Shannon J. Underwood
Oct. 30, 1967 – July 15, 2020
Shannon James Underwood, 52, Liberty, died July 15 in a motorcycle accident in Liberty.
Shannon was born Oct. 30, 1967, in Butler the son of Steven and Sandra (Wainscott) Underwood. Shannon and his former wife, Amy (Michaels) Underwood, had four children, Andrew, Savannah, Steven and Sarah. Shannon was a loving father, brother, son, friend and coach.
Shannon held a competitive spirit that will live on through all his children. Whether he was coaching baseball, playing board games, or riding motorcycles, Shannon was there to play hard and win.
On the outside Shannon was loud, loving and witty, always there to share a laugh, sometimes at your expense, but always in good nature.
When Shannon was not working, he enjoyed watching and listening to Kansas City sports, spending time with his family and riding his motorcycles with his friends and fiancée Amy Higgins.
When Shannon’s day slowed down to normal speeds you could always count on him for a good conversation, grilled meat and a Boulevard beer.
Shannon was a tough man and a leader in all aspects of his life. When his children were young, he took the lead to build a new baseball field in Ballard and coached many teams throughout the years.
Within his motorcycle riding circle “the crew” he was nominated the road captain and leader for the group on all of their rides across the country, from Sturgis, South Dakota, to the Tail of the Dragon in North Carolina; many trusted Shannon to lead the way.
During his construction career, he worked his way up in the construction industry from a general laborer to the general construction lead project manager with American Legacy Construction.
Shannon is survived by his grandmother, Dixie Underwood, Butler; parents, Steve and Sandra Underwood, Butler; children, Andrew Underwood and Emily, Kansas City, Steven Underwood and Sarah, Rich Hill, Savannah Wilson and Alix, Butler, and Sarah Underwood, Archie; a sister, Stacy Sanders and Tom, Rantoul, Kansas, fiancée, Amy Higgins, Liberty; five grandchildren; other family and friends.
Graveside services were July 23 at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Ballard. In lieu of flowers, please send all donations to Great Plains Victory Riders.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home in Adrian.
Elsie F. Zimmerman
July 10, 1931 – July 19, 2020
Elsie Faye Zimmerman, 89, Adrian, died July 19. Memorial services to be held at a later date. Contributions may be made to the Archie United Methodist Church, Archie.
Faye was born June 10, 1931, in Garden City, the daughter of Roy and Dora (Westendorff) King. She married Robert Leo Zimmerman Oct. 14, 1950, in Garden City.
Faye had lived in Garden City for 25 years, and in Archie for 22 years before moving to Adrian in 1987.
Faye was a member of the Archie United Methodist Church and the Western Antique Tractor Ladies Auxiliary.
Faye was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Juanita Kerr; five brothers, Edgar, Robert, Clyde, Guy and Frank King; and her husband, Robert, Oct. 23, 2015.
She is survived by two daughters, Linda Wallace and Bill, Branson, and Donna Bailey and Scott, Jefferson City; a brother, Glenn King and Karen, Adrian; two grandsons, Brett McCoy and Elizabeth, Kansas City, Kansas, and Scott McCoy and Amy, San Antonio, Texas; and two great-granddaughters, Adrienne McCoy and Natalie McCoy, Kansas City, Kansas.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Adrian.
Richard E. Arnold
Nov. 15, 1937 – July 20, 2020
Richard E. Arnold, 82, Harrisonville, died July 20 at his home. Richard was born Nov. 15, 1937, in Bartonville, Illinois, the son of William H. and Irene (McRoy) Arnold.
He married Joan Jones on July 16, 1985, in Las Vegas, Nevada. They made their home in Harrisonville and Richard helped raise Joan’s son, Jim DeVore, from the time he was 13 and on, due to the death of Joan’s first husband.
Richard started his own business, Arnold’s Foundation and Excavation, in his 30s and continued until his retirement in 2012. He was contracted to dig and build the Faith Baptist Church basement during his career. He joined Faith Baptist Church and was a faithful member until his illness no longer allowed him to attend.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents; his 6-month-old baby, Ricky; his son, Gary; his sister, Caroline; and his brother, Bill.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Joan; his son, Jim DeVore and BeLinda, Lee’s Summit; his daughter, Debbie Parker, Belton; his son, Mike DeVore, Harrisonville; two grandsons, Tanner DeVore, Lee’s Summit, and Brad Parker, Belton; and a great-granddaughter.
Funeral services were July 24 at the Faith Baptist Church, Harrisonville. Burial was in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Pleasant Hill.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Rita Ann Bridgforth
April 26, 1942 – July 24, 2020
Rita Ann Bridgforth, 78, died July 24 after her fight with cancer at her home in Harrisonville, surrounded by family. A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. today, July 30, followed by a small memorial service at 4 p.m. at the Atkinson Funeral Home, 600 W. Wall St., Harrisonville. Flowers and condolences may be sent to Atkinson Funeral Home and/or monetary memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Memphis TN.
Rita was born April 26, 1942, to Melvin and Louise (Newberry) Hines in Erie, Kansas. Rita attended Erie schools and graduated in 1959. After school, she moved to Topeka, Kansas, to attend college. It was at this time she met Dean Bridgforth and they married July 4, 1960.
Rita and Dean spent 33 years together and had three children. They spent most of their time together at their home in Belton. Rita became a bus driver in August 1969 for the Belton School District.
This school year marks the first time in 52 years that Rita will not be driving on the first day of school. She will be missed by the school district and DS Bus lines Kincaid Group.
She was active in her church and loved the Lord. Rita loved being with friends and family. She was witty, had a sense of humor, was outgoing, spunky, sassy at times and always had an opinion. She enjoyed entertaining and cooking for friends and family and she could come up with the cleverest skits and party games.
She loved being outside, gardening, shopping, camping, vacationing and putting her toes in the ocean. Her house was always decorated with the current holiday. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Louise Hines; husband, Dean Bridgforth; her younger sister, Melva Littlejohn; and former husband, Carl Spence.
She is survived by her three children: Mike Bridgforth and wife, Donna, Belton; Lyn Bridgforth and wife, Patsy, Belton; and DeAnn Phenix, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; six grandchildren, Kelsey Young, Christopher Bridgforth, Joshua Bridgforth, MaKayla Scheib, Cameron Phenix and Hannah Phenix; her brother, Leon Hines and wife, Sylvia, Girard, Kansas; her sister, Twyla Roberts and husband, Larry, El Dorado; former sister-in-law, Mary Smith; and daughter-in-law, Carlene Rudroff and husband, Rick; and numerous nieces and nephews and cousins, along with great grandchildren.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Dalton L. Gilbert
June 8, 1993 – July 12, 2020
Dalton Lee Gilbert, 27, Harrisonville, died July 12. A memorial gathering was July 22 at the Harrisonville City Park with a brief memorial. Inurnment will be held at a later date in Florida.
Dalton was born June 8, 1993, and was raised in Jacksonville, Florida. He graduated from Orange Park High School, attended college at the University of North Florida.
He worked as a lifeguard and store manager prior to moving to Harrisonville in May 2018 where he worked at the Walmart Distribution Center.
Dalton was an intelligent, very kind-hearted person, who cared deeply for others. He found pleasure in the simple things; playing video games, being with friends, discussing history and spending time with his dog, Romeo.
Dalton’s quick wit and sense of humor made so many of us smile.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Wayne Beaver; and his great-grandmother, Burma Knowles.
He is survived by his mother, Jessica Cooksey and Craig; father, Gabriel Gilbert; brother, Koby Gilbert; sisters, Jadyn and Brina Gilbert; grandparents, Teresa Beaver and Marsha and Larry Gilbert; uncles Kris, Travis and Bill Gilbert and Greg Morin; and many cousins, whom all loved him very deeply. Dalton had an amazing soul and will be missed greatly.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Dennis J. Hogue
March 4, 1953 – May 20, 2020
Dennis J. Hogue, 67, was born March 4 1953, in Independence. He died May 20 at Research Hospital in Kansas City.
Dennis was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic church, where he was honored to be an alter boy. He attended St. Ann’s Grade School. Dennis graduated from St. Mary’s High School with the class of 1972.
In his younger years, he could be found running up and down the lake pulling skiers, zip sled and inner tube riders. He and his friends were gone from sunup to sometimes past sundown.
His favorite place was Lake of the Ozarks, Ivy Bend, which was always on his mind. When the time was right, he would have returned there, where he and his wife, Patti, could again enjoy lake life.
On May 4, 1974, Dennis married Patricia “Patti” Searcy at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Independence. They celebrated their 46th anniversary in 2020.
After their marriage, Dennis and Patti lived in Independence, later moving to Calhoun and eventually settling in Creighton.
Dennis had a very strong work ethic. He never met a stranger. He was also the guy you called when you needed help with anything. He was always willing to lend a hand to help friends and family. Unfortunately, as time went by, his mind was always willing, but his body would say “no I don’t think so.”
He started working at Armco Steel in the early ‘70s and remained there until the plant shut down. From there he opened his own business in fabrication “DENCO.” Later he worked for Meyer Metal in Windsor and then at Champion Brand/Lowe Oil Co., Clinton, from which he took disability.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and “Jerrie” Alma Geraldine (Barker) Hogue.
He leaves behind his wife, Patricia (Searcy) Hogue of the home; two sons, Dennis Hogue, Jr., Harrisonville, and Christopher Joseph Hogue of the home; a grandson, Thomas Alexander; two brothers, Patrick Hogue and wife, Joyce, and Michael Hogue and wife, Kathy, all of Garden City; a sister, Rhonda Lugenbeel and husband, Dean, Pleasant Hill; an aunt, Joe Helen (Barker) Barnett, 97 years, California; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many, many friends.
Cremation has been accorded. Rosary recitation will be Aug. 1 at 12:30 p.m. with celebration of life prayer service immediately following at 1 p.m. at the Wallace Funeral Home in Pleasant Hill.
Father Mike Clary of Holy Spirit Catholic Church will officiate.
In Memory of Dennis Joseph Hogue, the family suggests contributions to DAV Chapter 2 (Disabled American Veterans), 14605 E. 40 Highway, Kansas City, MO 64136.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Wallace Funeral Home, Pleasant Hill.
Roy L. Waters
July 6, 1950 – July 20, 2020
Roy Lee Waters, Belton, was born July 6, 1950, in Kansas City the son of Wavil C. and Leona K. (Weidinger) Waters. He died July 20 at Research Medical Center, Kansas City, at the age of 70 years and 14 days.
Roy was a much-loved, hard-working and enjoyable individual, who loved all his friends and coworkers at the Casco Area Workshop, as well as his family, with whom he stayed in regular contact.
Roy worked in the recycling program, as well as almost every other job during his steady career at the Casco Area Workshop from 2006 to 2019. Roy had a ready laugh and an easy, laid-back manner, making him very lovable and a pleasure to be around.
Roy loved taking care of his home, mowing the lawn, as well as general yard work and gardening. He also kept his room very neat. He loved Elvis, Harley Davidson motorcycles and the Dukes of Hazard.
Roy also went on every date possible and talked almost daily with his long term girlfriend, Jennifer Burton, whom he loved. They shared many things together during the past 10 years.
We will all miss Roy, as well as his easy manner and great personality. We are thankful that he is now in heaven with Jesus.
Funeral services were July 28 at the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, with burial in the Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Mary Francis Waters (infant) and Janet Ann (Waters) Followell and her husband, Sherrill Followell.
Roy Lee is survived by his brother, Lawrence “Larry” Waters, Peculiar, two nieces, Cheryl (Followell) Mellot, Blue Springs, and Laura (Waters) Garber, Heston, Kansas; and a nephew, Lawrence Joseph Waters, Harrisonville.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Edith M. Weidner
Jan. 26, 1941 – July 21, 2020
Edith Marie Weidner, 79, Harrisonville, died July 16 at St. Luke’s Hospice House in Kansas City. Edith was born Jan. 26,1941, in Archie, the daughter of Howard Francis and Audrey Hazel (Vansandt) Atkinson.
She attended Everett Rural School No. 79 and was a 1959 graduate of Archie High School. Edith was a lifelong Cass County resident.
Edith had worked for Peterson Manufacturing Company in Grandview as a supervisor in quality control for 25 years before retiring in 1997.
She enjoyed crocheting and had made hundreds of afghans throughout the years. Edith liked scrapbooking, leaving precious memories to be cherished by her family.
Most of all she loved the Lord, spending time in His word and praying for her family.
Edith was preceded in death by her parents and her sister.
She is survived by two daughters, Donna K. Sallee and husband, Steve, Archie, and Pam Harrington and husband, Jamie, Raytown; two brothers, Leo Atkinson and wife, Wilma, Archie, and Marvin Atkinson, Archie; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and one on the way; nieces; nephews; and many other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were July 21 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville with burial in Orient Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Association.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.