Obituaries
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...
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...
Subscribe
Subscribe to get alerts on new obituaries
HeartLight offers a variety of support groups, education, resources, and special programming related to grief and loss.
