Joe ‘Buddy’ Bales, 72

Funeral services for Joe M. “Buddy” Bales, 72, of West Plains, were held Oct. 4, 2019, at Elijah Church of Christ. Mr. Bales died at Sept. 30 at Cox South Hospital in Springfield.

He was born March 13, 1947, the son of Joe Bill and Hazel Marie Mullins Bales at the home of his maternal grandparents, Oscar and Dora Mullins, near Bakersfield. On April 25, 1969, in West Plains he married Rose Ann Cozort.  

Mr. Bales proudly as an Army combat engineer during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the West Plains VFW and DAV and the Bakersfield American Legion. He was a dairy farmer for several years and worked alongside his family in businesses his father established:  Bales Sawmill, MOARK Cedar, and B & C Quick Stop at Bakersfield. He enjoyed going to public auctions and trading antiques. Mr. Bales was a member of the Church of Christ and attended Curry Street Church of Christ

He is survived by his wife, Rose Ann Bales, of the family home; one son, Bruce Bales and wife Laura of Bakersfield; three grandchildren, Andalyn Warren, Ryan Bales and Brevin Bales; two great-grandchildren, Mylan Rauso and Emberlyn Bales; two brothers, Butch Bales and wife Carol, and Rick Bales and wife Beverly, all of Bakersfield; one sister, Patsy Cotter and husband Pee Wee of Bakersfield; two aunts, Della Foster and Carol Schaufler and husband, Jimmie, all of Bakersfield; a very special aunt, Phyllis Arnold and husband Joe of Bakersfield; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; maternal grandparents Oscar and Dora Mullins; paternal grandparents Charlie Bales and Pearl Ward; and two brothers-in-law, Wandell Cozort and Conrad. 

Burial with military honors was in the Baptist Hill Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Mercy Kids or Kansas City Children’s Hospital and may be left at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at robertsondrago.com.

Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, West Plains, directors.

Ozark County Times

504 Third Steet
PO Box 188
Gainesville, MO 65655

Phone: (417) 679-4641
Fax: (417) 679-3423