Big Piney River Cemetery

The stones in this cemetery have been moved to Dry Creek Cemetery. Only an empty field, and the slightest indentions in the ground let you know that there are burials six feet below. A fence used to mark the perimeter. Near Ferrell Bluff. Grave sites confirmed by Freddy Gray JR.


N37 55.162 W -92 14.487 (GPS Coordinates by Pulaski County Historical Society 12-6-2010)

George L. Roam 1917-2010

The following was shared by Michael Roam and was originally published in Lebanon Daily Record.

George L. Roam, 92, of Richland, died Saturday, Jan. 26, 2010, in Richland.

He was born Sept. 1, 1917, at Swedeborg, Mo. to Charles Sylvester and Nancy Ellen Kissinger Roam.

On Oct. 31, 1937, he married Geraldine Thornsberry, who preceded him in death.

He also was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Omar and Ferrell Roam and a granddaughter, Kristy Ann Roam.

He was a livestock farmer in Pulaski and Camden counties.

He was a member of First Christian Church of Richland.

Survivors include his son, Robert Roam and his wife, Mary Elizabeth, of Springfield; his daughter, Kathryn Wilke, of Bloomington, Ill.; six grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; also other relatives.

Services for George L. Roam will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2010, at the First Christian Church of Richland with Tim Gola officiating.

Burial will be in the Oaklawn Cemetery at Richland, under the direction of Shadels Colonial Chapel of Lebanon.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. Tuesday until service time at 1 p.m. at the First Christian Church of Richland.

Memorials have been established to the Richland Care Center or The First Christian Church of Richland.

Mary Elizabeth (Roam) Maness 1912-2004

The following was shared by Michael Roam and was originally published in Pulaski County Democrat, Feb. 6, 2004.

Mary Elizabeth Maness, daughter of Alpha and Edith Lundstrom Roam, was born Sept. 21, 1912 in Swedeborg, and departed this life Jan. 25, 2004 in Springfield at the age of 91.

On Nov. 5, 1938 she was united in marriage with Leo S. Maness. He preceded her in death on Dec. 5, 1982.

At the time of her death, she was a member of the Baptist Church.

Mary enjoyed quilting, taking care of her many plants and flowers, especially her roses, writing letters to all her family and friends, and listening to gospel music.

She is survived by two brothers, Glen Roam of Visalia, Calif., and Mac Roam of Woodlake, Calif.; two sisters, Helen Manes of Nixa and Hulda McMillan of Coos Bay, Ore.; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mary was also preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Virda Fritts and Rachel Roam; and three brothers, William Guy, William Luther, and Paul Eugene Roam.

Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2004 at Colonial Chapel, Richland, with Rev. Myron Fesler officiating. Escorts were Charles Webster, Jimmie Pentecost, John A. Manes, Kenny McDaniel, Richard Pentecost, David Manes and Brian Miller. Honorary Escorts were Eli Sullivan, Chase Sullivan and Corey Dale McDaniel.