James Adams
Sept. 23, 1973 – Aug. 4, 2020
Anthony James Adams, 46, Independence, formerly of Butler, died Aug. 4 at his home. He was born Sept. 23, 1973, to Jim and Karen Mathis Adams in Butler.
Anthony is survived by six daughters, Monica Adams, Osceola, Courtnie Adams, Warrensburg, Emily Adams and Rebecca Adams both of Osceola, and Jamie Adams and Lyssa Adams both of Warsaw; girlfriend, Melanie Morris, Independence; father, Jim Adams, Archie; and three brothers, Christopher Adams, Raytown, and Clayton Adams and Wayne Adams both of Archie.
He was preceded in death by his mother.
A card or phone call to the family would be appreciated and can be mailed to Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, 1301 N. Orange St., Butler, MO 64730 and they will be sent to the family.
Graveside services and military honors for Anthony James Adams of Independence were Aug. 13 at Oak Hill Cemetery, in Butler.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler.
Robin Bartholomew
Aug. 20, 1970 – Aug. 3, 2020
Robin Bartholomew, 49, Drexel, died Aug. 3 at Advent Health Shawnee Mission. Robin was born Aug. 20, 1970, in Harrisonville, the daughter of Earnest “Jim” and Sharon (Cox) Beckman.
She graduated from Drexel R-4 schools and went on to attend William Jewell College where she was active in volleyball and track and field. She married Darin Bartholomew May 16, 1993.
In Robin’s teenage years she worked as a waitress and cook at Granny’s Diner in Drexel. Following college, she worked for Burns and McDonald before becoming a homemaker and bookkeeper for the family business in Drexel. Robin was a loving, caring, selfless and dedicated wife, mother, daughter, aunt and grandma.
She was a member of the Drexel First Baptist Church. A strong and lifelong Christian, Robin knew the Lord and followed through in baptism to profess her faith. She was involved in her church as a dedicated Sunday school teacher.
Throughout her adult life, Robin served as a substitute teacher at Drexel, where many knew her as “Mrs. B.” She became the backbone of forming the agricultural department at Drexel, along with obtaining grants for the present-day agricultural building.
Numerous times she took students to FFA camp, even continuing long after her children, Luke and Jenna, were out of school. She loved spending time with family,
friends and her dogs.
One of her greatest pastimes was taking rides out to look at the family’s cow/calf operation. Many of the cattle were show heifers she hand selected. Robin had a great eye for the details.
Robin was preceded in death by her sisters, Linda and Carrie Beckman; grandparents, Woodrow and Mildred Cox and Seth and Opal Beckman.
She is survived by her husband, Darin Bartholomew; her father, Jim Beckman; mother, Sharon (Cox) Beckman; father and mother-in-law, Jack and Marilyn Bartholomew; son, Luke Bartholomew and fiancee Alyssa Chancellor; daughter, Jenna Soendker and husband William; granddaughter, Callie Soendker; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral services were Aug. 8 at Drexel First Baptist Church. Memorial contributions are suggested to Drexel First Baptist Church or Drexel FFA.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel.
Sherry J. Colin
Jan. 11, 1953 – July 31, 2020
Sherry Jane Colin, 67, Rich Hill, died July 31 at her home. She was born Jan. 11, 1953, the daughter of Erman Thomas and Wilma Lena Matney Ince in Seymour. She was one of 13 children of which there were three sets of twins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Randal, Larry and Ray Ince; three sisters, Emma Ince, Katherine Ince and Mary Carter; and her in-laws, Francis Lee and Virginia Ellen Colin.
Sherry Jane is survived by her husband, Richard Colin, Rich Hill; two sons, Joe Colin and wife, Patty, Nevada, and Travis Colin and wife, Melinda, Urbana; a daughter, Jessica Colin, Harrisonville; four brothers, Thomas Ince, Mountain Grove, Bill Ince and wife, Vicki, Rich Hill, David Ince, Seymour, and Gerald Ince and wife, Lisa, Cedargap; two sisters, Sue Russell and husband, Danny, and Lena Merritt and husband, Bobby, all of Seymour; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; 23 nephews and nieces; and many other family and friends.
Celebration of life services for Sherry Jane Colin were Aug. 5 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler.
Contributions are suggested to the Missouri Department of Conservation.
A card or phone call to the family would go a long way in remembering their loved one. If you don’t have family addresses, feel free to mail cards to the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, 1301 N. Orange St., Butler, MO 64730 and they will send them to the family.
Funeral Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Home, Butler.
Donna Gunnels
Jan. 9, 1948 – Aug. 2, 2020
Donna Gunnels, 72, Drexel, died Aug. 2 at Research Medical Center, Kansas City.
Donna Rae Gunnels was born Jan. 9, 1948, in Cass County the daughter of Rex and Ruth Majors Neal.
She worked for more than 30 years for physician medical groups with Research Medical Center. Her longest tenure was with KCIM followed by the Cardiology and Infectious Disease departments.
Prior to relocating to Kansas City, Donna could also be found serving the great customers at Granny’s Cafe. Donna will forever be remembered for her incredible
work ethic, love for her family and love of sports. She was a loyal Mizzou fan through the good and the bad.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Richard Neal.
She is survived by her children, Steve Gunnels, Kim Martin and Jay, Joe Gunnels and Crystal, Jill Collins and Scott and Jane Williams and Jack; 24 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, her brother, Ron Neal and Sharon; a sister Diana Mayfield and Terry.
She also leaves behind her bonus children, Roderick Harris, Brian Harris, Brandon Harris and Brandy Harris.
Cremation. A memorial service was Aug. 8 at the Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel. Inurnment followed in Sharon Cemetery, Drexel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Drexel Fire Department.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel.
Robert V. Johnson
March 26, 1935 – Aug. 2, 2020
Robert “Bob” Victor Johnson, Jr., 85, Butler, died Aug. 2 at Butler Center in Butler. He was born March 26, 1935, the son of Robert Victor, Sr., and Dorothy Horn Johnson in Kansas City.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Geraldine “Gerry” Johnson, in 2011.
Bob is survived by two sons, Robert “Bob” Johnson, III, Lee’s Summit, and Andrew Eric Johnson and wife, Wendy, Lone Jack; two daughters, Angela Schlotman, Butler, and Kristin Jones, Lee’s Summit; two sisters, Judy Rockwell and husband, Ed, Kingsville, and Karen Arbuckle and husband, Steve, Peculiar; eight grandchildren, Brooke, Rachel, Allie, Brad, Michael, Christian, Keeley and Kameron; and nine great-grandchildren, Ellianna, Maverick, Trey, Ashtyn, Averie, Teagan, Rylen, Hayden and Parker.
A celebration of life for Robert “Bob” Johnson was Aug. 12 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler. Burial was in Mt. Moriah Cemetery in Kansas City.
Contributions are suggested to Butler First Christian Church or BCMH Auxiliary Volunteers.
A card or phone call to the family would go a long way in remembering their loved one. If you don’t have family addresses, feel free to mail cards to Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler, MO 64730 and they will be sent to the family.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler.
Timothy R. Long
March 30, 1957 – July 27, 2020
Timothy Robert Long, 63, Harrisonville, died July 27 at his home. Tim was born on March 30, 1957, in Independence the son of William and Violet (Cothern) Long. He had three brothers and a sister.
After graduating from Harrisonville High School, Tim spent his career as a master welder. He enjoyed spending time at the lake, boating, camping and travel-ig to motorcycle events.
Tim was preceded in death by his father, mother, a brother and his wife, Debbie.
He is survived by daughter, Amber Cheyenne; bonus daughters, Leslie and Johnna; six grandchildren, Jay, Josh, Chelsey, Gaige, Shawn and Elexcia; two great-grandchildren; and sister, Sharon and Dean Walsh; brothers, Vern and Linda Long and Rick Long.
A memorial service was held Aug. 3 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville.
Sandra E. Orta
Dec. 15, 1944 – July 29, 2020
Sandra Elaine “Sandy” Orta, 75, Butler, was born Dec. 15, 1944, in New York City, the daughter of Edward G. and Ruth L. (Darden) Sharp.
She died July 29 at the Kansas University Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas.
On March 13, 1965, she married Arthur Charles Orta in Reno, Nevada. He preceded her in death Dec. 27, 2017.
Sandy was employed as a lead supervisor for NEC Electronics and Fairchild Electronics in Silicon Valley, Santa Clara, California.
She enjoyed going to the boats, playing bingo, painting, watching her favorite TV shows and talking with family and friends over the phone. She was especially fond
of her dog, Ladybug.
Besides her husband, Sandy was preceded in death by her father and two sisters.
She is survived by her mother, Ruth Sharp, Carson City, Nevada; three daughters, Sherrie J. and Jeff Close of Montrose, Lisa M. and Steve Keithley, Baldwin, Kansas, and Monica L. McKinney, Lawrence, Kansas; five grandchildren, Azlynn and Justin Stacy, Peculiar, James and Amanda Peterson, Brighton, Colorado, Alyssa and Michelle Scheu Roberts, Rushville, Chance McKinney and Jaycee McKinney, both of Lawrence; three great-grandchildren, Caden, Brecklynn and Rynlee; a brother, Glen Sharp of Spokane, Washington; other relatives and friends.
Per Sandy’s wishes cremation has been accorded. No services are scheduled.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Wayside Waifs and may be sent in care of the funeral home, Stanley-Dickey Funeral Home, 203 N. Armstrong St., Pleasant Hill, MO 64080.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.stanleydickeyfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Stanley-Dickey Funeral Home, Pleasant Hill.
Joseph L. Rodier
March 27, 1925 – Aug. 3, 2020
Joseph “Joe” Leon Rodier, Sr., 95, Freeman, died at his home Aug. 3 from pneumonia and respiratory complications.
Joseph was born March 27, 1925, the only son of Albert and Elizabeth Rodier of
Kansas City.
Joe attended school in Kansas City and was a graduate of North Kansas City High School where he worked and performed at the Rodier School of Music, playing bass fiddle in the jazz orchestra.
Joe was a lifelong fan of entertainment, jazz music and the arts. Joe loved getting dressed up with Dorothy, hand in hand heading out on the town.
There were many Kansas City nights that you could see Joe walk the walk and talk the talk, his beloved family always by his side.
Joseph ran a farm just outside of Freeman where he enjoyed helping youth in the community by jump starting their careers in the surrounding hay fields. One day while picking up a worker, he fell in love with a beautiful young lady named Dorothy May Lalicker.
The first day Joseph saw Dorothy outside hanging the family laundry. His eyes a glaze and his heart nearly out of his chest he said to himself, “I am going to marry that beautiful girl one day.”
Dorothy’s father, Guy, on the other hand tried to tell Joe that women were trouble and whiskey was cheaper, but Joseph had found his one true love and succeeded in marrying Dorothy Oct. 29, 1955.
From that day forward, they were together, raising a family, building their farm, side by side out in the country off Rodier Road.
Along with the farm, Joe worked at the GMC plant in Kansas City for 30 years and after retirement he joined the lineup of the Cass Midway School Bus Drivers. Joe loved to be youthful and joke around with the kids at school.
Joe would tell the story of one cold winter day when the boys in Freeman from his bus route ambushed him with a snowball fight of epic proportions while he plowed the snow from the streets he stopped to join in the fun. That was Joe, always up for a good clean laugh inviting others to laugh with him.
Joseph is survived by his children, Joseph Rodier, Jr., and wife, Joyce, Theresa Rodier, Angela Rodier and Jennifer Bartusek; three grandchildren, JT Rodier, Justin Rodier and Jaren Rodier; and a brother-in-law, Edward Lalicker, the worker who he had picked up when he spied the love of his life, Dorothy.
Joseph was one of a kind, a unique gem, a man in this world who never met a stranger who couldn’t soon become a friend.
Joe was a storyteller he could hold your attention with an epic tale filled with incredible characters, insightful messages and inevitably a happy ending. His family and friends will have fond memories of the story of Joseph Leon Rodier, Sr., to share and remember.
A graveside service was Aug. 8 at the Freeman Cemetery in Freeman.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Leroy D. Russell
March 21, 1937 – July 30, 2020
Leroy Dale Russell, Garden City, was born March 21, 1937, in Russellville, South Carolina, the son of Talmadge Tyler and Eliza Sarah (Metts) Russell, Sr.
He died July 30 at Research Medical Center, Kansas City, at the age of 83 years, 4 months and 9 days.
On June 26, 1959, Leroy married Shirley Francis Wade in Kansas City.
Leroy was employed as an assembler for General Motors — Leeds Plant in Kansas City until his retirement in 1990.
He was an Air Force veteran. Leroy was a member of the First Christian Church, Garden City, and UAW Local No. 93, Kansas City.
He enjoyed Labrador Retrievers, Chevrolets, watching football and baseball games, Clemson Tigers, Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, the outdoors, fishing, hunting, American history, going on road trips and growing flowers and vegetables in his garden.
Meals in Garden City. He lived in Independence, before moving to Garden City
in 1975.
Besides his parents, Leroy was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley, May 10, 2019; and his brother, Talmadge Russell, Jr.
He is survived by a son, Gary D. Russell and his companion, Allison, Garden City; a daughter, Lori L. Russell, Woodbridge, Virginia; two grandchildren, Sarah Thomas and Christopher Chiodo and wife, Megan; two great-grandchildren, Skylar and Brynlee; other relatives and a host of friends.
Cremation. A private graveside memorial service will be held at a later date under the care of Dickey Funeral Home, Garden City.
Patrick M. Trusler
Oct. 9, 1952 – July 30, 2020
Patrick M Trusler, 67, Peculiar, died July 30 surrounded by his loving family.
Patrick was born Oct. 9, 1952, in Kansas City the son of Phillip M. Trusler and Edith (McCullough) Trusler.
After graduating high school Patrick furthered his education and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Missouri. On Jan. 8, 1972, Patrick married Gloria Allen. Together they were blessed with three children, Jennifer, Colleen and Paul.
Patrick served as a police officer for 40 years before beginning his career with Homeland Security. He spent 10 years working for Homeland Security. Patrick loved to travel, take vacations, hunt and spend time woodworking.
Patrick was preceded in death by his parents, Phillip and Edith Trusler; and a brother, Phillip Trusler.
He is survived by his loving wife of more 48 years, Gloria Trusler; two daughters, Jennifer Moore and Stephen and Colleen Cochran and Kris; a son, Paul Trusler and Courtney; two brothers, Steve and Tim Trusler; 12 grandchildren, Josephine, Patricia, Kalvin, Delia, Autumn, Phillip, Lilly, Eli, William, Kathryn, Sarah and Roman; and one great-grandson, Kain.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at http://www.stjude.org or 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105-9959 or Surviving Spouse and Family Endowment for First Responders, Administer or Organization, Chief Jan Zimmerman 3100 Broadway Kansas City, MO 64111.
A visitation service was Aug. 5 at Cullen Funeral Home followed by a burial at Peculiar Cemetery in Peculiar.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore.
Beverly A. Cornelius
Nov. 13, 1935 – July 31, 2020
Beverly Ann Reed (Laughlin) Cornelius, 84, Butler, died July 31 at her home with her family by her side.
Beverly was born Nov. 13, 1935, in Kansas City, the daughter of James William and
Oma Berniece (Hurst) Reed.
Beverly graduated from Schell City High School in 1953. On Aug. 14, 1954, she married her high school sweetheart, Dennis LeeRoy Laughlin. They were blessed with three children, Drenda S., Dennis E. and Mitchell W.
Beverly was employed at Western Electric, Bass Buster Lures, AT&T and Creative Homes.
After being widowed, she married her second husband, Charles “Bud” Cornelius in 1982.
Beverly has always been dedicated to her family and friends and most recently enjoyed her visits with her great-grandchildren and great-great-grandson.
In her retirement, she enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s sporting events, watching LeBron James and other NBA basketball, spending time at the lake, camping and fishing on her pontoon boat and sitting outside watching squirrels and hummingbirds. In recent years, her joy was her miniature Yorkie lapdog, Rusty.
Beverly was preceded in death by her first husband, Dennis L. Laughlin; her second husband, Charles “Bud” Cornelius; twin infant grandsons, Joshua and Justin Laughlin; granddaughter, Mindy McDonnell; infant granddaughter, Amanda; stepson, Casey Cornelius; brother, Dean Reed; daughter-in-law, Robin Laughlin; sister-in-law, Cordy Reed; brother-in-law, Bruce Archer; son, Mitchell Laughlin; and daughter-in-law, Linda Laughlin.
She is survived by her children, Drenda Enos, Butler, and son, Dennis Laughlin, Deepwater; stepdaughter, Randy McDonnell and husband, Dean, Archie; stepdaughter-in-law, Elizabeth Cornelius, Springfield; stepson, Cary Cornelius and wife, Tammara, Archie; stepson, Kelly Cornelius and companion, Anne, Raymore; 19 grandchildren, Matt Enos and wife Rachel, Bret Enos and wife Cara, Devon Enos and wife Kim, Dara Saathoff and husband Kris, Clint Laughlin and wife Susan, Kendra McCullough, Sherry Laughlin, Ryan Plunkett, Jessie Laughlin, Jennifer McDonnell, Ross Cornelius, Erin Cornelius, Kelsey Walker and husband Jordan, Lindsey Bitner and husband Nate, and Kris Cornelius; 35 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson.
Graveside services were Aug. 5 at Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian. Memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice, Butler.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Adrian.
Peter S. Wessel
Oct. 16, 1957 – Aug. 4, 2020
Peter Stone Wessel, 62, Avon, North Carolina, died Aug. 4 at his home away from home on the Hunholz farm in Adrian.
Peter was born Oct. 16, 1957, in Harrisonburg, Virginia, to Harold and Suzanne Barrett Wessel.
Peter was a wonderful and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He very much enjoyed all of those roles, including his job. Part of his job involved helping people and he carried that into his personal life.
His hobbies included carpentry and woodworking and he’d always be there to help out with these skills. He was very good at sharing his experiences and wisdom with others and his energy could always light up the room.
Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and they will miss him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife, Cynthia Hunholz Wessel; daughter Melissa Wessel; son Michael Parr; daughter-in-law Mila Parr; and granddaughter, Amberly Parr; sister Terri Wessel; brother Chris Wessel; and numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Cremation, with services to be held at a later time.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler.
