Stories from Tuesday, June 13, 2023

SIKESTON — Sikeston’s annual Juneteenth celebration will be June 16-18 at Lincoln Park with other activities scheduled throughout the weekend. Jasmine Sales and Taneshia Pulley, the event’s organizers, said they initially met at a Juneteenth gathering in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, a few years ago, which sparked their idea to organize an event in Sikeston...

CHARLESTON, Mo. — The late James Lanier Byrd III’s roots ran deep in Mississippi County and Charleston. Now, thanks to a substantial donation from his estate to the city of Charleston, Byrd’s legacy will live on. After two years of planning and construction, three parks have additional facilities and upgrades. City workers are putting the final touches on Charles Williams Park, A.D. Simpson Park and Rolwing Park...

CHARLESTON, Mo. — A Michigan man who was wanted on warrants was apprehended in Mississippi County. Cory Powell, 33, of Dorr, Michigan had been evading arrest for the charges from Michigan and was staying at a residence on Brown Street in Wyatt, Missouri, according to a news release from Mississippi County Sheriff Britton Ferrell...

SIKESTON — Johnny Frank Barnhill, 91, of Sikeston passed away peacefully on June 9, 2023, at his home surrounded by his wife and loved ones. He was born on Jan. 21, 1932, in Straton, Tennessee, to the late Fred and Elizabeth Peet Barnhill. He leaves to fondly cherish his memories his wife, Willie Jean Barnhill; four daughters, nine grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends...

SIKESTON — Diane Dixon Nelson, 64, of Sikeston passed away peacefully on June 2, 2023, at her home. She was the widow of the late Leon Nelson. A private family gathering in her memory will be held at a later date. Driver Funeral Service of Sikeston is in charge of arrangements and services...

SIKESTON — Bobbie Jean Collom, age 87, passed away on June 12, 2023, at Delta South Nursing Care Center in Sikeston. She was born on Dec. 28, 1935, in Tyronza, Arkansas, daughter of the late Burnice and Anne (Bowling) Sims. On Oct. 4, 1953, she married Charles Floyd Collom who preceded her in death on Feb. 26, 2010...

SIKESTON – Donald Wayne Newson, 57, died Sunday, June 4, 2023, at Missouri Delta Medical Center with his family by his side. He was preceded in death by his brother, Freddie Newson; maternal grandparents, Jessie Sr. and Annie B. Newson; aunts, Mary A. Newson, Jessie L. Farr, and Patricia Newson; and uncle, Tommie E. Newson...

RAYMORE, Mo. — Roger Paul Skoropat, 54, of Raymore died June 11, 2023, in Sikeston, Missouri. A private service will be held at a later date. McMikle Funeral Home of Sikeston is in charge of arrangements.