Traci L. Clapp
Nov. 24 1964 – Nov. 29, 2021
Traci Lea Clapp, 57, Butler, died Nov. 29 at her home in Butler. She was born Nov. 24, 1964, the daughter of William and Donna Jean Bell Clark in Kansas City.
Traci is survived by her husband, Joe Clapp, Butler; three sons, Jeremy Lindsey and spouse Wendi of Liberty, and B.J. Lindsey and wife Jessica and Clark Kent Lewis (age 6) all of Butler; two daughters, Alicia Baird, Butler and Eva Schmidt, South Port, North Carolina; a stepson, Josh Lindsey, Oak Grove; her mother, Donna Tanner, Blue Springs; a brother, Ryan Tanner, Blue Springs; two sisters, Terri Hurtado and Jenny McCoy and husband, Josh, all of Grain Valley; and 15 grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her father, William Clark, and a sister Tami Clark.
A celebration of life service was Dec. 4 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in butler. Internment was in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler.
Contributions are suggested to the family for the grandchildren. Online condolences may be left at http://www.schowengerdtchapel.com. Arrangements were under the direction of Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler.
James E. Smith
June 22, 1956 – 1955 – Nov. 22, 2021
James “Jimmy” Edward Smith, 65, formerly of Adrian, died Nov. 22. He was born June 22, 1956, the son of John and Martha Jene Thomas Smith. Jimmy is survived by a son, Tyler Smith and wife, Kia, of Farmersville, Texas; a daughter, Sara Smith, Archie; two brothers, Kirk Smith and wife, Debbie, of Pleasant Hill, and Larry Smith, Adrian; two sisters, Debbie and Shelly; five grandchildren, Jennifer Lough, Joshua Lough, Jeffery Lough, Jackson Lough and Kariel Smith; and a special friend, Brenda Dampier, and her girls, Sarah and Ashley.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and stepdad, Harry McDowell.
Memorial services were Nov. 30 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler. Inurnment was in Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian. Online condolences may be left at http://www.schowengerdtchapel.com.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler.
Barbara A. Castle
March 12, 1937 – Dec. 2, 2021
Barbara Ann Castle, Harrisonville, was born March 12, 1937, in Brawley, California, the daughter of Henry Edward and Vida Mae (Rider) Collins. She died Dec. 2 at Cass Regional Medical Center, Harrisonville, surrounded by love and family at the age of 84 years, 8 months and 20 days.
On Sept. 25, 1954, Barbara married Charles Lee Castle in Afton, Oklahoma.
Barbara was employed as a food service director for the Cass-Midway School District and the Harrisonville R-9 School District.
She enjoyed swimming, traveling, going to the beach, cooking, gardening, canning and playing solitaire. Barbara loved going to her water aerobics class at the Harrisonville Community Center, going with the group for their breakfast outing and her dog, Boo.
She had lived Kansas City before she and Charles moved to a farm near Cleveland in 1970.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie Castle; on Nov. 15; her daughter, Shaloy K. Higgins; a grandson, Colby; a brother, Caroll Collins; and a sister, Doris Bell.
Barbara is survived by her four children, Waukita and Bill Pots, Cleveland, Karazo Milner, Villiage of Loch Lloyd, Tonya and Lynn Barnes, Harrisonville, and Darin and Julie Castle. Perry, Kansas; grandchildren, Kyle, Kindra, Renee adn Jarid; two great-granddaughters, Kijah and Rhea; other relatives and friends.
A graveside service was Dec. 4 at the Freeman Cemetery, Freeman. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Cass-Midway Baseball and Softball Booster Club.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Doris E. Folsom
Sept. 27, 1935 – Dec. 1, 2021
Doris Evelyn Folsom, 86, Harrisonville, died Dec.1 at her home. Doris was born Sept. 27, 1935, in Winfield, Kansas, the daughter of Every and Violet (Leach) Lanier.
She was a 1954 graduate of Atlanta High School, Atlanta, Kansas, and immediately after graduating, she joined the United States Navy, serving in 1955 and 1956.
Doris married Eddie Robert Boles in Wichita, Kansas, in 1956 and they were married for nine years before getting a divorce. Doris married Robert Franklin Folsom on July 21, 1981, in Buchanan.
Doris had worked at the Federal Building downtown Kansas City as a file clerk for 25 years before retiring in 1999. She had lived in Winfield until 1960 when she moved to Kansas City, where he lived until moving to Harrisonville 2005.
Doris was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert, on May 25, 2001; a brother, Orville Lanier; and a brother-in-law, J.D. Williamson.
She is survived by two sons, James Boles and Laurel, Harrisonville, and Robert Boles, DeSoto, Kansas; a daughter, Dana Folsom, Warsaw; a brother, Lester Lanier, Douglass, Kansas; a sister, Thelma Williamson, Douglass, Kansas; sister-in-law, Gertrude Lanier, Edgerton; seven grandchildren, Perry Boles and Tami, Kody Boles, Kelsey Gordon and Joel, Dusty L. Boles, Gabriel Harris, Alisha Every and Kayla Laffoon; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Inurnment and graveside services were Dec. 6 at Mt. Washington Cemetery, Independence. Memorial contributions are suggested to Susan G. Komen Cancer Center (komen.org).
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
David C. Green
Sept. 15, 1975 – Nov. 26, 2021
David Christopher Green, 46, Harrisonville, died Nov. 26 in Harrisonville. David was born Sept. 15, 1975, in Harrisonville, the son of Larry and Carolyn (Hannah) Gill.
After his mom’s death in a car wreck in 1985, David was raised by is Aunt Sharon (Hannah) and Uncle Tim Green, who adopted him. David had lived in Harrisonville most of his life and was a 1993 graduate of Harrisonville High School. He continued his education at UMC in Warrensburg receiving his BA Degree in Business.
David was a truck driver for R.L. Hannah Trucking in Harrisonville. His grandfather, R.L., always said he was a great truck driver. He will be so missed by everyone. He was his children’s biggest fan in all their sports games and never missed an activity with them. He was his brother Rickey’s idol. He was a jokester and had a laugh like no other. He was a big Chiefs fan and loved going to the races.
David was preceded in death by his mother, Carolyn; his grandfather, Russel Hannah; and his aunt, Linda Dian (Hannah) Hessefort.
He is survived by Larry Gill; a daughter, Alanna Green, and a son, Ryder Green, all of Lee’s summit; his father and mother, Tim and Sharon Green, Harrisonville; a brother, Rickey Green and Vicki, Archie; his maternal grandmother, Frances Hannah, Harrisonville; a nephew, Riley Green; and many cousins and friends.
Funeral services were Dec. 4 at the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville with burial in Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Barbara L. Igo
March 13, 1961 – Nov. 18, 2021
Barbara L. Igo was born March 13, 1961, in Humansville, at the George Demmitt Memorial Hospital. Seh died Nov. 18 at her home in Irmo, South Carolina.
Barbie graduated from Ray-Pec High School in 1979.
She went to work for the IRS and in time, became the director of the Problem Resolution Department, until the closing of that department. At that time she opened an aerobic studio and called it “Body Limits.” She also worked as an accountant at Bell South and did seasonal tax work.
Barbie was a member of the Union United Methodist Church in Irmo. She taught an adult Sunday school class and was in a performance group called Lady Leaps of Faith.
Barbie was preceded in death by , brothers, Tommy and Eddie Igo and Ricky Jackson; her father, Thomas C. Igo; and grandparents, Igos, Usserys and Jacksons.
Barbie is survived by two daughters, her oldest, Melenda Gail Swartz, Peculiar, and her youngest, Valerie Lane Swager and Fred, Gilbert, South Carolina; her mother Frances E. Jackson and Raymond. Osceola; a brother, Bradley Igo and the Jackson boys; sisters, Martha and Emma Igo; aunts and uncles, Janie and Larry, Cindy and Wilma; and many other family members.
All the pain and grief is over,
every restless tossing is passed,
She is now at peace forever…safely home in heaven at last.
A celebration of life for Barbie Igo was Dec. 5.
Frank Lochiano
June 12, 1931 – Nov. 30, 2021
Rank Lochiano, 95, Drexel, died Nov. 30 at Louisburg Healthcare and Rehab in Louisburg, Kansas. Frank was born June 12, 1931, in Kansas City, the son of Frank and Violet Suggs Lochiano.
He served in the United States Navy from June 14, 1948 to June 10, 1952, aboard the USS Andromeda. Following his honorable discharge, he worked at the Bendix Corporation.
After that he worked as a salesman for Columbia Steel selling grain bins. Later on in life, he worked as a handyman doing odd jobs. Frank was a proud member of the Drexel VFW Post for many years.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dorothy McAnany Lochiano; daughter Linda; and brother, Anthony.
He survived by his sister, Mary Carlson; grandsons, Clint Napton and wife Cathy, Joplin, and Brett Napton and wife Jessica, Lee’s Summit; adn great-grandchildren, Shane, Megan, Caitlin, Ryan adn Cale.
Cremation, a visitation was Dec. 4 at the Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel. There will be no memorial service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Drexel VFW.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel, Drexel.
Clarence D. McVay
April 1, 1936 – Nov. 27, 2021
Clarence Dean McVay, 85, Harrisonville, died Nov. 27 at Centerpoint Medical Center, Independence. Clarence was born April 1, 1936, on his family farm in Harrisonville, the son of Clarence Madison McVay and Josie Abby (Hess) McVay.
He grew up in the Harrisonville Area and graduated with the class of 1954 from Archie High School.
Clarence met and married the love of his life, Elaine Sweet, on Aug. 19, 1955. Throughout their 66 years of marriage, they still enjoyed each other’s company and were always finding things to do together.
He spent his career working for Bendix, moving up through the ranks in his 40 plus years of service to them. retiring in the power house as an operating engineer.
Some of his greatest enjoyments were spending time golfing with his buddies or playing cards with them when the weather wasn’t nice, fishing and farming. There was always a large garden and he loved to give his produce away.
He had a true passion for raising pecan trees, planting and grafting more than a 100 nut-bearing trees in the last 40 years. He always looked forward to the fall harvest.
He was a member of the Adrian Christian Church in Adrian. Clarence leaves a legacy of hard work and love for his family.
Clarence was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, George McVay; and sisters, Betty Norton, Colleen Jenkins, Marjorie Bean and Doris McVay.
He is survived by his wife, Elaine; his children, Susan Westmoreland and Frank Urton, Archie, and Gene McVay, Archie; seven grandchildren, Rick Dines, Jeremy and Amanda McVay, Scott McVay, Michael and Mary McVay, Mindy and Ben James, Will and Molly Urton and Cassy and John Morrison; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
A funeral service was Dec. 3 at the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville. Interment followed in the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Harrisonville.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Show Me Christian Yough Home, 24302 Mahin Rd, La Monte, Mo 65337 or Gospel Fires Mission.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
James R. Perkowski
June 12, 1926 – Nov. 28, 2021
James Robert Perkowski, 95, died Nov. 28 in Raymore. He was born June 12, 1926, in Hiawatha, Utah, the youngest child of Sylwester “Sam” Perkowski and Christiana “Anna” Jensen Perkowski.
James Robert accumulated many nicknames throughout the years, Bob, Jim and JR, but many people knew him as Perk.
Young Bob survived a childhood bout with polio, spending an extended period away from his family at Shriners hospital for Children in Salt Lake City.
The family later moved to Carlsbad, New Mexico, where he graduated with the Carlsbad High School class of 1944. Following graduation, Perk served his country in the United States Navy. He went on to attended the University of Houston, graduating in 1951 with a degree in business administration.
He was employed for many years by the United States National Laborotories, starting with Sandia National Laboratory in Albequerque, New Mexico.
While at Sandia, he met and married the love of his life, Violet Elizabeth Brown. Throughout the nearly 65 years of their marriage, they moved many times for work, Las Vegas, Nevada; Livermore, California; Albuqueque, New Mexico; Roswell, New Mexico; and El Paso Texas. They eventually settled back in Roswell where they both retired from Transportation Manufacturing Corporation (TMC).
Bob and Vi Played duplicate bridge and enjoyed traveling the United States playing bridge, seeing the sights and visiting grandchildren.
Perk was an avid coin collector and backyard turtle enthusiast. After he lost Violet in 2019, he moved to Raymore where he enjoyed birdwatching, country drives and lots of chocolate ice cream cones.
James Robert was preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Violet; his parents, Sam and Anna; brothers, Earl, Fred, Jack and Walter; and his beloved big sister, Jeraldine.
He is survived by a daughter, Kathi adn husband, Roger Mills, Cleveland; a daughter, Tricia and husband, Matthew Jones, Ann Arbor, Michigan; and a son, Mike Perkowski, Rosell; six grandchildren, Hannah, Laine and Tessa Mills and Cassie, Zane and Toby Jones; and many nieces and nephews.
At Perk’s request, no services are planned. A family celebration will be held in Carlsbad at a later date. Memorial contributions may e made to Shriners Children’s Hospital of Salt Lake City.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Teena Popplewell
Aug. 18 1963 – Nov. 1, 2021
Teena Popplewell, 58, Flemington, died Nov. 1. Teena Marie Jones Popplewell was born Aug. 18, 1963, in Kansas City, Kansas, the daughter of Harvey and Charlotte Thompson Jones. She grew up in the Drexel area.
Teena had a close circle of friends and family. Her life was spent taking care of the ones she loved the most. Her most precious moments were with her niece, nephews and grandchildren. She was happiest caring for others and being outdoors and enjoying lake life.
To honor Teena, her family asks that you think of the things you loved most about her and hold them close to your heart. It was Teena’s last wish to spend her last days on this earth with her family. She died at the home of her niece, Hope, in Arkansas.
Teena was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Charlotte Jones.
She is survived by her husband, JT Popplewell; special niece, Hope Hart; nephews, Devyn Marshall and Joshua Hart; stepdaughters, Kandie Glenn, Bridgett Miller and Tanya Kantor; her sisters, Francine Chance, Sharon Jones and Deena Luna; and brothers, Chuck Jones, Shon Jones and Travis Jones; along with many extended family members and dear friends.
Funeral services were Nov. 6 at the Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel. Burial followed in Sharon Cemetery, Drexel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the University of Kansas Cancer Center.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel.
Clark P. Reynolds
March 21, 1967 – Nov. 24, 2021
Clark Patrick Reynolds was born March 21, 1967, in Harrisonville and died at his home in Pleasant Hill, at the age of 54 years, 8 months, and 3 days. He was the son of C.L. “Jake” and Rayma Louise (Spurlock) Reynolds.
Clark spent most of his life in Pleasant Hill graduating from Pleasant Hill High School in 1985.
After graduation, he went to work at Mr. LongArm Inc., in Greenwood. Clark worked for Mr. LongArm for 15 years before taking a position with Fike Corporation in Blue Springs where he had worked for more than 25 years and was still employed there at the time of his death. Clark was a lifelong member of the First Christian Church of Pleasant Hill. Clark had a magnetic and fun-loving personality that just naturally drew people to him. He never knew a stranger and was always ready with a quick joke or story to entertain those around him.
Clark loved to sing and was a talented painter, gifting many of his family and friends with his original works of art. Clark had an extensive collection of Star Wars and Star Trek memorabilia and kept his collection in what he jokingly called the “Nerd Room.” He also enjoyed collecting anything that had to do with Marvel or DC Comics.
Above all else, Clark was a true family man. He was an amazing father, papa, father and uncle. He loved spending time with his family and was always available if any of them were in need.
Clark was preceded in death by his parents, C.L. “Jake” and Rayma Reynolds; brother David Reynolds; and sister, Becky Rainwater.
He is survived by his daughter, Amber Reynolds, Pleasant Hill; his son, Thomas Reynolds, Kansas City; a brother, the Rev. Tony Reynolds and wife Ruth, Appleton City; sisters, Sandy Reynolds and Deb Grimm, Webb City, Beth Meoyer and husband Rodney, Missouri City, Texas, Tommi Reynolds, Butler, and Jennifer Sharp, Kingsville; a brother-in-law, Rob Sharp, Kingsville; six grandchildren; many loving nieces, nephews, other relatives and many, many friends.
Per Clark’s wishes, cremation has been accorded.
There was a visitation Dec. 3 followed by a memorial service with the Rev. Kent Deubner Officiating at the Wallace Funeral Home, Pleasant Hill. Arrangements were under the direction of the Wallace Funeral Home, Pleasant Hill.
Edgar F. Rockwell
Jan. 24, 1938 – Nov. 23, 2021
Edgar Francis Rockwell, 83, Holden died Nov. 23 at the Kansas City Hospice House, Kansas City. He was born Jan. 24, 1938, in Callao, the son of James Edgar Rockwell and Mildred Francis (Ford) Rockwell.
Ed attended and graduated from high school in Raytown. He married Judith Johnson on Feb. 25, 1956, and they were blessed with three children.
Ed was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and was a friend to many. He was a well-known general contractor building many residential and commercial structures in the Kansas City, Independence, Greenwood, and Lee’s Summit areas.
Ed was a devoted Christians and was a charter member and deacon on his church. He was a founder and helped build the First Baptist Church on South Padre Island in Texas during the early 1980s.
He is survived by his wife, Judy, of the home; a daughter, Debbie and Steve Briscoe, Holden; two sons, Eddie and Penni Rockwell, Oak Grove and Scott Rockwell, Holden; five granddaughters, Sara and Andy Lohe, Holden, Martha and Jake Bennett, Holden, Brittany Rockwell, Norton, Kansas, Morgan Rockwell, Parker, Colorado, Alexandra Rockwell, Oak Grove; a grandson, Zack and Megan Rockwell, Latour; two great-granddaughters, Bailey and Eric Thomason and Emma Loge, all of Holden; three great-grandsons, Jacob Bennett, Holden, Owen Hopkins, Norton, Kansas, and Easton Rockwell, Latour; a brother and sister-in-law, Steve and Karen Arbuckle, Peculiar; along with many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held in Callao at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Stewart Family Funeral Home, Inc., DBA Campbell-Cast Funeral Home, Holden.
William A. Sidwell
May 10, 1948 – Nov. 27, 2021
William “Bill” Alan Sidwell, 73, Freeman, died Nov. 27 at his home in Freeman with his family by his side. Bill was born May 10, 1948, in Windsor, the son of Harry Dean Sidwell and Sylvia Mildred (Stewart) Sidwell.
He married Susan Gilbert on May 19, 1972, at the Harrisonville Christian Church.
Bill served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. After his time in service, he spent his career as a sheet metal worker working for Metcraft.
He was a resident of Freeman for more than 40 years. Some of his greatest enjoyments were spending time with his family at the lake house, fishing on his fishing boat nd piloting his ski boat. Bill spent countless hours pulling kids and adults alike on the tube and pulling skiers all over Pomme de Terre Lake. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Danny Sidwell; a nephew, Sid Sidwell; and great-grandson, Nathan Peek.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Susan; his children, Shelly and Oren Peek, Garden City, Lloyd Sidwell, Miami, Oklahoma, Eugene Sidwell, Belton, Kendra and Mark McClellan, Freeman, and Clayton and Mindy Sidwell, Harrisonville; 14 children; seven great-grandchildren; his brother, Richard and Sharon Sidwell, Garden City; his sister-in-law, Janie Sidwell, Garden City; Levi, his faithful dog; and many extended family and friends.
Funeral services were Dec. 2 at the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville. Interment followed in Freeman Cemetery in Freeman. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Kansas City VA or a veteran charity of your voice.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Cora L. Stark
Sept. 2, 1935 – Nov. 29, 2021
After a five-year battle with effects from a devastating stroke, Cora Lue Stark, died Nov. 20 at her home in Raymore. She was 86 years old.
God’s angels safely carried her into Heaven where she now lives in God’s presence forever.
Cora Lue (May) Stark was born Sept. 2, 1935, in Nevada, the daughter of Joseph Henry May and Lucy Anna (Smith) May.
She accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior when she was a child and lived her life sharing His love and her strong belief in God our Heavenly Father. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Peculiar.
While attending Walker High School, Cora met the love of her life, Franklin Woodrow “Woody” Stark. They were married in 1953 and remained married for 68 years. Together they had three children that blessed their marriage, Vicki Jo, Connie Jean and Kendall Lee.
After graduating from high school, She worked at Keys in Nevada and later worked at Woolco in Grandview for a short time. With her big heart and years of hard work as a full-time homemaker, she lovingly cared for her husband and children.
Cora was a woman who dedicated her life to her family, passing on to them her passion fro life, her kindness, her compassion for her fellow man and her love for God. She was a steadfast base for her family with an open ear and heart whenever it was needed.
Her sense of humor and fun was a source of joy to all who knew her. She was an amazing cook and seamstress, loved all the family pets, gardening, growing flowers and feeding all the birds that visited their home each year. especially the hummingbirds.
Cora and Woody cherished their many years of friendship with the Blackwood Brothers Quartet gospel music singers. It was always a treat to listen to their fond memories of the fun times they had while riding with the Blackwood Brothers on their tour bus or working the booth at their concerts. She will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. We will miss this wonderful woman, but she has left us with memories that cannot be taken away. Cora has finally reached her highest goal, to be with her Heavenly Father in her Mansion of Gold.
Cora was preceded in death by her daughter, Vicki Jo (Stark) Remington; parents, Joseph Henry May and Lucy Anna (Smith) May; sisters Waneta Shields, Dorothy Wieberg, Betty Jo Klotz and Georgia Russell.
Cora is survived by her husband and best friend, Woody Stark; daughter, Connie Stark, Raymore; son, Kendall Stark, Peculiar; grandchildren, Justin Lee, Brandy Bollinger and Donny, Amanda Lie and Hank , and Christina and Tim; great-grandchildren Mason Roe, Oliver Lie, Adelane Lie, Elizabeth Huggins, Payton Bollinger, Charlotte Huggins, Alex Sleyster, Kenzi Bollinger, Donny Bollinger, Jr., and Gabbi Bollinger; a brother, Lloyd May and Doris; nieces, Argie Hickman and Bill and Deanne Goagland and Gregg; nephew, John Smith and Janet; great-nieces, great-nephews, and many friends.
Connie and Kendall would like to express their love and fondest gratitude to their dad, Woody Stark, for his unwavering, selfles dedication and special loving care he gave to their mama all the years they spent together and especially after her strokes.
The family wishes to give special thanks to caregivers Laticia Ross and many at St. Croix Hospice for the loving care they provided for our precious Cora during hte past four years.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations in Cora’s name to Samaritan’s Purse or the charity of the donor’s choice.
“I tell you the truth, today you will be with Me in paradise.” Luke 23:43.
A celebration of life service will be at 2 p.m. Jan. 15 with a visitation beginning at 1 p.m., at First Baptist Church of Peculiar. The service will also be live streamed through the FBCPeculiar Facebook page.
Michael R. Whaley
March 23, 1947 – Nov. 25, 2021
Michael “Mike” Roy Whaley, Peculiar, was born March 23, 1947, in Springfield, the son of Roy Ancil and Novagene (Wollford) Whaley. He died Nov. 25 at his home at the age of 74 years, 8 months and 2 days.
On July 18, 1972, Mike married Katherine Jane Carter in Springfield. Mike was a veteran of the United States Navy attaining the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class (IC2–E-5). He served during the Vietnam era on the ship USS Sandoval out of Norfolk, Virginia. After his tours of active duty, he remained active with the United States Naval Reserve for many years.
Mike began his lifelong career in railroading with the St. Louis-San Francisco Railway in 1968 when he hired on as a machinist in the Springfield shops. He advanced to a supervisor position in the 1980s.
After the Frisco merged with Burlington Northern Railroad, Mike and his family were transferred to Minneapolis, Minnesota. In 1995 an opportunity to move to Kansas City appeared and they were able to move closer to family.
Mike retired in 2004 as the supervisor of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Reliability Center in Argentine, Kansas.
He joined the Springfield Police Department Reserve in 1972. As a reserve officer, her worked alongside the regular force helping to fill in and provide support for everyday duties such as patrolling, large event control and public awareness.
He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed boating and camping. As an active member of Crappie.com, he attended many events where he made great friends.
After retirement he found an interest in barbecue cooking and contests. He was a Kansas City Barbeque Society certified barbecue judge and participated in several American Royal contests with friends.
He also helped build a live fire barbecue website, “The Q Joint,” where likeminded enthusiasts shared cooking tips and recipes.
In 2006, following in a long-term family tradition of making apple butter, Mike bought a 30-gallon copper kettle and a new era was begun. With the help of family, friends and neighbors every year apples were peeled, cooked and canned to produce an average of 200 pints of delicious apple butter. Everyone attending received a share.
In 2021, Mike entered the apple butter in the Missouri State Fair and was awarded “first premium” ribbon with a grand prize of $8. It was never about the money, only the fun, camaraderie and keeping a tradition alive.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas Whaley; and first wife, Edwina Ann Anderson.
He is survived by his wife, Jane Whaley, of the home; a son, Michael Ryan Whaley, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; two sisters, Saundra Nigliazzo, Brighton, and Patricia Kern, Republic; other relatives and many friends.
Cremation. A celebration of life visitation was Nov. 30 at the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
The family suggests memorial contributions to visiting Nurse Association, 1500 Meadow Lake Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64114 or may be left at the funeral home.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Jewell L. Wyatt
Feb. 18, 1929 – Nov. 22, 2021
Beloved son, brother, husband, grandfather and great-grandfather, Jewell Lynn Wyatt, 92, known as Lynn or J.L., died at his home in Archie Nov. 22 of natural causes, in the care of his wife, daughter and grandson.
Jewell Lynn Wyatt was born the son of George and Berenice Wyatt on Feb. 18, 1929. While he was a single child during his youth, he became a brother to Cindy Price when he was 20 years old.
At 22 years old, he enlisted in the Navy Reserves, then decided to join the Army and served proudly in the Korean War from Feb. 5, 1951 to Jan. 31, 1953.
He met the love of his life, Dana B. Breckenridge Wyatt, in 1959 at Bendix Corporation. They started dating in 1960 and were married Feb. 4, 1961. They remained faithfully in love and were married for 60 years until his death.
He was a devoted, loving and attentive father to their four children, attending multiple school functions even though he worked multiple jobs to care for the family.
His enduring, hardworking spirit successfully landed him many jobs throughout the years, including co-ownership of The Thrifty Reader Bookstore with his wife Dana. However, his love was farming.
He loved working the land and working with animals, especially the chickens, pigs, cows and horses. As many know, living on a farm, there were many family pets of dogs and cats ran around and he loved them all.
Even though the farm called to his heart. He knew education was important and finished his Associates Degree in Applied Science at Metropolitan Community College in his 60s.
His sense of humor remained in the forefront of all he did and kept him company until the end. Because of this he made friends with almost all that he met and earned his place in many people’s hearts and families.
Even though he retired at a “normal” age, he was continuously called back to work, as the most beloved grandpa to all.
Anyone who knew Lynn would often hear, “Make a list, we’ve got work to do and don’t stop moving.”
He was preceded in death by parents, George and Berenice Wyatt; and grandson, In Wyatt.
Lynn is survived by his children, Curtis and Dana Duncan Wyatt, Christopher and Cathleen Wyatt, Catherine Wyatt Ward and Christina and Steen Brotherton, Wyatt Thornburg; his grandchildren, Chandra, and Mark Walker Thornburg, Bradly Thornburg, Adam and Shannon Frederick Thornburg, Ashley and Michael Wyatt Earl, Whitney Nicole and Nathan Gold Wyatt, Sarah Ward, Megan Wyatt, Jessica and Kevin Ward Baxter-Young, Carter Wyatt; and great-grandchildren, Adam J. Thornburg, AnnMarie Thornburg, Amy Thornburg, Silas Hoyt, Soren Thornburg, Ivy Thornburg, Ethan Earl, Everlee God and James Earl.
Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Dec. 18 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 400 W. Wall St., Harrisonville. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. in the parish hall next door to the church. All are welcome to join us in the celebration of his life.
Loved by many, Lynn will be in our hearts forever.
