Laclede County Record logo and header

JAMES M. SOUTHARD

Posted

James M. Southard, 74, of Lebanon, died Monday, March 28, 2022, in Osage Beach.

He was born Nov. 29, 1947, in Nebo, Mo. to Thomas A. and Erna Matthews Southard.

James was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Judy Feeney, one son and one daughter in infancy.

After graduating from Plato High School, James did construction work for a period of time. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan, fisherman and hunter. He could grow a tomato like no other and was passionate about his produce selling over the years. He became locally known at the “Mater-Man.’’ He also had a very impressive flower garden and enjoyed tending to the chores of the farm. He was a member of NRA and devoted family man. He enjoyed every moment shared with them, especially fish fries.

James is survived by his children, Kimberly Claiborn and her husband Billy of Springfield; Jeffery Southard and his wife Porsha of Walnut Grove; Shelly Hawk of Springfield; Kenneth Southard and his wife Tanya of Lebanon; Gary Southard and his wife Lacy of Camdenton, and Terry Southard of Rolla,; significant other of 27 years, Anita Miller; step-sons, James Miller and his wife Heather of Springfield, Mo. and David Miller, Jr. of Atlanta, Ga.; eight grandchildren, Brooke Southard, Ariel Southard, Cassidy Claiborn, Joshua Hawk, Jordan Branstetter, Brittani Hawk, Kaleigh Parrish Shawn Miller and Jordan Branstetter; two great-grandchildren; two brothers, Richard Southard and his wife Sharon of Windsor, Mo. and Johnny Southard and his wife Carol of Puyallup, Wash.; other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services for James M. Southard will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 2, 2022, at Shadel’s Colonial Chapel.

Burial will be in Pine Creek Cemetery under the direction of Shadel’s Colonial Chapel of Lebanon.

Visitation will begin at 6 p.m. Friday also at Shadel’s Colonial Chapel.

Memorials have been suggested to the family of James Southard to help with funeral expenses. Donations can be left at or mailed to Shadel’s Colonial Chapel, P.O. Box 948 of 1001 N. Lynn, Lebanon, Mo. 65536.

Sign guest book at www.shadelscolonialchapel.com.