Donald E. Lucas

1942-2013

Donald E. Lucas, 70, St. Joseph, Missouri, formerly of Denver, Colorado died Tuesday, January 1, 2013 at a local health care facility in St. Joseph. He was born December 13, 1942 to Bathel Wilkinson and Alberta Lucas in St. Joseph, Missouri. He worked for Norton and Sons Trash Service in St. Joseph before moving to Denver. While living in Denver he worked as a crossing guard for Wyman Elementary School where he received a Meritorious Service Award. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Lucas; and his parents. Survivors: two brothers, Charles Wilkinson, New Jersey, and Elree Martin, Cheyenne, Wyoming; son, Billy Lucas; grandson, Isaiah Lucas; granddaughter, Heaven Leigh Lucas, all of Denver, Colorado; and aunt, Maxine Wilkinson, St. Joseph. Memorial Service: 11:00 A.M. Monday, Emmanuel SDA Church, St. Joseph, Missouri. Care provided by Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

 

James R. Vining

1928-2013

James Rodford “Rod” Vining, 84, St. Joseph, Missouri died Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at Heartland Regional Medical Center. He was born June 14, 1928 to James John and Edith Alfeld (Johnson) Vining in Kansas City, Kansas. He married Margaret Beth Smith and later divorced. He married Carlene Royston on April 23, 1994. She survives of the home. Dr. Vining earned his PHD from Kansas State University in Microbiology. He later worked as a lab director. Rod was a member of Ashland United Methodist Church where he was a member of the Praise Band, St. Joseph Yacht Club, Barber Boys, Y-Fry, Buchanan County Republican Club, and the Kansas State University Alumni Association. Dr. Vining also served as 1st Lieutenant in the National Guard. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors: Wife, Carlene Vining, St. Joseph; two daughters, Karen Raines (Larry), Lee’s Summit, Missouri and Frances “Francie” Bachman (Tom); step-daughter, Nicole Zeigler (John), Cincinnati, Ohio; Step-son, Shawn Gibson (Jennifer), Kansas City, Missouri; grandchildren, Benjamin, Patrick and Gregory Bachman, Stephanie Burwell (Dusty), Emily and Aaron Raines, Joshua, Luke and Daniel Zeigler, and Colin Gibson; brothers, Charles “Chuck” and Larry Vining; and numerous nieces and nephews. Services: 10:00 A.M. Monday, Ashland United Methodist Church. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. Sunday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Dr. Vining will be removed from Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory to arrive at the church one hour prior to the service. The family suggests memorial gifts to Ashland United Methodist Church. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.