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Excelsior Springs Area Obituaries

Tom Brown
Thomas Robert “Dog” Brown, 64, Excelsior Springs, Mo., died Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2010, at his home. Mr. Brown was born Jan. 6, 1946, in Independence, the son of Wendell and Vivian (Laughlin) Brown. He was married to Maria (Monaco) Brown on Feb. 6, 1971; she survives of the home. For the past several years Tom worked as an electrician. He was a Past Commander of both the American Legion and VFW in Excelsior Springs. In addition to his wife, Maria, survivors include two daughters, Heather Zapata, Gladstone, and Tamra Brown, Hollywood, Calif.; one brother: Landon “Lanny” Pummill, Sweet Springs; and two grandsons. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, at Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs. Cremation, with inurnment with full military honors at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 2, in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville.

Lyle “Chip” Taylor
Lyle Carl “Chip” Taylor, 50, Norborne, Mo., died Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010, in Camden, Mo. Mr. Taylor was born Oct. 21, 1959, in Neosho, the son of Gerald Dean ad Wilma Lorene (Wills) Taylor. He had worked at various jobs including Banquet Foods in Carrollton and Rooney Trucking in Polo. He was preceded in death by his father on June 14, 1995; and two brothers, Donald Ward and Johnny Ward. Survivors include three children, Shannon Dillon and Donald Taylor, both of Carrolton, and Sherri Beaton, Kansas City, Kan.; his mother, Wilma Taylor, Rolla; three sisters, Sue Wise, Rolla, Darlene Miller, Lexington, and Jeanie Wise, Camden; and one brother, Jerry Taylor, Rayville. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 31, at Polley Funeral Home in Richmond. Burial in Southpoint Cemetery near Orrick. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 30, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.



Mattie Dempsay
12/18/1928-8/28/2010
Mattie M. Dempsay was born Dec. 18, 1928, in Clinton, Mo., to Frank and Gladis Harding into a family of three sisters and two brothers. Mattie is survived by two sisters, Dotie Kirby of Lexington and Sue Alivas; two sisters-in-law, Deloris Harding and Wilma Harding; two children, a son, Dennis Gwin and his wife, Candy, and a daughter, Shirly Cravens; her loving grandchildren, Baron Cravens, Melanie Smith, Matthew Gwin, Kimberly Cravens and Benjamin Gwin; one great-grandchild, Raliyah McAdams; and many nieces and nephews. Mattie was a member of the local congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses and enjoyed their warm friendship. The service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, New Garden Road and 10 Highway East. Friends may call from 2 to 3 p.m., prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are through Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs.

Dorothy Kennell
Dorothy F. Kennell, 90, Excelsior Springs, Mo., passed away Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, at Liberty Hospital in Liberty, Mo. Dorothy was born on Nov. 30, 1919, in Excelsior Springs, Mo., the daughter of Joseph Lee and Mary Ellen Agnes (Blann) VanBebber. She attended Excelsior Springs Public Schools. On Oct. 21, 1938, she married Howard Kennell, who preceded her in death in 1999. She was a homemaker. She enjoyed dancing, music and playing bingo. She was a wonderful seamstress and had worked in a tailor shop while Howard was in the service. She was a member of the Siloam Spring Chapel in Excelsior Springs, Mo. Besides her parents and husband, Dorothy was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Betty Lou Kennell; one brother, William Wilbert VanBebber; and two sisters, Iva Lee VanBebber and Lida May Wennerstrom. Survivors include one daughter, Kim Hightower and her husband, Aaron, of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; one brother, Harold J. VanBebber and his wife, Neta, of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; one sister, Peggy Grace and her husband, Joe, of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; three grandchildren, Timothy Scott Hightower, Daron Ray Hightower and Sierra Lynn Hightower; and several nieces and nephews.Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 31, at Hillcrest Cemetery in Excelsior Springs, Mo., with Rev. Earl McElwee officiating. Arrangements are through Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs, Mo.

Donna Smith
Donna Jean Smith, 54, Smithville, Mo., died Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1, at Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Kearney. Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Cremation.

Bernice Rushton
Bernice Rushton, 89, Holt, Mo., died Sunday, Aug. 29, 2010, at her home. Ms. Rushton was born Aug. 24, 1921, in St. Thomas, Mo., the daughter of Conrad and Agnes (Kraus) Fennewald. She was married to Don Rushton, who preceded her in death on March 24, 1994. She had worked as a seamstress for a dry cleaner. She was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church in Excelsior Springs. Survivors include two daughters, Donna Niemeyer, Lawson, and Ronda Mitler, Holt; two granddaughters; and six great-grandchildren. Cremation. Arrangements are through Polley Funeral Home in Lawson.



Connie Murray
Connie Sue Murray, 61, Excelsior Springs, Mo., died Sunday, Aug. 29, 2010, at her home.
Ms. Murray was born Feb. 14, 1949, in Excelsior Springs, the daughter of Earl Gene and Betty Mae (Teegarden) McCrary. She was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her father, Earl Gene McCrary; and one brother, Ronald Gene McCrary. Survivors include her mother, Betty Mae McCrary, Excelsior Springs; two daughters, Sunday Alexander, Lincoln, Neb., and Stacey Mandl, Lawson; one son, Ray Armstrong, Cameron; one sister, Stephanie Perry, Excelsior Springs; 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Cremation. The family will hold memorial services at a later date. Arrangements are through Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society.

Dorothy Allan
Dorothy Seacat Allan, 84, Columbia, Mo. (formerly of Excelsior Springs, Mo.), passed away Sunday, Aug. 15, 2010, at The Bluffs. Dorothy was born May 16, 1926, in Kansas City, to Lester and May Mortimer Seacat.They preceded her in death. She became a registered nurse at Research Hospital in Kansas City and resided in Columbia for the past 40 years. She was an officer of Lifedata Medical Services, performing paramedic insurance physicals. She enjoyed playing bridge and was active at the Senior Center serving as the librarian for many years. Survivors include sons, Lynn Allan and wife, Candace, Colorado Springs, Colo., and Tom Allan and wife, Ace, West Melbourne, Fla.; daughters, Janice Racioppo and husband, Frank, Moraga, Calif., Julie Baswell and husband, Tom, Kansas City, Kan.; and Jennifer Allan, Pensacola Beach, Fla.; sister, Jean Kimball, Cedar Falls, Iowa; grandson Brian Allan and wife, Amber, Lenexa, Kan.; and devoted friend, Wally Lehart of Columbia. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, at Memorial Funeral Home in Columbia. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Jefferson City. Visitation will be from noon to 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made to Heifer International, P.O. Box 8058, Little Rock, AR 72203-8058; or Senior Center, 1121 Business Loop 70 East, Columbia, MO 65201. Tributes can be left online at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com

Ronnie Berry
Ronelle “Ronnie” Berry, 61, Excelsior Springs, Mo., died Saturday, Aug. 14, 2010, at her home. Mrs. Berry was an emergency room nurse for 37 years. She was employed at Excelsior Springs Medical Center for the past 14 years since moving from Florida to Missouri. Survivors include her husband, Ken; children, Kendra Hurla, Stephi Elzner and Lynn Berry; three grandchildren, “Bugs” Kaylan, Cullen and her newest grandson, Maverk. At her request, there are no public services. Cremation. Arrangements are through Polley Funeral Home of Excelsior Springs.

“Frances” Bersano
Geraldine F. “Frances” Bersano, 71, Richmond, Mo., died Saturday, Aug. 7, 2010. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 11, at Richmond First Baptist Church; burial in Lexington Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 10, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond.

David Bolan
David Lee Bolan, 54, Parkville, Mo., died Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2010, at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kan. Mr. Bolan was born Jan. 15, 1956, in Kansas City, Kan., the son of Verlon Eugene and Mae Mozell (Jackson) Bolan. He was married to Jean Marie Burch on March 14, 1990; she survives. He had worked eight years for American Italian Pasta Company in Excelsior Springs before his health began to decline. He was of the Baptist faith. He was preceded in death by his parents. In addition to his wife, survivors include seven children, Amanda Craig, Belton, Ronald Craig, Kansas City, James Craig, Fort Hood, Texas, Cassie Bolan, Colorado Springs, Colo., Carrie Bolan, Olathe, Kan,, Andy Yoakum, Washington state, and Aaron Yoakum, Minnesota; three sisters, Patsy Butler, Parkville, Sherry Mathia, Shawnee, Kan., and Peggy Yoakum, Excelsior Springs; one brother, Steve Bolan, Lawson; and seven grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, at Polley Funeral Home in Lawson. Cremation.

Jean Brenton
Jean Horner Brenton, 79, Librty, Mo., died Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2010. Visitation will be held from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, at Liberty Christian Church; a memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 8, at the church. Burial will be in New Hope Cemetery in Liberty. Arrangements are through Church-Archer-Pasley Funeral Home.

Larry Brockhoff
Larry L. Brockhoff, 69, Higginsville, Mo., died Friday, Aug. 20, 2010, at the VA Medical Center in Kansas City, Mo. Mr. Brockhoff was born Oct. 3, 1940, in Higginsville, the son of Waldo Carl and Ollie Frances (Henderson) Brockhoff. He was married to Linda Crownover on April 12, 1978; she died Nov. 24, 1998. He was a police officer in Kansas City from 1965-1969 and with Lee’s Summit from 1975-1991. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Higginsville. In addition to his wife and his parents, he was preceded in death by a stepdaughter, Marie Waller. Survivors include one son, Chad W. Brockhoff, Gladstone; one daughter, Suzanne Brockhoff, Kansas City; three stepdaughters, Letitia Brooker, Tehia Waller and Metia Rosenberger; one brother, Steve Brockhoff, Richmond; one sister, Judith Stigall, St. Louis; two grandchildren; 14 stepgrandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 25, at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville. Arrangements are through Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond.

Tom Brown
Thomas Robert “Dog” Brown, 64, Excelsior Springs, Mo., died Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2010, at his home. Mr. Brown was born Jan. 6, 1946, in Independence, the son of Wendell and Vivian (Laughlin) Brown. He was married to Maria (Monaco) Brown on Feb. 6, 1971; she survives of the home. For the past several years Tom worked as an Electrician. He was a Past Commander of both the American Legion and VFW in Excelsior Springs. In addition to his wife, Maria, survivors include two daughters, Heather Zapata, Gladstone, and Tamra Brown, Hollywood, Calif.; one brother: Landon “Lanny” Pummill, Sweet Springs; and two grandsons. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, at Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs. Cremation, with inurnment with full military honors at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 2, in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville.

Marjorie Brunson
Marjorie Bell Brunson, 89, Independence, Mo., died Thursday, Aug. 19, 2010, at New Mark Care Center in Nashua, Mo. Ms. Brunson was born Feb. 23, 1921, in Knoxville, the daughter of John Henry and Cora Bell (Campbell) Kincaid. She was married to Larry McCulley on March 13, 1943; he died Jan. 18, 1965. She was married to Wayne W. Brunson on May 21, 1966; he died March 25, 2005. She was an inspector for Western Electric before she retired in 1983. She also worked at Brunson Instrument Company for several years. She lived most of her life in Independence. In addition to her husbands and her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Dorris Kincaid, Joseph J. Kincaid and John H. Kincaid; and five sisters, Florence VanBebber, Flossie A. Basham, Mary C. Risley, Helen F. Wollard and Julia Mae Russell. Survivors include several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 25, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond. Visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the National Kidney Foundation.

*Alice Butler
Alice Marie Butler, 84, died Monday, Aug. 9, 2010. She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, William C. Butler Jr., in 2001. She is survived by son, Edward L. Butler (Yoshiko) of Alexandria, Va.; daughters, Cheryl B. Long (John) of Independence, Mo., and Lillie Allen (Hollie) of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; granddaughters, Crystal Vickers, Osage Beach, Mo., Sumiko Butler, Fairfax, Va., and Mariko Butler, Washington, D.C.; and great-grandsons, Cooper Vickers and Brayden Vickers, Osage Beach, Mo. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12, at Hillcrest Cemetery in Excelsior Springs. Arrangements are through Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs.

Judy Cain
Judy Cain, 67, Kansas City, Mo., died Friday, Aug. 20, 2010, at Kansas City Hospice House. Ms. Cain was born Sept. 23, 1942, in Orrick, the daughter of J.B. and Audrey Chunn. She was a call center representative for ADT Security and had also worked for Safeco and Eckert Insurance. Survivors include the love of her life, Les Parris; her children, Mark Cain, Liberty, Michael Cain and Tracey Cain, both of Raymore, and Matt Cain, Overland Park, Kan.; and several grandchildren. Services will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 24, at Highland Park Funeral Home and Crematorium in Kansas City, Kan. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or Kansas City Hospice House.

Jerrie Christian
Jerrie Ann Christian, 67, rural Orrick, Mo., died Sunday, Aug. 1, 2010, at Ray County Memorial Hospital in Richmond, Mo. Mrs. Christian was born Nov. 10, 1942, in Kansas City, the daughter of Cecil and Barbara (Hyder) Greer. She worked as a telephone operator for Southwestern Bell in Kansas City for a number of years. She was married to Jerry Christian on April 12, 1968, and for the past 40 years they have lived in the Orrick area. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by all her siblings. Survivors include her husband of 42 years, Jerry Christian, of the home; two sons, John Christian, Gladstone, and Eric Christian, Washington, Ill.; a daughter, Jennifer McKiddy, Kansas City; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. The family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 4, at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 5, at South Point Cemetery near Orrick.

Kathryen Colcleasure
Kathryen Colcleasure, 82, Excelsior Springs, Mo., died Sunday, Aug. 22, 2010, at the Excelsior Springs Convalescent Center. Ms. Colcleasure was born Sept. 24, 1927, in Mt. Pleasant, Kan., the daughter of Charles and Edna (Johnson) Haynes. She was a homemaker. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gus Colcleasure, in 2002; and a daughter, Janet Colcleasure, in 2003. Survivors include one son, Richard Colcleasure, Excelsior Springs; one brother, Charles Haynes Jr., southern Missouri; one sister, Christina Parker, Colorado; one granddaughter; and three great-grandchildren. Graveside services were set for 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27, at Mt. Washington Cemetery in Independence. Arrangements are through Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs.

Tamra Coleman
Tamra Lee Coleman, 52, Kearney, Mo., died Thursday, Aug. 5, 2010.
She served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Visitation will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 10, at Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Kearney, with services to follow at 8 p.m. Burial at a later date.

“Jim” Cox
James Martin “Jim” Cox, 72, Kearney, Mo., died Friday, Aug. 6, 2010. Mr. Cox retired from Robinson’s Shoe Company in 1978 to become a woodworker. He was a devout Christian. He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Viola; and a grandson, Joshua. Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Judy; his son, Brad Cox, Lee’s Summit; his daughter, Nicole Gallo, Kearney; three sisters; one brother; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Funeral services were set for 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 10, at First Baptist Church in Kearney; burial in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Kearney. Visitation was held from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 9, at the church. Arrangements are through Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Kearney. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Kearney Building Fund or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Oliver E. Cruey
Oliver Edward Cruey, 74, Excelsior Springs, Mo., died Thursday, Aug. 12, 2010, at Valley Manor and Rehabilitation Center in Excelsior Springs. Mr. Cruey was born Jan. 15, 1936, in Goodrich, Kan., the son of Oliver Henry and Dora Etta (Voyles) Cruey. he was employed by Ford Motor Company in Claycomo, retiring after 30 years with the company. He was a charter member of Elks Lodge #1001 and a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, both of Excelsior Springs. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Roy Joseph Cruey and Paul Nathan Cruey. Survivors include three daughters, Brenda Ann Jensen, Excelsior Springs, Cheryl Diane Cruey, Dania, Fla., and Patricia Renae McElwee, Sugar Creek; one brother, Carl David Cruey, Independence; two sisters, Ellen Rose Melrose, Kansas City, Kan., and Anna Marie Head, Gardner, Kan.; nine grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. A memorial visitation was held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 19, at Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs. Cremation. A committal service will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, at the Osawotamie Cemetery in Osawotamie, Kan.

Archie Cutting
Archie Frances Cutting, 76, Excelsior Springs, Mo., died Tuesday August 17, 2010, at the Monterey Park Nursing Center in Independence, Mo. Mr. Cutting was born Dec. 19, 1933, in Smithville, the son of Arthur and Effie Frances (VanBibber) Cutting. He was married to Lenora Belle Bellington on May 3, 1955; she survives. He joined the United States Coast Guard at age 17 and served in locations such as St. Louis, Michigan, California, Puerto Rico and the Hawaiian islands, retiring after 24 and a half years of service. Following his military service he was a truck driver and drove for Waller Trucking, TransAm Trucking and Northland Ready-Mix before finally retiring in 2005. He was preceded in death by his parents and 15 brothers and sisters. In addition to his wife, survivors include two children, Beverly Robison, Maysville, and Michael Cutting, Excelsior Springs; five grandchildren, Jacob Witt, James Raynor, Tonanda LaBar, Craig Cutting and Corin Cutting; and two great-grandchildren. A memorial visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 20, at Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs, with military honors at 8 p.m. Cremation.

“Irene” Dawson
Alma “Irene” (Snedden) Dawson, 92, Kansas City, Mo., died Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2010. Ms. Dawson was born Nov. 29, 1917, in Excelsior Springs, the daughter of John and Myrtle Snedden. She was preceded in death by her husband, John F. Dawson; twin brothers, Homer and Harold; sister, Dorothy; granddaughter, Samantha Speight; and great-granddaughter, Lillian Passler. Survivors include her children, Patricia Young, Independence, and John Dawson, North Kansas City; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren. Visitation was set for 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 10, at McGilley Midtown Chapel in Kansas City. A memorial service will follow at 1:30 p.m.

*Mattie Dempsay
12/18/1928-8/28/2010
Mattie M. Dempsay was born Dec. 18, 1928, in Clinton, Mo., to Frank and Gladis Harding into a family of three sisters and two brothers. Mattie is survived by two sisters, Dotie Kirby of Lexington and Sue Alivas; two sisters-in-law, Deloris Harding and Wilma Harding; two children, a son, Dennis Gwin and his wife, Candy, and a daughter, Shirly Cravens; her loving grandchildren, Baron Cravens, Melanie Smith, Matthew Gwin, Kimberly Cravens and Benjamin Gwin; one great-grandchild, Raliyah McAdams; and many nieces and nephews. Mattie was a member of the local congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses and enjoyed their warm friendship. The service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, New Garden Road and 10 Highway East. Friends may call from 2 to 3 p.m., prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are through Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs.

“Bud” Dorton
James Thomas “Bud” Dorton, 87, Orrick, Mo., died Friday, Aug. 20, 2010, at his home. Mr. Dorton was born July 6, 1923, in Oklahoma City, Okla., the son of James Thomas and Georgia Agnes (Farris) Dorton. He was married to Joy LaVerne Olson on May 18, 1946; she survives. He owned and operated Dorton Plumbing and Heating for 35 years before retiring in 1980. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, James Stanley Dorton, on July 1, 1994; two brothers, Ed Dorton and Bobby Dorton; and two sisters, Nancy Case and Martha Brown. In addition to his wife, survivors include two daughters, Phyllis Jeffries, Orrick, and Barbara Hutchings, Richmond; two sisters, Betty Polk, Santa Fe, Texas, and Sandra Kay McReynolds, Galveston, Texas; six grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. A graveside committal service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, August 26, at Southpoint Cemetery, Orrick. Cremation. There is no public visitation. Arrangements are through Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to Southpoint Cemetery.

Raymond Fisher Sr.
Raymond L. Fisher Sr., 77, Sebring, Fla. (formerly of Bunceton, Mo.) died Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2010, at his home. Mr. Fisher was born June 11, 1933, the son of Charles and Rosalie Fisher, who preceded him in death. He worked as an aircraft machinist for 18 years in the state of California. He worked in industrial maintenance and product engineering while also farming for 32 years in Bunceton. He and his wife, Carol, had managed Woody’s RV Resort in Sebring the last four years. He attended Grace Bible Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an older brother, Don. Survivors include his loving wife, Carol, of 59 years; two daughters, LeaAnn Rashkin, Boonville, Mo., and Cheri Fry, Bunceton; a son, Ray Fisher Jr., Columbia; a sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn and Steve Rice, Excelsior Springs; eight grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

*Cecil Fowler
Cecil Eric Fowler, 56 years old, of Liberty, Mo., passed away in North Kansas City Hospital on Aug. 10, 2010. Born June 11, 1954. Cecil was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother. He was a retiree of Ford Motor Company and a UAW Local 249 member. He was preceded in death by his parents, mother, Oreta Fowler, and stepfather, Robert Fowler. Cecil is survived by his wife, Rhonda P. Fowler; one daughter, Katrina Williams and husband, Dennis K. Williams; and his two sons, Jonathen M. Fowler and wife, Tanya Fowler, and Jacob P. Fowler. Cecil also had two adopted sons, John A. Upton and wife, Adrienne, and Bruce A. Cantwell Jr. Cecil is also survived by his six granddaughters, Amber, Ashly, Madison, Eva, Fifi and Laurencia; three grandsons, Tony, Thomas and Bruce A. Cantwell III; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by five brothers, James (wife Gail) Tustison, Daryl (wife Linda) Tustison, Mark (wife Samantha) Tustison, Mike Tustison and Robert (wife Carolyn) Tustison. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 14, at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs, with visitation starting at 1 p.m.

Robert Frazier
Robert E. "Bob" Frazier, formerly of Kearney, Mo., died Saturday, Aug. 21, 2010, at Shirkey Nursing Home in Richmond, Mo. Mr. Frazier was born Feb. 2, 1921, near Green City, the son of Alfred and Sarah (Baker) Frazier. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Lillias Frazier. Survivors include five children, 16 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 26, at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27, at Rock Falls Baptist Church, Orrick. Burial in Fairview Cemetery in Kearney.

Opal Gregory
Opal I. Gregory, Liberty, Mo., died Sunday, Aug. 1, 2010, at the home of her daughter, Betty Bain, in Kansas City, Kan. She was preceded in death by two children, Charles Gregory and Mary Minter. In addition to her daughter, Betty Bain, survivors include six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Services were held Tuesday, Aug. 3, at Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Kearney; burial was in New Hope Cemetery in Liberty. Donations may be made to the family.

David Hennessy
David Anthony Hennessy, 43, Lawson, Mo., died Sunday, Aug. 8, 2010, at his home. Mr. Hennessy was born Nov. 23, 1966, in Kansas City. He leaves behind his parents, Cheryl and Dan Simmons; one brother, Curtis Mead; two sisters, Shawnalee Arnold and Shelly Tucker; a brother-in-law, Roy Tucker Sr.; one niece, Trisity Tucker; a niece-in-law, SavAnna Simmons; five nephews, Zach Simmons, Benjamin Patrick, Hunter Arnold, Roy Tucker Jr. and Jacob Daniel Tucker; and a great-niece, Adrasteia Simmons. A memorial service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 19, at Community of Christ Church, Milwaukee Street and Plummer Road, Excelsior Springs. Donations may be made to the family.

*Faith Parker Higgins
Faith Parker Higgins, 99, of Excelsior Springs, Mo. (formerly of Leavenworth, Kan.), passed away Monday, Aug. 9, 2010, at the Excelsior Springs Hospital. Born April 22, 1911, in Elmira, Mo., she was the daughter of John and Lydia Jane (Cudsworth) Parker. On June 1, 1949, in Atchison, Kan., she married George V. Higgins, who preceded her in death, having celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Also preceding her in death were her parents; one daughter, Eva, in 1943; two brothers, John Parker Jr. and Elmo Parker; one sister, Lula Parker; one nephew, Jocko Parker; and a niece, Cindy Conner. Surviving are three nephews, John Parker and wife, Evelyn, and Jim Parker and wife, Rita, both of Lawson, Mo., and Dennis Parker and wife, Cindy, of Kansas City, Kan.; eight nieces, Arletta Teegarden of Windsor, Mo., Mollie Sims and husband, Bud, of Lincoln, Mo., Edith Vance and husband, Darrell, of Mt. Vernon, Mo., Tressie Elam and husband, Kenneth, of LaCygne, Kan., Pat Elam and husband, Fred, of Osawatomie, Kan., Sally Nance and husband, Bob, of Excelsior Springs, Mo., and Marilyn Brandon and husband, Les, and Carol Carder and husband, Terry, both of Cowgill, Mo. Mrs. Higgins received her education in Elmira public schools. She left Missouri in 1930, moving to Leavenworth, Kan., where she remained until moving to a care center in Excelsior Springs for a brief time. She started the first taxi cab service company in Leavenworth in the 1930s. Later she worked for various restaurants as a waitress in Leavenworth until retiring in 1967. Mrs. Higgins enjoyed traveling and had traveled to all 50 states and toured seven countries in Europe. She loved history and bluegrass festivals. She was very patriotic. She was a member of the Leavenworth Baptist Church.Funeral services were be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 13, at Polley Funeral Home in Lawson. Burial in the Lawson Cemetery. Visitation was one hour prior to the funeral services at the funeral home.

Donald Hollingsworth
Donald Eugene Hollingsworth, 46, Eloy, Ariz., died Monday, Aug. 9, 2010, at his home. Mr. Hollingsworth was born Feb. 2, 1964, in Kansas City, Mo. Survivors include his partner, Paul Davidson, of the home; his father, Rodney Hollingsworth, Kearney, Mo.; his mother, Karen (White) Shaw, Jacksonville, Fla.; two brothers; two sisters; his grandmother, Juanita Hollingsworth; and his grandfather, Francis “Pete” Shelton.

Loretta Holt
Loretta M. Holt, 83, Richmond, Mo. (formerly of Orrick, Mo., and Kansas City, Mo.), died Sunday, Aug. 1, 2010, at North Kansas City Hospital in North Kansas City, Mo. Ms. Holt was born Dec. 30, 1926, in Orrick, the daughter of Theodore and Gladys (Lee) Knutter. She was married to Raymond H. Holt on Oct. 15, 1949. She was a homemaker and a member of the Baptist faith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond H. Holt, in 1987; two sisters, Mary Hughes and Sally Knutter; and one brother, John Knutter. Survivors include one son, Ray Holt, Richmond; one sister, Dorothy Fern Knutter, Kansas City; and brothers, Amos Knutter, Orrick, David Knutter, St. Joseph, LeRoy Knutter, Warsaw, and Tom Knutter, Kansas City. The family will greet friends from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 5, at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick. Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at South Point Cemetery, Orrick, with the Rev. Mike Shane officiating.

Darlene Hughson
Darlene June (Gustafson) Hughson, 50, Lawson, Mo., died Tuesday, August 24, 2010, at the Golden Living Center in Independence, Mo., following a three-and-a-half-year battle with lung cancer. Mrs. Hughson was born Feb. 15, 1960, in Independence, the daughter of Carl L. and Sara D. (Barrington) Gustafson. She worked for Hallmark Greeting Cards in Liberty, where she met her husband of 29 years. Survivors include her husband, Johnny Hughson, of the home; one daughter, Tara Hughson, of the home; one son, Todd Hughson, of the home; her parents, Carl and Sara Gustafson, Independence; three brothers, David Gustafson, Independence, Carl W. Gustafson, Lee’s Summit, and Mark Gustafson, Blue Springs; one sister, Sharon Hostetler, Blue Springs; and other relatives and friends. Funeral services wil be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, at Polley Funeral Home in Lawson. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

*Frances Johnston
Frances Marie Johnston, 75, of Richmond, Mo., died at 6:55 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2010, at Liberty Hospital in Liberty, Mo. Frances was born on Aug. 29, 1934, in Lafayette County, Mo, to Clyde and Maxine (Myers) Bechtel. She married N. Glenn Johnston of Dockery, Mo., on Nov. 25, 1953. He preceded her in death on Dec. 15, 1997. Survivors include one son, Terry G. Johnston of Wood Heights, Mo.; one daughter, Vicky Allen of Riverside, Calif.; four grandchildren, Jessica Allen, Andrea Anderson and her husband, Chris, Teddy Johnston and Sara Johnston; and two great-grandchildren, Connal and Liberty Anderson. In addition to her husband and parents, Frances was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Kim Johnston. Frances had been the manager of the Casey’s Store in Excelsior Springs, Mo., for 15 years. She was a cashier at the Shell Gas and Convenience Store in Richmond the last 10 years. She was of the Christian faith. She had lived in Liberty and Excelsior Springs before moving to Richmond in 1984. Visitation will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, Mo. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, at Richmond Memory Gardens Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the a charity of the donor’s choice.

*Margaret Kalberloh
Margaret L. Kalberloh, 85, of Richmond, Mo., passed away Sunday, Aug. 15, 2010, at North Kansas City Hospital in North Kansas City, Mo. Born Aug. 11, 1925, in Lebanon, Ky., she was the daughter of Hubert Daniel and Dolly Lee (Atherton) Richmond. She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Hubert Richmond, William Richmond and John Richmond. Surviving are three children, Johnny Lewis Jr., of Jackson, Miss., Charlotte Stitt of Richmond, Mo., and Tommy Lewis of Kansas City, Mo.; one step-son, Donald Ray Rice of South Carolina; one sister, Josephine Alexander of Henrietta, Mo.; nine grandchildren, Philip Sadler, Tom Lewis, Sean Lewis, Cassie DeMint, Scott Stitt, Greg Stitt, Steven Stitt, Mike Rice and Michelle Rice; 24 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and a very special friend, Millard Yokum of Richmond, Mo. Margaret was reared in Lebanon, Ky., where she attended public schools, moving to Missouri in the 1940s. For several years she managed the Imperial Service Station in Excelsior Springs, Mo., before retiring. Margaret was a member of the Red Hat Society and VFW Women’s Auxiliary. She enjoyed card parties and playing bingo. She was also a member of the Christian Union Church in Richmond and a member of the God Squad. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 19, at the Richmond Christian Union Church. Cremation. Arrangements are through Polley Funeral Home in Richmond. In lieu of flowers the family recommends memorials to the Christian Union Church.

*Dorothy Kennell
Dorothy F. Kennell, 90, Excelsior Springs, Mo., passed away Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, at Liberty Hospital in Liberty, Mo. Dorothy was born on Nov. 30, 1919, in Excelsior Springs, Mo., the daughter of Joseph Lee and Mary Ellen Agnes (Blann) VanBebber. She attended Excelsior Springs Public Schools. On Oct. 21, 1938, she married Howard Kennell, who preceded her in death in 1999. She was a homemaker. She enjoyed dancing, music and playing bingo. She was a wonderful seamstress and had worked in a tailor shop while Howard was in the service. She was a member of the Siloam Spring Chapel in Excelsior Springs, Mo. Besides her parents and husband, Dorothy was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Betty Lou Kennell; one brother, William Wilbert VanBebber; and two sisters, Iva Lee VanBebber and Lida May Wennerstrom. Survivors include one daughter, Kim Hightower and her husband, Aaron, of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; one brother, Harold J. VanBebber and his wife, Neta, of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; one sister, Peggy Grace and her husband, Joe, of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; three grandchildren, Timothy Scott Hightower, Daron Ray Hightower and Sierra Lynn Hightower; and several nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 31, at Hillcrest Cemetery in Excelsior Springs, Mo., with Rev. Earl McElwee officiating. Arrangements are through Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs, Mo.

Loyd King
Loyd Evans King, 23, Kansas City, Mo., died Sunday, Aug. 22, 2010. Mr. King was born March 28, 1987. Survivors include his parents, Loyd and Rhonda (Blackburn) King; sister, Tiffany Ann and husband, B.J. Manar; two nephews, Ethan Jeremiah and Carter Alan; maternal grandparents, Carl and Norma Blackburn; and paternal grandmother, Susie King; as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 26, at Mount Moriah Funeral Home; a service followed at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family has started a trust fund for the new light of Loyd’s life, his nephew Carter.

“Bob” Letzig
Robert W. “Bob” Letzig, 88, Richmond, Mo., died Thursday, Aug. 19, 2010. Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 23, at the United Methodist Church in Richmond. Inurnment will take place at a later date. Arrangements are through Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond. Memorial contributions may be made to the church.

Lonnie Martin
Lonnie Lee Martin, 63, died Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2010. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 31, at Thurman Funeral Home; burial with military graveside services in Glenridge Cemetery, Liberty. Visitation is from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 30, at the funeral home.

Angie Moore
Angie Marie Moore, 38, Kearney, Mo., died Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2010, at her home after a long battle with cancer. Ms. Moore was born Aug. 7, 1971, in Kansas City, the daughter of Caroline Kay Moore, who preceded her in death Oct. 30, 2007. She attended public schools in Excelsior Springs and had been a homemaker most of her life. Survivors include her daughter, Sasha Smith, of the home; her fiancé, Johnny Mathes, of the home; two aunts, Wilma Moore and Nadine Brown, both of Excelsior Springs; one uncle, Denny Moore, Maryville, Tenn.; and numerous cousins. Private family services will be held at a later date. Cremation. Arrangements are through Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs.

Francis Niemeyer
Francis John Niemeyer, 83, Excelsior Springs, Mo., died Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2010, at Liberty Hospital in Liberty, Mo. Mr. Niemeyer was born May 11, 1927, in Denmark, Iowa, the son of William and Elizabeth (Menke) Niemeyer. He was married to Evelyn Esther Henry on Oct. 29, 1955; she preceded him in death on March 17, 1996. He had been employed as an inner city driver for many years, retiring in 1980 from Briggs Truck Line. He was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church. For nearly 15 years, he was a crossing guard for Excelsior Springs schools. In addition to his wife and his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Wilfred and Joseph Niemeyer; and a sister, Lucille Niemeyer. Survivors include four children, Mark Niemeyer, Lee’s Summit, Paul Niemeyer, Lawson, Philip Niemeyer, Excelsior Springs, and Karen Bruscato, Kansas City; one sister, Mary O’Brien, Independence; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, at St. Ann Catholic Church in Excelsior Springs. Burial with full military honors will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery. Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6, at Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs, with a Rosary service at 5 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Helen Peebles
Dorothy Helen Peebles, 82, Smithville, Mo. (formerly of Excelsior Springs, Mo.), died Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2010, at St. Luke’s Hospital North in Kansas City, Mo. Mrs. Peebles was born Jan. 2, 1928, in Rupert, Idaho, she was the daughter of Ernest N. and Emily Elmira (Manwill) Johnson. She was married to Dan Junior Peebles on Nov. 19, 1946; he preceded her in death Oct. 11, 2000. She was a homemaker and later was employed as a secretary in the superintendent’s office at Maysville, Mo., from 1964 to 1966 and then as a secretary for the school in Clinton, Mo., from 1966 until she retired in 1989. She was a member of the Excelsior Springs Baptist Church. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert Johnson and one in infancy. Survivors include two sons, Robert E. Peebles, Springdale, Ark., and Noland J. Peebles, Springfield, Ore.; a sister-in-law, Edna Troutman of Cameron, Mo.; seven grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Graveside services were scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 20, at Woodland Cemetery near Liberty, Mo. No public visitation is planned. Arrangements are through Polley Funeral Home of Excelsior Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to India Practical Missions, P.O. Box 691522, Tulsa, OK 74169.

Larence Pickering
Larence R. Pickering, 73, Cameron, Mo., died Monday, July 2, 2010, at the Cameron Regional Medical Center. Mr. Pickering was born Aug. 13, 1936, in Danville, Ill., the son of Larence and Elizabeth (Lake) Pickering. He worked in construction as a cement mason. He was a member of Crescent Lake Christian Center in Excelsior Springs. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Luwanna and Barbara; and two brothers, Zane and Roy. Survivors include two daughters, Claudette Smith and Anna Petrusich, both of Lawson; one brother, Perry; two sisters, Ruth and Myrtle; and three granddaughters. Graveside services were set for 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 6, at the Lawson Cemetery in Lawson. The family received friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 5, at Polley Funeral Home in Lawson. Memorial contributions may be made to the Larence Pickering Memorial Fund, in care of the funeral home.

Edward Pratt
Edward Lewis Pratt, 76, Kearney, Mo., died Sunday, Aug. 15, 2010, at Good Samaritan Hospital. Cremation. No services. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or Salvation Army.

Larry Proffitt
Larry Wayne Proffitt, 66, Richmond, Mo., died Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2010, at his home. Visitation was held Thursday, Aug. 5, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, where services were scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 6. Burial in the Missouri State Veterans Hospital in Higginsville.

Arthur Sell
Arthur Leon Sell, 75, died Friday, Aug. 6, 2010. Mr. Sell was born Sept. 2, 1934, in Morrisville, Mo., the son of Arthur G. and Verna C. Sell. He was married to Mary A. Zimmerman on June 3, 1961. He was a carpenter for 45 years, building houses, apartment buildings and churches, including the first two buildings of Blue Valley Baptist Church. After that, he was a housing inspector for 15 years. He was a member of Blue Valley Baptist Church for 32 years. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Esther Schulz. Survivors include his wife, Mary A. Sell; four children, Dennis Sell, Hartford, Kan., Cheryl Foltz, Parkville, Darrell Sell, Belton, and Daniel Sell, Plattsburg; siblings, Shirley Burgert, Kansas City, Evelyn O’Dell, Liberty, and Gilbert Sell, Aldrich; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Burial services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 12, at Slagle Cemetery near Bolivar. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 13, at Blue Valley Baptist Church in Overland Park, Kan. Memorial contributions may be made to Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care, 9221 Ward Pkwy., Suite 100, Kansas City, MO 64114, or to Blue Valley Baptist Church.

Douglas Seneker
Douglas Seneker, 75, died Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010. Mr. Seneker had been the Lawrence County (Mo.) Sheriff from 1996 to 2004. Survivors include his daughter, Lisa McElwee, Excelsior Springs; son, Mark Seneker; and other relatives. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 14, at First Presbyterian Church in Mt. Vernon, Mo. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 13, at Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon.

Loyd “Poodle” Shepard
Loyd Melvin “Poodle” Shepard, 85, Excelsior Springs, Mo., died unexpectedly on Friday, Aug. 13, 2010, while attending the 50th Annual Knoxville Nationals at Knoxville, Iowa. Mr. Shepard was born Jan. 7, 1925, in Gallatin, the son of Sebe Thomas and Lillian (Stock) Shepard. He was married to Viola Ann Piel on Jan. 27, 1954; she survives, of the home. He attended public schools in Excelsior Springs. He worked with his father in the plaster and lathe business and also in construction. He operated Shepard’s Waterproofing for several years before retiring. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Norman Shepard; and one sister in infancy. In addition to his wife, survivors include his son, Jim Shepard, Excelsior Springs; three brothers, Everette Shepard and Lyle Shepard, both of Excelsior Springs, and Edward Shepard, St. Joseph; and several nieces and nephews. A service will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 22, at the Eagles Aerie near Excelsior Springs. Cremation. Arrangements are through Polley Funeral Home of Excelsior Springs.

Robert Eugene Shumate
Robert E. Shumate, 76, Gower, Mo., died Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2010. Mr. Shumate was born May 8, 1934, in Ray County, Mo., the son of Robert Francis and Mary Louisa (Smith) Shumate. He attended school in Ray County and later attended Plattsburg High School. On June 8, 1952, he was united in marriage to Martha Jane Baker. After their marriage they lived in Kansas City, Stewartsville, and in 1972 they moved to Gower, where they made their home. He worked for General Motors and other auto dealerships. After his retirement he drove a school bus for Plattsburg and East Buchanan school districts. He was a member of the Church of God in St. Joseph. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Katherin States. Survivors include his wife, Martha, of the home; children, Marcia Manning and husband, Grover, Louisburg, Kan., Robert Shumate and wife, Marcia, Bull Shoals, Ark., Patricia Nelson and husband, Larry, Louisburg, Kan., Janet From and husband, Dennis, Moundsview, Minn ., Debra Ostrander and husband, Steve, Gower, Mo.; his brother, Earl Shumate and wife, Linda, Excelsior Springs, Mo.; sisters, Carroll Overfelt and husband, Tom, Independence, Mo., and Mary Ann Clark, Independence, Mo.; 17 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and other relatives. Visitation was held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 13, at Hixson-Klein Funeral Home in Gower. Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 14, at First Baptist Church of Gower. Graveside service was held at 4 p.m. Saturday at Cowgill Cemetery in Cowgill, Mo.

Clarence Simmons
Clarence Daniel Simmons, 63, died Monday, Aug. 9, 2010, at Liberty Hospital in Liberty, Mo. Mr. Simmons was born March 14, 1947, in Salina, Kan. He was preceded in death by his son, David Hennessy, on Aug. 8, 2010. He leaves behind his wife of 30 years, Cheryl Simmons; two sons, Curtis Mead and Danny Simmons; two daughters, Shawnalee Arnold and Shelly Tucker; a son-in-law, Roy Tucker Sr.; one granddaughter, Trisity Tucker; a granddaughter-in-law, SavAnna Simmons; five grandsons, Zach Simmons, Benjamin Patrick, Hunter Arnold, Roy Tucker Jr. and Jacob Daniel Tucker; and a great-granddaughter, Adrasteia Simmons. A memorial service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 19, at Community of Christ Church, Milwaukee Street and Plummer Road, Excelsior Springs. Donations may be made to the family.

Marguerite Smith
Marguerite M. Smith, 95, Lawson, Mo., died Thursday, Aug. 12, 2010, at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond, Mo. Ms. Smith was born Jan. 6, 1915, in Lawson, the daughter of James Parker and Amy (Conklin) Swope. She was married to Ernest Alfred Smith, who preceded her in death June 4, 1993. She retired from Rexall Plastics in 1977. She was of the Baptist faith. In addition to her husband and her parents, she was preceded in death by seven brothers and sisters. Survivors include two sons, Eddie Smith, Excelsior Springs, and Mike Smith, Vidor, Texas; three grandchildren; and two great-grandsons. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 14, at Polley Funeral Home in Lawson. Burial in Old Union Cemetery near Lawson. Visitation is one hour prior to the services on Saturday at the funeral home.

Lyle “Chip” Taylor
Lyle Carl “Chip” Taylor, 50, Norborne, Mo., died Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010, in Camden, Mo. Mr. Taylor was born Oct. 21, 1959, in Neosho, the son of Gerald Dean ad Wilma Lorene (Wills) Taylor. He had worked at various jobs including Banquet Foods in Carrollton and Rooney Trucking in Polo. He was preceded in death by his father on June 14, 1995; and two brothers, Donald Ward and Johnny Ward. Survivors include three children, Shannon Dillon and Donald Taylor, both of Carrolton, and Sherri Beaton, Kansas City, Kan.; his mother, Wilma Taylor, Rolla; three sisters, Sue Wise, Rolla, Darlene Miller, Lexington, and Jeanie Wise, Camden; and one brother, Jerry Taylor, Rayville. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 31, at Polley Funeral Home in Richmond. Burial in Southpoint Cemetery near Orrick. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 30, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Gladys Turner
Gladys Electa Turner, 86, Kansas City, Mo., died Saturday, Aug. 21, 2010. Mrs. Turner was born April 16, 1924, in Toledo, Mo., the daughter of John and Emily (Plumb) Wilkinson. She was married to Trellis Turner on Feb. 1, 1945. They settled in Kansas City in 1958. She was preceded in death by her brother, Elga Wilkinson; son, Brian K. Turner; and infant daughter, Sybil I. Turner. Survivors include her husband, Trellis T. Turner, of the home; sisters, Retha Trent, Squires, Mo. and Myrtle Hanoch, Midland, Mich.; son, Dencil Turner, Cleveland, Mo.; daughter, Sandra Terry, Kansas City; three grandchildren, including Angela Bedard, Excelsior Springs; and six great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. Wednesday at Mt. Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home in Kansas City, with funeral services at 3 p.m. Burial in Mt. Moriah Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 6800 W. 93rd St., Overland Park, KS 66212.

David Wall
David Allen Wall, 35, Excelsior Springs, Mo., died Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2010, at his home. Mr. Wall was born June 20, 1975, in Independence, the son of Roger Dale and Teresa Marie (Dobbins) Wall. He moved to Excelsior Springs with his family when he was nine months old. He was a 1994 graduate of Excelsior Springs High School. He had been employed by Price Chopper in Liberty and Excelsior Springs and Food Barn in Liberty, and he also airplanes at the downtown airport in Kansas City. He was a member of Woodland Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his grandparents and three uncles, Harold Wall, Russell Wall and Larry Dobbins. Survivors include his parents, Roger and Teresa Wall, of the home; two brothers, Randall Wall, Excelsior Springs, and Kevin Wall, Lawson; one niece, Miranda Wall; and two nephews, Allten Wall and Jesse Wall. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 14, at Woodland Baptist Church near Excelsior Springs. Burial in Hillcrest Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 13, at Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Excelsior Springs Hospice.

Juanita Wood
Juanita M. Wood, 88, died Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010. Ms. Wood was born Aug. 16, 1921. She received her master’s in education from UMKC and taught in the Independence school system, retiring in 1984. She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Ella Wood; and one brother, John A. Wood. Survivors include two sisters, Virginia Burns, Dunedin, Fla., and Vernice Bills, Excelsior Springs, Mo.; and several nieces and nephews. Arrangements are through Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs, Mo.

Beulah Wright
Beulah Luquette Wright, 91, died Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010. Ms. Wright was born Aug. 22, 1919, the daughter of Eraste and Dora Lacour Luquette. She was a licensed practical nurse in Excelsior Springs hospitals and clinics for more than 30 years. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Excelsior Springs. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Wright; two sisters; and one brother. Survivors include one son, William J. Wright, Rayville; a daughter, Katherine Martin, Adrian, Mo.; a brother, Irby Luquette, Bush, La.; four grandsons; and five great-grandsons. Visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 30, at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs, followed by services at 2 p.m. Burial in Hillcrest Cemetery in Excelsior Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to the Activity Fund at Excelsior Springs Nursing & Rehab, 1003 Meadowlark Lane, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024.

George Wright
George W. Wright, 82, Liberty, Mo., died Sunday, Aug. 22, 2010. Mr. Wright drove for KC Ready Mix and Stuart Sand Co. Survivors include his wife, Carolyn; children, Bonnie Green, Valie Hagmann and Richard Painter; brother, William Wright; sisters, Lucille Hunt, Mildred Kapelski, Shirley Hudnut and Lola Kirkpatrick; and two grandchildren. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 27, at Liberty United Methodist Church, where visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 26. Burial in Hillcrest Cemetery in Excelsior Springs. Arrangements are through Cullen Funeral Home in Raymore. Memorial contributions may be made to the Liberty United Methodist Church Building Fund.



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