Morgan Albert Johnson
1929-2018

Morgan Albert Johnson, age 88, passed away peacefully at home in Rancho Mission Viejo, CA with family at his side on Wednesday, April 25, 2018.

He was born on December 22, 1929 in Topeka, KS to Roland and Goldie (Wiksten) Johnson. Morgan spent nearly his entire life in the community of Onaga, KS, attending school, marrying his high school sweetheart, Lila Tessendorf, and raising three children. Following service in the Air Force and graduation from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago, IL, he and Lila owned and operated Tessendorf Furniture and Mortuary in Onaga for many years.

Morgan was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Duluth, KS, and was an active and committed member of the community serving on the Onaga City Council, Onaga Lions Club and Onaga Cemetery Board. Whether assisting families with funeral arrangements, serving chili dogs at the Lions Club concession stand, lifting the starting gate on the annual Pottawatomie County Fair turtle race or sharing time with family and friends, Morgan always expressed his genuine care and compassion for others with kind words and a smile.

Morgan was preceded in death by his wife, Lila, and his brother, Roger H. Johnson.

He is survived by his brother, Philip N. Johnson, his son, David Erik Johnson, two daughters, Ann Kristin Diaz and Amy Elizabeth Smith, and his granddaughter, Madison Renee Smith.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at 11:00am at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Onaga, KS. Burial will follow at the Onaga Cemetery. Morgan will lie in state on Friday, May 11th at the funeral home and the family will greet friends from 10:00am until the time of service on Saturday.

Patricia “Patsy Jo” Samuels
1934-2018

Patricia “Patsy Jo” Samuels, 83 died at home due to complications of COPD-Emphysema. She was preceded in death by; son Terry Lee Samuels, her parents, Howard and Kathryn Hague, step father Lee Kruse, birth mother Helen Kruse Swartz, half sister Barbara Martin, sister and brother in law Ronald and Betty Lou Hagedorn, brother in law Jerry Samuels, and niece and a nephew. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Jack, daughter Kathryn “Sam” (John) Dobosz, 5 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and 7 great-great grandchildren. sisters; Lois Jean (Gayle) Ensrud, Frost, MN, Wanda (Al) Geiser, Blue Earth, MN, Larry Eugene (Joann) Hague, Worthington, MN, Steven (Patty) Hague, Blue Earth, MN, Russell Hague, Fairmount, MN, John (Shellee) Hague, Makato, MN. She cashiered at Grocery Supply Company for 10 years, and was co-owner of Shady Lane Greenhouse, St. Joseph, MO. The Family will receive friends from 6-8 PM Friday, at the Rupp Funeral home to celebrate Patsy Jo’s Life. online condolence and obituary www.ruppfuneral.com

John Raymond Timmons
1947-2018

John Raymond Timmons, 71, of La Feria, TX, passed away Tuesday, April 17th at Ratama Manor in Harlingen, TX. He was born April 10, 1947 in Seattle, WA, son of Allie and Opal Timmons. He was a high school graduate of Lafayette High School in St Joseph, MO. He joined the US Navy in Sept 1965, serving in Vietnam and was Honorably Discharged in October 1967. John lived in St Joseph most of his life and was a skilled auto mechanic and carpenter. He also enjoyed horses and generally being outdoors. He moved to LaFeria, TX to enjoy the weather year around. He shared wonderful times with his friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his only sister Marjorie Sheppard of Elwood, KS, one daughter Tiffany Timmons of North Kansas City, MO, two grandsons, and several nephews and nieces. A Graveside inurnment service will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, May 5th, 2018 at the Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary www.ruppfuneral.com

Gary “Jim” Lee Lawrence
1945-2018

Gary Lee “Jim” Lawrence 72, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Sunday April 29, 2018 at Mosaic Life Care Hospital. He was born July 27, 1945 in St. Joseph, Missouri son of the late Blanche & Frederick Lawrence. He married Sandy Chilcoat on December 29, 1962, and they shared 55 years together. He attended Lafayette High School, and worked at Venneman Construction-Local 518 as a Concrete Finisher. Jim loved going on cruises, fishing, and Facebook, he enjoyed fixing anything he could get his hands on, and was a talented carpenter. He was the kind of guy who was always there for anybody. He was an organ donor. He was a former member of the Eagles Lodge, and the Savannah Ave. Baptist Church. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, foster parents Ray and Clara Kerns, five brothers: Ronald, Marvin, Darrell, Walter and Fred Lawrence. Survivors include his wife, Sandy Lawrence of the home, sister, Carol (Bob) Vetter, Kearney, MO, daughter, Tammy (Michael) Tullis, St. Joseph, MO, son, Marty (Cheri) Lawrence, three grandchildren: Ashley (Ryan) Callahan, Andrew Tullis, and Austen Lawrence, great grandchildren: Mason, and Haylen, foster brothers and sisters Audrey, Lonnie, Melvin, Zelda, and Jessie. The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:00 pm on Friday with memorial services following at 2:00 pm at the Rupp Funeral Home. He will be cremated under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the American Cancer Society. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

Frederick Louis Anthony
1977-2018

Frederick Louis Anthony 40, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Wednesday April 25, 2018 in St. Joseph. He was born October 21, 1977 in St. Joseph, Missouri son of Shirley & Frederick Anthony. He married Amanda Everett Anthony on March 9, 2016. He worked at BMS Packing. He enjoyed scrapping, welding, fishing, working on cars, spending time with family. He is survived by wife, Amanda Anthony, Cainsville, MO, daughter, Destony Eulinger, step-son, Alex Hohn, sons, Conner, Brenden, and Ethan Anthony, 5 nieces and 6 nephews, brother, Stephen Kirsch, sister, Brandy Sial. The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:00 pm, Friday, with Memorial services following at 2:00 pm at the Rupp Funeral Home. He will be cremated under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the Frederick Anthony Memorial Fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

Richard Lee Smith
1942-2018

Richard Lee Smith 76, Saint Joseph, Missouri died Tuesday May 1, 2018 in Saint Joseph. Born February 3, 1942, St. Joseph, Preceded in death by father Carroll Smith, mother, Helen Robinson, and sister, Carolyn Sue Ross. Survivors include sisters, Sheila Bittiker, JoAnn (Bruce) Taylor, and Nancy Leighton, brothers, Barry Stone, and Roger Stone. Cremation under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. There are no scheduled visitation or memorial services at this time. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

John Ray Everett
1966-2018

John Ray Everett 51, Saint Joseph, Missouri died Monday April 30, 2018 in Saint Joseph. Born July 12, 1966, St. Joseph, Preceded in death by father, John Leonard Everett, mother, Bonnie Callaway. Survivors include daughter, Jamie (Kenny) Drake, son John Everett, 4 grandchildren, several brothers & sisters. Cremation under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. There are no scheduled visitation or memorial services at this time. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

Dean Blair
1952-2018

Dean Blair, 65, of Everest, KS died Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at Stormont Vail in Topeka, KS.

He was born June 24, 1952 in Kansas City, MO, one of two children born to the late Roy David and Freda Mae Stahl Blair. He grew up in the Kansas City area and attended Argentine High School. He married Barbara Rossiter and with this union, three children were born. They later divorced.

Dean worked for Stirton Woodworking as a carpenter before his health forced him to retire. Dean loved music. He was the lead singer and played guitar in a band, Big River Sound. He loved his grandchildren and enjoyed spending as much time as possible with them. Growing up a preacher’s son, Dean was taught to help anyone that he could.

He is survived by his children; JR (Elisha) Blair of Everest, KS, daughters; Deanna (Randy) Maines of Coffeyville, KS and Kim Erdley of Sabetha, KS, grandchildren; Roger Dean Moore, Gavin Tabor, Jessica Perry, Michelle Sisco, Tesla Maines, Randy Maines, Jr., Nichole Maines, Harvey Webster, Alexis Torres, and Aric Dean Erdley, and 11 great grandchildren.

He also was preceded in death by a sister Carolyn Leishing.

A gathering of family and friends in Dean’s honor, is planned for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 17, 2018 at the Fisher Center, 201 E Iowa St., Hiawatha.

Memorial contributions may be sent in care of the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St. Hiawatha, KS 66434 who is assisting the family with details.

Shirley Jane Sproat
1948-2018

Shirley Jane Sproat 69, Saint Joseph, Missouri died Sunday April 29, 2018 in Saint Joseph. Born November 24, 1948, St. Joseph. Preceded in death by father, Virgil Jay Terry, mother, Lorraine Rose Terry, son, Paul Sproat, brothers, James, Daniel, and Gerald, and sister Pearl. Survivors include: former husband Charles Sproat of the home, daughters, Hellen Sproat, and Tina Sue Terry, stepdaughter, Gussie Gibson Reynolds, grandchildren: Kyle, Richard, Marvin, William, and Troy, great-grandchildren, Matthew, Osiris, Majesty, brother, Vernon Lee, sisters, Glenna, and Joanna. The family will receive friend from 2-4 PM Thursday, at the Rupp Funeral Home. Cremation under the direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the Shirley Spear memorial fund in care of the Rupp funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

Raymond Howard Burrier Jr
1931-2018

Ray Burrier Jr., 86, passed away at his DeKalb, MO, home on Sunday, April 22, 2018. Ray was born on June 21, 1931 at his parents’ home in Forest City, MO. From the very beginning being close to the land was in his blood. During his high school years Ray was a key player on Oregon High School’s championship football team which went undefeated his junior year. He graduated in 1949 from Oregon High School. Ray was an army veteran who served overseas during the Korean War. Ray married Cleta Dinwiddie on October 8, 1950 at the First Christian Church in Oregon, MO. From this union the family was blessed with three children – Steve, Cindy, and Brenda. The Burrier family farmed for many years in the Oregon, MO area, raising purebred hogs for breeding stock sold throughout the midwest and internationally. Ray and Cleta were married nearly 29 years until her passing in 1979. At that time Ray left the farm in MO and moved to Northwest Montana where he could pursue his passion for hunting and fishing – his retirement dream. With very little help, he built a beautiful log home in the mountains near Libby, MT using logs harvested from his own property. Living off “the grid” Ray became self sufficient raising a huge garden, logging, and hunting many types of wildlife including deer, elk, bear, moose, mountain lion, antelope, big horn sheep, and mountain goats. He also fished area streams and lakes for trout and salmon. On September 27, 1981, Ray married Mary Jo Johntz in Chewelah, WA. Together they enjoyed the mountain lifestyle and operated a fruit and vegetable business across Northwest Montana and Idaho during the summer months. They travelled extensively, taking trips to Alaska, Canada, Russia, Italy, Germany, and the Mexican Baja. They also bought and sold antiques and utilized Ray’s expert carpentry skills in restoring furniture and building almost anything out of wood. In 2015 the Burriers sold their Montana property and moved to DeKalb, MO to be closer to family. Ray continued to work hard each day, raising a huge garden and working in his wood shop. Church friends and neighbors enjoyed many of the fruits of his labor. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Ray Burrier Sr, and Ora (Sipes) Burrier, his first wife Cleta, his sisters Ada Taylor and Doris Hunziger, his daughter Brenda Sampson, son-in-law Dewayne Sampson, and stepson Bruce Ferguson. Survivors include his wife Jo Burrier of the home in DeKalb, MO, a son, Steve (Nancy) Burrier of Village of Loch Lloyd, MO, a daughter, Cindy (Gerald) Eastbourn of DeKalb, MO, stepson, Terry Ferguson, stepdaughters Sue Heminger, Cindy Lounsbury, Holly Napier, Grandsons: Aaron Burrier, Garrett Burrier, Jonathan Eastbourn, Andrew Sampson, and Taylor Sampson, Granddaughters: Vanessa Nyhus and Annette Vaughn, 14 great-grandkids, 10 step grandkids, 5 step great grandkids, and numerous nieces and nephews. Ray’s faith in Jesus Christ was very important to him. He wore a wooden cross on a lanyard around his neck every day as a reminder of who his Savior was. He was a member of multiple Christian Churches in Missouri, Montana, and Arizona over the years, but most recently was actively attending the DeKalb Christian Church in DeKalb, MO. He was a member of the Central States Christian Endeavors Association, the founding board of directors for establishing the original Christian Campus ministry at Northwest Missouri State University back in the mid-1970’s. It was through this ministry that his daughter Cindy met and married her husband Gerald. Visitation will be held at the Rupp Funeral Home in St. Joseph, MO on Tuesday, May 8 from 6-8 PM. Funeral services will be held at DeKalb Christian Church on Wednesday, May 9 at 10 AM. A public burial service will be conducted at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Oregon, MO at 2:30 PM that afternoon. Memorial donations may be made to the DeKalb Christian Church.

Mark Allen Dunbar
1948-2018

Mark Allen Dunbar 69, of Saint Joseph, MO passed away Friday, May 4, 2018 in a Saint Joseph health care center. He was born December 14, 1948 in St. Joseph, MO, son of the late Anne and Kenneth Dunbar. He graduated from Benton High School 1969 and served in the Navy during the Vietnam War era. He retired from Quaker Oats, after 29 years of service, when they closed. He enjoyed fishing, deer hunting with Jake, Friday nights at home. He loved being on the farm, going to Bennett Springs, and spending time with his grandkids. Mark was preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter, Haley Jo, and sister, Suzanne Dunbar. Survivors include wife, Virginia Dunbar of the home, sons, Jason (Jeanette), Jeremy (Angie), Josh (Stephanie), Jake (Allison), and Joe (Colby) Dunbar, daughter, Emily (Bryan) Pierce, grandchildren, Emma, Sammie, Anne, Faith, Ashley, Jessica, Brody, Rhett, Henry, Wyatt, Ava, Ryder, and Riley. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, May 7, 2018, at 10:00 am at the St. Patrick Catholic Church, Fr. Luis Felipe Suarez Celebrant. The Rosary will be recited at 5:30 pm, Sunday and the family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Sunday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the King Hill Cemetery with full military honors. Memorials are requested to the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.