Thomas L. Bray
April 27, 1971 – Sept. 1, 2021
Thomas Leon Bray, 50, Cleveland, died Sept. 1 at K.U. Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas. Thomas was born April 27, 1971, in Harrisonville, the son of Ronald Leon and Marla Ann (Marrs) Bray.
He was a 1989 graduate of Cass-Midway High School. Thomas was a lifelong resident of Freeman, Cass County.
Thomas married Kelsey Louisa Parker Sept. 17, 1994.
He worked as a heavy equipment operator and was a member of Local No. 1995.
Thomas enjoyed bowling, cooking and hunting.
Thomas was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Bray; aunt and uncle, Larry and Skip Marrs; an aunt, Karen Brown; and his grandparents.
He is survived by his wife, Kelsey, and their two children, Robert J. Moloski and Maranda Nichol Bray, all of the home; his mother, Marla Bray, Freeman; a sister, Kacee Lee McCuiston and her husband, Brandin, Freeman; and nieces and nephew, Braycee Lynne McCuiston, Koltin Thomas McCuiston and Keelyn Lee McCuiston.
Services were at the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville, with burial in Freeman Cemetery, Freeman. Memorial contributions may be made to the family.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Carl J. Chamberlain
May 13, 1929 – Aug. 24, 2021
Carl Jerry Chamberlain, East Lynne, was born May 13, 1929, the son of Aaron and Eva Pearl (Baker) Chamberlain. He died Aug. 24 at Edgewood Manor Nursing Home, Raytown, at the age of 92 years, 3 months and 11 days.
On July 15, 1946, Carl married Blanchie Marie Hartsell in Mound City, Kansas.
Carl was employed as a repairman for General Motors Leeds Plant, Kansas City, until his retirement on May 16, 1982. He was a member of the UAW Local No. 710, Kansas City.
He and Blanchie were fond of getting in the truck and taking road trips that took them all over. Carl was known as a hard worker and taught his children how to work on and maintain their vehicles. He loved to hunt, fish and most importantly, his family and having get-togethers.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Blanchie Chamberlain, March 11, 2002; two sons, Carl and Sidney Chamberlain; a daughter, Deanna Chamberlain; an infant son; a granddaughter, Misti Nichol; a grandson, Jonathan Hammond; two great-grandsons, Shawn Baumgarden and Nathan Chamberlain; and nine brothers and sisters.
Carl is survived by four sons, Ronald Chamberlain, Osceola, Aaron Chamberlain, East Lynne, Glenn Chamberlain, Butler, and Robert Chamberlain, East Lynne; three daughters, Joyce Todd, Tishomingo, Oklahoma, Wanda Bell, Holden, and Pearl Dodson, Greenbrier, Arkansas; more than 125 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were Sept. 1 at the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, with burial in the Clearfork Cemetery near Garden City.
In memory of Carl and his daughter, Deanna Chamberlain, there will be a celebration of life gathering starting at 1 p.m. Sept. 11 at the East Lynne City Hall, 402 W. Main St., East Lynne. Please bring a covered dish.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Richard C. DeLong
Nov. 19, 1946 – Aug. 31, 2021
A time of visitation and remembrance was Sept. 7 at Fountain Memorial Funeral Home, Lafayette, Louisiana, for Richard Charles DeLong, 74, who died Aug. 31 surrounded by his loving family at his home in Lafayette.
Inurnment followed Sept. 9 in Southwest Louisiana Veteran Cemetery, Jennings, Louisiana.
Richard C. DeLong was born Nov 19, 1946, in Kansas City. A long-time resident of Lafayette and an immensely proud veteran.
Richard enlisted in the United States Army in 1965 and served four years with the Army Security Agency. After two consecutive tours in Vietnam, Richard was honorably discharged in 1969.
An active life member of the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Richard was a member and former chair of the National POW/MIA Committee, which promotes the fullest possible accounting of those still listed as POW/MIAs. He returned to Vietnam twice with VVA to assist Vietnamese veterans in locating gravesites of their honored loved ones.
Richard also served on VVA’s Veterans Incarcerated Committee, Veterans Against Drugs Task Force, Membership Affairs Committee and the VVA’s Public Affairs Subcommittee on Awards.
Richard also served as sergeant-at-arms, treasurer and president of VVA Chapter 141 in Lafayette. He was past president of the VVA Louisiana State Council for three consecutive terms starting in 1998 and chaired the VVA Conference of State Council Presidents from 2002 to 2004.
In 2003, Richard was appointed to the board of the Veterans Assistance Foundation and was a former member of the Veteran’s Advisory Committee for the VA Medical Center in Alexandria, Louisiana.
After his time in the service, Richard worked as a lineman for AT&T until his retirement in 2001. After retirement, he most enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and was an avid golfer.
He leaves a legacy of service, honor and love and will be deeply missed.
He was preceded in death by his father, Cleo Wayne DeLong; his mother, Wanda Mae Hall Trent; a brother, Fred Trent; and a sister and brother-in-law, Kathy and Eddie Spangler.
Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years, Leslie Ann DeLong, Lafayette; his stepson, Brian Winder, Lafayette; two siblings, his brother and sister-in-law, Rob and Patsy Trent, Glendale, Arizona, and his sister, Janet Trent, Harrisonville; as well as dear nieces, nephews, comrades and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Richard’s name to Hospice of Acadiana, Inc. by mail at 2600 Johnston St., Ste. 2600, Lafayette, LA 70503, by phone at 337-232-1234 or online at http://www.hospiceacadiana.com.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Fountain Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery in Louisiana.
David R. Grooms
Aug. 12, 1957 – Aug. 26, 2021
David Ray Grooms, 64, Harrisonville, died Aug. 26 in Harrisonville. David was born Aug. 12, 1957, in Kansas City, the son of David C. and Nellie M. (Smith) Grooms.
He was a 1975 graduate of Center High School in Kansas City. He worked as a printer for Summit Litho, Inc. for 35 years before retiring in 2015. David enjoyed the outdoors, camping and fishing.
David was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by two daughters, Kristi Adair and Mike, Harrisonville, and Kerry Uptergrove and Brant, Tipton; two sisters, Donna Nightingale and Troy, Lake Elmo, Minnesota, and Mary McMahon and David, Lee’s Summit; a brother, Rick Grooms, Lee’s Summit; and five grandchildren, Kage and Owen Adair, and Lila, Hannah and Brant Uptergrove, Jr.; and many nieces and nephews.
Inurnment will be held at a later date.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Delbert L. Hannah, Jr.,
May 8, 1991 – Aug. 29, 2021
Delbert “Delby” Lee Hannah, Jr., 30, Archie, died Aug. 29 in Harrisonville. Delby was born May 8, 1991, in Blue Springs, the son of Delbert Lee and Karen Alane (Owens) Hannah.
Delby was a 2009 graduate of Harrisonville High School and attended two years at Johnson County Community College playing the sport he loved, baseball.
He married Christine Lee Casteel (on his mother’s birthday) Aug. 2, 2014.
He had lived in Harrisonville before moving to Archie. He was a dredge operator for Holiday Sand and Gravel Co. in Kansas City and was a member of Operations Union 101. He attended Evangel Church in Archie.
From the moment he entered this world, he was a light that shined brightly.
Delby was a person who always knew how to put a smile on your face and was given the gift of quick wit and great punchlines. He was always the first to correct you when you would tell him how beautiful their daughters were and took after their mother, he would always add “and their father.”
Delby was a great baseball player and family man and was the sole provider for their family of five. His favorite thing to do was go on a daddy/daughter date with Faithlynn, riding on his side-by-side. He was a mama’s boy and looked up to his father.
Delby was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Russell Hannah and Edward Owens; and his aunts, Carolyn Hannah-Morgan, Dian Hessefort and Karol Owens.
He is survived by his wife, Christine Hannah, and their three children, Peyton, Faithlynn and Saylor, all of the home; his father, Delbert Hannah, and his mother, Karen Hannah, both of Harrisonville; three sisters, Trisha Waggerman, Paola, Kansas, Sara Lawrence, Rogersville, and Carolyn Hannah, Peculiar; and grandmothers, Frances Hannah and Beverly Owens.
Delby loved deeply, rode hard and made a lasting impact on all that were blessed to know him.
He would want you to know the most important thing we could do is to celebrate him with all our crazy stories and help his family through this next chapter of life. He served a merciful God and he is resting in the arms of Jesus today.
Funeral services were Sept. 3 at the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville, with burial in Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Obituaries
John Anthony Howe
April 18, 1989 – Aug. 15, 2021
John Anthony Howe, 32, Harrisonville, died Aug. 15, at the Mosaic Medical Center in St. Joseph. John was born April 18, 1989, in Kansas City, the son of Wendy (Howe) Shelton and John Stone.
He attended Harrisonville High School. John worked for Land Roofing Company in Harrisonville.
He enjoyed listening to music, riding his bike and spending time with his family.
John is survived by his mother, Wendy (Howe) Shelton and Bret; his father, John Stone; a sister, Jennifer Van Fossen; a brother, Joseph Switzer; his grandparents, Debbie Nelson and Mike Howe; his aunt, Samantha Howe; and his nieces and
nephews, Saphira Gall and Trinity, Tina and Xavier Howe.
A Celebration of Life was Aug. 29 at the Harrisonville City Park, Shelter No. 7.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Doris E. Ingham
July 4, 1936 – Aug. 21, 2021
Doris Ellen (Anderson) Ingham, 85, died Aug. 21 at University of Kansas Health System, Kansas City, Kansas.
Doris was born July 4, 1936, in Harrisonville, the daughter of George Redmond Anderson and Opal May (Todd) Anderson.
Doris attended Prospect Elementary School and Harrisonville High School.
She was a school and restaurant cook for many years, as well as a clerk at King Arthur’s Bargain Barn.
She was a proud member of a women’s bowling league for several years. Doris was a member of the Urich community since 1973. She loved cooking, fishing, hunting, camping, crocheting and helping others. She loved adventure and had many.
Doris was preceded by her parents George and Opal Anderson; brothers and sister-in-laws, Ernest Bearce, George and Jean Anderson, Robert Anderson and Charles and Pat Anderson.
Survivors include her daughter, Wanda Parmenter and husband, Samuel; grandson, John McCoy; granddaughter, Mellenie Estes; great-grandchildren, Nicolas McCoy, Emily McCoy, Anna Miller, CJ Hatton and Cadence Sheppard; five great-great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces; nephews; other family and friends.
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, please make donations to Clinton Samaritan Center, leave in the care of Consalus Funeral Home, 209 S. Second St., Clinton, MO, 64735.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Consalus Funeral Home, Clinton.
Stanley Judd
June 20, 1940 – Aug. 25, 2021
Stanley Judd was born June 20, 1940, in Hillsdale, Kansas, and died Aug. 25 at Kansas City Hospice House, Kansas City, surrounded by the love of his family, at the age of 81 years, 2 months and 5 days.
He was the son of William C. and Sarah Fern (Fink) Judd. The Judd family moved to Drexel while Stanley was still a baby and remained there for four years before moving to Merwin. Stanley was a 1961 graduate of Miami High School in Amoret.
On April 27, 1963, Stanley married Freeda Dixon-Coffel in Harrisonville, and they made their home in Belton for two years before purchasing their farm in rural Pleasant Hill where they lived until 1998.
After the death of their grandson, Michael Wayne Coffel, Stanley and Freeda sold their farm and moved to Pleasant Hill to make their home. Freeda Judd died Jan. 7, 2011.
Jan. 5, 2013, Stanley married Linda Lee Althouse in Peculiar, and they made their home in Peculiar. Linda Lee Althouse-Judd preceded Stanley in death March 25,2018.
Stanley worked hard his entire life. Starting at age 8, he went to work on a farm for Gene Bynes and worked there until he was 19. He worked several places during the next few years including Pittman Manufacturing and St. Regis Paper Company before taking a position at Ford Motor Company.
During his time working nights at Ford, he would work morning jobs, first for Elroy Schupp, then in the hay fields for E.C. Schmoll, Sr. In 1982 Stanley became disabled and had to give up his job at Ford.
Stanley was a faithful and active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Pleasant Hill, where, throughout the years, he served as both a deacon, an elder and was a member of the building and grounds committee for 16 years.
After the closing of his beloved church in Pleasant Hill, Stanley’s deep and abiding love of the Lord led him to a new church home at the First Baptist Church of Peculiar.
Stanley loved and was completely devoted to his family. He lived a life of service to others and would help anyone in need.
In addition to his wives; Stanley was preceded in death by his parents, William and Sarah Fern (Fink) Judd; stepson, Ellis Eugene Coffel; brother, Everett Larned; sisters, Evelyn Joyce Larned, Fern Miller, Faye Allen and Mattie Stimpful; and a grandson, Michael Wayne Coffel.
He is survived by a sister, Lavern Gunter, Peculiar; stepsons, Kenneth Leroy Coffel, Lowry City, and Albert Lonzo Coffel, Stover; a stepdaughter, Lois Ann Brewer, Belton; 11 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; other relatives and many, many friends.
Funeral Services were Sept. 3 at the First Baptist Church of Peculiar with Pastor Tim Redding officiating. Casket bearers were Kevin Neville, Greg Herpin, Will Strawn, Rob Grigsby, Lorn Allen and Vince Zumwalt. Honorary bearers were Jerry Talkington and Bill Kahl. Interment was in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Pleasant Hill.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Wallace Funeral Home, Pleasant Hill.
Louella M Roper
May 14, 1941 – Aug. 22, 2021
Louella Mae Roper, 80, Peculiar, died Aug. 22. Louella was born in Lawrence, Kansas, at home on May 14, 1941, the daughter of Herbert L. West, Sr., and Marjorie E. (Anderson) West.
Louella married Charles E. Roper June 4, 1961.
Together they were blessed with a son, Rick. Louella was a member of the Church of Christ in Peculiar.
In Louella’s early years, she worked as a switchboard operator at Southwestern Bell in Harrisonville.
Louella was very active with the PTA and was a den mother for Boy Scout Pack 210 in Belton.
For many years, Louella was the owner of Magic Needle, a craft, sewing and ceramics company.
Louella was a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, great aunt and friend.
Louella was preceded in death by her husband, Charles E. Roper; her parents, Herbert, Sr., and Marjorie West; a nephew, Herbert L. West, III; and a niece Yvonne Wittlesey.
She is survived by her son, Rick Roper; a sister, Connie Wittlesey and Kenneth; a brother, Herbert L. West, Jr., and Cynthia; a sister, Debora Z. West-Wellington; two nieces, Cynthia Blake and Karyn Burris and Dwight; a great-niece, Kathryn; three great-nephews, Brendon, Derek and Dayln; and many close friends.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Sept. 18 at the Church of Christ in Peculiar, 701 South St. Following the service, an inurnment will take place at the Glenwild Cemetery, 259th and D Hghway, Cleveland.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore.
Mitchell B. Wells
Dec. 24, 1959 – March 22, 2020
Mitchell Bryan Wells, Harrisonville, was born in Sedalia Christmas Eve 1959.
He attended Grandview High School before moving to Lajes Field Air Force Base on Terceira Island in the Azores (a clustering of islands off the coast of Portugal), where his father, Harry Coplin, was stationed.
He graduated from high school while living on base and made many memories he loved sharing with his friends and family of the time he spent on “The Rock.”
On Aug. 15, 1992, Mitch married Teryna Lynn Jennings.
During the next four decades, Mitch worked with his hands. He was a talented carpenter who framed several hundred homes throughout the Kansas City Metro area and around Rolla, where most of his large family lives.
He enjoyed deer and turkey hunting, arrowhead hunting, Chiefs football watching and was very passionate about his love for music which he passed along to all three of his children.
Mitch was loved by all who encountered him as he never knew a stranger and was a gifted conversationalist sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. He was well known for his famous sayings whose origins remain unknown.
Mitch was a truly unique human who was grateful for the life he had worked for and the large family he was blessed with.
Mitch Wells was a man of wit, integrity, loyalty and compassion. He will be greatly missed.
“Breathe, breathe in the air Don’t be afraid to care Leave but don’t leave me Look around, choose your own ground For long you live and high you fly And smiles you’ll give and tears you’ll cry And all you touch and all you see Is all your life will ever be.” Pink Floyd “Breathe” Mitch was preceded in death by his grandparents, Eugene and Nina Hontz.
Mitch is survived by his mother and father, Donna and Harry Coplin; wife, Teryna Wells; three children and their partners, Jennifer Nolan and Brent Nolan, Chad Jennings and Amanda Gibbs and Tasarah Wells and Matthew Starr; seven grandchildren, Isaac, Daria, Will, Taylor, Oliver, Thomas and Sophie; five siblings, Shelly Gorman and Johnny, Kaylan Friend and Danny, Leslie Coverdell, Mike Wells and Kelly and Carla Dixon; a host of aunts, uncle, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Cremation. A celebration of life gathering will be from 3 to 6 p.m., Sept. 11 at his home on Freedom Road, Harrisonville.
What to expect: The family of Mitch would like to invite you to an “outdoor” celebration of his beautiful life. To honor his love for music and his Chiefs. Please wear your favorite concert or Chiefs’ T-shirt. Bring your lawn chairs and coolers.
The family will provide lots of music, water and soda pop and the Branding Iron Food Truck will serve a meal.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Phil B. Willhoite
Sept. 23, 1932 – July 13, 2020
Vera E. Willhoite
Jan. 25, 1937 – Dec. 14, 2020
Phil Blair Willhoite, 87, Junction City, Kansas, died July 13, 2020, at Kansas Soldiers Home, Dodge City, Kansas. He was born Sept. 23, 1932, in Mount Sterling, Illinois, the youngest son of Wayne and Laure (Batsell) Willhoite.
Phil graduated from Drexel High School and went on to college at Missouri Valley prior to enlisting in the United States Navy.
He was stationed in Sacramento, California, from 1952 to 1954 where he served in Naval Intelligence.
Phil received a ribbon for his service in National Defense. Phil sought employment with different implement dealers in sales before becoming the owner of Buick and GMC trucks and a John Deere dealership in Junction City, where he retired in 2006.
Phil was preceded in death by parents W.L. Willhoite and Laure Willhoite; a sister, Clara Lou Cooper; and three brothers, Wilbur, Gordon and David.
Two daughters survive him, Rhonda and Jerry Ryan, Salina, Kansas, and Robin, Westminster, Colorado; and a son, Kirt, Milford, Kansas; two grandsons, Jeremy and Jessica Ryan and D.C., Salina, and Matthew and Melissa Ryan of Edgewater, Colorado; two great-grandchildren, Tanner and Mazie Ryan of Salina; and numerous nephews and nieces.
Vera Evelyn Jackson Willhoite, 83, Junction City, Kansas, died Dec. 14, 2010, at Kansas Soldiers Home in Dodge City. She was born Jan. 25, 1937, in Elkland, the daughter of Silas and Mable (Arnold) Jackson.
She received a GED equivalent in Drexel, where she attended Drexel High School prior to her marriage.
Evelyn taught Bible school in Drexel, and worked in Kansas City, employed by Sears, Roebuck and Co. while raising two daughters. Evelyn served as president of a local sorority and as secretary of the Republican Party for the state of Kansas in Junction City.
She excelled in her talents of sewing, arts and crafts, cooking, gardening and interior design.
Evelyn was preceded in death by parents Silas and Mable Jackson; and a brother, Arnold Wayne Jackson.
Survivors include a brother Glen; and a sister Nadine (Jackson) Smothers; three children, Rhonda and Jerry Ryan, Salina, Robin Willhoite, Westminster, Colorado, and a son, Kurt, Milford; two grandsons, Jeremy and Jessica Ryan D.C., Salina, Kansas, and Matthew and Melissa Ryan, Edgewater, Colorado; two great-grandchildren, Tanner and Mazie Ryan, Salina, Kansas; numerous nephews and nieces.
Phil and Evelyn were married Sept. 14, 1952, in Sacramento, California, at the Baptist Church. The best man was Mervin Aurand and the matron of honor was Dorothy Aurand, lifelong friends.
Graveside services for Phil and Vera Jackson Willhoite will be held 1 p.m. Sept. 11 in Sharon Cemetery, Drexel. Join the family in celebrating the lives of Phil and Evelyn with an ice cream social at the Christian Church in Drexel following the grave site internment. The address is 211 E Pine St., Drexel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Drexel VFW.
Arrangements are under the direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel.
Cari D. Long
Oct. 6, 1969 – Aug. 8, 2021
Cari Dawn Long, 51, Adrian, died Aug. 8 at University of Kansas Health System in Kansas City, Kansas. She was born Oct. 6, 1969, the daughter of Gary Russell and Connie Faye Bennett Long in Butler.
Cari is survived by a daughter, Destinie Long, Adrian; her parents at the time of her death, Gary and Connie Long, Adrian; a brother, Quincy Long and wife, Denise, Mound City, Kansas; and a granddaughter, Julial.
After Cari’s death, her mother, Connie Long died Aug. 23.
Visitation was Sept. 4 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler. Cari’s wishes were to be cremated.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler.
Cindy S. Belk
Dec. 29, 1958 – Aug. 19, 2021
Cindy Sue Belk, 62, Butler, died Aug. 19 at her home in Butler. She was born Dec. 29, 1958, The daughter of Dale Eugene and Amy Joan Rand Root in Kansas City, Kansas.
Cindy is survived by her husband, Timmy Ramon Belk, Butler; two sons, Michael Nichols and wife, Barbara, Butler, and James Nichols and wife, Crystal, Tuscumbia, Alabama; a daughter, Susan Nichols, Warsaw; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life was Sept. 1 and all day Sept. 5 at the home of her daughter, Susan Nichols, in Warsaw.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler.
Marion M. Flores
Aug. 26, 1957 – Aug. 31, 2021
Marion Monjean Flores, 64, Adrian, died Aug. 31 at Meadowview Health and Rehabilitation in Harrisonville. Marion was born Aug. 26, 1957, in Spring Garden, California.
She grew up in California and lived there until 1963 before eventually relocating to Appleton City. After several years in Appleton City, she moved to Butler, then to Kansas and eventually to Adrian.
She spent the early part of her career working as a nurse in nursing homes, which her family recalls her being the greatest nurse you could have and some great stories to go with her nursing experience.
She went on to be a cook and even spent time with her family showing and grooming dogs.
Marion spent about 25 years with the love of her life, James Gray.
She was the type of person who could make friends anywhere she went, as her personality was infectious. Her family enjoys recalling her belief in big foot and aliens, which you could find her watching shows about both quite often.
Marion leaves behind a legacy of laughter and love, which will fondly be recalled by those who knew her. Marion loved her children and grandchildren very much. She loved to sing, dance and belly dance and was very good at it. Marion also loved to paint.
Marion was preceded in death by her mother, Myrtle Porter; father, Walter Clare Lewis; her sister, Nina Mart; and her daughter, Lakrisha Mae Smith.
She is survived by her significant other, James Gray; her sons, Danny Smith, II, “Jeffie Pickering Smith” and Doug Smith; her daughter, Dedra Mathia; her grandchildren, Morgan Smith, Shelby Mathia, Colbie Mathia, Mercade Hays and Troy Hays, II, and Miranda Ault; her great-grandchildren, Troy Hays, III, and Anthony Hays; her brothers, Lloyd, David, Donald, Daniel, Delbert, Samuel and Joel; and her sister, Janet; as well as, many extended family and friends.
A funeral service was Sept. 3 at the Atkinson Funeral Home, Adrian, with interment following at Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Adrian.
Connie F. Long
Sept. 8, 1948 – Aug. 23, 2021
Connie Faye Long, 72, Adrian, died Aug. 23 at Cox South Hospital, Springfield. She was born Sept. 8, 1948, the daughter of Lawrence Wayne and Ida Eileen Ericson Bennett in Butler.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Ronald Bennett; and a daughter, Cari Long, Aug. 8.
Connie is survived by her husband, Gary Long, Adrian; a son, Quincy Long and wife, Denise, Pleasanton, Kansas; a brother, Larry Bennett and wife, Betty, Butler; a sister, Ina Clapp, Olathe, Kansas; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and a great-great-granddaughter.
Visitation was Sept. 3 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler. Connie’s wishes were to be cremated.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler.
Edward A. Wisdom
Feb. 24, 1953 – Aug. 29, 2021
Edward Allen “Joker” Wisdom, 67, Amoret, died Aug. 29 at his home in Amoret. He was born Feb. 24, 1953, the son of Harry Marion and Evelyn Pearl White Wisdom in Amoret.
He was preceded in death by his true love, Terri; his maternal and paternal grandparents; his father, Harry Marion Wisdom; stepfather, Harry E. Purdy; four brothers, Walter Leroy, Claud Duane, Harold Marion “Butch” and Carl Russel “Rusty” Wisdom; a sister, Evelyn Lucille Morlan Hoover; seven uncles, Roy White (baby), Earl White, Lloyd White, Shumway Wisdom, Charlie Wisdom, Ricky Wisdom and Don Mills; five aunts, Thelma Bond, Opal Turpin, Shirley Plaja, Nancy Schmidt and Christine Selp; two nephews, Carl Wisdom, Jr., and Terry Wisdom; and a niece, Debra Wisdom.
Joker is survived by four blood children, Justin “Skeeter” Wisdom and wife, Sonya, Belton, Robbie McMillin, Osawatomie, Kansas, Hayley “Baby Girl” Wisdom, Foster, and Taylor Wisdom, Amoret; his mother, Evelyn P. Wisdom Purdy, Foster; a brother, Otis “Pewee” Wisdom and wife, Connie, Collins; two sisters, Judy Gurley and husband, Kenneth, Lowry City, and Irene Hicks and husband, Michael, Foster; and many grandchildren.
Last ride service with military honors for “Joker” Wisdom was Sept. 2 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler.
Contributions are suggested to a Love Fund for Family.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler.
