Wendell Cole
1934-2016
Wendell Cole, 81, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Saturday, January 23, 2016.
He was born August 24, 1934 in Turon, Kansas.
Wendell graduated from Pretty Prairie high School, class of 1952, and attended Kansas State where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering.
He served in the Army Medical Corps.
Wendell started as a bridge designer in Iowa and later became involved with structural engineering in projects all over the world, including Thailand, Saudi Arabia, and Mexico as well as every state except Hawaii.
He was very active in his church. He attended Central Christian and Bible Studies at Three Angels Seventh Day Adventist. Mr. Cole also served with the American Red Cross and The Crossing Ministries.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Burley and Gertrude (Kelman) Cole; sisters, Lenora Haney and Cleora Zink; and brother, John Cole.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Mary Lou (Murry) Cole; children, Ronda Otway, Michael Cole, Jonna Horn (Rick), and Debra “Debbie” Cole-Gerber (Jim); grandchildren, Lisa Otway (John Stine), Megan Otway, Ricky Horn, Angela Horn, Ryan Horn, Amanda Gerber, Alyssa Gerber, and Alexa Gerber; Great grandchildren, Medow, Nick, Alex, and Hunter Stine; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Farewell Services 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, Central Christian Church. Interment 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, Lerado Cemetery, Reno County, Kansas. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, where friends may call after 5:00 P.M. Monday. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to Central Christian Church, Three Angels Seventh Day Adventist Church or The Crossing Ministries. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
Shirleen K. Rath
1948-2016
Shirleen K. Rath, 67, Savannah, Missouri passed away Thursday, January 21, 2016 at Mosaic Life Care.
She was born November 6, 1948 in Abilene, Kansas and graduated from Harvard High School in Harvard, Nebraska.
Shirleen married Bernard L. Rath on November 24, 1967.
She was a member of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary.
Mrs. Rath was preceded in death by her parents, William and Betty Jo (Wilson) Colwell; and step-mother, Darline Colwell.
Survivors include husband; sons, Daniel L. Rath and Randy A. Rath, St. Joseph, Missouri; stepbrothers. Kenneth Colwell (Sherry), Columbia, Missouri, Keith Colwell (Sally), Bismarck, Missouri and Larry Colwell, Harvard, Nebraska; stepsister, Barbara McNerney (Bill), Grant, Nebraska; and an aunt and numerous other relatives and friends.
Farewell Services 1:00 P.M. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Harvard Cemetery, Harvard, Nebraska. The family will gather with friends one hour prior to the service, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
William J. “Bill” Coker
1929-2016
William J. “Bill” Coker, 86, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Wednesday, January 20, 2016.
He was born March 4, 1929 in Dearborn, Missouri.
Bill married Marilyn Woodruff on October 30, 1948. She preceded him in death on September 13, 2012.
He was a graduate of Agency High School.
He was also preceded in death by his parents, Alan and Lela (Finney) Coker; daughter, Vickie Coker; two brothers, Harold and Diz Coker; and three sisters, Lou Ellis, Maxine Stanton and Dorothy Coker.
Survivors include daughter, Linda Pendleton (Dennis), Union Star, Missouri; grandchildren, William Pike and D.J. and Jeff Pendleton; four great-grandchildren; sisters, Frances Prescher, Ann Curran and Marge Mullens; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Farewell Services 10:00 A.M. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends one hour prior to the service, where friends may call after 3:00 P.M. Sunday. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to Mosaic Life Care Hospice. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
James (Jim) Jarrett, Sr.
August 26, 1930 – January 20, 2016
In the years just prior to dementia stealing Jim’s memories he wrote an extensive family history and autobiography that will always be treasured by his family. His book “Just Ramblin’ Through A Family Odyssey and Autobiography” reminds all who knew him of just how interesting a life he led, how he always respected and cared for those who came from all walks of life and how much he cared for his family.
Jim, the son of the late Lester and Gladys (Slater) Jarrett, was born in Savannah, Missouri. His family soon moved to St. Joseph, Missouri where they lived in the Ayrlawn Addition. While in St. Joseph, Jim attended McKinley Grade School and Benton High School. Following his junior year in high school, his family moved to Clarksdale, Missouri. While there he joined the Clarksdale Methodist Church, graduated from Clarksdale High School in 1948 and attended St. Joseph Junior College. He also worked at several varied jobs before joining the Marine Corp to serve his country during the Korean War. He was a rifleman on the front lines with the 1st Marine Regiment. After several intense battles he was wounded in action above the 38th parallel and was awarded the Purple Heart Medal. Jim maintained a lifelong love for his country and greatly respected those who also sacrificed for their country. Although a brave and tough warrior he had a very tender heart. He even demonstrated compassion for those he had to fight against.
After his discharge from the Marine Corp, he married the love of his life Eva Maurine Heinz on April 6, 1952 at the Evangelical United Brethren Church (Zion United Methodist Church) of Cosby, Missouri. He declared this the “smartest move he ever made.” They were husband and wife for nearly 64 years until his death. After their marriage, they settled on a farm in rural Cosby, Missouri. Jim again delved into a variety of careers before deciding to attend Moller Barber College in Kansas City. After becoming a barber, he owned and operated the St. Francis Barber Shop and the Robidoux Hotel Barber Shop both in St. Joseph, Missouri during the 1960’s and 1970’s. For the remainder of his barber career he built and operated a rural barber shop next to his home in rural Cosby, Missouri. His barber career spanned over a period of 48 years. He had side careers that further enriched his life. He was an inspector for the Missouri State Board of Barber Examiners and was appointed by Governor Christopher Bond to serve as Secretary/Treasurer of the State Board of Barber Examiners. He also was elected to four terms as an Andrew County Judge/Commissioner and served on the Board of Directors of the Missouri Association of Counties. In all his many careers he strove to dutifully and honestly serve, just as he did in the Marine Corp, those who entrusted him with a job or elected him to a position.
He enjoyed promoting and serving his community and was a member and volunteer of many organizations. He was a life member and charter member of the Northwest Missouri Detachment of the Marine Corp League, a past commandant and member of the Military Order of Devil Dogs, past member of the Marine Corps League ceremonial firing squad, life member of The 1st Marine Division Association, member of the veterans of H Company 3rd Battalion 1st Marine Regiment, had life memberships in the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the American Legion Post 359, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1668 and the Disabled American Veterans. He was a member of the California Oregon Trails Association and former charter member and president of the Cosby Lions Club. He was a member of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing of America, St. Joseph Chapter. He was a past president of the Bethel Cemetery Board. He was the founder and first president of the Cosby Lions Volunteer Fire Department and the first fire chief of the Fire Department.
Jim’s past experiences, strong interest in his country’s leadership and devotion to his country led him to actively participate in politics most of his life. He was a lifelong Republican and kept active in the Republican Party most of his life.
His recreation times were as varied as his careers. His many interests included singing, flying airplanes, reading, golf, camping with his family, sailing, travel, writing, and relaxing outdoors on his farm. His most enjoyable hobby toward the end of his life was riding a golf cart on his family’s farm with his family at his side.
Jim enjoyed rural life on his farm and helped his wife raise two sons, James (Suzan) Jarrett of Cosby, Missouri and Gary Jarrett of Kansas City, Missouri. Today along with his sons he is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Eva Maurine Jarrett. She did an amazing job caring for him as dementia slowly took his life. She was with him in his own home holding his hand when he took his last breath. Jim is also survived by three grandchildren, Nicholas (Lindsey) Jarrett, Cora (Edward) Leahy and Nathaniel (Alyssa) Jarrett; one step – grandchild, Camille Hendren; and three great – grandchildren, Troy, Eva and Dayton Jarrett. He is also survived by a brother, Jerry (Shirley) Jarrett; and sister, Susan (Jerry) Arnold; as well as numerous nephews and nieces. His brothers and sisters that preceded him in death were two half-sisters, Dorothy Valentine and Harriet Fellows; two brothers, Robert (Bob) and Donald (Bud) Jarrett; and a sister, Janie Daring. Jim loved all his immediate and extended family and cherished the times he could spend with them. His parents had instilled in their children a love for each other that has been passed down through several generations and persists today. He was an amazing Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Brother and Uncle and will be greatly missed by all his family.
The family has chosen not to have a memorial service or visitation, however; cards would be appreciated.
Among Jim’s memoirs, a slip of old note paper was found. On it read this verse he recited in church each Sunday as a young boy – “Many blessings on the day of your birth, may sunshine and blessings be given, and may the dear Lord prepare you on earth, for a beautiful birthday in Heaven.”
Care provided by Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book at www.meierhoffer.com.
Kim Tunks
1962-2016
Kim Tunks, 53, Maysville, Missouri passed away Sunday, January 17, 2016.
She was born December 24, 1962.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Judith Archer.
Survivors include father, Gary Tunks (Barb); sister, Cindy Killgore; brother, Michael Riebesell; several nieces and nephews; two dogs, George and Daisy.
Natural Farewell under the direction of Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
Bettie Libel McGarry
1913-2016
Bettie Libel McGarry, 102, Atchison, Kansas formerly of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Thursday, January 21, 2016 at Dooley Center in Atchison, Kansas.
She was born August 23, 1913 in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Bettie worked at 1st National Bank for many years, retiring as an Assistant Vice President. She was a longtime member of St. Joseph Cathedral Catholic Church and volunteered at the hospital.
She was very bright, independent with a quick wit and a dry sense of humor. She could do most anything and was a wonderful seamstress, knitter, cook and baker.
Bettie attributed her long life and good health to having walked every day to work, rain, sleet, snow or shine and after retiring, walking her beloved dog, “Pepper” every day down Lovers Lane.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Effie (Smith) Libel; husband of 47 years, George; and daughter, Sr. Georgia McGarry, O.S.B.; grandson, Lonny Lisenbee; and sister, Bernice Gabriel.
Survivors include children, Mary McGarry and John McGarry (Connie); grandchildren, Tammy Santos and Richy Lisenbee; four great-grandchildren; and ten great-great-grandchildren.
Mass of Christian Burial 1:00 P.M. Monday, St. Joseph Cathedral Catholic Church. Interment Mount Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Mount St. Scholastica. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
Charles L. Burton
1947-2016
Charles L. Burton, 68, St. Joseph, Missouri changed his address to heaven on Wednesday, January 20, 2016.
He was born September 4, 1947 in St. Joseph, Missouri.
He proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.
Charles married Jacquelyn Jo Battreall on July 9, 1977.
He was a machine operator for BHA and later at GE for 31 years until retiring in 2009.
Charles liked to fish and hunt.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilber and Mary (Butterfield) Burton; and an infant brother.
Survivors include wife; children, Leland Scott Burton, Kevin Michael Burton and Bobbie Jo Sissel (Mike); two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Mari Beth Battreall and Nancy Battreall; and several nieces and nephews.
Natural Farewell under the direction of Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
Robert J. Simpson
1934-2016
Robert J. Simpson, 81, Cameron, Missouri passed away Thursday, January 21, 2016 at Cameron Regional Medical Center.
He was born February 17, 1934 in Mt. Pleasant, Utah.
Jay married Kathleen Truscott on September 30, 1960.
He was a Battalion Chief with the Salt Lake City Fire Department and he proudly served in the United States Air Force.
Jay loved to travel and was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
He was preceded in death by his son, Cory T. Simpson; and parents, Harry and Edith (Madson) Simpson.
Survivors include wife; sons, Ben Jay Simpson (Mindy), Kingston, Missouri and Bradley Steven Simpson, Cameron, Missouri; daughter-in-law, Kristine Simpson; grandchildren, Erin Galbraith (Caleb), Jamie Patterson (Dusty), Brent Simpson (Kristie), Scott Simpson (Justina), Heidi Cunningham (Chance), Sarai, Apoima, Craig (Whitney), Mailey, Colton, Liana and Hailey Simpson; seventeen great-grandchildren; brothers, Harry David and Peter M. Simpson; sister, Paula Louise Matthews (Dene); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Natural Farewell under the direction of Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family suggests memorial donations to Wounded Warriors Project. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.