Obituaries

John Patrick Ryan

John Patrick Ryan

Aug 18, 2024

John Patrick Ryan, 79, of Sugar Creek, Missouri, passed away peacefully on August 18th, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born on May 26, 1945, in KCMO, John and his twin brother Tommy were miracle preemies, weighing only 1 pound, 10 ounces each. John always said he survived purely because of the nuns who prayed for him. Of course, he...

Kelsey Michaela (Jones) Cole

Kelsey Michaela (Jones) Cole

Aug 17, 2024

Kelsey M (Jones) Cole, 29, of Missouri and Maine, left her loved ones behind August 17, 2024, to continue her journey beyond. 

She was born in Ellsworth, Maine to Robert “Bobby” and Wilma Jones on July 7, 1995. Her beauty went far beyond what the eyes see. She loved God. Her radiating smile came straight from the heart. She was strong,...

William Preston Campbell

William Preston Campbell

Aug 16, 2024

"Bill" William Preston Campbell was born on December 13, 1951 and left this world on Friday, August 16, 2024. He was born in Independence, Missouri to Lois and Clyde Campbell. He is survived by his wonderful wife, Debra Campbell; children, Chris and Trisha Campbell; and two granddaughters, Mariah Kisner and Addy Watkins. He was preceded in death by one grandson,...

Patricia Ann Neaves

Patricia Ann Neaves

Aug 16, 2024

Patricia Ann Neaves, age 86 years, of Kansas City, passed away on August 16, 2024 at Kingswood Assisted Living.  She died peacefully surrounded by her two sons, Todd and Tim, by her side.  Pat was a devoted wife, mother, and fiend who will be deeply missed.  She is survived by her two sons, Todd and Tim, as well as her...

Mary K. Stephens

Mary K. Stephens

Aug 15, 2024

Mary Katherine Stephens, 95 of Warsaw, MO passed away Thursday, August 15, 2024 at her residence. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 31, 2024 at the Carson-Speaks Chapel, 1501 W. Lexington Ave., Independence, MO 64052 with burial to follow in Mt. Washington Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m., until service time Saturday at...

Mary "Joanna" Pritchett

Mary "Joanna" Pritchett

Aug 14, 2024

Mary Joanna Pritchett, affectionately known as Joanna, was born on March 25, 1937, in El Dorado Springs, Missouri. She peacefully departed this world on August 14, 2024, in Independence, Missouri. She was a beloved, mother, grandmother, and friend.

 Joanna’s love for the Lord was very strong. She drew from His strength to live each day. He was her sustainer and refuge....

James Russell Knudson

James Russell Knudson

Aug 13, 2024

James Russell Knudson, lovingly known as Jim, passed away on August 13, 2024, at the age of 80 at his home in Independence, MO. 

Jim is survived by Avis Knudson, his wife of 18 years, Jeff and Rich Knudson, his sons from his 30-year marriage with Mavis Knudson.

 An avid golfer, Jim will be sorely missed by his golfing buddies at Drumm...

Larry W. Gutekunst

Larry W. Gutekunst

Aug 13, 2024

Larry W. Gutekunst passed away peacefully on August 13th, 2024 surrounded by his family. Larry was born in Moberly, Missouri to Wesley Gutekunst and Lucille Gutekunst (Spurling) on September 26th, 1937.



 He attended Moberly Junior College for two years where he was the Class President. Larry then transferred to the University of Missouri where he received his Bachelor of Science degree...

Richard R. Cox

Richard R. Cox

Aug 13, 2024

Richard R. Cox, beloved father, grandfather, and friend of Warrensburg, MO passed away on August 13, 2024, in Harrisonville, Missouri, at the age of 94. Born on August 3, 1930, he had lived in Independence, Odessa, and Warrensburg. 

 

Richard enjoyed camping and square dancing in the past, but he got to realize his true passion for horses and trail riding during...

William "Bill" Robert Pierce

William "Bill" Robert Pierce

Aug 13, 2024

William (Bill) Robert Pierce of Independence Missouri passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, August 13, 2024. He was 66 years old.

He was born July 17, 1958 to William Richard Pierce and Anita Irene (Merriott) Pierce. Bill graduated from Westport High School, Kansas City MO. 

Bill is survived by his wife of 18 years, Becky; children Bethanie McLemore, Joshua Pierce, both of Texas, Nathaniel...

Joseph (Sefo) Archie LoTam

Joseph (Sefo) Archie LoTam

Aug 12, 2024

With heavy hearts and profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Joseph (Sefo) Archie LoTam affectionately known as Joe, who departed this world too soon on August 12, 2024, in Independence, Missouri. Born on May 30, 1958, Apia, Western Samoa, Joe's life was a testament to love, hard work, and unwavering dedication to his beloved family.

Joe made his family feel...

Paul Dwain Yancey

Paul Dwain Yancey

Aug 11, 2024

Paul Yancey peacefully passed away on August 11, 2024. He was 90 years old. Paul's passing was preceded by his parents; Ezra Eunice and Mary Leora (Reynolds) Yancey, his beloved wife; Vetrial "Vet" Yancey, his son; Douglas Dwain Yancey, and his brother; Bill Yancey. His legacy lives on through his son; Bobby Yancey (wife, Stephanie), his grandchildren; Joel Patrick (and...

Cliff Minks

Cliff Minks

Aug 11, 2024

Cliff Minks passed away unexpectedly from complications of his fight with ALS at the age of 64. 

Cliff will be remembered above all as a family man. He was the sixth of seven children, and grew up with an appreciation for the work it took to keep track of everyone's needs and making sure every mouth was fed. As he grew...

Shirley Anne Anderson

Shirley Anne Anderson

Aug 11, 2024

A beautiful lady named Shirley Thompson entered our world on September 19, 1932 in Kansas City, Missouri. She grew to be a wonderful person and married Charles Adrian “Chung” Anderson on April 15, 1960. Chung was a very active man. Shirley helped focus that energy into accomplishing good works and eventually spreading the word of Christ. The Lord blessed them...

Pamela Jean Pogson

Pamela Jean Pogson

Aug 11, 2024

Pamela Jean Pogson, known affectionately as “Pam,” peacefully passed away at home on August 11, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love and care that will forever be remembered by those who knew her.

 

Pam was born on March 15, 1955, in Oklahoma City, OK, marking the beginning of a life that would be defined, above all else, by her unwavering...

Everet Edward Smith

Everet Edward Smith

Aug 9, 2024

Everet Edward Smith, passed away on August 9, 2024, in Independence, Missouri. He was born on October 9, 1939, in Olathe, Kansas.

 

 Throughout his life, Everet displayed a remarkable aptitude for all things mechanical. His passion for tinkering and fixing things led him to a successful career as a mechanic, where his expertise and precision were highly regarded by all who...

Judith Hu Durrell

Judith Hu Durrell

Aug 8, 2024

Judith Hu Durrell

April 7, 1935 -Aug 8, 2024

Judy was the light and loving matriarch of a large, blended extended family. 

 She loved life, her faith in God and service to others in her community. Heavily involved in the church at the Center of Spiritual Learning (CSL) in Kansas City she served as a Prayer Chaplain. She loved helping people through prayer...

Laverne Edwin Bruemmer

Laverne Edwin Bruemmer

Aug 6, 2024

Laverne Edwin Bruemmer, known to his loved ones as "Ed," was a man of many talents and a heart full of love. With a career that intertwined teaching and farm work, Ed touched the lives of many through his dedication and passion for his work. His journey began in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on May 10, 1934, where he came into...

Donald Lavert Dixon

Donald Lavert Dixon

Aug 6, 2024

Donald L. Dixon, 87, of Independence, MO. passed away on August 6, 2024, after a long-fought battle with cancer. Donald was born on May 14, 1937, to Veachel and Amanda Dixon in Victoria, TX. He completed high school and enlisted in the US Army in 1955 and was stationed in Alaska. He then became a skilled craftsman in the masonry...