LaVerta Darlene Smith
1931-2016

St. Joseph, Missouri – LaVerta Smith, 84, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Sunday, July 10, 2016.
LaVerta was born August 15, 1931 in Troy, Kansas to August & Millie (Thornton) Buch. She was a Housewife & of the Baptist faith. LaVerta married Frank Smith in St. Joseph, Missouri. He preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her parents, 2 brothers & 4 sisters.
Survivors: son, Mark Pierson (Janet), Kingsville, Missouri; 2 grandchildren, Matthew Pierson (Cady), Michelle Hodges (Darrin); Sister-in-law, Anna Margaret Buch; Numerous great-grandchildren, nieces & nephews.
Graveside Service: 11:00 A.M. Saturday, July 16, 2016, at the Courter Cemetery, Troy, Kansas.
There is no scheduled visitation. Harman-Rohde Funeral Home, Wathena, Kansas are in charge of arrangements.

Terrance “Terry” Joseph Cunningham
1952-2016

Terrance “Terry” Joseph Cunningham, 63, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Sunday, July 10, 2016 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri.
He was born in Maryville, Missouri.
Terry was a man of many talents including being a heavy industrial mechanic and loved farming, John Deere tractors, hunting, fishing, and telling stories.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ruth Loraine (Domka) Cunningham; and nephew, Theron Cunningham.
Survivors include son, Travis Hood; granddaughters, Gabrielle and Hadley Hood; siblings, Adeline Flint (Jim), Savannah, Missouri, Glenna Ogle, Bismarck, Missouri, William Cunningham (Ann), Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Colleen Bentley (David), Olathe, Kansas and Michael Cunningham (Kelly), Helena, Missouri; and the love of his life, Debby Webster.
Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 A.M. Thursday, St. Peter Catholic Church, Stanberry, Missouri. Interment Mount Calvary Cemetery, Stanberry, Missouri. Parish Rosary 6:30 P.M. Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will gather with friends 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to Mount Calvary Cemetery, Stanberry, Missouri. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Elic “Hank” Burks, Jr.
1944-2016

Elic “Hank” Burks, Jr., 71, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Sunday, July 10, 2016 at his home.
He was born December 19, 1944 in Independence, Kansas.
Elic married Donna Marie Edinger in 1970.
Elic enlisted in the United States Air Force September 1963 serving as a C-130 prop and engine mechanic. He deployed to Vietnam in support of the war effort and distinguished himself by entering a burning aircraft, assisting the evacuation of military personnel form the plane, for his heroic efforts he was awarded a Bronze Star. Hank left active duty and began a multifaceted civilian career, before once again enlisting in the United State Air Force as a member of the Missouri Air Nation Guard 139th Airlift Wing out of St. Joseph, Mo. He once again served as a C-130 maintainer and was deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm. Hank returned to St. Joseph, switching to a Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) technician position, which matched with his current civilian profession at the University of Missouri at KC. In addition to changing jobs he also changed units and transferred into the 241st Air Traffic Control Squadron. Hank retired from the Air National Guard in April 2002 having attained the rank of Technical Sergeant (E-6). In addition to his Bronze star Hank earned the following medals; Air Force Commendation, Air Force Achievement, Outstanding Unit, Air Force Good Conduct, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service, National Defense Service, Vietnam Service, Southwest Asia Service, Humanitarian Service, Overseas Short Tour, Air Force Longevity, Armed Forces Reserve, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship, Republic of Vietnam Campaign, Kuwait Liberation Medal – Saudi Arabia, Kuwait Liberation Medal – Emirate of Kuwait, Missouri National Guard Commendation, Missouri National Guard Desert Storm, Missouri National Guard State Emergency Duty, Missouri National Guard Long Service Medal 10 years. Hank was a proud American who served the Air Force and his country with great honor and distinction.
Hank was a member of FOE, Eastern Star, Masonic and Ashland United Methodist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, E. Henry and Ruby (Spencer) Burks; and brother, Ray Burks.
Survivors include wife, Donna Burks, St. Joseph, Missouri; daughter, Nyoka Tonya Lewis (Bobby) Mololla, Oregon; sister, Darlene Rexwinkle (Donnie) Edna, Kansas; nephew, Brian Rexwinkle (Alison) South Coffeyville, Oklahoma; niece, Tonya Bradley (Caleb) Manhattan, Kansas; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and great-nephews.
Farewell Services 1:00 P.M. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or ASPCA. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Patricia Kay Adams
1949-2016

Patricia Kay Adams, 67, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Sunday, July 10, 2016 at Mosaic Life Care.
She was born January 19, 1949 in Omaha, Nebraska.
She enjoyed her little dog, Harley.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Katherine (Banik) Nechodom; and sister, Mary Beth Jensen.
Survivors include son, Bobbie Adams of Sheldahl, Iowa; daughters, Laurie Worley of St. Joseph and Kim Overholser (Larry) of Benton, Iowa; three grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.
Natural Farewell under the direction of Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.