Margaret Arline Wattenbarger

Margaret Arline Wattenbarger, age 101, of Lamar, Missouri, passed away on June 15, 2025, at Truman Healthcare and Rehabilitation in Lamar.

Margaret was born on February 29, 1924, in Sheldon, Missouri, to Frank Gage and Effie May (Brummett) Gage. She graduated from Lamar High School with the Class of 1942. Shortly after graduation, Margaret began working as a secretary at Camp Crowder, where she served from June 1942 until May 1946.

On June 1, 1946, she married Chris M. Wattenbarger. The couple initially lived in Berryville, Arkansas, for over a year before returning to Lamar, where they settled and raised their four children. A devoted wife and mother, Margaret later dedicated her time to volunteer work. She served the community through her efforts at the Good Samaritan Shop and by delivering Meals on Wheels for many years.

Margaret was a faithful member of the First Christian Church of Lamar, where she participated in the Golden Ambassador’s Class and was the longest-living member of the church. While residing at the nursing home, she also joined Grace Lutheran Church, where she worshiped on Tuesday mornings and received communion regularly.

She was actively involved in her community, serving as president of The Ladies of Rotary, The Ladies of the Lamar Country Club, and The Literary Club. Margaret was also a lifelong member of the Democratic Party.

Survivors include two sons, James (Judy) Wattenbarger of Kansas City, Missouri, and Gary (Sue) Wattenbarger of Papillion, Nebraska; two daughters, Janice (Lynn) Taylor of Edmond, Oklahoma, and Carol Calton of Lamar, Missouri; nine grandchildren, Jarrod Wattenbarger, Sean Wattenbarger, Grant Taylor, Ryan Taylor, Lyndsey Taylor, Jeremy Calton, Josh Calton, Adam Wattenbarger, and Jenny Wattenbarger; eleven great-grandchildren; one brother, Robert Gage of Texas and her dear friend, Linda Nickell.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Chris; one brother, William James Gage; one sister, Norma Jean Harris; and one great-grandson, Edward Gage Wattenbarger

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Daniel Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Lake Cemetery in Lamar, Missouri. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m., prior to the service, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Barton County Senior Citizens Center, in the care of Daniel Funeral Home.

Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com.