Null & Son Funeral Home

06/03/2026

Sherry Dale Rowden, of Meta, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at the age of 69.

Sherry was born on October 28, 1956, in Iberia, Missouri, to the late John L. Rollins and Mabel “Sally” (Van Ostran) Rollins.

In addition to her parents, Sherry was preceded in death by her brothers, John Wayne Rollins and Donald Warren “Donnie” Rollins; her sister, Betty Juergens; and her brothers-in-law, Gene Backues and James Murray.

Sherry was a woman of deep faith who was baptized early in life and remained devoted to her beliefs as a member of the Wheeler Church of Christ in Dixon, Missouri. On August 25, 1973, she married the love of her life, Kevin Dale Rowden, in Vienna, Missouri, and together they shared many wonderful years filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Sherry enjoyed shopping and was always on the lookout for a good find. She also loved cooking and preparing meals for those she cared about, a passion that was inspired by her mother. Music was an important part of Sherry's life. She and Kevin traveled throughout the United States attending bluegrass festivals, where Kevin performed and Sherry enjoyed listening to the music, visiting with friends, and making memories together. They also loved spending time fishing at the family lake. Above all, Sherry treasured the time she spent with her family and friends, creating countless memories that will be cherished by all who knew and loved her.

Sherry will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her family, including her devoted husband, Kevin Rowden of Meta, Missouri; her two sons, Travis Rowden and wife Amber of Dixon, Missouri, and Blake Rowden and wife Amanda of Vienna, Missouri; her brother, John Lawrence Rollins of Meta, Missouri; her sisters, Deborah Backues of Vienna, Missouri, and Donna Murray of Dixon, Missouri; her two grandsons, Bryse Rowden, Gunther Rowden; her step-grandchildren, Kenadi Pickering and Michael Pickering; her great-granddaughter, Brynleigh Rowden; her step-great-grandson, Brayden Carter; as well as an aunt, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other relatives and friends whose lives were touched by her love and kindness.

A memorial service for Sherry D. Rowden will be conducted at 12 p.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026, at the Wheeler Church of Christ in Dixon. Interment of ashes will follow in the Wheeler Cemetery in Dixon, Missouri. A visitation for family and friends will be held prior to the service beginning at 10 a.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Sherry's memory to the Wheeler Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund.

Those wishing to send floral tributes the local floral shops are The Flower Basket in Vienna, Missouri, at (573) 422-3131 or Dixon Floral in Dixon, Missouri, at (573) 759-6660.

Online condolences may be offered at www.nullandsonfuneralhome.com.

06/01/2026

Jay Alan Sandifer, of Lebanon, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the age of 47.

Jay was born on July 20, 1978, in Rolla, Missouri, to Rhonda Linn (Sandifer) Sanborn.

Jay was preceded in death by his grandfather, Cecil Sandifer; his stepfather, Steven Sanborn; his aunt, Julie Thorpe; and his cousin, Tiffany Diedrich.

Jay had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and found his greatest joy surrounded by nature. He loved spending time kayaking, camping, and relaxing along the river, where he could enjoy the peace and beauty of the water. Whether exploring the outdoors with family and friends or simply taking in the scenery, Jay embraced every opportunity to be outside. He was also a devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan and rarely missed a chance to cheer on his favorite team. Jay will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, love of nature, and the many cherished memories he created with those he loved.

Jay leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish his memory, including his son, Hayden Sandifer of Rolla, Missouri; his daughter, Lilly Sanborn of Lebanon, Missouri; his mother, Rhonda Sanborn of Lebanon, Missouri; his brother, Brent Simmonds of St. Louis, Missouri; his grandmothers, Florence Thompson of Rolla, Missouri, Connie Sandifer of Arnold, Missouri; along with numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were blessed to know him.

A funeral service for Jay A. Sandifer will be conducted at 12 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at the Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla. Interment will follow in the Pea Ridge Cemetery in Doolittle, Missouri. A visitation for family and friends will be held prior to the service beginning at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions in his memory are suggested to the St. Judes Children’s Hospital.

Online condolences may be offered at www.nullandsonfuneralhome.com.

05/27/2026

Susan “Sue” Lynn (Aaron) Kellems, of Rolla, MO, passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at the age of 80.
She was born on March 2, 1946 in Waynesville, MO to the late William W. Aaron, Sr. and Hazel (Carroll) Aaron. In 1987, she married Reuben Lee (JR) Kellems, who preceded her in death on November 25, 2020.
Sue graduated from Rolla High School in 1964. In 1991, she received a Bachelor of Science degree in History from UMR (MS&T). She also earned an associate’s degree in business from Stephens College. Sue was employed from 1975-2012 as a senior administrative assistant to the professors in the Philosophy and Liberal Arts Department at MS&T. She served as the Executive Director for the Study Abroad Program.
Sue had many interests and was very involved in the Rolla community. She was a lifelong member of the Order of the Eastern Star, the Rolla Garden Club, and she volunteered as an usher at Leach Theatre. She enjoyed traveling, growing beautiful flowers and shopping. She found great joy in her life on the Aaron farm raising chickens, gardening, cooking and baking.
Sue will be greatly missed by her surviving family which includes: a son, David Hills and wife, Tammy, of Rolla, MO; a daughter, DeLisa Dillard and husband, David, of DeSoto, MO; two brothers, Bill Aaron, Jr. and wife, Judi, and Richard Aaron and wife, Deena; all of Rolla, MO; three stepdaughters, Teresa Johnson and husband, Tracy, Cheryl Simmons and husband, Rick, and Ruby Kelsey; a host of grandchildren; several great grandchildren; her feline companion, Frankie; nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.
A memorial service for Sue L. Kellems will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at the Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla. A visitation for family and friends will be held prior to the service beginning at 12 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions in memory of Sue are suggested to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.

05/23/2026

05/18/2026

Jerry Lee Davis, of Rolla, MO, passed away Friday, May 15, 2026 at the age of 85.
He was born on June 17, 1940 in Rolla, MO to the late Raymond L. Davis and Jean (Campbell) Davis. On January 13, 1962, he married Karen (Surguine) Davis.
In addition to his parents, Jerry was also preceded in death by his son-in-law, Thomas “Ted” Day; and two brothers, Jack Davis and Kenneth Davis.
Many people knew Jerry from his more than 35 years as a barber at Larry’s Barber Shop, first from 1961-1973 and then from 1993-2018 at Modern Barber Shop. He also worked for Switzer for over 20 years. In later years, he attended Grace Church until he was unable to attend due to failing health.
Jerry was an all-around athlete and he excelled at many sports. He had a passion for golf and had 4 holes-in-one. Bowling was another favorite hobby and he bowled a perfect game. Jerry was a talented vocalist and sang as a tenor in a gospel group. He was a lifelong Bulldogs fan. He loved being outdoors whether hunting or fishing.
His greatest joy came from spending time with his family and friends.
Jerry will be sadly missed by his surviving family which includes: his beloved wife, Karen Davis of Rolla, MO; his daughter, Kimberly A. Day of Rolla, MO; one grandson, Bret Day and wife, Kate, of Rolla, MO; five great grandchildren, Chase Day, Taylor Day, Evan Day, Holden Barker, and Hayden Barker; two brothers, Roger Davis and wife, Diane, of New Haven, MO and Danny Davis and wife, Dee Ann, of Rolla, MO; three sisters, Carol Jordan and husband, Tom, of Texas, Donna Alexander and husband, Doug, of Rolla, MO; and Jennifer Walters and husband, Jake, of Falcon, MO; nieces, nephews, cousins, and many, many friends and extended family.
A funeral service for Jerry L. Davis will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at the Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla. Interment will follow in the Rolla City Cemetery. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20 at the funeral home.
Memorial donations in memory of Jerry are suggested to the Grace Church Student Recreation Center.

05/18/2026

Lana Jean Harris, of Rolla, MO, passed away Saturday, May 16, 2026 at the age of 80.
She was born on December 24, 1945 in Rolla, MO to the late Kenneth Morris, Sr. and Roberta (Macormic) Morris. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by a brother, Kenneth Morris, Jr.; and a granddaughter, Madison Miller. On August 12, 1978, she married Franklin D. Harris.
Lana was a member of the Rolla Church of Christ for 47 years. She taught day school at the church, worked at the Coppertree and retired from Creech Furniture.
Lana was very artistic and had a passion for creative expression through crafts and painting beautiful pictures. She also found joy working in her flower gardens. She loved being in or on water. Swimming, boating and going on cruises was a great source of adventure for her.
Lana will be greatly missed by her surviving family which includes: her loving husband, Frank Harris of Rolla, MO; one daughter, Cynthia Adkins and husband, Robert of Rolla, MO; a son, Eric Miller and wife, Autumn of St. James, MO; a stepdaughter, Michelle Cooper of Goodfield, IL; ten grandchildren, Jessica Armstrong and husband, Marvin; Amber Cole and fiancé, Gavyn Korinko; Jodi Cole; Sydney Cole; Gina Dunbar; Tim Cooper; Alex Cooper and wife, Katrina; Rachel Culp and husband, Ritchie; Trystan Evans and Alex Evans; ten great grandchildren, Hallie Mason, Brooklynn Armstrong, Breanna Wegan, Olivia Dunbar, Sarah Dunbar, Charlie Dunbar, Sophia Dunbar, Marley Culp, Jude Culp, and Rose Culp; and brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Kenneth and Charlotte Harris, Norma Harris, Barbara Harris-Walters and Venita Morris.
A funeral service for Lana J. Harris will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026 at the Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla. Interment will follow in the Ozark Hills Memorial Gardens Cemetery. A visitation for family and friends will be held prior to the service beginning at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Little Prairie Bible Camp.

05/18/2026

William “BJ” Edward Cooksey, Jr., 62, of Rolla, Missouri, passed away on May 15, 2026. He was born on September 28, 1963, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to the late William E. Cooksey Sr. and Maudie Lee (Rowe) Cooksey.
BJ dedicated much of his life to serving and supporting his community. On April 13, 1991, he married Jill Cooksey, and to this union one daughter, Sarah Cooksey, was born. For 22 years, he was deeply involved with the Rolla Area Youth Soccer League as a coach, referee, board member, and president, touching the lives of countless young athletes and families. He was also a devoted member of the Optimist Club of Rolla, where he proudly served as a two-time past president. BJ enjoyed cooking and baking for those he loved and was always happiest when sharing time with family and friends. Following his heart transplant in 2018, BJ became a passionate advocate for organ donation, forever grateful for the gift he had received and hopeful that others would consider becoming donors so they too could help save lives.
BJ is survived by his loving wife, Jill Cooksey of Rolla, Missouri; and his daughter, Sarah Cooksey of Springfield, Missouri.
The family will hold a memorial gathering at a later date.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Rolla Area Youth Soccer League in BJ’s memory. https://raysl-soccer.org/memorial-donations/

05/14/2026

Michael Thomas Durnin, of Rolla, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2026 at the age of 82.

Born on June 6, 1943, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Philip A. Durnin and Evelyn Durnin, Michael has resided in Rolla since 1990 with his family.

Michael married the love of his life, Barbara Sue Bagnall, on September 30, 1967. The pair spent a wonderful and loving 55 years together and raised two devoted daughters, Tracy and Kelly. Michael’s natural wit and charm made him a natural-born salesman. He spent nearly three decades as a sales representative for his own business, Durnin & Associates.

Michael traveled often for his career and had a true passion for flying and sailing. Michael had good friends as a teenager, who paid for his first flying lesson. From there, he was hooked. Michael went on to earn his private pilot’s license and owned many small planes over the years. The same friends who helped Michael find his passion for flying also taught him to sail, igniting his passion for sailboats. Michael was fun and outgoing, and together with his wife Barb, they loved hosting gatherings for their friends and family over the years, often sailing and grilling out. His favorite places to fly and sail to include the Bahamas and the British Virgin Islands.

Michael’s true-life passion was his wife and his family. He loved being known as Grandpa, Papa and Uncle Mike.

Michael was predeceased by his parents, his older brother, Philip Durnin and Philip’s wife, Alice Durnin, his beautiful and loving wife Barb, his daughter Tracy Sue (Durnin) Hargis, son-in-law Steve Hargis and brother-in-law Daniel Bagnall.

Those left behind to miss and carry on Michael’s charisma and spark, are daughter Kelly Lynn (Durnin) Thieme and husband Jeff of Collierville, Tennessee, sister Jane Durnin of Rolla, nephews Patrick Durnin and Michael Durnin and niece Susan Roither; brother-in-law Kent Bagnall and wife Lindsay of Rolla; sister-in-law Dorothy Bagnall of Davenport, Iowa; niece Cathy (Bagnall) Impemba and husband Mario of Auburn Hills, Michigan; niece Hannah Bagnall of Sarasota, Florida; niece Lydia (Bagnall) Hardin and husband Dave of Kansas City, Missouri; grandsons John-Michael Hargis and wife Soraya Cordero Hargis, Adam Thieme and Joseph Thieme; great-nephews Brett Impemba and wife Jenny and their daughter Lily, Dan Impemba and wife Meggan and their daughter Rosalia.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Null and Son Funeral Home of Rolla. Visitation will be held Saturday, May 23, 2026 at Null and Son Funeral Home from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the funeral immediately following at 1 p.m. Burial will be in the St. James Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation - https://www.alzdiscovery.org/donate

05/11/2026

Wayne Ray Jacobs, of Rolla, MO, passed away Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at the age of 67.
He was born on November 18, 1958 in Rolla, MO to the late Ray Jacobs and Catherine (Cox) Jacobs. On August 16, 1980, he married Judy Ann (Crozier) Jacobs. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a sister, Beverly Powell.
Being outdoors was a passion for Wayne whether fishing, RV camping, or deer hunting. Wayne also enjoyed black powder hunting and bow hunting. Photography was another favorite interest. He spent a lot of his earlier time restoring antique trucks.
Wayne will be greatly missed by his surviving family which includes: his wife, Judy Jacobs, of Rolla, MO; a daughter, Jenny Jacobs and partner, Jennifer Standley of St. Louis, MO; one brother, Dean Jacobs of Marshfield, MO; a sister, Betty Ford of Rolla, MO; several cousins, nieces and nephews.
A memorial gathering for Wayne R. Jacobs will be held from 5–7 p.m. Thursday, May 21, 2026 at the Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla. Inurnment of ashes with full military honors will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 22 at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Waynesville, MO.
Memorial donations in memory of Wayne are suggested to the Rolla Animal Shelter.