Curtis D. Dempsey
April 25, 1939 – Aug. 22, 2021
Curtis Dewain Dempsey, 82, Kingsville, died Aug. 22 surrounded by family at his bedside. Curtis was born April 25, 1939, in Osceola, the son of Ferrell Russell Dempsey and Rose Irene (Keltner) Dempsey.
He attended school in Warrensburg and graduated from Warrensburg High School with the class of 1958.
He married his wife Judith “Judi” (White) Dempsey Jan. 12,1971, in Independence. They moved from Lone Jack making Kingsville their home since 1984.
Curtis worked as a construction foreman. He was employed with Don Kirn Construction in Lee’s Summit for more than 30 years.
He was of the Baptist faith and was a member of the Forward Community Church in Holden.
Curtis was preceded in death by his parents, Ferrell and Rose Dempsey; three brothers, Harvey Dempsey, Dennis Dempsey and Claud Dempsey.
He is survived by his wife, Judi Dempsey, Kingsville; five sons, Daniel Dempsey, Kingsville, Todd Dempsey, Warrensburg, Troy Dempsey and wife, Patty, Windsor, Carl Wayne Cleveland, of Tracey, Jim Cleveland and wife, Stacy, Holden; two daughters, Vicki Coen and husband, Scott, Holden, Darlene Cox and husband, Ronald, Harrisonville; two brothers, Doug Dempsey, Pleasant Hill, and Lynn Dempsey, Centerview; three sisters, Carol Homfeld, Concordia, Dorothy Street and husband, Rodney, Centerview, and Judy Kay Stephens, Warrensburg; 15 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were Aug. 26 at the Forward Community Church in Holden with Pastor Dexter Snyder officiating.
Pallbearers were Jonathan Dempsey, Anthony Dempsey, Tyler Ellis, Chad Lee, Ronnie Cox and Calvin Taber. Honorary pallbearers were Carl Dean Cleveland, Jeremiah Neal and Jayden Hetrick.
Interment was in Centerview Cemetery, Centerview.
Donations are suggested to Good Shepherd Hospice of Missouri.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Campbell-Cast Funeral Home, Holden.
Brandy R. Farr
July 10, 1970 – Aug. 21, 2021
Brandy Reneé Farr, 51, Harrisonville, died Aug. 21 at the Kansas City Hospice House, Kansas City. Brandy was born July 10, 1970, in Kansas City and was a lifelong Harrisonville resident.
She was a 1988 graduate of Harrisonville High School and received her business degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
While in high school, Brandy loved working at the Dinner Bell that her parents owned. Brandy had also worked at Commerce Bank in Harrisonville and was a project manager for Sprint for 21 years before her retirement.
She was married to Trent Farr April 17, 2005.
Brandy was preceded in death by her parents, Betty Sue (Moore) Spangler and Earl Spangler; a brother, Bobby; and a sister, Julie.
She is survived by her husband, Trent Farr, Harrisonville; sons: Michael and Kristi Adair, Harrisonville; and Brandon Farr, Raytown; a sister, Deborah Anderson, Lee’s Summit; her niece, Ariel Thomas, and her nephew, Robby Thomas, both of Belton; and three grandchildren, Kage, Owen and Halle.
A memorial visitation was Aug. 30 at the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville. A celebration will be held at a later date.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Doyle A. Finehart
June 24, 1954 – Aug. 23, 2021
Doyle Andrew Finehart, Urich, was born June 24, 1954, in Kansas City, the son of Richard Frank and Mary Jane (Mackey) Finehart. He died Aug. 23 at his home surrounded by love and family at the age of 67 years, 1 month and 30 days.
On May 12, 1984, Doyle married Janey Noreen Chaney in Raymore.
Doyle was a self-employed painter. He loved to hunt, fish and his family, especially his grandchildren.
He enjoyed gardening, canning and was an all around handyman and often joked that he was a stay-at-home husband.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Kathy Rose; and his mother-in-law, Marjorie Chaney.
Doyle is survived by his wife, Janey Finehart, of the home; a son, Kile Chaney and wife, Erica, Harrisonville; a daughter, Regina Severance and husband, Drew, Branford, Florida; seven grandchildren, Candace, Mikala, Tawney, Haley, Mason, Adelyn and Wyatt; three sisters, Jo Brookshire and husband, Rex, Edinburg, Texas, Diane Reeves and husband, Eddie, Dallas, Texas, and Debi Jones and husband, Fred, Allen, Texas; other relatives and many friends.
Cremation. A celebration of life service will be scheduled at a later date at the Eagle Creek Church, Harrisonville.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Society.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Evelyn R. Lancaster
Feb. 21, 1922 – Aug. 20, 2021
Evelyn Ruth Lancaster, 99, died Aug. 20 peacefully in her sleep at her home in Peculiar. Evelyn was born in Maysville, the eldest daughter of John Leroy Scott and Ruth (Brown) Scott.
She graduated from Clarksdale High School and received her Bachelor of Education Degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She also received a Master of Arts in Teaching Degree at Webster University, Webster Groves.
During World War II, Evelyn worked as an artist at Curtis-Wright (McDonell-Douglas). She drew intricate 360-degree views of airplane parts. She then taught a year at Ritenour High School in the St. Louis area and afterward taught art for 28 years at Lindbergh High School in St. Louis County.
Despite being an introvert, Evelyn found the courage to teach high school art for a total of 29 years.
After retirement, Evelyn moved to Peculiar and joined the Peculiar United Methodist Church. She was active in the church, including leading tour groups that would visit various Kansas City area attractions each month.
She loved to travel. Her favorite trip was along Route 66 with her husband and children. She also took a memorable trip to San Antonio, Texas, with Margie. The air also traveled together on a Mississippi River boat cruise and to a few class reunions in Cameron. Even at the age of 92, she took a trip to Colorado with Les and Sylvia.
Evelyn also loved to sew. It sowed happiness in her heart to go to the fabric store and formulate in her sharp mind what the garment would look like when completed.
Daisy Kingdom was her favorite place for children’s dresses and shirts. She must have sewn at least 100 outfits. Evelyn could sit happily for hours at her whirling sewing machine performing material magic.
Gardening was also one of Evelyn’s favorite hobbies. Even in her late 80s, some days she would garden for six to seven hours in the hot Missouri summer heat. Her garden truly misses her loving touch, care and plant knowledge, but not as much as we will all miss her.
Evelyn always had one of the sharpest minds and always stayed up to date with politics and current affairs. She also enjoyed sending out birthday and Christmas cards to all her friends and relatives. It was amazing how many birthdays she knew by heart. Most of the time she even knew the year they were born and their exact age.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents; brother, John; sister, Marjorie Croy; and her husband, Elroy Lancaster, who she met in an art class at the University of Missouri.
She is survived by her son, Art Lancaster and his wife, Emmy Lancaster, Austin, Texas; her daughter, Sylvia Mosberger and her husband, Lester Mosberger, Peculiar; her grandchildren, Stephanie Lancaster, Austin, Kim Mosberger, Denver, Colorado, and Doug Mosberger, Kansas City; and great-grandchildren, Aloe and Anakin Mosberger.
Young church piano player, war factory worker, art teacher, seamstress, gardener, traveler, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandma, great-grandmother and friend to many. She loved and cherished everyone in her life. She will be missed by all.
Funeral services were held at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, with burial in the Wills Cemetery, Peculiar.
Evelyn loved her family and supported them in any way she could, especially her great-grandson when he was at Children’s Mercy Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Children’s Mercy Hospital.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
David D. Leighr
Sept. 13, 1948 – Aug. 17, 2021
David Donald Leighr, 72, Harrisonville, died Aug. 17 at Belton Regional Medical Center, Belton. David was born Sept. 13, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Donald Thomas and Mary Margaret (Downes) Leighr.
He attended K-State, Washburn University and Longview Community College.
David married Donella Long on May 6, 1973, in Manhattan, Kansas. He had lived in Topeka, Kansas, before moving to Harrisonville in 1985.
David was a United States Army veteran, serving in the Vietnam War. He worked as a security guard for Sprint. He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. He enjoyed genealogy and going to flea markets.
David is survived by his wife, Donella Leighr, of the home; three sons, Joshua Isaac Leighr and his wife, Tara, Liberty, Tevye Leighr, St. Joseph, and David Ryan Leighr, Kearney; a sister, Carol Leighr, Salem, Oregon; a cousin, Eric Manchester, Canada; and eight grandchildren.
Memorial services with military honors was Aug. 28 at the United Methodist Church in Harrisonville. Inurnment was in Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, Kansas.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Jerry D. McCulloh
Sept. 21, 1945 – Aug. 20, 2021
Jerry Dean McCulloh, Garden City, was born on Sept. 21, 1945, the son of Joe G. and Eleen B. McCulloh. He died Aug. 20 at 75 years of age.
Jerry attended school in Dayton and Garden City, graduating from Garden City High School in 1963.
He was a Boy Scout earning his Eagle rank in 1960 and spent many summers at the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation where he became a Brave in the tribe of Mic-O-Say. His tribal name was Red Blazing Fire.
He was very proud when 45 years later, his oldest grandson, Trevor, chose Grandson of Red Blazing Fire as his Mic -O-Say name.
On Oct. 24, 1964, he married Sharon K. Sims and they were blessed with first a daughter, Jennifer, and then a son, Kyle. Later, he was additionally blessed with four grandsons.
He was very proud of both of his children and his grandchildren. He enjoyed bragging about their accomplishments to others. He especially enjoyed letting his grandsons do things their parents wouldn’t have encouraged.
After high school, he went into business with his dad, Joe, doing business as McCulloh Builders. Later, Kyle joined the business becoming the third generation of builders and developers.
Together they built more than 100 homes in the Garden City area and businesses including the Garden City Medical Clinic, the Dickey Funeral Home and the Garden City Community Building.
Jerry was instilled with a strong work ethic and worked hard to provide for his family; even traveling to work on the Alaskan pipeline for a few frigid months when the building business was in a recession.
Jerry enjoyed trips to the Lake of the Ozarks, spending time boating, fishing, swimming and skiing. His kids especially enjoyed hearing, “Get up kids, get your suits on, get in the boat, the water’s like glass” at 6 o’clock in the morning.
He also had his pilot’s license and loved the feeling that came when the plane lifted off into the air and the calm that came when cruising above the earth looking over the countryside.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Michael Joe.
Jerry is survived by a daughter Jennifer and Joe White and a son Kyle and Sheryl McCulloh, all of Garden City; a brother, Coburn and Deneise McCulloh, Clinton; four grandsons, Trevor, Tanner and Trenton White and Kolton McCulloh; and many more friends and relatives.
A celebration of life gathering was Aug. 28 at the Garden City Community Center, Garden City.
Jerry’s wishes were that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to honor his sister-in-law, Deneise McCulloh, to the KU Endowment for the MS program. If mailing the contribution, please mail to Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, MO 64701.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Garden City.
Cole M. McRoy
March 21, 2000 – Aug. 20, 2021
Cole Matthew McRoy, 21, died at his home in Archie Aug. 20. Cole was born March 21, 2000, in Overland Park, Kansas, the son of Jeffery and Sandra (Schnath) McRoy.
Cole spent his grade school and middle school years in Belton. He graduated from Drexel High School in 2018. He worked in warehouse and laborer positions in both Missouri and Kansas.
Cole had a big heart, an infectious laugh and when you were lucky enough to see his genuine smile, it instantly brightened your day. He enjoyed spending time with little kids and they loved him.
He liked fishing and eating out with friends. Cole’s favorite place to be was anywhere with a basketball and a hoop. Day or night, rain or shine (even snow), tennis shoes or slides, he could be found on a court somewhere.
He was always looking for a pick-up game and really enjoyed teaching the game to kids. The center of Cole’s universe shifted when he became a dad. Kolton was the light of his life.
Cole was preceded in death by his grandmother, Patricia McRoy.
Survivors include his parents, Jeff and Sandy McRoy, Lincoln; his girlfriend, Victoria Blair and his son, Kolton McRoy, Lee’s Summit; a brother, Ethan McRoy and friend, Kayla Russell, Lincoln; grandparents, Ralph and Mary Schnath, Salisbury; and Charles McRoy, Raymore; along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.
A private family visitation was Aug. 26.
Cole’s remembrance gathering will be held at a later date. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Kolton McRoy Education Fund and can be left in care of the funeral home.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Vansant-Mills Funeral Home, Clinton.
Sherry S. Rhodes
June 10, 1959 – Aug. 23, 2021
Sherry Shaw Rhodes, 62, Harrisonville, died Aug. 23 at Research Medical Center, Kansas City. Sherry was born June 10, 1959, in Kansas City, the daughter of Clint L. and Jean Shaw.
She grew up in Harrisonville and graduated from Harrisonville High School in 1977. After high school, she made her home and raised her family in Pleasant Hill for nearly 30 years.
She was the biggest fan of her sons, Justin and Kyle, and never missed a sporting or cattle show event, cheering them loudly and proudly in wrestling, basketball, football, baseball, 4-H and FFA contests.
Sherry was like a second mother to all of the friends that filled her children’s lives. Once the grandchildren came along, it was reset and did it all over again, bigger and better.
Even as she worked at various jobs, including providing typesetting and graphic design for “Better Homes & Gardens” Kansas City magazine, Sherry found time to serve on PTO, as an FFA alumni and on the local fair board.
Sherry eventually fulfilled her science-minded bent working as a pharmacy technician, serving thousands during their times of need with a smile and friendly compassion. It was from this career that she retired to enjoy more time with her favorite people, her family.
Before she could walk, the blonde curly headed girl was atop a horse. She could ride any horse you’d run under her. A natural horsewoman and a fierce competitor, Sherry amassed awards in a variety of equine disciplines including championships in western and English performance classes.
Paired with One-Eyed-Jack in a muddy barrel race, she couldn’t be beat. With Dolly as her partner in the pole bending, Sherry smoked the competition and consistently took top honors, along with rightly-won buckles and saddles in rodeo.
Those who knew and loved Sherry, understood she was a force to be reckoned with. Five foot nothing came equipped with spunk and grit. She loved her family and friends profoundly. “Sassa-Frass” and “Short-N-Snappy” loyally served each of us as our great defender and would fight a grizzly bear to protect those she treasured.
She was elaborate with her generosity, to boot, lavishing us all beyond reason with gifts and hospitality. The queen of party planning, Sherry relished hosting events, building a theme and sending everyone home with door prizes. She shopped for Christmas 11 months out of the year and never missed acknowledging milestones in each of our lives.
As for her KC sports loyalty, Sherry’s blood ran Chief’s red or Royal blue, depending on the season. Her closet was filled with team regalia and her house with memorabilia.
But, it was her Christian faith that truly sustained her through every high and low.
Sherry was baptized into Christ in the family farm pond by her favorite brotherin-law. She loved Jesus and served and worshipped her Savior as a generous member of Sycamore Grove Mennonite Church, Garden City. Her church family could count on Sherry for her infectious smile and were inspired by her example of determination through her many challenges.
Sherry was preceded in death by infant grandsons, William Ryan Rhodes and his twin brother; and infant niece, Haley Mae Shaw.
Though the smallest in her family ranks, this much-loved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and aunt leaves a gigantic hole for those she leaves behind. Sherry is survived by her parents, Clint L. and Jean Shaw, Harrisonville; sons, Justin Rhodes, Madisonville, Texas, and Kyle and Angie Rhodes, Harrisonville; grandchildren, Garrett and Kyndall Rhodes, North Zulch, Texas, and Clint and Amy Rhodes, Harrisonville; a sister Brenda and Alan Black, Deepwater; a brother Brent and Marla Shaw, Hamilton, Alabama; nephews, Austin and Laura Black, Butler, and Cooper and Riley Black, Moundville; a niece, Amanda Jean
Shaw, Odessa; nephews, Kaleb and Carly Shaw, Lee’s Summit, and Kolt Shaw, McKinney, Texas; and great-nieces Hailey and Reagan Black and Leighton Shaw.
Determined to be first and always referring to herself as “The Favorite,” now Sherry is running the perfect barrel pattern in heaven’s arena, clothed in championship purple, with Jesus cheering her across the finish line as his good and faithful servant.
Gifts of flowers and plants are welcome and charitable gifts may be extended to Sycamore Grove Mennonite Church in memory of Sherry.
A private family service will be held to celebrate her life, with burial at Clearfork Cemetery, Garden City.
Shurman L. Roughton
Sept. 15, 1939 – Aug. 26, 2021
Shurman Lee Roughton, Archie, was born Sept. 15, 1939, in Bentonville, Arkansas, the son of Truman and Teresa (Ruhl) Roughton. He died Aug. 26 at his home at the age of 81 years, 11 months and 11 days.
On May 3, 2014, Shurman was married to Sylvia Lea (Culton) Clemons in Joplin.
Shurman owned and operated many restaurants including the Red Barn Restaurant in Harrisonville. He loved to fish, especially trout fishing in Arkansas.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Sylvia Roughton; a sister, Hazel; and a brother, Gordon.
Shurman is survived by a son, Bart Roughton and wife, Cheryl, Harrisonville; seven grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; a sister, Joann; other relatives and friends.
Cremation. No services are scheduled at this time.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Michael L. Ulses
March 11, 1948 – Aug. 24, 2021
Michael L. Ulses, age 73, Peculiar, died at the home surrounded by his loving family Aug. 24. Michael was born in Kansas City, March 11, 1948, the son of Leo E. Ulses and Esther M. Platt.
Michael married Cheryl A. Hunter Dec. 19, 1995. Together, they were blessed with two daughters, Lana and Shelby.
In Michael’s early years he was active in construction work. For the past 27 years Michael worked at Pride Cleaners as a dry-cleaning technician.
Most of all he loved his family and loved spending time with them.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Esther Ulses; sisters, Phyllis Fox, Kansas City, and Ginger Williams, Thousand Oaks, California.
He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Cheryl A. Ulses, of the home; daughters, Lana Burgess, Belton, and Shelby Ulses, Peculiar; brother, Terry Ulses and wife, Jean, Leavenworth, Kansas; a sister, Sherri Jermier and husband, Danny, San Antonio, Texas; five grandchildren, Matthew, Miranda, McKayla, Lucas and Violet; and two great-grandchildren, Raegan and Everly.
There are no services planned at this time.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore.
John Bryan Van Black
May 20, 1965 – Aug. 26, 2021
John Bryan Van Black, Harrisonville, was born May 20, 1965 in Hammond, Indiana, the son of Donald Eugene and Shirley Jean (Perrymann) Van Black. He Aug. 26, at his home surrounded by love and family at the age of 56 years, 3 months and 6 days.
On July 10, 1983 John was married to Patricia Leann Graef in Harrisonville.
John owned and operated VB Masonry, Harrisonville, and later was a truck driver for Sutton Trucking, Archie. He attended school in Adrian and North Kansas City, before moving to Harrisonville. John enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren the outdoors and fishing.
He especially liked to attend his grandchildren’s events.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
John is survived by his wife, Pat Van Black, of the home; two daughters, Misti Warren (Marcus), Harrisonville, and Kristi Smith (Jacob), Holden; his faithful dog, Electra; four granddaughters, Mallory Johnson (Kris), Samara Warren, Destiny Warren, Novalie Smith; his great-grand-daughters, Aubrey and Kinsley Johnson; two brothers, Donnie Van Black (Denise), Bolivar, and Eddie Van Black (Dawn), Liberty; his sister, Jeanie Murff (Mike), Lee’s Summit; nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.
The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Sept. 4 at the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, followed by funeral
services at 11 a.m. Burial will be in the Norris Cemetery, Hartwell.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Walter F. Van Meter
Oct. 11, 1925 – Aug. 21, 2021
Walter Franklin Van Meter, 95, Kansas City, died Aug. 21 at his home in Kansas City. Walter Frank was born Oct. 11, 1925, in Freeman, the son of Walter Ivan Van Meter and Cora (Kincaid) Van Meter.
Frank grew up in Freeman and graduated from Freeman High School.
He married the love of his life, Nelda Goett, on March 23, 1958, in Marceline and they spent almost 47 years together before her death in 2005.
Frank served in the United States Army during World War II. Shortly after getting out of the service, he began working for Westfall GMC as a mechanic and stayed with them until retiring in 1990.
Frank was a jack-of-all-trades, enjoying doing anything that kept him busy, such as tending to his garden and building dog houses and sheds. He enjoyed bowling and loved his Labrador, Bear, who he shared his Fritos with.
The legacy he leaves behind is that of determination and love for his family, in fact, he was determined to keep driving, but did end up having to let his license go just two months ago.
Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Nelda; his parents; his brother, John Van Meter; his sister, Thelma Coble; and his granddaughter, Windy Jo Fine.
He is survived by his daughter, Edith and Van Duskin; and his grandson, Dustin Fine.
Graveside services were Aug. 27 at the Freeman Cemetery, Freeman.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Larry D. Ward
July 31, 2021
Larry was born in rural Creighton, the son of Earnest “Cap” and Virginia Ward.
Larry died surrounded by family at the age of 80 on July 31.
In 1963, Larry married the love of his life, Henrietta Drury. Etta and Larry recently celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary. During their married years, they lived in Garden City, Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Harrisonville.
Larry went to school in Garden City until he moved to Hayward, California, for his junior and senior years. Larry enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served two years in Hawaii.
Larry worked at General Motors for the next six years and then went to work for himself as a truck driver pulling mobile
homes all over the United States. Larry finally retired from New Castle Mobile Homes after many years of service.
As a young married man, Larry loved entertaining people with his skiing abilities. He could ride on a chair on a saucer, on a ladder or anything that anyone would throw out there to him to try. Several of his nieces and nephews got to go to the lake with Etta and Larry to witness his abilities.
Larry loved to build computers and spent many hours in his office on the web and watching old western movies along with listening to country and western music.
In 2014, Larry suffered a major stroke and spent the last seven years wheelchair bound, but was still able to spend time building his computers.
Larry leaves behind his beloved wife, Etta Ward; and a sister Shirley Oswald and husband, Bill; two sisters-in-law, Sharon Ford and Marsha and Randy Bonnette; numerous nieces and nephews, Terry, DeeAnn, Cathy, Randy, Ronda, Raylene, Keven, Karen, Dawn, Alan, Hannah, Gary and Nicole; and tons of great- nieces and nephews and more great-grand-nieces and nephews.
There will be no services per Larry’s wishes.
Kenneth A. Hunter
Nov. 8, 1932 – July 9, 2021
Kenneth Arthur “Moonshine” Hunter, 88, Adrian, died July 9 at Bates County Memorial Hospital, Butler. He was born Nov. 8, 1932, the son of Floyd Wesley and Nellie Morrison Hunter in Freeman.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Sherrie Morris; two brothers; and a sister.
Ken is survived by his wife, Sharon Hunter, Adrian; four sons, Victor Hunter, Archie, Andrew Hunter and wife, Cheryl, Butler, Ray Grubb, Simpsonville, South Carolina, and Wayne Grubb, Leeton; three daughters, Julie Eddings and husband, Foy, Alco, Arkansas, Beckie Obermiller, Garfield, Kansas, and Cheryl Probst and husband, David, Butler; 14 grandchildren; and 31 great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life service will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 4 at the Butler City Park, Butler.
His wishes were to be cremated.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler.
Gail D. Newland
Dec. 29, 1950 – Aug. 22, 2021
Gail Diane Newland, 70, Butler, died Aug. 22 at her home in Butler. She was born Dec. 29, 1950, the daughter of Roy Albert and Helen Frances Noland Grimes in Butler.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Gail is survived by her husband, Rodney Newland, Butler; three sons, Chad McCammon and wife, Stephanie, Holton, Kansas, Andrew Newland and wife, Linda, Garden City, and Tracy Newland and wife, Tracy, Tuscumbia, Alabama; two daughters, Diane Shelton and husband, Ron, Amoret, and Tammy Reagan, Joplin; a sister, Cheryl Cumpton and husband, Leon, Sedalia; 13 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.
Graveside memorial services with inurnment were Sept. 2 at Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Contributions are suggested to The Carpenter’s Cup or Heartland Baptist Fellowship, Harrisonville.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler.
Daniel L. Smith
Dec. 21, 1949 – Aug. 22, 2021
Daniel Lee Smith, 72, Adrian, died Aug. 22 suddenly Sunday afternoon following his passion and doing what was in his blood to do – flying.
Daniel was born in Missouri Dec. 21, 1949, and spent his childhood loving all things outdoors.
He always had some kind of wildlife around and he raised a baby hawk and baby raccoons.
He graduated from Raytown High School and at the age of 18 he left home and joined the United States Marines Corps and he served in the Vietnam War. This is something he was always proud of, Semper Fi.
This is where his love for airplanes began. He was discharged from the Marines after five years of service.
He married Linda Zawacki and spent 24 years of his life with her. They had three children, Joshua Caleb Smith, Jessica Lea Davis and Hannah Nicole Brown.
Some of their fondest memories included spending time at the lake camping and tubing and skiing with family and friends.
Parasailing behind his jet boat with his well-known American flag parasail was always the highlight of the summer. He always knew how to have a good time and was always planning his next adventure.
Throughout the years, he took over the family business, Lee’s Summit Block, which he ran up until the day he died. He also had a machine shop and taught himself how to build race car engines and was very well known around the racing community.
Yet another hobby that fed his many passions. He eventually sold the machine shop and decided to pursue other interests that turned into yet another passion. He bought a sailboat and taught himself to sail at Stockton Lake. This new passion led him to buy a catamaran sailboat and for six years, he sailed four months out of the year with his current wife, Sandra, and grandson, Silas, around the gulf of Mexico, the Florida Keys and the Caribbean.
In 2010, Daniel met his current wife, Sandra, and they married April 12, 2014, When he asked her to marry him, he told her their life together would be a grand adventure and that she would never be bored. He did not disappoint. In 2013, his grandson, Silas Smith, came into their lives and in April 2016 they were able to adopt Silas and became an instant little family.
Silas was his world and he loved him fiercely. They were two peas in a pod and sometimes it was hard to tell who was the adult. They were buddies, partners in crime and they did everything together.
With confidence we feel these were some of the happiest years of his life.
His love for Silas had no end. He spent his days fishing, riding 4-wheelers and teaching Silas all things boy.
For 72 years, this amazing man lived life passionately, to the ultimate fullness and loved every second of it. His love for our Savior ran deep and he had no doubts who his Creator was. We have no doubt that when he took off from his small backyard runway on Sunday afternoon, that he just kept flying straight into heaven.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin Minor Smith, Jr., and Shirley Nadine Foley.
He is survived by his wife, Sandra Smith, and grandson, Silas Smith, of the home; daughters, Jessica Davis and Hannah and Daniel Brown; son, Joshua Smith; step-children, Nicole Rogers, Kristine Arnold and Joseph Arnold and Emily; grandchildren Kathleen and Luciano Combs, Jonas Davis, Danica Hunt, Wyatt Brown, Luke Brown; and great-grandson, Deklyn; step-grandchildren, Alexander Arnold, Eli Arnold and Amia Arnold; and a sister Julie Henderson.
Funeral services were Aug. 31 at the Victory Assembly of God Church, Adrian, with burial in Burdett Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler.