Obituaries
Cory Dean Lawrence
Feb 6, 2026
Cory Dean Lawrence, a cherished husband, father, and friend, passed away too soon on February 6, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri. Born on January 27, 1973, in Independence, Missouri, Cory lived a life filled with joy, love, and a dedication to his family, which he often referred to as his proudest accomplishment.
As a skilled RV technician, Cory took great pride...
Sun Pae Kim
Feb 6, 2026
Sun Pae Kim passed away peacefully on February 6th, 2026, at the age of 100, in Blue Springs, Missouri. She was born on January 23, 1926, in Chungnam, South Korea, where her journey began.
Sun Pae married her husband, Yi Man Song, in 1942, and together they created their family of eleven. After Yi Man’s passing in 1985, she showed remarkable...
Lanett Ann "Nettie" Sullivan
Feb 5, 2026
Lanett Ann Sullivan, lovingly known as "Nettie," was born on July 9, 1971, in Perryton, Texas to Gail Travis Janzen and Sylvia Lorine (Adams) Janzen. She passed away unexpectedly on February 5, 2026, in North Kansas City, Missouri, leaving behind a legacy of love, humility, grace, and faith.
Nettie earned an Associate's degree from Rhema Bible Training College in Broken Arrow,...
Alice Marie Reagan
Feb 5, 2026
Alice Marie Reagan, formerly of Buckner, Missouri, passed away Thursday, February 5th, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri, at the age of 93.
Alice was born to Harry Isadore Bollinger and Hattie Viola Bollinger on April 4, 1932, in Guthrie Oklahoma.
Alice grew up in Fort Scott, Kansas. She met Leo Patrick (Pat) Reagan in July of 1954. After a three-month courtship, they...
Wayne Curtis Cooper
Feb 1, 2026
Wayne Curtis Cooper gently left this world on February 1, 2026, at the age of 88, surrounded by love in Independence, Missouri. Born on November 30, 1937, in Parsons, Kansas, Wayne lived a full and vibrant life marked by his passions, accomplishments, and unwavering commitment to family.
Wayne served honorably in both the Air Force and the Navy, experiences that filled...
Craig Steven Atchison
Jan 31, 2026
Craig Steven Atchison passed away peacefully on January 31st, 2026. Craig was born on February 1st, 1963 in Kansas City, Missouri to Penny and William Atchison.
Craig was a devoted husband of 30 years to Angela Atchison and a loving father to Brooke Atchison and Christina Daniel (Ethan). He was a proud grandfather to Jason Jerde. He was preceded in death...
Victor Jose Bernard, Jr.
Jan 30, 2026
Victor Jose Bernard, Jr. (April 12, 1950 – January 30, 2026) was a man of service, strength, and deep love. After serving honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps (1968–1974) and the NYPD (1974–1984), Victor found his greatest adventure in 1989 when he moved to California and met his wife, Judith.
Married on September 12, 1991, Victor was Judith’s "home" and greatest...
Lois Janet Van Fleet
Jan 28, 2026
Lois J. Van Fleet passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026 at the age of 103 in Independence, Missouri. She was born January 1, 1923, in Hutchinson, Kansas to Robert and Cora (nee' Brackenbury) Wilde.
Lois graduated from East High School, Des Moines and Graceland University, Lamoni, Iowa. She was an accomplished singer, pianist, seamstress, fashion model, swimmer, and tennis player....
Fred Edward Smith, Jr.
Jan 27, 2026
Fred Edward Smith, Jr., 78, of Independence, Missouri, passed away on January 27, 2026, surrounded by those who loved him most.
Fred was born on July 18, 1947, in Savannah, Georgia, to Fred Edward Smith, Sr. and Ann Louise Smith. He grew up with his siblings, Marie Green, Mary Ann Vinacco, and Lisa McLaughlin.
Fred will be deeply missed by his longtime...
Urban Mathias Hilke
Jan 27, 2026
Urban M. Hilke passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
Urban was born on June 27, 1937, on the family farm in Argyle, Missouri, to Joseph and Martha (Eichholz) Hilke. He was preceded in death by his parents and eleven siblings—six brothers and five sisters.
On July 6, 1963, Urban married Wanda Fitzpatrick in Argyle, Missouri.
Urban was employed by the Rock...
Zada Ellena Thomas
Jan 26, 2026
Zada Ellena Thomas, affectionately known as Ellena, took her final journey on January 26, 2026, in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri, where she was surrounded by the love of her family. Born on November 1, 1932, in Kansas City, Ellena lived a life rich with creativity, warmth, and an unwavering devotion to her loved ones.
With a heart full of...
Howard L. Peery
Jan 25, 2026
Howard Peery, died peacefully, January 25th 2026. We are saddened to see him leave this world. His family and many of his friends had been around him, and with him, over the past several days. We will all miss him. Howard started his worklife as a hair stylist and owned beauty shops for about 10 years. Next he worked for...
William E. "Pete" Hirst
Jan 25, 2026
William E. Hirst, lovingly known as Pete passed away peacefully on January 25, 2026, in Lee's Summit, Missouri, at the age of 79. Born on April 27, 1946, in Independence, Missouri, he lived a life characterized by dedication, service, and love for his family.
After graduating from William Chrisman High School, Pete pursued a career that reflected his commitment to community...
Nancy June Davis
Jan 25, 2026
Nancy J. Davis passed from this life on Sunday, January 25, 2026, in Independence, MO. She was born June 21, 1939 in Pleasant Hill, MO to James E. and Bernice (Van Akren) Hale.
After divorcing in 1945, her mother married Frank W. Ketchum in 1948. He had a son, Frank D., and Nancy wanted her last name to be the same...
Thomas Wesley "Tom" Short
Jan 23, 2026
Thomas Wesley Short, 92 years old, of Independence, Missouri, died January 23, 2026. Tom was born in Greenwood, MO and grew up in Osceola. As a young adult, Tom moved to Kansas City and met Sue, the love of his life, at a football game in Pleasant Hill when visiting his parents. He was head over heels from the first...
Frederick James Moore Jr.
Jan 22, 2026
Frederick James Moore, Jr., affectionately known as Fred, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026, in Independence, MO. He was born and raised in Independence, MO to Frederick Moore Sr. and Irene Moore. Fred served honorably in the United States Army for over 24 years and retired as a Sergeant First Class. While serving, he was a paratrooper with over...
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