Richard Kent Atkinson
July 5, 1936 – May 1, 2023
Richard Kent Atkinson, 86, Archie, passed away Monday, May 1, 2023, at Golden Years in Harrisonville. Funeral services were held Friday, May 5, 2023, at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, (atkinsonfuneralhome.com), with burial in Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Western Missouri Antique Tractor & Machinery Association.
Richard was born on July 5, 1936, to Clyde and Frances “Allene” (Noell) Atkinson in Archie. Richard attended Archie High School and graduated in 1954. He proudly served in the U.S. Army as a PFC and was stationed in Germany. Richard was married to Carole (Groll) Atkinson on September 21, 1963, by Rev. Clarence Bates at the First Baptist Church of Archie, and to this union was born two children.
Richard spent his life working many jobs. He was a foreman at American Alloys from 1957-1959, and after returning from the Army, went back to work for American Alloys until the plant closed in 1970. He then worked for S&G Metals as a supervisor until that plant closed in 1981. After which he was employed by Remington Arms – Lake City Army Ammunition Plant until retiring in 2000. In 1976, Richard and Carole became the managers of Archie Senior Housing, serving in that role for 25 years. Later in life, he enjoyed being the custodian at Archie School. Richard was a member of the Archie First Baptist Church where he served in numerous capacities and was ordained as a Deacon in 1988.
Richard’s greatest loves were farming, tending to his cattle and his donkey, Floyd, and mowing everything in sight. He loved tractor shows and driving in parades, passing out candy to kids. He had a great love for Roy Acuff songs. His best advice to his children and grandchildren was to “use sound judgment”, a piece of advice that was rarely listened to. He truly believed that Merthiolate was a wonder drug and couldn’t wait to dab it on ANY wound. Richard enjoyed being outside every day and always found inventive ways to fix things.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, and his beloved wife, Carole. He is survived by his children and their spouses: Kendall Atkinson (Anissa), Archie; and Andrea Holthaus (Chris), St. Louis; grandchildren: Dakota and Cheyene Atkinson, Tyler, Madison and Jacob Holthaus; great-grandchild, Everlyn Stevens; sister, Doretta (Thurman) Flanary; and grand-dogs, Archie and Rookie.
Sandra Dee Ball
March 17, 1961 – April 26, 2023
Sandra Dee Ball went to meet our Lord April 26, 2023, at home with her family by her side.
Sandra was born to Carl and Abbie (Debbie) Parrish on March 17, 1961. She was a RN and worked for Anthem as a Certified Case Manager.
Sandra was preceded in death by father, Carl Parrish; sister, Julia Daley; and grandmother, Abbie Gray. Those left to mourn are her husband, Allan Ball of Warsaw; mother, Abbie Parrish, Independence; Carl Parrish, Jr. and wife, Theresa, Florida: three children, Brandi Brown, Kansas City, Frank Brown and wife, Emily, Lawson, and Emily Ball of Lee’s Summit; grandchildren, Dayton, Dean, Davin, Drew and William.
A life celebration is planned for her birthday (St. Patrick’s Day) 2024. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children Cancer Hospital.
