Mary E. Bradley
Aug. 8, 1938 – Dec. 25, 2020
Mary Ellen Bradley, 82, Cleveland, died Dec. 25 at Overland Park Regional Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas. Mary Ellen was born Aug. 8, 1938, in Argonia, Kansas, the daughter of Lester and Fanny (Marsh) Wimp.
She grew up in the Marlborough area of Kansas City and was a graduate of Center High School.
Mary Ellen was married to David Bradley July 11, 1981. She had lived in Raytown and Kansas City before moving to Cleveland 26 years ago. Mary Ellen was a payroll manager and had worked for various car dealers in the Kansas City area before retiring from Sunflower Dodge in 2006.
She was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Harrisonville.
Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Lester Wimp and Joe Wimp.
She is survived by her husband, David Bradley, Cleveland; two sons: Robert and Marlene Phillips, Peculiar, and Ryan and Giselle Phillips, Smithfield, Virginia; three sisters, Mabel and Bill Taylor, Harrisonville, Alice O’Bleness, Stanley, Kansas, and Carol and Bob Kennard, Florence, Arizona; and six grandchildren.
Funeral services were Dec. 30 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, with burial in the Freeman Cemetery, Freeman. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Baptist Church, Harrisonville.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Juanice A. Burton
Nov. 9, 1940 – Dec. 27, 2020
Juanice Abbigail Burton, Harrisonville, was born Nov. 9, 1940, in Kansas City, Kansas, the daughter of Leonard O. and Mary Madeliene (Moor) Penny. She died Dec. 27 at her home surrounded by love and family at the age of 80 years, 1 month and 18 days.
Juanice was employed as a food director for Menorah Medical Center, Overland Park, Kansas, until her retirement in 2005. Earlier, she was employed by the Archie School District as a bus driver.
The loves of her life were her children and grandchildren and anything to do with family. She enjoyed reading, drawing, cooking, watching mystery and true crime shows and was known far and wide for her pie baking.
For the last few years, Sundays were highlighted by joining immediate and extended family for breakfast. Juanice had lived in Archie before moving to Harrisonville.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Seth Aaron Burton; and two brothers, Howard and Don Penny.
Juanice is survived by her children, Daniel H. Burton, McGregor, Iowa, David V. Helverson, Independence, Mary R. Helverson Young, Harrisonville, Allen N. Helverson, Archie, and Lyle D. Burton and Tricia, Adrian; 16 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Ron Penny, Columbia; a sister, Ladene Swatsworth, Lincoln, Nebraska; other relatives and a host of friends.
Funeral services were, Jan. 2 at the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Burial was in the Dayton Cemetery, Garden City.
The family suggests in lieu of flowers memorial contributions to the Children’s Mercy Hospital.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Eular H. Cary
June 8, 1925 – Dec. 25, 2020
Eular Harwood “Brick” Cary was born June 8, 1925. He lived in Garden City with his parents William Steele Cary, Sr., and Venita Esma Wheeler Cary. He was the middle child of three, his older brother, William Steele Cary, Jr.; and younger sister, Betty Lu (Hinton) Cary.
In 1943, Brick enlisted in the Navy, where he served on the aircraft carrier Savo Island as an electrician’s mate in the South Pacific until 1946, when his tour and World War II ended.
He worked in Texas transporting heavy equipment for highway building. When he returned to Garden City, he worked for Roy L. “Pete” Shifflett.
In 1951, he was introduced to his future wife, Mary Louise Covell, by a mutual friend, Doneta “Donnie” Gatz, from Garden City, while Mary and Donnie were roommates at Central Missouri State Teachers College, Warrensburg.
Brick and Mary were married in Garden City April 22, 1952. Shortly thereafter, Brick worked at Westinghouse as a machinist apprentice. During the next several years, Brick finished his apprenticeship and started working at Western Electric, a subsidiary of Bell Telephone, in Lee’s Summit.
The family, which now included Denise Reneé, born 1954 and Bud and Cary Harwood, born 1958, moved to Grandview in 1958. Brian Steele was born in 1961.
Brick was a member of St. Matthews United Presbyterian Church, serving in the capacity of elder for a period of time, but was more often seen on his riding lawn tractor, mowing the seven-acre tract of land St. Matthew’s called home.
He was a Third Degree Blue Lodge Mason for more than 50 years at the Index Lodge, Garden City.
Brick enjoyed collecting scale-model cars, owning very nice leather shoes and visiting with people.
It can be safely stated that Brick never met a stranger and he made many friends with his outgoing and friendly manner. He had a love for life as contagious as his grin.
He was devoted to bluegrass and country music and passionate about history.
Summer vacations with children always included stops at museums, battleships or points of interest. Brick loved his cars and trucks. His knowledge of makes and models was nearly encyclopedic.
For everyday fun, he and Mary embarked on country drives. They were a close-knit and loving couple who did everything together.
Shortly after Brick retired from Western Electric in 1987, the couple traveled without children for the first time in their married life, visiting Mexico City, Canada and the western United States.
Then they became snowbirds and joined other retired couples in the Rio Grande Valley. They settled in a retirement village in Mission, Texas, and spent 24 seasons, for six months or more each winter, escaping the cold and embracing a new community of friends.
They returned to their home in Grandview when the drive became too much for them, and continued their service to St. Matthew’s church, enjoying being closer to children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, doting on the babies as often as possible.
Brick was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; his parents; his brother; his sister and her husband Tom Hinton; and a granddaughter, Ashley Brooke Cary.
He is survived by all three of his children, Denise and Ronn Phillips, Bud and Elaine Cary, and Brian; grandchildren, Kendal Durham, Alyson and Nate Thompson, Natalie and Frank Vayo, Elizabeth and Walt Craft, and Ciera Cary; great-grandchildren, Luke, James and Eliza Jane Craft; and many treasured nieces and nephews on both the Cary and Covell sides of the family.
A private family graveside service will be held at the City Cemetery, Higginsville.
Due to COVID, a celebration of life service will be held at a later date.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Kathleen S. Edmundson
Nov. 17, 1954 – Dec. 27, 2020
Kathleen Sue Edmundson, a mother and long-time resident of Cleveland, died after battling cancer Dec. 27 at the age of Services are pending at this time and will be announced by the Mullinax Funeral Home and Drexel Chapel, as soon as the information becomes available.
Kathy was born in Kansas City Nov. 17, 1954, the daughter of Louis and Donnie June Stoeckle.
She was a graduate of Notre Dame De Sion High School and attended Avila University, pursuing a degree in teaching.
June 19, 1982, she married Steven C. Edmundson, her friend of many years. She welcomed Steven’s sons, Eric and Shea, as her own and Jan. 10, 1983, and Feb. 16, 1986, they joyfully welcomed a daughter, Stephanie, and son, Steven Lucas.
Kathleen was a devoted wife, mother and Nonnie. She enjoyed reading and had a true hippie heart. Only family came through her door, never a stranger. She gave her love unconditionally. Kathy will be dearly missed by her abundant family.
Kathy was preceded in death by her parents; father and mother-in-law; James and Marguerette; granddaughter, Melanie; and by niece, Emma.
She is survived by her husband Steven Edmundson; her children, Eric, Shea, Stephanie and Luke; grandchildren, Dustin, Codie, Joey, Creighton, Bodhi, and Levigh; brothers, Jim and wife, Sherry, and Larry; her many nieces and nephews; and her aunt Agnes.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler.
Calvin D. Evans
May 25, 1937 – Dec. 28, 2020
Calvin David “Cal” Evans, 83, Kansas City, formerly of Harrisonville, died of pneumonia due to Covid-19 Dec. 28 at the VA Medical Center in Kansas City. Cremation with services at a later date.
Cal was born May 25, 1937, in Kansas City, the son of Robert A. and Dorothy (Harry) Evans. He grew up in both West Plains and Kansas City.
The family lived in Harrisonville a number of years before he moved back to Kansas City. Cal worked in home construction and owned Blue Ribbon Remodeling Co. He was active and worked for his son, Cass’s construction company up until his death. He was a United States Army veteran.
Cal was loved by his family and friends and will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his daughter, Tami and Rich Hearst, Edmond, Oklahoma; three sons, Robert and Shari Evans, Kansas City, Calvin David Evans, II, Harrisonville, and Cass Evans, Raymore; three sisters, Peggy Poe, Raymore, Priscilla and Don Schiller, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and Elizabeth Evans, Kansas City, and nine grandchildren, Jackson Hearst, Carter Hearst, Mark Evans, Alex Evans, Drew Evans, Ally Evans, Mason Evans, Morgan Evans and Quin Evans.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Jack E. Ewing
Jan. 22, 1954 – Dec. 22, 2020
Jack E. Ewing was born Jan. 22, 1954, in Alma, Michigan, and died surrounded by the love of his family Dec. 22 at his home in Strasburg. He was the son of Jack E and Barbara Jean (Stone) Ewing.
Jack spent his younger years in Florida. As a young man, Jack went to work as a lineman for a company building the cable television network throughout the United States. He traveled extensively with this job, including to New York where he helped install the entire cable television network for Long Island. Jack eventually worked his way up to field supervisor with this company.
In 2000, Jack took a position with PAR Electric as safety coordinator where he worked until 2008. After Jack left Parr Electric, he went to work for an asphalt company for a time, then took a job with Flick Seed in Kingsville. He retired in 2019.
Oct. 22, 1994, Jack married Lois Ann Krois in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. After their marriage, they made their home in Strasburg.
Jack served as councilman for the city of Strasburg from 2010 until 2017. In 2017, he became the mayor of Strasburg, serving in that capacity until 2020.
When Jack’s boys were young, he and his boys raised fighting chickens. Jack loved hunting and fishing. He took great pride in teaching his boys and later, the grandchildren how to hunt and fish.
He also enjoyed watching the Kansas City Royals and the Kansas City Chiefs and instituted the dollar betting system with his family.
Jack was an avid pool player and one of the founders and a charter member of the Outlaw Pool League.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Jack E and Barbara Jean (Stone) Ewing.
He is survived by his wife, Lois Ann Ewing, of the home; three sons, Jack Nicholas Ewing and wife Nada, Kingsville, Joshua Ewing and Jacob Ewing both of Strasburg; two sisters, Lori Jean Ewing, Michigan and Billiejo (Ewing) Fogelsonger, Florida; a nephew, Micheal McNew and wife Mariah, Archie; a niece, Angela Klein, Pleasant Hill; three grandchildren, Jack Nathan Ewing, Jada Rose Ewing and Riley Nicole Ewing; many nieces and nephews in Michigan, other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services were Dec. 31 at the Wallace Funeral Home, Pleasant Hill, with Jack’s nephew, Micheal McNew, officiating. Casket Bearers were Jack Ewing, Joshua Ewing, Jacob Ewing, Travis Hymer, John Billington and John Cantrell. Honorary casket bearers were Donnie Alley, Perry Alley and Steve “Cab” Lane. Interment was in the Strasburg Cemetery, Strasburg.
Contributions may be made to Lois Ewing and left at the funeral home.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Wallace Funeral Home, Pleasant Hill.
Karen A. Frost
Nov. 6, 1963 – Dec. 22, 2020
Karen A. Frost, 57, Harrisonville, died Dec. 22 at Research Medical Center in Kansas City.
She was born Nov. 6, 1963, in Cleveland, Ohio, the daughter of Philip and Pat (Doyle) Severson.
She was a United States Army Veteran and received her nursing training while in the military. After her discharge, she worked in various doctors’ offices in the area. She loved helping people and loved all animals, especially her cats.
She married to Donald R. Frost, Feb. 12, 1995, and had lived in Harrisonville since 2000. She was a member of the Cornerstone Community Church in Harrisonville.
She is survived by her husband, Donny Frost, Harrisonville; her parents, Philip and Pat Severson, Parkville; two sisters, Kristen and Mike Hanson, Odessa, and Kim and Mark Melancon, Chicago, Illinois; two nephews; six nieces; and other relatives and friends.
Services will be held at a later date. Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home Harrisonville.
Julia P. Grissom
Feb. 12, 1957 – Dec. 28, 2020
Julia Pauline “Jewels” Grissom was born Feb. 12, 1957, in Harrisonville, the daughter of Harry Richard and Grace Evelyn (Gibb) Matter. She died Dec. 28 at her home surrounded by love and family at the age of 63 years, 10 months and 16 days.
Julia was a lifelong area resident. Jewels made an impact on any and every person she made contact with throughout her life. She is so loved and will be missed by many.
She was preceded in death by her father, Richard; her significant other, Roger Linthicum, the love of her life.
Jewels is survived by a son, Robert Paul Grissom, her daughter, Carrie Linthicum Roberts and Danny Roberts, Jr., all of Harrisonville; five grandchildren, Tyler Wiecken and Hannah Canaday, Tori Wiecken and Joe Snooks, and Kylan Brown, all of Harrisonville, and Jamison and Grace Grissom, Grandview; four step -grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; her mother, Evelyn Gibb Matter, Cleveland; her brother, Rick Matter and Carman, Archie; her sister, Lorraine Lackey and David, Osceola; other relatives and a host of friends.
A celebration of life visitation was Jan. 2 at the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Donna S. Mathes
May 2, 1942 – Dec. 30, 2020
Donna Sue Mathes, 78, Harrisonville, died Dec. 30 at Cass Regional Medical Center in Harrisonville. Donna was born May 2, 1942 in Butler, a daughter of Arnold “Red” and Goldie Lucile (Day) Cunningham.
She had lived in Archie before moving to Harrisonville. She was a 1960 graduate of Harrisonville High School.
Donna married Melvin Mathes in 1960 at the First Baptist Church in Harrisonville, with the Rev. Byron Bush officiating.
She had worked for 29 years as a secretary at the Harrisonville Elementary School (HES) until retiring during the 2002-2003 school year. Donna was a lifelong Harrisonville resident. She attended Eagle Creek Church in Harrisonville.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents; and a son, Shane Mathes.
She is survived by her husband, Mel, of the home; two sons, Scott Mathes and Carla and Kevin Mathes and J’Anna, all of Harrisonville; a brother, Wes Cunningham and Lois, Hot Springs, Arkansas; a sister, Sharon Davis and Bill, Harrisonville; four grandchildren, Sarah, Brandy Kaleb and Jessica; and four great-grandchildren, Payton, Elijah, Kooper and Maddox.
Funeral services were Jan. 4 at the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville. Burial was in Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville.
Memorial contributions may be made to Visiting Nurse Association, 2009 Plaza Dr., Harrisonville, MO 64701.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Larry J. Noland
Oct. 23, 1952 – Dec. 27, 2020
Larry Jon Noland, 68, Holden, formerly of Warrensburg, died Dec. 27 at Pleasant Hill Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
Larry was born Oct. 23, 1952, in Independence, the son of John and Lela (Martin) Noland. He was raised in Blue Springs.
He married Judy Ann Birdsong March 26, 1971, in Blue Springs. Larry was a heavy equipment operator by trade. He was a member of Local No. 101 Heavy Equipment Operators.
The couple lived in Blue Springs, Lake of the Ozarks and later in Warrensburg for more than 20 years. They had resided in Holden since spring of this year. Larry enjoyed deer hunting, fishing and camping.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Barry and Scott.
Survivors include his wife, Judy; daughter, Candy Rogers and Johnathan, Kingsville; two sons, Billy Noland, Lee’s Summit, and David Noland and fiancee Brittany Brown, Garden City; sister: Hollee Noland, Lee’s Summit; and two grandchildren, Riley and Emberly.
Funeral services were Dec. 31 at the Williams Funeral Chapel in Holden, with Pastor Mike Wakeman officiating. Interment was in the Holden Cemetery.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Larry Noland Memorial Fund in care of the funeral home.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Williams Funeral Chapel, Holden.
Miriam E Burhart
Dec. 21, 1933 – Dec. 30, 2020
Miriam Elizabeth (Fuller) Burhart, 87, Adrian, died Dec. 30 at Foxwood Springs in Raymore. Miriam was born Dec. 21, 1933, the daughter of Oliver Thomas Fuller, Sr., and Mary Eva Fuller.
She accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior as a young teen and was baptized in Mill Creek.
She graduated from Roxboro High School in Roxboro, North Carolina, in 1952 and worked taking tickets at the Kirby Theater.
Sept. 18, 1953, Miriam married Richard “Dick” Burhart. They celebrated for 66 years until he died in 2019.
As a faithful follower of Jesus, Miriam introduced each of her children to Him. Gifted in serving, she fed and served them and their family members each time they visited, announced or not. She was an unflappable host and felt honored to have guests. She hosted her friends in a similar manner.
Miriam enjoyed teaming up with Dick and others in a bowling league at Nichols Lanes. She fit perfectly into country living on the farm with its animals and flowers, hollyhocks and irises, cats and dogs, cattle, chickens, geese, horses and pigs, coyotes, deer, turkey, and wild birds are memorable parts of the Burhart farm history.
Miriam retired from Bass buster Lures after 20 years of employment. Miriam enjoyed trying unique recipes, as well as preparing favorites as southern fried chicken.
Vacationing at a North Carolina beach with family after a rejuvenating visit with her siblings, gathering perfect sea shells, shopping thrift stores, proudly attending her children’s and grandchildren’s school and summer events, watching wild birds feed and attending to and walking with the dogs were her favorite pastimes.
Miriam was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers; a sister; and her husband.
Survivors include her son, Paul Burhart and Dawn; her daughters, Carol Goodrum and Jim, Karen Moore and Drew, and Diana Adell and Mark; 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Coy Oakley; a sister, Ann Moore; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Graveside services were Jan. 5 in Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian. The family requests any contributions in honor of Miriam’s life, be designated to the American Red Cross or the National Kidney Foundation.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Adrian.
Lisa Ann Dwyer
Dec. 15, 1969 – Dec. 11, 2020
Lisa Ann Dwyer, loving wife and mother of four daughters, died Dec. 11 in her sleep at the age of 50 at her home in Warsaw.
Lisa was born Dec. 15, 1969, in Belton to Joyce and Terry Bailey. She earned her LPN and was a nurse for nearly 30 years. On Feb. 8th, 2002, she married Steven Donald Dwyer, Jr.
They raised four daughters, Andrea, Clara, Jessica and Haley in Adrian, before moving to Warsaw in 2014.
Lisa enjoyed showing rodeo horses at the American Royal, reading, playing, with her dogs and above all else, spending time with her kids and grandchildren. She was known for her huge heart and giving all her love to those she cared about. She was the first to give praise and encouragement and wore her heart on her sleeve. Lisa loved to laugh and show her pride in her kids. It brought her great joy to show everyone pictures of her daughters and grandchildren.
Lisa was preceded in death by her father, Terry Bailey; and her sister, Cindy Bailey.
She will be lovingly remembered by her husband Steve; four daughters Andrea (Jordan) Deal, Clara Dwyer, Jessica Dwyer and Haley Dwyer; mother, Joyce Bailey; grandchildren Tyson and Lilah; sister, Sheri (Curtis) Robey; niece, Amanda Robey; nephew, Jacob McGinnis; in-laws, Steven and Flo Dwyer, brother-in-law Tom (Amy) Dwyer, and nephew David Dwyer.
Memorial services have not yet been scheduled and will be announced at a later time.
Rick G. Fleischer
Oct. 16, 1958 – Dec. 28, 2020
Rick Fleischer, 62, Butler, died Dec. 28. Rick Gene Fleischer was born Oct. 16, 1958, in Kansas City, the son of Roy and Wanda Kline Fleischer.
Rick was married to his wife, Robin, June 19, 1982. He became her best friend and the best part of her. Rick was a great son, brother, husband, father, grandpa and friend.
He was blessed with two boys, Josh and Keith. Rick farmed with his dad and boys. He raised cattle, hogs and put up with Robin’s horses and chickens. He was always a hunter, coon hunting with his dad and grandpa Kline from a very young age. He learned from the best.
He worked hard and also had fun. Many hours were spent in the woods hunting deer, turkey, coon and when younger, bird hunting bobwhite quail.
Rick would always help anyone who needed it. He was a member of FFA, 4-H and a leader for many 4-H projects.
He has been a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Prairie City since his baptism as an infant. He has served as an usher, Sunday school superintendent and Sunday school teacher for the high school class for 14 years. He enjoyed seeing the kids every week and loved them all.
Rick’s love of the outdoors did not surpass his love of family and friends, family dinners, bonfires, float trips, fishing “those dumb trout,” camping and walking the pastures checking on cows with his sons.
He worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 40 years and had just retired. Rick worked with many people that are now some of his best friends. Many miles were put on a number of cars and pickups in those 40 years as he made deliveries. He never cared if his truck was dirty though, often saying, “it would be dirty the next day too, haha.” He was always a trusted and loyal employee that took pride in all he did and it showed.
His talents were many, like farming cattle and electrical work, he was a handyman all-around.
Rick loved his grandchildren with his whole heart. There was always enough love to ho around, although the love of his life was Robin. They worked side by side. The fun times will never be matched and are too many to count. His las words were “I love you.”
He always said he was “never going to get everything done,” and his list was never all marked off. Robin told him, “the only time all our work is done, is when we die.”
“So Babe, now you rest, XO”
Rick was preceded in death by his grandson Eli; father, Roy Fleischer; and grandparents, Merle and Lorene Steuck Kline and Lillie Fleischer.
He is survived by his wife, Robin Fleischer; sons, Joshua Fleischer and significant other Elizabeth Kilburn and Thomas Keith Fleischer and wife Amanda; five grandchildren, Presley Fleischer, Riley and Sawyer Fleischer, Beaux and Alex Kilburn; his mother; Wanda Kline Fleischer; sisters, Kelly Hunt and husband Fred and Traci Tippie and husband Roger; sisters-in-law, Ronda Stout and husband Dick and Shari Withers and husband Mark; mother-in-law Beulah Conner; along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Funeral services were Jan. 3 at Zion Lutheran church in Prairie City. Burial was in Zion Lutheran Cemetery. Contributions are suggested to Lutherans for Life or the Zion Lutheran Church.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Mullinax funeral Home, Butler.
Leland B. Hursh
Nov. 26, 1924 – Dec. 26, 2020
Leland Burton Hursh, 96, Butler, died Dec. 26 at his home in Butler. He was born Nov. 26, 1924, the son of Clark Lee and Jennie Ward Hursh in New Lexington, Ohio.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, David; his wife, Vinita (Swarens) Hursh; second wife, Orvene (Tillery) Hursh; a sister-in-law, Ouida Hursh; and two stepsons, Jerry Sivils and Darrel Moore.
Leland is survived by his wife, Helen Hursh, Butler; a daughter, Patricia Fletcher, Kansas City; three brothers, Floyd Hursh and wife Verlyn, Warrensburg, Tommy Hursh, Lenora, Texas, and Jim Hursh and wife Sandra, Cropwell, Alabama; a stepdaughter, Merril Dutton and husband John, Media, Pennsylvania; and nine step-grandchildren.
Funeral services for Leland Hursh were Dec. 30 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler. Burial was in Greenlawn Cemetery,
Rich Hill. Contributions in lieu of flowers are suggested to the Community of Christ (Butler Congregation), 409 W. Dakota, Butler, MO 64730 or BCMH Auxiliary, 615 W. Nursery, Butler, MO 64730.
Arrangements were under the direction of Schowengerdt Funeral Home, Bulter.
Lloyd A. Lawrence
Dec. 21, 1941 – Dec. 27, 2020
Lloyd Alfred Lawrence, Sr., 79, Adrian, died Dec. 27 at Adrian Manor in Adrian.
Family services will be held at a later date in Bevier.
Lloyd was born Dec. 21, 1941, in Bevier the son of John and Elsie Mildred (Riley) Lawrence.
Arrangements were under direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Adrian.
Harold E. Lesmeister
May 8, 1946 – Dec. 27, 2020
Harold Edward Lesmeister, 74, Butler, died Dec. 27 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City. He was born May 8, 1946, the son of Clem Edward and Teresa Rotert Lesmeister in Clinton.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Scot Lesmeister in 2017; and a brother, Donald Lesmeister.
Harold is survived by his wife, Karen Lesmeister, Butler; two sons, Keith Lesmeister and wife Esther, Nebraska City, Nebraska, and Devyn Loveland, butler; two daughters, Casey Lesmeister, Leavenworth, Kansas, and Lindsey Lesmeister and wife Katherine Botha, Elko, Nevada; a stepson, Jason Greer and significant other Stephanie Bartimus, Butler; a stepdaughter, Amy Burnett and husband Jeff, Adrian; four brothers, Joe Lesmeister, Arlington, Washington, Johnny Lesmeister and wife Karen, Bolivar, Ralph Lesmeister and wife Kathy, San Antonio, Texas, and Francis Lesmeister and wife Robin, Butler; three sisters, Sharon Miller and husband Ken, Nixa, Evelyn Ceebe and husband Robert, Montrose, and Bernice Pennington, Kinston, North Carolina; 14 grandchildren; and a great-grandson.
Funeral Services and military honors for Harold E. Lesmeister were Jan. 2 at the Schowengerdt Chapel.
Cremation followed services with a private family inurnment at Oak Hill Cemetery at a later date. Contributions are suggested to DaVita Dialysis in Harrisonville.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler.
Kevin L. Muiller
Jan. 5, 1962 – Dec. 20, 2020
Kevin Lee Muiller, 58, Adrian died Dec. 20 at Bates County Memorial Hospital, Butler. He was born Jan. 5, 1962, and adopted by Lois and Earl Muiller 15 days later on Feb. 15, 1962.
Never losing zest for life, his body had grown frail after miraculously surviving a serious car accident several years ago. Now following a brief illness, he died Dec. 20.
After attending school at Adrian R-3, Kevin served his country as a member of the United States Navy. He had the opportunity to travel the world and loved every minute. During his service, he was a diesel mechanic on the USS Mullenix.
He was later assigned to a special boats unit, piloting a Sea Fox, which dropped off and picked up Navy Seals. Kevin loved the speed and stealth of the Sea Fox units. He was excellent in his maneuvers, often being called on to help others with navigation and piloting. He believed in excellence and a job well done. This led to becoming a trainer in the Navy and civilian management positions to follow.
Kevin loved adventure. He lived life to the fullest, feeling the most alive when closes tot eh edge. One of his most fond adventures was owning The Absolute, an antique wooden 36-foot cruiser that he loved taking people out into the ocean on.
He was a voracious reader, even penning a couple novels of his own. Kevin never stopped learning. He had a brilliant mind that captured and stored files upon files of information. One of his greatest enjoyments was listening to classic rock and roll music. He knew every song and every detail about it. His Labor Day tradition included listening to the Top 500 Countdown. He would name every song and composer with other notable details.
Kevin had a deep love for family and even though adopted, studied family history and genealogy. He loved his little black dog and faithful companion, Olive Oil. He was proud to display his anchor tattoos saying, “I yam what I yam and that’s all I yam” in a perfect Popeye the sailor man fashion.
But his greatest pride and joy of life was his daughter, Alayna, whom he cherished and loved with his heart and soul.
Kevin’s loyal friendship, quick wit, wealth of information and unending stories of life will be greatly missed by all.
A funeral service was Dec. 29 at the Adrian United Methodist Church in Adrian. Interment followed by Crescent Hill Cemetery.
“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Adrian.
