Post Staff – Page 246 – St. Joseph Post Archive

Protesters deny publisher’s assertion that we are “turned off by protests”

Posted on February 27, 2017February 27, 2017

When St. Joseph News Press Editor and Publisher David Bradley told a national broadcast audience that the people of St. Joe were “fairly well satisfied” with the first 30 days of the Trump presidency, he may not have expected a protest outside the newspaper’s offices. He told the PBS News Hour last week that we, in general “are turned off” by protests.

About 60 people turned out to protest on Monday, and Bradley came out to greet them and address their concerns. Bradley was interrupted several times, but managed to get his message out.

“They asked me to come and talk about what my feelings were about what the reaction was to Donald Trump…” Bradley said.

“He’s an idiot,” one of the protesters interrupted.

“Okay, well, let me talk,” Bradley continued. “Anyway, I said I thought he’d only been in office for 30 days, I said he’d said some things that I thought were probably mistaken, that he had to take back, and had to change.”

“I think we’ve got to watch his actions more than what he says,” Bradley said.

The protest sprung up on Facebook soon after the PBS broadcast last week (click here). One of the protest organizers, Marianne Kunkel, said she and others were really frustrated by what Bradley said, representing our entire town as being “fairly well satisfied.”

“He said that we, in general, as a town, were turned off by protests, and that we would prefer to sit back and relax, and take that approach towards our president’s agenda, his policies, everything he’s put forward in the first month,” Kunkel said, “and that does not represent a lot of us.”

Bradley countered asssertions that his newspaper is biased.

“The people in this area voted overwhelmingly for Trump,” Bradley said. “And we’ve run a lot of letters from people who are both for Trump and against Trump, and I’d welcome any of your comments or letters. We run columns in the paper that are for Trump and against him. There were two columns this morning that were against him, so we try to run all sides. ”

“This paper did endorse him. We thought he was a better candidate than Hillary,” Bradley said. A protester booed that comment. Bradley said “…well, that’s your opinion. The folks voted for Trump in this area and this state by 17 points, so he won overwhelmingly.”

Kunkel says this town is more diverse than that.

“It’s made up of people who do not look like Mr. Bradley, who are may feeling personally attacked by some of the things our president has tried to implement, like the travel ban, and some of the things he’s said toward women, and I would remind Mr Bradley how many women live in St. Joseph, and possibly feel personally slighted by his words,” Kunkel said.

“There are a lot of people who are nervous, and offended, and hurt,” she said, “and I think when our media represents us so thoughtlessly and homogenously, it’s dangerous.”

(Update) Employer to repay family after caregiver charged with stealing elderly woman’s credit card

Posted on February 27, 2017February 27, 2017

A local woman entrusted with the care of a senior citizen is due in court Tuesday after she allegedly stole and used the woman’s credit card.

The home health company that employed the woman calls her a “former employee,” and will repay the family for any losses.

Megan Marie Graf is charged with one count of forgery, a class-d felony. In a court affidavit, St. Joseph Police Detective Richard Shelton says the defendant was employed by Freudenthal Home Health and was a caretaker for the woman.

The victim, age 70, is a resident at a local senior care facility. She reported her Visa card and identification were stolen from her purse February 22.

On Friday, February 24, investigators say store video at two retailers show Graf allegedly using the stolen credit card. She is accused of signing the victim’s name to a credit card receipt, which would be an act of forgery. The transaction was worth $83.59, according to the affidavit.

Detective Shelton said in the affidavit that the victim’s IDs and credit card were later found in Graf’s purse. The court affidavit also asserts that the victim’s son now fears for his mother’s safety, because the defendant knows where she lives.

A judge set bail at $5,000 cash. Graf remains in custody, and is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.

Joe Freudenthal of Freudenthal Home Health said all criminal background checks, EDL checks, Family Safety Registry checks, and reference checks came back “clean as a whistle” on what he called “this former employee.”

Freudenthal says his company will reimburse the family for any losses related to the charges on her card.

“We are committed to giving first-class care to all our clients and it is SO frustrating to have someone take advantage of the trust we and the family put in them,” Freudenthal said in a social media post.

Murder suspect pleads guilty

Posted on February 27, 2017February 27, 2017

A St. Joseph teenager has pleaded guilty to murder in connection with the death of Kaytlin Root at Krug Park last October.

As we reported earlier, Amanda Bennett was originally charged as a juvenile, but the 17-year-old was later certified as an adult in the case. Bennett told Circuit Judge Patrick Robb she acted as an accomplice to the killing.

She admitted getting the victim to agree to meet, all the while knowing that her co-defendant intended to kill Root.

She admitted being present when she says Sebastian Dowell strangled and then stabbed the victim near a bike trail in the park.

Judge Robb scheduled sentencing April 24 at 2:30 p.m. Second-degree murder carries a range of punishment of from 10-to-30 years or life in prison upon conviction.

Co-defendant Dowell is scheduled for a trial setting hearing in March.

Kansas officials brace for another wildfire season; risk is “running high”

Posted on February 27, 2017February 27, 2017

Experts are warning of another active wildfire season in Kansas.

Several Red Flag Warnings have already been issued.

According to Fire Program Section Leader with the Kansas Forest Service, Ross Hauck, the current fuel load in Kansas is well above normal.

“We have a fuel load out there that’s probably at least a third larger than a normal year would be – if there’s such a thing as a normal year anymore,” Hauck said. “And so as these fires happen, the fuel that’s out there is still standing because we haven’t had any snow to press it down.”

“That doesn’t take the fuel away but it does make it a little more manageable,” he said

Even when an area receives precipitation, the potential for a wildfire is still high.

“We’re in a grass area, primarily, and it can rain at eight o’clock in the morning and by 10 when the sun comes out all the fuel is ready to go,” Hauck said. “We call it one hour fuels. So from the time you couldn’t burn it to the time it’ll burn readily is about an hour.”

Kansas had a lot of wildfires last year, which Hauck said can be blamed on human activity.

“We had over 6,000 wildfires last year, and about 80% of those were human caused,” Hauck said. “Mother Nature still has lightning, but that doesn’t cause a big issue in Kansas.”

“It’s us people that do it,” he said.

Family Christian closing St. Joseph store

Posted on February 27, 2017February 27, 2017

Family Christian is closing all store locations including its location at East Hills Shopping Center in St. Joseph.

The store touts itself as being the world’s largest retailer of Christian-themed merchandise. Its website, said all chains are closing and everything is now up to 30-percent off.

According to Christianity Today, the move comes two years after filing for bankruptcy. It said the chain employs more than 3,000 people in 240 stores across 36 states.

It’s just one of the latest chains to announce closures in St. Joseph. Last year, Hastings Entertain closed its doors after filing for bankruptcy. Sears in January, announced plans to close its doors by the end of March. Shoppers in St. Joseph are still unsure if the JCPenney location will remain open after the the company announced last week it plans to close up to 140 stores and two distribution centers over the next several months. JCPenney said a list of closures will be announced sometime in mid-March pending notification of all affected personnel with nearly all impacted stores to close in May.

One hospitalized after crash near Osborn

Posted on February 27, 2017

A man was injured in Clinton County crash Monday morning.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Matthew Hunter, 28, of Cameron was driving a 2004 Chevy Malibu westbound on Route T around 6 a.m. when the crash took place. According to the patrol, Hunter failed to stop at a stop sign, went across Mo 33, and hit an embankment. Hunter was taken by ambulance to Mosaic Life care for what was described as a moderate injury.

Hunter was not reported to be wearing his seat belt.

Five injured in Nodaway County crash

Posted on February 27, 2017February 27, 2017

A two vehicle crash sent four to the hospital Saturday near Burlington Junction.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Adam Emery, 36 of Hopkins was driving a 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo and Michael Glaser, 21 of Spalding, Neb. was driving a 2007 Pontiac G6 around 5:15 p.m. Saturday on US-71. The patrol said both drivers tried to pass a slower vehicle at the same time and collided in the northbound lane. Both vehicles rollover and came to rest on the driver’s side off the north side of the roadway.

Two passengers in Adam’s vehicle, Sarah Emery, 32 and a 7-year-old boy were taken by ambulance to St. Francis for what authorities described as moderate injuries. Adam refused treatment at the scene for a minor injury. Glaser and a passenger, Haley Grimus, 21 also from Neb. were transported to St. Francis with injuries. Glaser was described as having a moderate injury, Girmus, a minor one.

Everyone except Adam and Sarah Emery were reported to be wearing a seat belt.

Check points planned in Platte County

Posted on February 27, 2017

Alcohol checks are planned in the month of March in Platte County.

The Platte County Sheriff’s Office has announced it will be conducting sobriety and/or safety checkpoints next month.

Sheriff Mark Owen said that if a driver is suspected of being intoxicated, he/she will be asked to complete the Standard Field Sobriety Tests. Any driver found to be impaired will be arrested and transported to the Platte County Detention Center.

“We appreciate the cooperation from the public as we conduct DWI check points and take drunk drivers off our roads. We also appreciate the public’s patience when they enter a safety check point, knowing that the overall goal of any checkpoint is to keep innocent motorists safe,” Sheriff Owen said. “Providing a safe and secure environment for the citizens of Platte County is one of the reasons we conduct both of these checkpoints.”

Owen said that the delay at check points will be minimal.

Man accused of threatening to kill La Mesa employee

Posted on February 27, 2017February 27, 2017

A 31-year-old man is accused of threatening to kill another man at a St. Joseph restaurant.

Dionicio Molina-Mendoza is charged in Buchanan County with a felony of unlawful use of a weapon.

According to court documents, on Saturday officers with the St. Joseph Police Department responded to La Mesa located at 3730 Mitchell Ave. when a man reported allegedly being assaulted by Molina-Mendoza.

“Stated to officers Dionicio brandished a firearm pointing it at the ground and telling him he was going to kill him prior to punching him in the face,” said Det. Jeremy Peters with the St. Joseph Police Department. “Upon officer’s arrival Dionicio was placed under arrest. Dionicio was found to be in possession of a loaded handgun which was tucked into his waistband at the time of his arrest.”

Court documents stated Molina-Mendoza was charged with Alien Removal out of Kansas City, Mo. in 2013. He has been identified as an illegal immigrant by ICE and is currently on intense supervision with ICE.

“Dionicio was intoxicated and brandished a loaded handgun inside of a restaurant before assaulting an employee,” Det. Peters said. “Dionicio shows a previous conviction for driving while intoxicated and domestic assault 3rd degree in Buchanan County. He has been arrested for domestic assault 4 times.”

Molina-Mendoza is being held on $25,000 bail. He’s due in court for an arraignment Tuesday.

Obituaries February 22-24

Posted on February 27, 2017March 1, 2017

Nancy Jeanne (Winder) Fredrickson
1940-2017

Nancy Jeanne (Winder) Fredrickson passed away on February 22, 2017 surrounded by her family. She was born June 14, 1940 to Nadine and Willard Winder. She graduated from Benton High School in 1958. She married Jack Fredrickson on May 2, 1959 and spent the past 57 years by his side. She was employed at Drovers Merchants Bank, Manager of Stock Yards Insurance Co. and retired from JADO’s Accounting & Income Tax. She was the “unofficial” scorekeeper for more basketball games than could be counted. She enjoyed reading, never met a penny-slot she didn’t like, especially loved to play games with her children and grandchildren, and will always be remembered as having an abundance of patience and kindness. Nancy will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Jack; son Steve and wife Tiffany; daughters Tracy Kerner and husband Joe, Angie Giegerich and husband Phil; brothers Jim and wife Connie Winder and Gary Winder. She was a wonderful grandmother to Ryan and Kyle Kerner, Tyler and Zack Fredrickson, Kade and Kellen Giegerich. The family will receive friends from 4-6 PM Friday, with a memorial celebration of life to start at 6:00 PM Friday, at Rupp Chapel. Ms. Fredrickson has been cremated under the care of the Rupp Funeral Home.

Agnes K. Tiley
1921-2017

Agnes K. Tiley, 95, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Wednesday, February 22, 2017.
She was born September 22, 1921 in Evans City, PA.
Agnes graduated from Penn State with a Masters in Art Education. She taught at the Kittanning, PA School District. Agnes moved to St. Joseph in 1967 and continued to work as an artist and teacher.
She was a member of the Runcie Club, International Porcelain Art Teachers and an active member of the Lover’s Lane Porcelain Painter’s Club for many years.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Clara (Miller) Kennedy; husband, John L. Tiley; children, Warren C and Sharon K. Tiley; brother, Howard A. Kennedy.
Survivors include her close friend and artist protégée, Carrie Dreier; and long-time caregivers, Trisha England and Tearany Hendrixs.
Farewell Services 10:00 A.M. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 9:00 to 10:00 A.M.

Glenda B. Larrison
1936-2017

Glenda B. Larrison, 80, of Topeka, died Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at the Midland Hospice House in Topeka.
She was born February 28, 1936 in Horton, the daughter of James and Madeline Kling Wolfe. She graduated from Netawaka High School in 1954.
Glenda was a member of the Soldier Christian Church.
She married Harold E. Larrison June 6, 1954 at the First Christian Church in Holton. He preceded her in death on July 23, 2014.
Glenda was also preceded in death by her parents, a son, Kevin Larrison, a daughter, Penny Hannon Larrison, and two brothers, James “Jimmy” Wolfe and Wendell Wolfe.
Survivors include two daughters, Debra Swindale and husband Darryl, Topeka, Kim Liddle and husband Steve, Little Elm, TX; four grandchildren, Carrie Doud (Chip), Barry Swindale, Justin Hannon (Becky) and Kira Varelman; and three great-grandchildren, Mackenzie and Maleia Doud, and Braden Swindale.
A Celebration of Glenda’s life will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 25th at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Holton, with visitation from 10:00 until service time. Burial will follow in the Holton Cemetery. Glenda will lie in state until service time at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, or Midland Hospice House, and may be sent in care of the funeral home, P. O. Box 1034, Holton, KS 66436.

Edward B. Gilpin
1921-2017

Wathena, Kansas – Edward B. Gilpin, 96, of Wathena, Kansas passed away Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at the Wathena Health Care Center.
Ed was born on February 4, 1921 in Saxton, Missouri to parents, Charles S.Gilpin and Beatrice (Lower) Gilpin. Ed was from a family of 15 children and lived on a farm. He graduated from Pickett High School, St. Joseph, Missouri and married the love of his life, Dorothy (Stigers) Gilpin in 1940. They moved to Baltimore, Maryland where Ed attended an Aeronautical School and worked at the Glen Martin Airport.
In 1943 Ed was drafted into the U.S. Navy during WWII, and set sail on the USS Saidor at which time he moved his family back to St. Joseph, Missouri to live with Dorothy’s parents. He was discharged in 1945 to return to his family and moved back to Baltimore.
In 1948 Ed and (wife) Dorothy purchased the Wathena Chicken Hatchery and moved their family of six children to live in Wathena. He was in the hatchery business from 1948-1961, Wathena City Marshall and retired from Swafford Realty Company, where he worked with his nephew, Mark Gilpin.
Ed was a member of the Masonic Lodge and American Legion Post 161 in Wathena, Kansas. He was a member of the Moila Shrine Temple in St. Joseph, Missouri, where he was Past Commander of Legion of Honor. Ed never knew a stranger.
Ed was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy, his parents, grandson, Todd Gilpin and a great-granddaughter, Malorie Adkins.
Ed is survived by his son, Donald Gilpin of Corona, California;
Daughters, Margie Twidwell of Topeka, Kansas;
Carol Moddelmog of Fort Collins, Colorado;
Edna Cherry of Albany, Missouri;
Joanne McVey of Wathena, Kansas;
Joyce Bottiger of Lenexa, Kansas;
11 grandchildren and 26great-grandchildren and numerous great-great- grandchildren;
Sisters, Mary Grayce Shaneck and Myrt Dunn;
Brother, James Gilpin;
Numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral Service: 10:30 A.M. Monday, February 27, 2017,
at the First Baptist Church in Wathena, Kansas.
Visitation: 5-7 Sunday evening at the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Wathena, Kansas.
Friends may call after 9 A.M. Sunday.
Burial: Bellemont Cemetery where there will be military honors under the auspices of the American Legion Post 161 and Masonic Committal Service.
In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Shriners Children Hospital, Wathena Healthcare Activities Fund or the Wathena EMS

Kenneth R. Jameson
1923-2017

Kenneth R. Jameson, 93, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Thursday, February 23, 2017 at Mosaic Life Care.
He was born August 29, 1923 in St. Joseph, Missouri to Don and Ethel (Ray) Jameson.
Kenneth married Marjorie Calvert on February 28, 1946.
He attended school in St. Joseph and enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served behind the lines as a telegraph operator during World War II. Kenneth worked at Hillyard for 27 years retiring in 1987 as traffic manager.
He was a member of the Charity Zaredatha Lodge No. 189, A.F. & A.M.; Hugh De Payens Commandery, No. 4, Knights Templar; Mitchell Chapter, No. 14, Royal Arch Masons; St. Joseph Council, No. 9, Royal and Select Masters; Moila Shrine. Kenneth was also an original member of the Fairway Golf Course and Brookdale Presbyterian Church.
Kenneth greeted people with a hug and a smile and didn’t know a stranger. He was always up for an adventure but liked to have it planned out first. He also liked poetry.
He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; and brother, Carlos Jameson.
Survivors include Clark Tally and family whom Kenneth thought of as his own; and a great group of golf and card playing buddies at Fairway Golf Course.
Natural Farewell services under the direction of Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Inurnment Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial donations suggested to United Way of Greater St. Joseph. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Margaret Kulowski
1913-2017

Margaret Kulowski, 103, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Thursday, February 23, 2017 at a local healthcare facility.
She was born March 6, 1913 in St. Joseph, Missouri to LeRoy and Sarah (Ellison) Snodgrass.
Margaret married Jacob Kulowski May 8, 1948, he preceded her in death December 22, 1982.
She was a secretary at West Tab and also worked as a nurse for Dr. Saferstein, Dr. Shore, Dr. Kearby, Dr. Minton and Dr. Kulowski.
Margaret was a member of Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art, Francis Street First United Methodist Church, Ambassadors, Runcie Club, Moila Sewing Club, Moila Golf Club and Temple Adath Joseph Sisterhood.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Judith “Ski” Craven.
Survivors include daughter, Cheryl Hendricks; six grandchildren, Jeffrey Hendricks, Patrick Hendricks, Nicole Fruits, Brett Craven, Dr. Scott Craven, Michelle Rohlf; eleven great-grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter.
Farewell Services 10:00 A.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Virginia M. Hager
1924-2017

Virginia M. Hager, 92, Atchison, Kansas died Thursday, February 23, 2017 at the Atchison Hospital.
Mass of Christian burial will be Friday, March 3, 2017 at 10:30 A.M. at Sacred Heart Church with Rev. Jeremy Heppler, OSB as celebrant. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. A parish and Daughters of Isabella rosary will be recited on Thursday, March 2nd at 6:30 P.M. in the chapel of Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home with visitation to follow until 8:00 P.M. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Benedict’s Elementary School Endowment or the Atchison Library and may be left in care of the funeral home.
Survivors include two daughters, Jane (Michael) Dunn, Emporia, KS, Bonnie (Jeff) Pike, Atchison, KS, four sons, Teddy Hager, Atchison, KS, Danny (Carol) Hager, Atchison, KS, Joe Hager, Atchison, KS, Jerry Hager, Atchison, KS, seventeen grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren and a great-great grandson.

Richard “Junior” Perez
1952-2017

Richard “Junior” Perez, 64, of Onaga, died Thursday, February 23, 2017 at St. Francis Health Center in Topeka.
He was born December 20, 1952 in Topeka, the son of Paul and Marcella Munoz Perez. He graduated from Washington High School in Kansas City, KS in 1971.
Richard worked for the Union Pacific Railroad for thirty-two years. He retired in 2002 due to his health.
He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church at Duluth.
He married Barbara A. Creevan on January 29, 1977 at Duluth. She survives, of the home.
Other survivors include a son, Christopher Perez, Onaga; a daughter, Joanna Etienne, Wamego; two brothers, Michael Perez, Westmoreland, and Jack Perez, Duluth; three sisters, Barbara Alcala and Sandra Leroux, both of Kansas City, KS, and Karen Carnolli, Pawnee City, Nebraska; and four grandchildren.
Cremation is planned. Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 3rd at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Burial will follow in the Onaga Cemetery. A register book will be available to sign at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Onaga. Memorials will be used to help with expenses, and may be sent in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 312, Onaga 66521.

Janice Elaine Hamilton
1940-2017

Janice Elaine Hamilton, 77, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Friday, February 24, 2017 at her home. She was born January 9, 1940 in St. Joseph, MO, daughter of Hazel and Willie DeLong. She attended Benton High School, and she worked at the Hamilton – Downing Insurance Agency as the office manager. She was of the Baptist Faith. Janice was preceded in death by husband, Keith Hamilton, her parents, son, Rodney Griggs, brother, Reggie DeLong, two sisters, Connie R. Delong and Margaret Stanford. Survivors include: daughters, Sherry Henderson of St. Joseph, MO and Lesa (Todd) Myer of Kansas City, MO, son, Lyle (Tracy) Lindley of St. Joseph, MO, brothers, Billy Delong of St. Joseph, MO and Jimmy Delong of Stockton, CA, four grandchildren: Jamie (Rickie) Hass, Todd (Micah) Myer Jr., Mark (Katie) Henderson, and Brandi (Jared) Hurley, and seven great grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be conducted at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at Rupp Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Memorial Park Cemetery . Memorials are requested to Hospice Partners.

Erma C. Webster
1942-2017

Erma C. Webster 74, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Friday, February 24, 2017 at Mosaic Life Care hospital in Saint Joseph, MO. She was born May 4, 1942 in Forest City, MO, daughter of Cliffie and T.W. “Buster” Brown. She worked as a department manager at the North Belt Wal-Mart for 22 years. She enjoyed Bingo and her dogs (Molly & Miley) and spending time with her family, friends, and sister. Erma was preceded in death husband Loren Webster, her parents, 5 children, brother, John W Brown, and a sister, Elizabeth Eaker. Survivors include, daughter, Robin Riddle-Farrell, sons, Jay Riddle, Thomas Riddle, and Rodney Riddle, 12 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren: and a sister, Dorothy Smith of Lake of the Ozarks, MO. The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Thursday, with a funeral service to start a 2:00 pm, Thursday, March 2, 2017 at Rupp Funeral Home, with Pastor Ron Nichols officiating. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery . Memorials are requested to the Erma Webster Memorial Fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home.

Paul E. Church
1961-2017

Paul E. Church, 55, Liberty, Missouri passed away Friday, February 24, 2017 at St. Luke’s Northland Hospital.
He was born August 22, 1961 in Muncie, Indiana.
Paul married Saundra Stewart on December 26, 2002.
Mr. Church retired from the Muncie Police Department. Law and politics were very important to him.
He was a member of the Temperance Lodge #438 AF&AM in Smithville, Missouri and the Legendary McGuire University FOP in Muncie, Indiana.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Erling Church; brother, James Church; and grandparents, Fred and Sarah Schweder and Noah and Eva Church.
Survivors include his mother, Madalyne May (Schweder) Church; wife, Saundra Church, Liberty, Missouri; daughters, Precious Church and Anna Church (Chris); grandchildren, Jasslyn and Cherokee Church; brothers, Daniel (Debra) and Michael (Denise) Church; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Farewell Services 1:00 P.M. Saturday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will gather with friends 12:00 Noon to 1:00 P.M. Saturday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to the family. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.