Obituaries
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...
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...
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 (Nan Arken) 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...
Aubrey "Earl" Williamson Jr.
Jan 20, 2026
Aubrey Earl Williamson, Jr., 87, of Kansas City, MO passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on January 20, 2026.
Earl was born on September 9,1938 to Aubrey (Sr.) and Mildred Williamson in Independence, MO. He grew up in Grain Valley and lived in the Independence area the rest of his life. He and his wife Joan moved to the Riverstone...
Frank Plisowski
Jan 20, 2026
Frank Plisowski
August 30, 1933 — January 20, 2026
Independence
Frank Plisowski passed away on January 20, 2026, leaving behind a life defined by quiet strength, generosity, and steadfast devotion to his family. He was born on August 30, 1933, to Mary and Michael Plisowski, who immigrated to the United States from Ukraine in pursuit of a better life for their children.
Frank proudly...
Edwin Smith
Jan 20, 2026
Edwin Oliver Smith, born November 5, 1932, passed away January 20, 2026. He was 93 years old.
Edwin graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1951.
He married Carol Lee Duncan on September 7, 1958. Edwin is a member of the Buckner Restoration Branch. He is an Army veteran and a Korean War veteran.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence...
Renee M. Rockwell
Jan 17, 2026
Renee Marie Rockwell passed away peacefully on January 17, 2026, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She was born Renee Marie Bussard on February 15, 1940, in Independence, Missouri, to Fred and Evelyn Bussard. As the eldest child in her family, Renee deeply loved and looked after her siblings.
A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Renee dedicated her professional life to caring...
Allen Simon Evans
Jan 17, 2026
Allen Simon Evans, age 89, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2026, in Overland Park, Kansas.
Born in Lead Hill, Arkansas, Allen spent most of his life in Independence, Missouri, where he built a life centered on family, faith, and hard work. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Donna Ruth Evans. Married for 68 years, Allen and Donna...
Ellen "Jake" Welch
Jan 15, 2026
SHE WAS A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH. A SMART, FEISTY LADY WITH A RAZOR SHARP WIT. IF YOU MET HER YOU WOULD BE HARD PRESSED TO FORGET HER. JIMMY AND CHRISTINE (PACENKA) DUNCAN HAD A SHOE REPAIR JUST PAST THE ARMCO BRIDGE. SHE, HER BROTHER AND 3 SISTERS LIVED UPSTAIRS IN THE BACK OF THAT SHOP WHERE SHE WAS...
Rick Eugene Fullerton
Jan 14, 2026
Rick Eugene Fullerton, a beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2026, at the age of 98, in Warrensburg, Missouri. Rick was born to Leonard and Ruth (Cooper) Fullerton on June 11, 1927, in Sedalia, Missouri.
After graduating from Smith Cotton High School, Rick entered the United States Army Air Corp and served his country for 2...
Billie Lea Fullerton
Jan 14, 2026
Billie Lea Fullerton, a beloved matriarch, passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, in Blue Springs, Missouri. Born on June 21, 1930, in Reed Springs, Missouri, Billie lived a life filled with love and laughter.
Billie graduated from Reed Springs High School. Over the years, she held a few jobs in the community. Most notable, For over 25 years, Billie served...
Richard Walter Dietz Jr.
Jan 13, 2026
Richard Walter DIETZ, Jr., was born on March 9, 1946 in Santa Fe, New Mexico in an Indian Hospital and died on January 13, 2026 in Independence, MO. Richard graduated from Benson High school, Omaha NE in 1964. He proudly served in the 172nd Transportation unit from the Omaha area in Vietnam. Richard was an avid pool shooter for many...
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