Obituaries

Katharine A. Duffey
March 11, 1944 – Nov. 10, 2020

Katharine Ann “Kate” (Keyton) Duffey, was born March 11, 1944, in Kansas City and died Nov. 10, 2020, at St. Luke’s East Hospital, Lee’s Summit, at the age of 76 years, 7 months and 30 days. She was the daughter of Franklin P. and Hilda (Wahl) Keyton.

“Kathy” or “Kate,” started her family early, residing in East Lynne.

As her journey progressed, she also lived in Adrian, Joplin, Butler, Kansas City and finally in Pleasant Hill, all in Missouri.

Kathy was a woman of many talents; hosting parties, flower arranging and decorating for all occasions. Her infectious personality made collecting many friends along the way a simple task.

She was heavily involved in Rainbows, followed by Eastern Star where she held multiple stations throughout the years and most recently became a member of the Order of the Amaranth.

Kate was preceded in death by her parents, Franklin P. and Hilda Keyton; two brothers, Charles Franklin Keyton and Kelly Lloyd Keyton; and her two sons, Michael Franklin Duffey and Timothy Dee Duffey.

She is survived by her daughter, Meissa Jean Hooper, Butler; son, Mitchel Dean Duffey and wife, Tracy, Pleasant Hill; her grandchildren, Blain O’Neal McDermott and husband, Shane, Republic, James “Jimmy” Robert Duffey, Blue Springs, Samantha Ann Stahlman and husband, Ethan, Doolittle, and Dakota Lee Duffey, Blue Springs; two great-grandsons, Kyson Rhett and Daxton Jay; cousin, Tom Hunter and wife, Lynda; and, lastly, a host of friends that she loved as family.

Cremation has been accorded. Memorial services were May 1 at the Wallace Funeral Home, Pleasant Hill, with an Eastern Star Service conducted by Ivy Leaf Chapter No. 215 of Pleasant Hill, immediately followed by a celebration of life service with the Rev. Clifford Woolery officiating. Inurnment was private.

Memorial contributions in memory of Katharine Duffey would be appreciated and can be made to Ivy Leaf Chapter No. 215 of the Order of the Eastern Star and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Wallace Funeral Home, Pleasant Hill.

Mitchell S. Elders
July 4, 1994 – April 22, 2021

Mitchell Seth Elders, Denver, Colorado, was born July 4, 1994, in Amarillo, Texas, the son of Douglas Boyd Elders and Melissa Ann (Steward) Sessions. He died April 22 at Medical Center of Aurora, Colorado, at the age of 26 years, 9 months and 18 days.

Mitchell loved snowboarding, fishing, watching baseball and hockey. He was an adventurous traveler, never met a stranger and experienced a lot of life in his short time.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Clara Elders.

Mitchell is survived by his mother and step-father, Melissa and Ray Sessions, Harrisonville; his father, Doug Elders and a brother, Mason Elders and wife, Miranda, all of Bonne Terre; a sister, Morgan Elders and significant other, Ricky Jennings, Kansas City; a step-sister, Katie Evans, Leavenworth, Kansas; a nephew, Parker; two nieces, Aurorah and Ariel; his loving girlfriend, Kacey Cook, Denver; his maternal grandparents, Bob and Ann Steward, Canyon, Texas; his paternal grandfather, Ron Elders, Farmington; other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services were May 1 at the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, with cremation following the service.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.

Helen L. Feeback
Feb. 5, 1927 – April 22, 2021

Helen Louise “Lou” Feeback, 94, Latour, was born Feb. 5, 1927, in Belvenville, Wisconsin, the daughter of Henry and Jennie (DuCharme) Teubert. She died April 22 at Crown Care Center, Harrisonville.

Lou Feeback was an extraordinary nurse, mother and Christian. She loved her family, her God and her country in equal measure.

She left her native Wisconsin to serve her country in the United States Navy. She treasured her years as a Navy nurse and officer. In the Navy she met Don Feeback, a farm boy with a work ethic to match her own and a dream of getting somewhere.

After mustering out in south Texas, the young couple and their first son headed back to Missouri where Lou worked in the emergency room while Don finished college and then graduate school. Then off they went into the wilds of Oklahoma for his first posting as a hospital administrator. In Oklahoma City a second son was born.

Eventually, they made their way back to Don’s home territory in central Missouri and settled down to raise a family that soon included a third son. Lou taught good Navy order and discipline to her three boys. Get up, make your bed, get on with it, was her guiding principle and she passed it on.

With strength of will and determination she saw her boys baptized, made Eagle Scouts and college graduates. Her love was always evident, her powers of persuasion considerable, her devotion to her family unmatched.

Late in life she undertook chores, family gatherings and quilting with the same determination she displayed all her life.

When her beloved Don died she carried on. They had plotted a 15-acre lawn and planted 100 trees around their retirement
home in Latour.

For more than two decades she maintained the vast expanse of green, logging a million miles on a diesel John Deere garden tractor.

In her spare time, she cross-stitched and quilted heirlooms by the score. She was a dedicated member of the Rose Hill Baptist Church and especially loved sunrise Easter service followed by a dinner she had spent days preparing for her extended family.

Lou Feeback was a devout Christian, loving wife, mother and grandmother.

She is currently in heaven making sure things are getting done and beds are being made correctly.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, L. Don Feeback, Jan. 22, 1998; a son, Mathew Feeback, Aug. 3, 2019; a sister, Pricilla Scott; and a brother-in-law, Thomas Thebo.

Lou is survived by two sons, Michael D. Feeback and Deborah Bilinski, Lake Ozark, and family, Jeff and Lisa Belinski, Jamie and Leah Bilinski and granddaughter, Naomi; Mark Feeback and wife, Debbie, Sunrise Beach; a grandson, Tanner and wife, Dani; four step-grandchildren, Tim, Jake, Ryan and wife, Hannah and Kim; 10 step-great-grandchildren; a sister, Mary Thebo, Fruitland, Idaho; a daughter-in-law, Brooke (Nieder) Feeback, Lee’s Summit; a sister-in-law, Bonnie Hon, East Lynne; a brother-in-law, L.D. Feeback, Lincoln, Montana; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were April 27 at the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, with burial in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Latour.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.

Willard D. Hodges
Aug. 4, 1929 – April 24, 2021

Willard Dean Hodges, Garden City, was born Aug. 4, 1929, in Lake City, Arkansas, the son of H.C. and Julia (Bolding) Hodges. He died April 24 at Golden Years Care Services, Harrisonville, at the age of 91 years, 8 months and 20 days.

March 27, 1967, Willard married Elsie Lee Green in Sedalia.

Willard was employed as a carpenter and was a member of the Carpenters Union. He was a 2nd Class Gunners Mate serving on an Escort Ship in the United States Navy.

He loved to fish and enjoyed growing a vegetable garden.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Elsie Hodges, April 12, 2005; two daughters, Debbie Sulser and Lucille Williams; his siblings, .Lynnoyette, Melbourne, Laverne, Donald, Joseph David, Willard, Carolyn Sue and John.

He is survived by five grandchildren, Vanessa Dalton and husband, Jason, Urich, Josh Sulser, Independence, Matthew Sulser and wife, Elyse, Freeman, Gabe Sulser, Garden City, and Sand Garrison; four great-grandchildren, Brenton Woolery, Chloe Dalton, Avery Dalton and Nolan Sulser; a sister-in-law, Ernestine Hodges, Boaz, Alabama; many nieces and nephews who loved him; other relatives and friends.

Cremation. No service scheduled at this time.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.

Patricia Moore
May 17, 1941 – April 27, 2021

Patricia Browning Moore, 79, Independence, died April 27 at her home in Independence. Patricia was born May 17, 1941, in Hawthorn, California, the daughter of Earl and Velma Houx Browning.

She grew up in the Drexel area and graduated from Drexel High School in 1959.

For much of her life she worked for Plaza Weavers sewing, weaving and repairing damaged or torn clothing and even artifacts for the Nelson Art Gallery.

Patricia loved to travel and camp with the grandchildren. She enjoyed fishing, sewing and a good cup of coffee.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Dixie Bauer; and a brother, Chuck Browning.

She is survived by her sons, Randy Nelson, Roger Nelson and Rodney Nelson; a daughter Cheri Truelove; her grandchildren, Tracey Wilson, Lacrisha Nelson, Elizabeth Nelson, Emily Nelson, Ethan Nelson, Elsie Kate Nelson; and four great-grandchildren; a sister, Earlene Gardner; her cousin and caregiver, Eric Hood; and nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Funeral services were April 30 at the Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel.

Burial was 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.

Floyd L. Pugh, II
May 19, 1956 – April 24, 2021

Floyd Leonard Pugh, II, Holden, was born May 19, 1956, in San Diego, California, the son of Richard Norman and Lynne Terry (Jordan) Pugh. He died April 24 at his home at the age of 64 years, 11 months and 5 days.

Floyd was employed as a machinist. Later, he was employed at Dollar General and Casey’s in Garden City.

Floyd was a Navy veteran. He was the grand marshal of the Garden City Fall Festival Parade in 2017.

Floyd was a big animal lover and loved his dog, Daisy.

He was preceded in death by his father and a brother, Thomas Pugh, Sr.

Floyd is survived by his mother and step-father, Lynne and Jim Jacobs, Garden City; a brother, Gregg Pugh and wife, Cindy, Holden; a sister, Noma “Cricket” Bailey and husband, Steve, Lee’s Summit; close friends, Jana Kurzweil, Stan and Lisa Owens and Jimmy Newcomb; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Cremation. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.

Patrick L. Shaw
April 23, 1941 – April 26, 2021

Patrick Louis Shaw was born April 23, 1941, in Warrensburg, and died April 26 at his home in Butler surrounded by the love of his family, at the age of 80 years and 3 days. He was the son of Willis “Paul” and Lucille Nadine (Chipley) Shaw.

Patrick spent his younger years in Pleasant Hill, graduating from Pleasant Hill High School in 1960.

Oct. 22, 1958, he married Donna Lea Keithley in Pleasant Hill. After their marriage, Patrick and Donna lived in Pleasant Hill until June 1977 when they moved to Arizona to make their home.

Patrick and Donna lived in Arizona until November 2009 when they returned to Missouri and established their home in Butler.

Patrick was the founder, owner and operator of Desert Turbine, an aerospace repair company.

Patrick was a loving and devoted husand, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother who took great pride in his family and their accomplishments.

Patrick was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Lucille Shaw; and an infant daughter, Patricia Lea Shaw, in 1960.

He is survived by his wife, Donna Lea (Keithley) Shaw, of the home; three sons, Dwayne Shaw and wife Karen, Pleasant Hill, Ken Shaw and wife Pam, and Stan Shaw and wife Tammy, all of Phoenix, Arizona; a daughter, Wendy Gaio and husband J.J., Peoria, Arizona; a sister, Elaine Cotton and husband Ron, Cleveland; 12 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.

A private family service was held.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Wallace Funeral Home, Pleasant Hill.

Robert E. Disselhoff
Feb. 18, 1939 – April 26, 2021

Robert Edwin Disselhoff, 82, Adrian, died April 26 in Butler. Bob was born Feb. 18, 1939, the son of Arthur and Josie (Stach) Disselhoff in Kansas City. He was the baby of 10 children.

Throughout his life, Bob was known for his loving and lighthearted personality. Paired with his wit and unyielding sense of humor, Bob was adored by everyone he crossed paths with.

Bob married the love of his life, Don Neta Morrow, Jan. 20, 1962. During their 59 years of marriage, they were blessed with three children. They moved from Kansas City to her hometown of Adrian in 1970.

Bob played many roles throughout his life. Beyond being a treasured friend to many, he was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and an adored cousin and uncle to his extended family.

He was a proud Eagle Scout and spent his career of 20 years at General Motors Company in Kansas City. Bob was the iconic voice of the Blackhawks, announcing Adrian High School football games for 32 years, since 1981.

Many recall his seamless announcer voice which never showed bias for his team or grandsons, Tyler and Evan, although it was known and felt.

Bob accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior in 1973, the same year he became a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Adrian. From there, Bob displayed his love for God in everything he did and played an important role in his church family. Bob could talk to anyone with ease and found joy in sharing his inspiring testimony of faith with others around him.

Bob is remembered for his ability to find humor in any of life’s circumstances and the positive attitude he carried with him.

He was a man of many talents, fixing things assumed to be beyond repair in his workshop and incorporating beautiful illustrations whenever he had a pen in hand.

Bob always had a good joke at the right time and a countless number of them continue to live on and find their way into day-to-day life.

If you knew Bob, you loved him. He will be greatly missed. As he always said “If it don’t work out, we’ll always wish it had of.”

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Josie Disselhoff; two brothers; seven sisters; and an infant daughter, Robin.

He is survived by his wife, DonNeta, of the home; a son, Mark Disselhoff and wife, Shelli, Lafayette, Louisiana; a daughter, Kendra Tolle and husband, Gary, Adrian; three grandsons, Tyler Tolle and Trenton Tolle, Kansas City, and Evan Tolle, Adrian.

Funeral services were April 30 at Calvary Baptist Church, Adrian. Burial was in the Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian.

Memorial contributions may be made to Amazing Grace Baptist Camp.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Adrian.

Dennis L. Hurt
Dec. 3, 1945 – April 23, 2021

Dennis Lee Hurt, 75, formerly of Butler and Rich Hill, as well as Kansas City, Kansas, died April 23 at the Gregory Ridge Nursing Home, Kansas City. Dennis was born Dec. 3, 1945, in Butler, the son of Wilard Lee and Marjorie Fern (Silver) Hurt.

Denny served in the Boy Scouts and then went on to work in construction, operating heavy equipment, as well as being a repairman for the railroad.

He was an avid fan of the KC Royals and KC Chiefs. Growing plants, flowers and vegetables was his passion. His love of animals gave him such satisfaction.

Dennis never met a stranger, always giving a helping hand to any who needed it and spreading the love of God to all. He will be dearly missed.

He was preceded in death by his father, Wilard Hurt; mother, Marjorie Hurt; first wife, Laura; second wife, Karen; sister, Marcia Bishop; and brothers, Steve, Danny and Stan.

Dennis is survived by his aunt, Elveta Osborn; nieces, nephews and cousins.

A graveside memorial service was May 4 at the Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Adrian.

Roy D. Morris
May 18, 1940 – April 25, 2021

Roy Dale Morris, 80, Butler, died April 25 at his home in Butler. He was born May 18, 1940, the son of Virgil Thomas and Goldie Elizabeth Scott Morris in Butler.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Dennis Michael; and a brother, Virgil Wayne Morris.

Roy is survived by his wife, Edna Mae Morris, Butler; two sons, Rick Morris and wife Sonda, Butler and Jim Richard and wife Vicki, Blue Springs; six daughters, Debbie Colin and husband Dale, Adrian, Vicki Young and husband Mike, Harrisonville, Mindy Myers and husband Chipper, Belton, Sherry Wilson and husband Danny and Tina Alvarodo and husband Banito all of Butler, and Kimberly Swait and husband Kevin, Springfield; a sister-in-law, Phyllis Morris, Butler; 18 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren.

Roy’s wishes were to be cremated. There are no public services scheduled at this time. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler.

Earl E. Pierce
Feb. 27, 1944 – April 20, 2021

Earl Eugene Pierce, 77, Butler, died April 20 at his home after a courageous battle with AML. Earl was born Feb. 27, 1944, the son of Earl Dale Pierce and Blanche (Malden) Pierce at Clinton.

He attended Clinton and Montrose schools, graduating in the Montrose class of 1963. He worked various jobs around Montrose during his teen years. His favorite was working at a sawmill where he learned skills that later developed into a hobby.

Later in life, he enjoyed making bird houses which he gave to all his friends and family.

Earl was an avid weightlifter and attributed his success to his friend “Ski” whom he worked out with every week.

Earl always had a well-equipped workout room in his basement.

Earl enjoyed listening to classic rock music. ZZ Top was one of his favorites and attending a ZZ Top concert at Starlight Theater was a highlight of recent years.

Earl worked as a forklift operator at Golden Valley Cheese and Clearfield Cheese of Clinton, as well as Payless Cashways of Sedalia. After retirement, he worked at Bent Tree Harbor and Eichler Furniture of Warsaw.

In 1984, Earl met the love of his life, Judith Grimsley, and they were married June 1, 1985. Earl and Judy enjoyed traveling, taking vacations and exploring the countryside.

They worked together on bird houses, spent time rock hunting, going to garage sales and thoroughly enjoyed their time with friends and family, including their 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Earl and Judy shared a strong faith as members of the St. Matthew Lutheran Church of Butler. Earl lamented some day leaving his family behind, but rejoiced in the knowledge of being reunited with his loved ones some day.

Earl had a unique sense of humor and endeared himself to everyone. Friends and acquaintances alike agreed Earl was a great guy. He worked hard and was always willing to lend a hand. He rarely complained despite the numerous health challenges he faced. Although a man of few words, he spoke from his heart with honesty and wisdom.

Earl loved deeply and was adored by his family. He will be missed forever and will remain in our hearts.

Along with his parents, Earl was preceded in death by his two sisters and two brothers.

Earl is survived by his wife, Judith, Butler; sons: Wayne Pierce, Clinton, and William “Bill” Pierce and Trish, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; stepchildren, Perry Ewbank, Butler, Tracy Ewbank and wife, Angela, Amsterdam, and Jennifer Doring and husband PJ, Mission; sisters-in-law Francie Roberts, Topeka and Martha Grimsley, Adrian; 14 grandchildren, Nathanial Pierce; Natashia Metz and Bryan, Cincinnati, Ohio; E.J. Pierce and Amanda of Odessa; Lindsey Nicholson and Daniel, Olathe, Kansas; Ryan Weinerth, North Kansas City; Celia Tatro and Matt Keyser, Martinez, Georgia; Anthony Ewbank, Peculiar; Zachary Ewbank and Timber, Claremore, Oklahoma; Dr. Jordyn and Dr. Andrew Roberts, Corpus Christi, Texas; Trevor Ewbank, Butler; Kaylee Ewbank, Springfield; Elayna Harvey, Overland Park, Kansas; Alexander and Elizabeth Doring, Mission; great-grandchildren, Zain and Nolan Tatro, Trent and James Ewbank, Briley Ewbank, Lucy Metz, Easton and Kason Pierce, Zane and Riley Nicholson; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service will be at 2 p.m. May 15 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler. A visitation will follow at 2:30 p.m., also at the funeral home. Friends are welcome to attend, masks are encouraged and social distancing should be observed.

Memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler.

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