Obituaries
Shirley J. Hix
Jun 30, 2026
Shirley J. Hix, 95, of Sugar Creek, Mo., passed away June 30, 2026. Visitation will be from 6 to 8p.m. on Sunday July 12th at the Carson-Speaks Chapel, 1501 W. Lexington Ave., Independence, Mo., 64052. Graveside service and Interment at Mound Grove Cemetery Independence, Mo., 10a.m. Monday July 13th.
Shirley was born Jan. 14, 1931, in Marshall Mo. She moved with...
Tammy Marie Hopper
Jun 29, 2026
With heavy hearts, we announce the unexpected passing of Tammy Marie Hopper on Monday, June 29, 2026, in North Kansas City, Missouri, after a brief but courageous battle with liver cancer. Tammy was born on February 24, 1961, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Edwin Samuel Hopper Sr and Lula May (Self) Hopper.
Tammy was a proud graduate of Van Horn High...
Dennis Wayne Valet
Jun 28, 2026
A private Celebration of Life will be held by the family. Please check back soon for an obituary.
Herman Wayne Coleman
Jun 25, 2026
Herman "Wayne" Coleman
Herman "Wayne" Coleman, 91, of Independence, Missouri, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2026. Wayne was born on August 22, 1934, in Rockville, Missouri, to Charlie and Mildred Coleman.
On January 15, 1955, Wayne married the love of his life, Ruth Ellen Hunter, in Stockton, Missouri. Together they built a loving family and were blessed with four daughters, sharing...
Bobbie Ray Alumbaugh
Jun 24, 2026
Bobbie Ray Alumbaugh — known to everyone as Bob — passed away on June 24, 2026, at St. Luke's East Hospital in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, at the age of 88. A nearly lifelong Independence man, Bob lived with quiet purpose, boundless work ethic, and a deep love for his family, his hobbies and the wide-open road.
Bob was born on November...
David Eugene Crawford
Jun 22, 2026
David Eugene Crawford, beloved husband, veteran, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on June 22, 2026, in Kansas City, Kansas after battling acute myeloid leukemia and pneumonia. He was born on January 30, 1951, in Bakersfield, Missouri, to William McNeil Crawford and Timotia "Mona" (Marez) Crawford.
David was a graduate of Washington High School in Kansas City, Kansas, class of 1969. He...
Kenneth Charles Vogel
Jun 21, 2026
Kenneth Charles "Kenny" Vogel
Kenneth Charles "Kenny" Vogel, 55, of Independence, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, June 21, 2026, in the city where he was born and spent his life. Born on May 20, 1971, in Independence, Kenny's passing comes far too soon and leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Kenny worked for many years...
Dale George Richardson
Jun 21, 2026
Dale George Richardson, 66, of Independence, Missouri, passed away much too soon on June 21, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born on December 7, 1959, in Fullerton, California, son to George and Jacqueline Richardson. Dale lived a life marked by hard work, devotion to family, and a passion for the simple joys that brought people together. He proudly...
Don E. Waddell
Jun 20, 2026
Don Eugene Waddell, 95, passed away on June 20, 2026, in Clinton, Missouri. He was born on January 5, 1931, in Independence, Missouri.
Don attended William Chrisman High School, where he met the love of his life, Dorothy. The two were married on New Year's Eve in 1950 and shared nearly 60 wonderful years together before Dorothy's passing. Don dedicated more...
William Lewis Murphy
Jun 20, 2026
William Lewis “Bill” Murphy of Independence, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the age of 87 years. He was born on November, 4, 1938, in Bonne Terre, Missouri, to Floyd and Hazel (Dickemann) Murphy.
Bill found comfort in the peace and solace of the great outdoors. He enjoyed pheasant hunting and spending time at Tablerock lake fishing. He...
Kelley Lorraine Mead
Jun 18, 2026
Kelley Lorraine Mead, age 64, of Buckner, Missouri, passed away on June 18th, 2026 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Kelley was born on December 13th, 1961 in Independence, Missouri to Lonzo Neil Simmons and Billie Simmons. She lived a life defined by love, compassion, and dedication to her family and friends. Her kindness, strength, and caring spirit touched the lives...
Obid Arlen Kilgore
Jun 18, 2026
Obid Arlen Kilgore, 89, passed away on June 18, 2026.
Obid was born on January 18, 1937, in Parthenon, Arkansas, the son of Ray and Eula Kilgore. He graduated from Jasper High School, Jasper, AR, in 1954, and studied for one year at Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, MO.
Obid married Chari Thurman on October 6, 1956, and to this union were born...
Carol A. O'Shaughnessy
Jun 18, 2026
Carol A. O'Shaughnessy, born on December 25, 1950, in Mendon, Missouri, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2026, in Polo, Missouri. She graced this world with her presence for 75 remarkable years.
Carol earned an Associate's degree in criminology from MCC and devoted much of her professional life to serving as security personnel for Crown Center. Her career reflected her commitment...
Mason Patrick Jelsma
Jun 17, 2026
Mason Patrick Jelsma, 8, of Blue Springs, passed away on June 17, 2026. He was born on July 11, 2017 in Blue Springs, Missouri to Patty Beemer and Shane Jelsma.
Though his time with us was brief, Mason brought so much joy and happiness to our family. He was known for his infectious smile, and indomitable spirit. Mason enjoyed fishing, basketball,...
Braedon Caldwell Nichols
Jun 17, 2026
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Braedon Caldwell Nichols on June 17, 2026, at the age of 20.
Born on April 16, 2006, Braedon brought joy, compassion, and energy to the lives of everyone who knew him. He graduated from Park Hill High School in 2024, where he excelled both academically and athletically. A passionate athlete,...
Stephen Raymond "Uncle Go Go" Kunkel
Jun 15, 2026
Stephen Raymond "Uncle Go Go" Kunkel, a man whose presence illuminated every room he entered with warmth, humor, and an unmistakable zest for life, passed away on June 15, 2026, in Independence, Missouri. Born on February 26, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, Stephen lived a life deeply enriched by his unwavering dedication to family, his country, and the simple joys that...
Matthew Cole Swope
Jun 14, 2026
Matthew Cole Swope, 39, of Independence, Missouri passed away on June 14, 2026, in a tragic plane crash near Butler, Missouri.
Born on September 5, 1986, he was the youngest son of Jerry and Dorcie Swope. Matthew graduated from Truman High School in 2005, received an associate’s degree in Gunsmithing from the Colorado School of Trades in 2009, and completed Centriq’s...
Michael F. Duffin
Jun 13, 2026
Michael F. Duffin, affectionately known as Mike, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2026, in Independence, Missouri. Born on April 18, 1938, in Clinton, Missouri, Mike lived a life marked by creativity, warmth, and a deep love of family and friends.
Mike attended Clinton High School. There he met the love of his life, Mary. They were married for 67 years....
Michael David LeFever
Jun 10, 2026
Michael David LeFever, affectionately known as Mike, passed away on June 10, 2026, in Independence, Missouri, just three days shy of his 67th birthday. Born on June 13, 1959, in Kansas City, Missouri, Mike was a man whose life was defined by creativity, a sharp intellect, and a profound generosity of spirit.
Mike attended Newark High School in Newark, California, laying...
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