Reuben L. Ballinger, 78, Bolivar, died Friday, Aug. 20, 1999, in Citizens Memorial Hospital. He was born March 9, 1921, in Bolivar to Reuben L. and Dorothy Marie Durham Ballinger. On Oct. 5, 1941, he was united in marriage to Eunice R. Herbert, and to this union three children were born. He was retired from the Lake City Ammunitions Plant in Kansas City, where he was the inventory control clerk. After leaving the Kansas City area, he operated the Bolivar Landing Bait Shop from 1983 to 1994. He was a member of the Bolivar Assembly of God Church. Survivors include his wife, Eunice, of the home; two sons and daughters-in-law, Kenneth and Peggy Ballinger of Lee's Summit and Jimmie and Jan Ballinger of Kansas City; a daughter and son-in-law, Pamela Kay and Bill Shibley of Independence; a brother and sister-in-law, Jack and Ann Ballinger of St. Joseph; as well as six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Melvin Ballinger and Nelson Ballinger; and a sister, Maxine Ballinger. Services were Tuesday, Aug. 24, in Pitts Chapel with Pastor Mark Summers and Gene Kates officiating. Music was by Danny Hitchcock. Burial followed in Slagle Cemetery. A00008B1999AG25
Louisa A. Bucklinger, 87, Bolivar, died Sunday, Aug. 22, 1999, at Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility. The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sidney J. Field, she was born at San Francisco, Calif., March 4, 1912. She was married to Floyd D. Bucklinger Feb. 16, 1957. A resident of Bolivar for the past 10 years, she was a former resident of the Humansville area. She was a homemaker, and for more than 25 years she was a sales auditor for Thrifty Drug Company, Los Angeles, Calif. She was a former member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Survivors include her husband, Floyd, of the home, and a son, Bruce Bucklinger, Burke, Va. Services will be at 9:30 a.m. today (Wednesday) in Murray Chapel with the Rev. Wes Ummel officiating. Interment will be in Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leanvenworth, Kan. A00008B1999AG25
Floreine H. Burns, 84, Lee's Summit, died Wednesday, Aug. 11, 1999, at the Lee's Summit Hospital. She was born March 24, 1915, in Flemington, the only child of Perc and Etta Chaney Hays. She graduated from Southwest Baptist College in the spring of about 1935 and taught in rural schools at Royal and Sunny Slope. She also taught at Flemington for three years. She had lived in Independence most of her life. She taught music for more than 40 years and had been a member of the Birchwood Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale C. Burns, in 1989. She is survived by several nephews and cousins. Services were Saturday, Aug. 14, at Speaks Suburban Chapel. Burial was in Mount Washington Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the building fund at Birchwood Baptist Church, 3883 Blue Ridge Boulevard, Independence, MO. A00008B99SP08
Michael G. Cahill, 44, Bolivar, died Saturday, Aug. 21, 1999, at Balanced Care Center East, Springfield, following a long illness. He was born Dec. 7, 1954, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Thomas B. and Florence G. Konchell Cahill. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Survivors include his parents, Thomas B. and Florence Cahill of Bolivar; a brother, Patrick J. Cahill, and a niece, Shannon O. Cahill, both of the state of West Virginia; special friend Butch Hyde of Humansville; aunts and uncles Eleanor Carsten and family of Preston, Dolores Sivori of Cheshire, Conn., Johnny and Joanne Cahill of Kings Park, N.Y., Barbara Cahill of East Northport, N.Y., Al and Virginia Bourdon and family, state of California, Jack and Nancy Fitzsimmons and family of East Hurley, N.Y., and Cheryl Hennager and family and the Rev. and Mrs. T.R. Hoover, all of Bolivar. He was preceded in death by a special friend, Mitch Bryan. Funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 26, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Patrick Wissman as celebrant. Burial will follow the luncheon at about 1:30 p.m. in Greenwood Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Pitts Chapel. A00008B1999AG25
Edward W. Carpenter, 88, of Morrisville died 3:45 p.m. Monday, Aug. 2, 1999, in Parkview Health Care Facility following a short illness. He was born July 4, 1911, in Springfield to Wilbur G. and Ivy E McCurdy Carpenter. He was united in marriage to Margaret V. Armstrong on Jan. 3, 1934, and to this union eight children were born. He was a retired dairy farmer and milk hauler and was a member of Morrisville United Methodist Church. Survivors include his wife, Margaret, of the home; four sons and their spouses, Floyd and Fern Carpenter of Fair Grove, Jim Carpenter of Flemington, Jerry and Grace Carpenter of Morrisville and Rex and Pam Carpenter of Bolivar; two daughters and their spouses, Barbara and Frank Artz of Walnut Grove and Beverly and Grant Hagle of Springfield; two sisters, Myrtle Pittman of Springfield and Mary Lou Armstrong of Kimberling City; 19 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his parents; two brothers, Bob Carpenter and J.C. Carpenter; a son, Johnny Carpenter; a daughter, Linda Carpenter; and a grandson, Steve Carpenter. Services were Aug. 5 in Pitts Chapel with the Rev. Sylvia Ireland officiating. Burial was in Slagle Cemetery. Pallbearers were grandsons Joe Carpenter, Larry Artz, Doug Artz, Jimmy Carpenter, Bobby Carpenter and Sammy Carpenter. Memorial contributions may be made to the Morrisville United Methodist Church in care of the funeral home.
Roy Cornell, 69, Bolivar, died at 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 11, 1999, in Citizens Memorial Hospital. The youngest of 10 children, he was born May 14, 1930, in Aldrich, the son of Eli F. and Lillie J. McGinnis Cornell. On January 15, 1949, he married Marjorie Lee Moore, and to this union three sons, Robert, Joe and Albert, were born. This last January they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a reception at CMH. In 1951 Roy joined the Kansas City Fire Department, where he worked for 25 years. After retiring in 1976, he moved to Bolivar and joined the Morrisville Volunteer Department and remained there over 20 years. In 1979 he offered to drive a school bus for a couple of days while someone was out sick, and he drove the bus for 14 years. When he recently retired from the Morrisville Fire Department due to bad health, he was presented a plaque and his number of 301 was retired. The love of his life was the Morrisville Fire Department and those he worked with. Roy was an active retired member of Local No. 42, Fire Fighters Union in Kansas City, and Fire Fighters of Missouri, also the Retired Fire Fighters of Kansas City. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Bolivar. Roy loved people and enjoyed working for the benefit of other people through the Polk County Community Center, Lions Club, Grant Manor Senior Housing, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, 4-H, Little League Baseball as well as church youth groups. Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Eli and Lillie; four brothers, Fred, Clarence, Ralph, and Paul; and five sisters, Dorothy Bell, Alline Foster, Helen Deede, Mae Robinson and Irene Stull. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Cornell, of the home; three sons, Robert and his wife Selma Cornell of Harrisonville, Joe Cornell of Blue Springs, and Al and his wife Teresa Cornell of Bolivar; six grandchildren, Tim and Kim Cornell of Warrensburg, Brian Cornell of Pleasant Hope, Tania and Fred Crawford of Wheatland, Jim Cornell of Harrisonville, Al Jr. and Kim Cornell of Bolivar and Katie Cornell of Lee's Summit; two great-grandchildren, Jorden and Gavin; and one aunt, Trilla McGinnis of Oxnard, Calif. Services were Friday, Aug. 13, in Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Wesley Ummel and the Rev. Bill Maggi officiating. Music was provided by Becky Mitchell, soloist, and Mary Little, accompanist, including "Amazing Grace" and "In The Garden." Burial was in Pleasant Ridge Cemtery near Aldrich. Casketbearers were Charles Polodna, Aaron Beauchamp, Raymond Francka, Daniel Francka, Bill Otradovec and Jim Walker. Honorary casketbearers were Bernard Francka, Jake Francka, Herbert Redd, Roma Morris, Kenney Siler, Bob Manuel, David Agee and Bill Witt. Memorial contibutions may be made to CMH Hospice. (29c)
Hershel L. Daugherty, 82, Bolivar, died Tuesday, Aug. 17, 1999, in his home. He was baorn Dec. 22, 1916, in Lewis Station to William Robert and Rosa Della Daugherty. He grew up around Henry County, attending various grade schools and graduating from Leeton High School. When he was 18 he went to Sloat, Calif., to work in the timber. He served in the U.S. Navy from Dec. 31, 1943 to Jan. 18, 1946, and when he was discharged, he farmed for many years. In 1963 he went into law enforcement at Pleasant Hill and served as chief of police. He was with the sheriff's department at Harrisonville for 18 years and retired in 1977. After moving to Warsaw, he was with the Missouri Department of Conservation for nine years. He moved to Bolivar in 1993 and spent his days at the Polk County Senior Center playing cards and pool with his friends. He served as president and vice presedent at the Senior Center. He was a member of Southern Hills Baptist Church, was a DAV life member and had been post commander of the Lions Club in Pleasant Hill. He was on the board at the Rose Park Housing Association. Hershel always tried to make this world a better place, and he loved for people to laugh and be happy. He loved to fish with family and friends. He also had a great fondness for mules and horses. He had a beloved German shepherd, Duchess, for many years while he was in law enforcement. In 1936 he was married to Goldie McMillen, and to this union three children were born. On June 27, 1975, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Harms, and this added seven stepchildren. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, of the home; his daughter and her husband, Myrna J. and Dr. Gene Davidson of Russell, Kan.; two sons and their wives, Eugene and Linda Daugherty of Warsaw and Dan and Karen Daugherty of Pleasant Hill; seven stepchildren, Nancy Smith of Kansas City, Kan., Linda White of Apple Valley, Calif., Roger Harms and his wife, Cora, of Warsaw, Ronald J. Harms and his wife, Karin, of McKinney, Texas, Barry Harms of Wilmington, Del., Scott Harms of Nile, Mich., and Leslie Ann Pitts, state of Arkansas; his brothers and sisters, Lawrence Daugherty of Warrensburg, Calvin Daugherty of Oroville, Calif., Florence Sigler of Butler, Lorean Williams of Elverta, Calif., and Ethel Hazen of San Diego, Calif., as well as 26 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Onita Williams and Grace Ensley; a brother, Jimmy Daugherty; a son-in-law, Ray White; and two grandsons. A celebration of his life will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, at the Polk County Senior Center. Memorial contributions may be made to the PoCounty Senior Center or the Citizens Memorial Hospice. Arrangements are under the direction of Pitts Chapel. (30c) A00008B1999AG25 A00008B1999AG25
Thomas Benton "Ben" Dwyer, 85, Bolivar, died at 2:25 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17, 1999, at Citizens Memorial Hospital. He was born Oct. 13, 1913, in Bolivar, the son of John Thomas and Effie Lenora Spitz Dwyer. Ben was a lifelong resident of Bolivar and Polk County and was a retired carpenter and cabinet maker, retiring in 1975. Ben loved the outdoors, he loved to hunt and fish, and he even made his own fishing flies and lures. Ben was an active member of the Over 50 Club and the Polk County Senior Center. He was a member of the Pleasant View Missionary Baptist Church. He was united in marriage to Betty Khune on June 26, 1965. She preceded him in death on Jan. 28, 1989. Also preceding him in death were his parents and two brothers, Maynard Dwyer and Joseph Matthew Dwyer. Surviving are several cousins, including Jesse and Barbara Roberts of Bolivar, Scott and Cris Roberts of Springfield, Rick and Melody Roberts of Bolivar, Yvonne, Dacato and Dusty Roberts of Bolivar, Sandy and Lindsay Presley of Springfield, Linda Roberts of Bolivar and J.R. Kasparie and family of Galesburg, Ill., as well as many other relatives and friends. Services were Friday, Aug. 20, in Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Gineth Hudson officiating. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery. Casketbearers were Jesse Roberts, Gene Miller, Ray Chappell, Scott Roberts, Rick Roberts and J.R. Kasparie. A00008B1999AG25
Velma Fern Garretson, 73, Tampico, Ill., died unexpectedly on Sunday, Aug. 8, 1999, at the home of her oldest niece, Sharon Hostetler of Half Way, where she was visiting. She was born July 9, 1926, near Pigeon, Mich., the daughter of Lewis and Clara Albrecht Garretson. She was a member of the Fairfield A.M. Church of Tampico, Ill. She is survived by 15 nieces and nephews and their families, along with many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Merle in 1945 and Joseph in 1997; one sister, Verneta Kempf, in 1958; and two infant brothers and one infant sister. Serivces were Thursday, Aug. 12, in the Fairfield A.M. Church, Tampico, Ill., with interment in the Fairfield A.M. Cemetery under the direction of the Johnson-Howard Funeral Home. Local arrangements were under the direction of the Cantlon Funeral Home of Buffalo. A00008B1999SP22
Grace V. Godat was born Feb. 12, 1912, in Burwell, Neb., the youngest daughter of Eliza and C.E. Denny. She passed away at 8:35 p.m. Aug. 11, 1999, at Parkview Health Care Center at the age of 87 years, 5 months, and 29 days. In April 1944 she was united in marriage to Edward W. Godat, and to this union three children were born; Carolyn, Maureen and James. As a member of the First Baptist Church in Fair Play, she was baptized into Christ Oct. 22, 1981. During World War II she was empolyed by Curtis Wright Aircraft in St. Louis and Gulf Shipyards in Mobile, Ala. She was also a homemaker and restaurant cook. Until her illness she was an avid gardner and loved to fish. During her life she had traveled extensively, but spent the last 30 years in Missouri. She resided in Fair Play until her illness in 1992 caused her to move to Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility and later to Parkview Health Care Center. She was preceded in death by her husband Edward in 1958, her parents and four sisters. She raised her children by herself in the hardest of times. She will be greatly missed by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her son Jim and his wife Peggy Godat of Fair Play; two daughters, Carolyn and her husband Loren Freeze of Walnut Grove and Maureen and her husband Raymond Bartlett of Arcola; eight grandchildren, Susie Allen of Kansas City, Bobby Samas of Walnut Grove, Patrick Taylor of Greenfield, James E. Taylor of Everton, Tracey Blankenship of Fair Play, Melanie Brown and Aaron Godat of Fair Play and Jason Freeze of Walnut grove; six great-grandchildren, Lisa and Natasha Allen of Kansas City, Mandi Taylor of Lockwood, Destiny and Harley Samas of Walnut Grove and Joshua Blankenship of Fair Play. Services were Saturday, August 14, at Butler Funerel Home Chapel with the Rev. Bill Turner officiating. Casketbearers were Patrick Taylor, James E. Taylor, Bobby Samas, Raymond Bartlett and Jamie Blankenship. Alternates were Loren and Jason Freeze. Burial was in Akard Cemetery at Fair Play. The family of Grace V. Godat would like to thank everyone for the cards, calls, food, flowers and especially the prayers offered for us in this most difficult time. (29c)
Wallace Henry Grafing, 74, Weaubleau, died Wednesday, August 25, 1999, at Sac-Osage Hospital, Osceola. The son of Christian and Victoria Barron Grafing, he was born at Flandrew, S.D., Sept. 24, 1924. A resident of Weaubleu since 1994, he was a retired neon sign installer and World War II U.S. Army veteran. His parents and three brothers, Harvey, David and James Grafing, preceded him in death. Survivors include three children, Melanie Wilson of St. Louis, Wallace J. Grafing of Wheatland and Michael Grafing of Weaubleau; four granchildren, Cassandra and Daniel Grafing and Caleb and Samuel Wilson; seven brothers, Barron Grafing, state of Minnesota, Howard Grafing, state of California, Robert Grafing, state of Florida, John Grafing, state of Kansas, Christian Grafing, state of South Carolina, Richard Graffing, Flandrew, S.D., and Kenneth Grafing, state of Tennessee; and two sisters, Joyce Jurgens, Flandrew, S.D., and Betty Grafing, state of Michigan. No services are planned. Cremation was under the direction of Murray Funeral Home, Humansville. A00008B1999SP01
Maxine Guinn, 77, Fair Play, died Sunday, Aug. 29, 1999, in Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility following a short illness. She wa born Oct. 4, 1921, one of 11 children of James Preston and Iva Della Brundege Bacon. She was united in marriage to Elmer Guinn on Aug. 26, 1939, and to this union four children were born. She had been the school secretary for Fair Play High School for many years. She was a member of Fair Play Baptist Church and the Woodlawn and Golden Age Clubs. She was a former member of the TLC Doll Club. Survivors include three daughters and sons-in-law, Kay and Bruce Fisher of Independence, Sheryl and Bob McMasters of Springfield and Karen and John Hogan of Leawood, Kan.; a daughter-in-law, Jude Guinn-Miller of Half Way; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Arlie and Evelyn Bacon of Fair Grove, Garley and Lorene Bacon of Crane and James Darrell and Camellia Bacon of Springfield; three sisters and a brother-in-law, Freeda Glover of Half Way, Roberta Parscale of Tucson, Ariz., and Delores and Ralph Scroggins of Morrisville; seven grandchildren, Kevin Fisher of Independence, Lisa Wilson and her husband, Matt, ol Olathe, Kan., Leidra Stunkel and her husband, David, of Fair Play, Lori Graves and her husband, Russell, of Fair Play, Erin Guinn of Springfield, Kelly and Kathy McMasters of Olathe, Kan., and Lindsey Hogan of Leawood, Kan; as well as 13 great-granmdchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Elmer, on July 14, 1986; a son, Larry Guinn, on May 29, 1993; and four sisters, Icle Roberts, Wanda Waggoner, Marceline Wilgus and Berbal Robison. Services will be at 10 a.m. today (Wednesday) in Pitts Chapel with Bro. B.R. Tatom and Dr. Russell Adams officiating. Burial will follow in Slagle Cemetery. A00008B1999SP01
Ernest John Smith, 84, of Aldrich died at 10:40 a.m. Friday, Aug. 6, 1999, in Cox Medical Center South following a short illness.
He was born Aug. 6, 1915, in Milo, Kan., to Fred and Anna Jaskie Smith. He was formerly of the Mt. Vernon area prior to moving to Aldrich seven years ago. He served in the Army Infantry during World War II and was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church near Hartville. He was a craftsman, farmer and carpenter. He was united in marriage to Eleanor Huffman on May 14, 1945, and to this union three children were born. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Eleanor, of the home; two sons and daughters-in-law, Danny and Debbie Smith of Rogersville and Dean and Freeda Smith of Aldrich; a daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Willard Hill of Mountain Grove; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert and Ann Smith of Wichita, Kan., and Lloyd and Evelyn Smith of Gerrard, Kan.; a sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Lee Shelley of Cabool; five grandchildren, Tim Hill of Everton, Tracey Hill of Mountain Grove, Paula Henderson of Fair Play, and Maggie Smith and Chase Smith of Rogersville; and two great-grandchildren, Trestyn and Tasha Hill of Mountain Grove. Services were Aug. 9 in Pitts Chapel with the Rev. Larry Shelley officiating. Burial was in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Pitts Chapel.
Mary Opal Jones, 89, Bolivar, died at 10:40 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 19, 1999, in Citizens Memorial Hospital. She is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Iva and Clovis "Jack" Murphy, Strafford; one daughter-in-law, Patricia Ann Jones, Wheatland; 12 grandchildren and their spouses, Linda and Charles Morris of Platte City, Jeffrey D. and Patty Jones of Little Rock, Ark., Gregory H. and Gloria Jones of Toledo, Ohio, Starlyn and John Stecz of Forsythe, Barbara and Robert Howell of Houston, Texas, Patricia Ann and Tom Metcalfe of Sugarland, Texas, Donna and Wayne Owensby of Buffalo, Jack Murphy of Springfield, Denice and Sam Short of Slidell, La., Tammy Elaine and Jeff Purvis of New Franklin, Dale and Libby Jones of Granville and James Stigers of Kansas City; as well as 32 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Loren; two sons, Dale R. Jones and Kenneth L. Jones; one granddaughter, Joyce Murphy; and one great-grandson, Robert Howell. Services were Monday, Aug. 23, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield, with burial in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens A00008B1999AG25
Orbert Dean Scrivener Jr., 52, Flemington, died Friday, Aug. 13, 1999, in Citizens Memorial Hospital following an apparent heart attack. He was born June 10, 1947, in Springfield to Orbert D. and Joanna Grace Renfrow Scrivener. He served in the Army during the Vietnam War and was of the Baptist faith. He was a member of the Lion's Club, VFW Post No. 8220 of Belton and the Missouri Jaycees. Survivors include his wife, Bea, of the home; a son and daughter-in-law, Robert Dean and Nicole Scrivener of Harrisonville, Ark.; two daughters and sons-in-law, Sheri L. and Dennis Moore of Raymore and Talicia Ann and Kevin Johnston of Seattle, Wash; four brothers and sisters-in-law, Donald and Lana Scrivener of Wheatland, Glen and Denea Scrivener of Grandview, Paul and Pearl Scrivener of Bolivar and Jesse and Brenda Scrivener of Platt City; his parents, O.D. and Joanna Scrivener of Flemington; and his grandmother, Ica Scrivener of Bolivar, as well as four grandchildren. Services were Monday, Aug. 16, in Pitts Chapel with Pastor Steve Estep officiating. Burial followed in Payne Cemetery with honor guard detail from AmVets Post No. 114 of Flemington. Pallbearers were Glen Scrivener Sr., Jesse Scrivener, Pat Scrivener, Glen Scrivener Jr., Alex Fletcher, Dennis Moore, Bill Mayes and Earl Dowell.
William Clifton "Bill" Long, 83, of Bolivar died at 3:45 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 3, 1999, in his home. He was born Oct. 31, 1915, in St. Joseph to Joseph Edward and Gertie North Long. He lived most of his life in Bolivar and worked as a brick layer. He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army. Mr. Long is survived by seven daughters, Becky Mason, Bonnie King and Christina Long of Bolivar, and Nancy Lowe, Sue Wines, Shirley Long and Kay Jackson of Greenfield; six sons, William C. Long Jr. and Joseph E. Long of Bolivar, Clyde Long of Half Way, Jamie Long of Bolivar, George A. Long of Nixa and Larry L. Long of Houston, Texas; two stepdaughters, Rosemary Powell of Las Vegas, Nev., and Linda Goodman of Urbana; and three stepsons, Larry Wilkerson of Urbana, Harry Wilkerson of Bolivar and Ray Wilkerson of Wichita, Kan. Also Surviving are 46 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. Graveside services were Friday, Aug. 6, 1999, in Lonesome Hill Cemetery near Lebanon, with the Rev. Pete Davidson officiating. Services were under direction of Butler Funeral Home. Military honors were provided by VFW Post 4107, Lebanon.
Lester C. McCollum, 82, El Dorado Springs, formerly of Bolivar, died Monday, Aug. 23, 1999, at the Community Nursing Home, El Dorado Springs. He was born June. 30, 1917, in Lathrop, the son of Grover Cleveland and Goldie Brookshire McCollum. On Sept. 25, 1945, he was united in marriage to Dorothy Wilkinson. He was a machinist for the McDonnell Douglas space program, traveling all over the United States. He was in the U.S. Navy, serving in World War II as a gunner's mate second class in the Sea Bees. He was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dorothy, on May 12, 1993; and one sister, Ruby Cornstubble. He is survived by two daughters, Shirley Bugg of Stockton and Sharon Mealer of Dutzon; one brother, William McCollum of St. Charles; six grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 26, at the Sheldon Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs, with burial at 4 p.m. in Greenwood Cemetery, Bolivar. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until service time on Thursday. A00008B1999AG25
Robert Ray McDaniel, 80, Fullerton, Calif., formerly of Bolivar, died Tuesday, Aug. 31, 1999, in Fullerton, Calif. He had been vice president of Santa Fe Pacific Pipeline. Survivors include his wife, Lori McDaniel; a son, Barry McDaniel; and a daughter, J.R. McDaniel; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 20, at the First Presbyterian Church in Fullerton, Calif. Arrangements are under the direction of Memory Garden Mortuary, Fullerton, Calif. Memorial contributions may be made to the Polk County Library, P.O. Box 420, Bolivar MO 65613. A00008B1999SP15
Wendall McShane, 69, Springfield, died Monday, Aug. 16, 1999, at his home. He was a retired farmer, and he enjoyed woodworking. He is survived by his wife of 13 years, Carolyn McShane; four children, Sandra Eppenger of Ventura, Calif., Patsy Sprowls of Humansville, Kenneth McShane of Strafford and Wendy Garver of Bolivar; five stepchildren, Steve Hunsaker of Marshfield, Susie Huneke of Underwood, Iowa, David Hunsaker of Ozark, Robin Creason of Springfield and Alan Duckworth of Willard; a sister, Carol Peters of Roseville, Calif.; his mother, Ella McShane of Humansville; 24 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, one niece, numerous cousins and many friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Neil McShane. Services were Thursday, Aug. 19, in Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield. Burial was in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. A00008B1999AG25
Alvina Marie Morrow, 78, Bolivar, died at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, 1999, in Citizens Memorial Hospital. She was born May 15, 1921, in Chicago, Ill., the daughter of Arthur and Natgukda Renier Hohhof. She was a homemaker and a U.S. Navy Wave veteran of World War II. She was the widow of Johns Franklin Morrow, who preceded her in death on March 13, 1996. They had lived in the Kansas City area and Stockton area before moving to Bolivar in 1995. Private interment will be at a later date in the Crestview Memorial Gardens Cemetery east of Bolivar under the direction of Butler Funeral Home. A00008B1999AG25
Bobby Joe "Joe" Payne, 61, Bolivar, died Wednesday, Aug. 25, 1999, at St. John's Regional Health Care Facility in Springfield. He was born Jan. 21, 1938, in Half Way, the son of Richard and Rosie Cornelius Payne. On Aug. 29, 1959, he was united in marriage to Betty Ahart, and to this union four children were born: Joe, Kim, Missy and Sherry. During his life he was a drywaller and a farmer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Rosie Cornelius Payne; three brothers, Roy Payne, Curtis Payne and Stanley Payne; and one sister, Ella Lou Obert. He is survived by his wife, Betty Payne, of Bolivar; one son, Joe D. Payne and his wife, Judy, of Bolivar; three daughters, Kim Dalton and her husband, Danny, of Bolivar, Missy Wilson and her husband, Jimmy, of Morrisville, and Sherry Lockhart and her husband, Leallen, of Bolivar; three brothers, Ray Payne of Springfield, Dale Payne of Humansville and Sidney Payne of Bolivar; two sisters, Nina Thirion of Bolivar and Susie Walks of Minot, N.D.; his father- and mother-in- law, Bradford and Chestine Ahart of Bolivar; five grandchildren, Jessica Dalton, B.J. Payne, Daniel Dalton, Bryant Payne and Kaleb Lockhart; and one step-grandchild, Dennis Wilson, as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Graveside services were Saturday, Aug. 28, in the Payne Cemetery at Polk with Rev. Dennis Payton officiating. Casketbearers were Kenneth Payne, Larry Payne, Jamie Payne, Kelly Ahart, Jerry Ross and Gene Ahart. Services were under the direction of the Butler Funeral Home. A00008B1999SP01
Clara E. Payne, 93, Conroe, Texas, died Saturday, Aug. 28, 1999, at Conroe Medical Center. She was born June 28, 1906, at Chalk Level to John Bartley and Eudora Langford Cooper. She lived in Humansville for 51 years until moving to Texas in April 1999. On June 3, 1927, she married W. Russel Payne, who preceded her in death Feb. 20, 1996. She worked with him part-time in the family furniture store from 1948 to 1970 and in their dry goods store from 1971 to 1975. She was a Sunday school teacher at the Humansville First Baptist Church for more than 20 years and was a member of the Study Club for 33 years, serving in many different capacities. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, Arthur Cooper. Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, John Maurice and Muriel Payne, Montgomery, Texas; two grandchildren, Barton Russel Payne and his wife, Lisa, of Conroe, Texas, and Dedra Payne Coffee and her husband, Mike, of Dallas, Texas; five great-grandchildren, Kyle Payne, Dane, Kara Averi and Cade Coffee; two step-grandchildren, Mike and Jon Young; a sister, Eudora Good, Topeka, Kan.; as well as several nieces and nephews. Services will be at 10 a.m. today (Wednesday), at First Baptist Church, Humansville, with the Rev. Martin Micke officiating. Pallbearers will be Bruce DeForrest, Robert Brown, Bob Payne, Rex Lorence, Eddie Ben Gordon and Roy Austin. Interment will be in Humansville Cemetery under the direction of Murray Funeral Home. A00008B1999SP01
Ruby Mae Pearson, 72, Vacaville, Calif., died Tuesday, Aug. 31, 1999, in her home after a short illness. She was born Oct. 30, 1926, in New Hope, Pa., and had resided in Vacaville, Calif., for the past four years. She had been a school bus driver for the El Dorado Unified School District for 25 years. Survivors include her daughters, Patricia Vines of Bolivar, Becky Fiske and Vicki Lane, both of Fallon, Nev., and Sandra Adams of Vacaville, Calif.; two brothers, Robert Hess of Loomis, Calif., and Harry Hess, state of Georgia; nine grandchildren, one great-grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, in May 1998. No services are planned; private inurnment will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Nadeau Family Funeral Home, Vacaville, Calif. A00008B99SP08
Perry Gene Pitts, 59, Porterville, Calif., died Sunday, Aug. 22, 1999, in Porterville, Calif. The son of Clester and Fae Pitts, he was born Dec. 19, 1939, in Pittsburg. He was raised in Pittsburg, and after graduating from Hermitage High School, he served in the U.S. Army Reserves. At an early age Gene found that he was gifted with the knowledge of radios. That knowledge launched a career in broadcasting, beginning with Bolivar's first radio station, KBLR. Then moving to Springfield, Gene became the chief engineer of KWTO, then KTTS and KGBX. During his time with KTTS and KGBX he also worked for Assembly of God Broadcasting. Later Gene moved to California, working for the government in broadcasting for the Voice of America. Gene enjoyed flying, and his Pittsburg neighbors will remember his air strip on the farm. As a ham radio operator he talked world-wide. Gene's greatest love was for his children and grandchildren. Gene is survived by his wife, Linda Pitts, of Portersville, Calif.; two sons, Phillip Gene Pitts, address unknown, and Jeffrey Thomas Pitts of Bakersfield, Calif.; two daughters, Jennifer Louise Redman of Dunnegan and Julie Ann Weaver and her husband, Mark, of Porterville, Calif.; five grandchildren, Faith Breanna Weaver, Rayce Allen Weaver, Jacob Blaine Redman, Jordon James Redman and Morgan Elizabeth Ragain. Also surviving are his lifelong friends Mike Husmann, Gary Harrison and Skip Bryan. As he begins his new life in heaven, WAORWR signs off to his family and friends. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 27, in Antioch Cemetery near Pittsburg with the Rev. Joe Rouse officiating. Casketbearers will be Mike Husmann, Stephen Butler, Gary Harrison, Kenny Shuler, Skip Bryan, Gene Turner Mike Moore and Carl Turner. Arrangements are under the direction of Butler Funeral Home. (30c) A00008B1999AG25
John Lee Russell, 41, Bolivar, died Friday, Aug. 27, 1999, as the result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was born Oct. 8, 1957, in Washington to James A. and Wilma P. Sanders Russell. Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Jamie and Jason Vines; his father, James A. Russell; three brothers and two sisters-in-law, Dan and Jeanie Russell, Bill and Brenda Wolf and Mike Russell; three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Patsy and Jimmy Gilden, Mary and Randy Long and Debbie Russell; two grandchildren and 11 nieces and nephews, all of Bolivar. He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathy, on Nov. 15, 1994, and his mother, Wilma, on Dec. 2, 1998. Services were Tuesday, Aug. 31, in Pitts Chapel with the Rev. Norman Culbertson officiating. Music was provided by Norman and Jewel Culbertson. Burial followed in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers were Junior Netherton, Greg Cooper, Frank Sullivan, Bob Stafford, Kenneth Tindle and Nick Brooks. Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of the funeral home. A00008B1999SP01
Joseph W. Ruzicka, 70, Willard, died Saturday, Aug. 14, 1999, in his home following a long illness. He was born May 14, 1929, in Bolivar to Charles and Frances Hruska Ruzicka. On Sept. 5, 1959, he was united in marriage with Geraldine Netzer, and to this union five children were born. He served in the U.S. Air Force and was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Springfield. He was Past Grand Knight of Council No. 698, Knights of Columbus, and also a member of the fourth degree. He was employed for 36 years with Kraft Foods, during which time he also operated Joe's Greenhouse and Poultry with his family. Survivors include his wife, Geraldine, of the home; two sons, Randy Charles Ruzicka and Francis Xavier Ruzicka, of the home; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Jeanette Louise and J.T. Hale of Mountain Grove, Lillian Ann Ruzicka of the home and Elaine and Jim Farrar of Springfield; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Anthony "Tony" and Mildred Ruzicka of Brighton and Paul and Pauline Ruzicka of Thornton, Colo.; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Cecilia and Ivan Francka of Brighton and Lillie and Clarence "Bud" Grider of Bolivar; four grandchildren, Trevor Joseph Hale, Nicole Alexandria Hale, Curtis Dean Hale and Thomas Jacob Farrar; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial was Tuesday, Aug. 17, in St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Springfield, with Monsignor Thomas Reidy as celebrant. Burial was in St. Wenceslaus Cemetery south of Bolivar. Arrangements were under the direction of Pitts Chapel.
Clifford E. St. Pierre, 76, of ???? died at 5:24 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 3, 1999, at St. John's Regional Health Center in Springfield.
He was born March 20, 1923 in Detroit, Mich., the son of Adolph and Thelma St. Pierre. As a young man Clifford worked as an autobody repairman and later turned his interest to underground tunnel construction. During this bout as a powderman he worked in Detroit, Baltimore, Connecticut, New York and Canada. During the war he left his career as a powderman to work in the shipyards, then returned to his choosen path in Baltimore, Niagra Falls and then in Turkey. In 1953 he accepted a job in Alaska on the Eklutna Power Project. Then after working for a period of time in the Jonesville Coal Mines, he pulled out of construction for two years to haul mobile homes from Montana to Anchorage, Alaska, he then returned to construction. During his distinguised explosvies career he worked at many remote site including; Aleutian Islands, White Alice Defense Missle Systems, and the Trans Alaska Pipeline. He always claimed Alaska as his home where he love hunting and fishing. After retiring in 1980 he moved to Missouri as a hobby farmer, where he enjoyed raising cattle, ducks, geese,and his two german shepards. He is survived by his son William J. St. Pierre of Eagle River, Alaska; two sisters, Gladys Porter and Barbara Cecil of Foster, Okla. He was a member of the Elks Lodge and the Pioneers of Alaska. Memorial Services were Saturday, August 7, 1999 in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Pete Davidson Officiating.
Charles R. "Short" Staten, 72, Hermitage, died Monday, Aug. 16, 1999, at his home. He had owned and operated Lightfoot Plumbing and Electrical at Hermitage for about 30 years and had previously worked for the Missouri Highway Department for 20 years. He was a World War II veteran, having served in the Airborne Division of the U.S. Army. Survivors inclued his wife, Dorothy June Staten, of the home; one daughter, Brenda Kay Jowers of Pittsburg; one sister, Lora Jean Duncan of Wheatland; and two grandchildren, Sarah and Nathaniel Jowers of Pittsburg. Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 19, at Hathaway-Peterman Funeral Home Chapel, Wheatland, with the Rev. Jeremy Hostettler and the Rev. Kent Parson officiating. Burial will follow in Antioch Cemetery, Pittsburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Hermitage or to Citizens Memorial Hospital Hospice.
Rexford Stewart, 84, Springfield, died Saturday morning, Aug. 14, 1999, in Maranatha Village, Springfield. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Erma Lee Medley Stewart; three sons, one daughter, one stepson and two stepdaughters. Services will be Thursday, Aug. 19, at ????????
Dorothy W. Thames, 80, Bolivar, died Friday, Aug. 27, 1999, in Parkview Health Care Facility following a short illness. She was born March 25, 1919, in Big Heart, Okla., to Chloe Elizabeth Sparks. She worked as a receptionist for a steel manufacturing company in Kansas City for many years. She was of the Catholic faith and a life member of the V.F.W. No. 9638 Auxiliary in Galmey. She is survived by her husband, James, of the home; five daughters, Kathleen Todd of Grandview, Ruth Jones of Osceola, Wilma Belew of Clinton, Ethelene Hoover of Higginsville and Mary Young of Deepwater; a sister, Betty Johnston of Reno, Nev.; as well as 24 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Kenneth Wise; and two daughters, Wanda Lackey and Donna Beebee. Private family services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Pitts Chapel. A00008B1999SP01
Ralph Emerson Tinsley, 85, Bolivar, died Wednesday, Aug. 18, 1999, at Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility. The son of Charles Cleveland and Florence Ella Wilson Tinsley, he was born Dec. 11, 1913, near Elkton. On March 30, 1935, he was united in marriage to Zerma Parrott, and to this union two children were born: a daughter, Marilyn JoAnn, and a son, Deryl Ralph. Zerma passed away on March 8, 1971. Ralph was then united in marriage to Wanda Cooper on Oct. 28, 1972. Ralph was saved at an early age and was a member of the Salem Missionary Baptist Church, where he attended faithfully until his health no longer permitted. Living on a farm near Flemington and later on a farm near Bolivar, Ralph spent the early part of his life farming. In 1962, Ralph and Zerma moved to Kansas City, where Ralph was employed by the Kansas City public school maintenance department. After his retirement in 1976, Ralph and Wanda moved to Weaubleau and later to their present home in Bolivar. His retirement years were spent doing some of what he loved most: gardening, yardwork, fishing and visiting with his friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Florence; his wife, Zerma; a stepmother, Lola Tinsley; three brothers, Louis, Leonard and Lawrence Tinsley; and a sister, Martha MacLaughlin. Ralph is survived by his wife, Wanda Tinsley, a daughter, Marilyn Griffin and her husband, Ray, and a son, Deryl Tinsley and his wife, Judy, all of Bolivar; two granddaughters, Julie Tinsley of Lake Ozark and Aimee Tinsley of Springfield; tow sisters, Mary Pursley of Kansas City and Elsie Cramblet of Lamar, Colo.; three stepsons, Curtis Cooper and his wife, Mary, of Mountain Home, Ark., Ronnie Cooper and his wife, Glenda, and Larry Cooper and his wife, Janie, all of Bolivar; eight stepgrandchildren and 10 step-great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Lero Frazier and Lois Wilson; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Ralph will be sadly missed by his wife, family and friends. He is now at rest. Services were Saturday, Aug. 21, in Butler Funeral Home with Elder Ron Erven officiating. Casketbearers were Richard Brown, Charles Brown, Wayne Tinsely, Larry Cooper, Ronnie Cooper and Bobby Tipton. Burial was in Salem Cemetery near Cliquot. (30c) A00008B1999AG25
Irl G. "Bud" Tremain Jr. was born on June 18, 1925, in St. Louis, the son of prominent St. Louis physician and surgeon Dr. Irl G. Tremain Sr. and Lucy Culling Tremain. After a four-month battle with cancer, he passed away on Aug. 26, 1999, at the age of 74 years, two months and eight days. Bud attended primary and secondary schools in St. Louis, and upon graduation from high school he entered the U.S. Navy pre-med training probram, but elected not to finish the program. Bud held numerous jobs before electing to return to college at Kansas State College in Pittsburg, where he obtained his undergraduate degree in biology in June 1965 at the age of 38. He continued his education at Kansas State College, and in August1968 he obtained his masters of science degree in psychology. Following his graduation from Kansas State College, Bud taught at Coffeyville Community College and later was a counselor at Norton State Hospital in Norton, Kan. In 1975 Bud moved to Polk County, where his mother had retired after the death of Dr. Tremain. For more than 20 years Bud had been a full-time investor who learned much of his skill from his mother, who was actively managing her investments until one month prior to her death at the age of 92 on Dec. 11, 1991. Bud quietly supported many charities and created scholarships at Coffeyville Community College, Pittsburg State University, Southwest Baptist University and through the Medical Excellence Fund of the Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation. To Bud's first marriage six children were born; Kerry Tremain, Russ Tremain, Richard Tremain, Roy Tremain, Diane Tremain Tobin and Lucy Tremain Johnson. After moving to Polk County, Bud met and on July 11, 1987, married Juanita Hubbell Robertson, who remained his faithful and loving companion until his death. Bud was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Juanita Tremain, of Morrisville; four sons, Kerry Tremain and his wife, Barbara, of Berkeley, Calif., Russ Tremain and his wife, Sandra, of Richmond, Calif., Richard Tremain and his wife, Carla, of Pittsburg, Kan., and Roy Tremain and his wife, Almus, of Chicago, Ill.; two daughters, Diane Tremain Tobin and her husband, Joe, of Pittsburg, Kan., and Lucy Tremain Johnson and her hsuband, Don, of Chesterfield; two grandchildren, Adriane and Tamara Lee, and two great-grandchildren, Austin and Andrew Fain. Services were Sunday, Aug. 29, at Butler Funeral Home Chapel. Kerry Douglas was the service leader, with remarks by Kerry Tremain, Dana Peterson and Dr. Carl Huser. Musical selections were "Always," "The Old Rugged Cross" and a bagpipe solo of "Amazing Grace," played by Ron Maupin. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery. Casketbearers were Richard Tremain, Russ Tremain, Kerry Tremain, Roy Tremain, Don Johnson and Joe Tobin. Memorial contributiuons may be made to CMH Hospice in care of Butler Funeral Home, P.O. Box 11, Bolivar MO 65613. A00008B1999SP01
Jennifer J. Vandenburg, 16, Bolivar, died Sunday, Aug. 9, near Ash Grove as the result of an automobile accident. She was a longtime resident of Bolivar and had been a student at Bolivar High School. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She is survived by her mother and stepfather, Blenda and Kevin Lewis of Bolivar; father and stepmother, Randall and Cheryl Vandenburg of Hinton, Okla; a brother, Justin Vandenburg, Hinton, Okla; a stepsister, Christy Reaves, Kemp, Texas; two aunts and an uncle, Sandy and Ted Criss of Bolivar and Deana Roberston of Sunset, Utah; an uncle, Will Wilson, state of Idaho; grandparents Ed and Marie Newland of Bolivar, George and Carol Wilson of St. George, Utah, and Jean Wilson of Clearfield, Utah; great-grandmothers Ernestine Neil of Bolivar and Martha Gordon of Freeport, Ill; and her special friend, Victory Thomas, Ash Grove. She was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph, in 1997, a grandfather and a great-grandfather. Services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with Bishop Dale Sargent and the Rev. Lon Killingsworth officiating. Burial will be in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery. Visitation will be held this evening (Wednesday) from 7 to 8 p.m. in Pitts Funeral Home.
Hallie Alpha "Dixie" Wheeler, 81, Columbia, formerly of Bolivar, died at 12:15 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, 1999, in the Boone Hospital Center, Columbia. She was born Sept. 25, 1917, in Thayer, the twin daughter of James Powell and Ada Bond Powell. She was born 15 minutes before her twin sister, Hazel Alma 'Tommy' Humphreys. She was united in marriage to Joseph E. Wheeler on Oct. 17, 1943, and they had celebrated 51 years of marriage before Joe's death in January 1994. She was also preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Bernice 'Bill' Clark. She received her bachelor's degree in education from Southwest Missouri State College and taught for 35 years in area schools, including many years at North Ward School in Bolivar, before retiring from the Bolivar Public School system. She was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Bolivar, including many years of service teaching six-year-old Sunday school children. Surviving are her two daughters, Marilyn Jo Zumwalt and her husband, Robert, of Columbia and Pamela Gail Cansler and her husband, Ron, of Joplin; also her four grandchildren, Robert Joseph Zumwalt, Molly Elizabeth Cansler, Gabriel Wheeler Cansler and Adam Lee Cansler. Also surviving are her twin sister, Hazel A. 'Tommy' Humphreys, of Thayer; two nieces, two nephews, and her brother-in-law, as well as a host of other relatives and many friends. Services were Tuesday, Aug. 31, 1999, in the First Baptist Church with the Rev. Ray Leininger officiating. Music was provided by George and Susan Baker. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery. Casketbearers were Dean Esther, Jim Faulkner, Bo Russell, Pat McGowan, Jesse Pursley and Johnny Cansler. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church in Bolivar. A00008B1999SP01
Tamara Wilson, 30, Mt. Vernon, died at 8:05 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, 1999, at the Mt. Vernon Place Care Center. She was born March 20, 1969, in Shreveport, La. She was of the Catholic faith. Survivors include her mother, Pamela Steffen, San Antonio, Texas; her father, Lloyd W. Wilson, Arnold; a brother, Jeffery Wilson, and a sister, April Wilson, both of San Antonio, Texas; and her maternal grandparents, Bruce and Rita Fries, Bolivar. Services will be at 1 p.m. today (Wednesday) at the Mt. Vernon Place Care Center with Father John Braun officiating. The body has been cremated under the direction of Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home, Mt. Vernon. A00008B1999AG25