to investigate. The rescuers soon discovered that the region’s wild goats were mimicking human voices—it was a false alarm! Goats are known for their deceptive ways, and so we may not be surprised to find mentions of goats (and deception) in the book of Genesis. Jacob used goats in his scheme against his Uncle Laban (Gen. 30:31–43). Joseph’s brothers dipped his garment in goat’s blood to deceive their father into thinking Joseph was dead (Gen. 37:31–35).
In today’s passage, Genesis 27, we encounter one of the most famous stories of deception. Isaac, who was old and nearly blind called for Esau, his eldest son, to give him his blessing. He instructed Esau to hunt game and prepare a savory meal, after which he would bestow his blessing upon him. Rebekah, Isaac’s wife, overheard this and devised a plan for her favored son, Jacob, to receive the blessing instead.
Rebekah told Jacob to fetch two young goats from the flock, which she prepared as Isaac liked. She then dressed Jacob in Esau’s clothes and covered his hands and neck with the goats’ skins to mimic Esau’s hairy body. When Jacob brought the food to his father, Isaac blessed Jacob, believing him to be Esau. Thus, Jacob received the blessing intended for Esau, securing the inheritance and the covenant promises of God to Abraham, but also causing a serious rift between him and his brother.
Jacob’s deception with the goats reminds us of the complex nature of human actions and their far-reaching consequences. Thankfully, the account of Jacob and Esau eventually led to a moment of reconciliation in Genesis 33.
Why did Jacob lie to his father? What damage did that do to his relationship with Esau? Do you have relationships in your life damaged by deceit or betrayal? Seek God’s guidance on how to mend them.
Father, the dysfunction in Isaac’s and Rebecca’s family is a somber warning to us about the danger of deception in relationships. Help us to mend broken relationships in our own lives. May God give you heaven’s dew and earth’s richness.
Harold Crawford Barks, 85, of Dexter, Missouri, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on February 27, 1940, in St. Louis, Missouri, Harold was a man of quiet strength, a kind-heart, and deep-rooted love for his family.
Harold married his high school sweetheart, Marie, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and memories. A proud Navy veteran, Harold enlisted after graduating high school, beginning a lifetime of service to his country. He continued his commitment in the U.S. Navy Reserves for 27 years and served honorably in Operation Desert Storm.
A true outdoorsman, Harold found joy and peace in nature—whether hunting, fishing, or boating. His love for Corvettes was well-known, and he proudly participated in countless car shows over the years. Harold and Marie embraced retirement together, RV-ing through Florida and soaking in the sunshine with friends. Harold also had a special fondness for card games, always enjoying the fellowship, laughter, and a little friendly competition.
Harold was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years Marie; daughters Kathy Viers and husband Dennis, Lisa Watson and husband Steven, Deanna Barks, and Viki Vinson; grandchildren Jacob Watson, Kaitlin Smith and husband Colby, Justin Viers; great-granddaughter Elyse Smith, and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins who will fondly remember his warmth, humor, and generous spirit. Harold was preceded in death by his parents Ruby and Jacob Barks, and son-in-law David Vinson.
Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. with memorial service to follow. A graveside ceremony will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Missouri. Pallbearers will be Jeff Anthonies, Steve Anthonies, Justin Viers, and Colby Smith.
Harold leaves behind a legacy of love and will be deeply missed, forever honored, and always remembered.
Memorials may be made to 18 Fore Life, c/o Scott Kruse, 705 Laurie Circle, Dexter MO 63841.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
Dennis Wayne Gibson, son of the late John Luther Gibson and Marceline Lucille Wood Gibson, was born on February 28, 1949, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and departed this life on May 28, 2025, at the age of 76 years.
Dennis was united in marriage to Eileen Gail Woodall at Hills Church in Bloomfield, Missouri on December 23, 1967.
Dennis was a trucker all his working days. He started at a young age driving for his dad in the lime business in Essex, Missouri. He went on to buy his own 18-wheeler and drove over the road all over the United States.
Over the years he owned several old cars. He enjoyed going to car shows and entering them.
Dennis is survived by his son, Travis Gibson (Kim) of Dexter, and his daughter, Lynn Hubbert of Morley; by six grandchildren, Brandi, Cody, Elizabeth, Kristen, Valerie and Natalie and by sixteen great-grandchildren. Dennis is also survived by his sister, Betty Fleming (David) of Dexter, two sisters-in-law, Nancy Cooper (Larry) of Bloomfield and Cathy DeMeyer of St. Louis.; and by many nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Gail and by his sister, Marjorie Duley.
Dennis was loved by all that knew him. We will miss him and his joyful laughter.
Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Monday, June 2, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Funeral services will then be conducted in the Mathis Funeral Home Chapel on Monday, June 2, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Travis Lambert and Travis Gibson officiating. Interment will follow in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
