WANDA GAY FELTS

LAMAR- A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, July 19, at Lake Cemetery in Lamar, for Wanda Gay Felts, 93, Lamar, who died Friday, July 12, 2024, at Good Shepherd Community Care and Rehabilitation in Lockwood.

The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Daniel Funeral Home, prior to the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested and made payable to Truman Area Transportation Service (T.A.T.S.), in care of the funeral home.

Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com.

Survivors include her son, Gary Felts, Fort Walton Beach, Fla.; three grandchildren, Stephanie Martin and husband Mike, Lamar, Adam Felts, Branson and Aaron Felts, Fort Walton Beach, Fla.; two great grandsons, Blake Felts, Omaha, Neb. and Brandon Martin, Lamar; sister, Freida Davis, Jasper; half-sisters, Mitzi Willey, Lamar and Shirley Fowler, Jefferson City, as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Butler Felts; a son, Jim Felts; one brother, Freddie Fowler and sisters, Margie Gardner and Juanita Stocker.

Mrs. Felts was born May 7, 1931, in Kansas City, Kan., to Fred and Ona (Brown) Fowler. Her family moved back to Lamar shortly thereafter, where she lived her life.

During her high school years, she worked at the Plaza Theater and her parent's cafe on the square in Lamar, she also worked the snack bar at Lawn Boy. The cafe is where she met the love of her life, Butler Felts. He had moved to Lamar to manage the Plaza and build the Barco. On April 22, 1950, the two were married in Joplin.

Barco Starvue Drive-In Theater had its grand opening on April 28, 1950, just days after their wedding. Over the years, the two also owned and operated the Trail Drive-In and Fox Theater in Nevada, Mo. Mrs. Felts dedicated over 40 years to the Plaza Theater until 1986 and 58 years at the Barco, until her husband’s passing in 2008. Together, they were renowned for their commitment to these beloved theaters.

The Barco's ongoing success owes a great deal to the dedication of Scott, Pam and Zach Kelley, as well as the Community Plaza Rescue Board and the people of Lamar and surrounding areas. Thanks to their support and efforts, the Barco continues to thrive as a cherished establishment, preserving the legacy left by Butler and Wanda Felts.