Post Staff – Page 864 – St. Joseph Post Archive

Obituaries for October 30, 2014

Posted on October 30, 2014October 30, 2014

ST. JOSEPH – Concepcion “Connie” Dolores Willoughby, 90, departed for heaven from her beloved home on Tuesday, October 28, 2014.
Connie was born on February 20, 1924 to John and Mildred (Gray) Alvarez in Elwood, Kan. She was a quiet and gentle soul who was a loving mother, sister and grandmother. Her wisdom and encouragement will be greatly missed.
Connie enjoyed puttering around the home, she loved spending time in her yard and at family gatherings. She was a talented seamstress sewing for her children and grandchildren as well as Stetson Hat Company for many years.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; son, Gerald; infant daughter, Mary Teresa; sister, Patricia McDowell; and brothers Raymond and John Alvarez.
Connie is survived by her children and their spouses; Sandy Turner (Al), Dr. Robert J. Willoughby (Christine), Pat and Babs, Vincent Willoughby (Laura), Mary Nelson (John), Lora Vacca (Brian), and Lisa Phillips (Craig); 18 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; sister, Margarita Stetson; brother, Ralph Alvarez; and several nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial: 10 a.m., Friday, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Inurnment: Ashland Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

ST. JOSEPH – Norma Jean (Walker) Lindensmith Gallagher, 81, died Wednesday, October 29, 2014 at her home.
She was born February 13, 1933 to Chester and Alta (Walls) Walker in St. Joseph.
Norma was a 1950 graduate of Benton High School and she retired from Missouri Western State University after 25 years as personal secretary to the president of the college.
Norma was actively involved in the Pony Express Museum, the Runcie Club, Questers, Flower Society, Inklings Book Club, and her beloved CAJ Club of which she had been part of for over 60 years. She was also very proud to design the garden at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Jerry Lindensmith; son, Philip Lindensmith; and step-son, Mark Gallagher.
Survivors: her husband, Dan Gallagher of the home; son, Mark Lindensmith (Gaytha); brother, Donald Walker; step-children, Susie Kovac (Mark), Julie Gallagher, Kristi Nikes (Greg), Jeff Lawson (Roxie), and Lisa Gawatz (Danny); numerous grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Memorial Services: 10 a.m., Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Inurnment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to American Cancer Society. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

ST. JOSEPH – Romino Buruta, 29, passed away Saturday, October 25, 2014 in St. Joseph at the result of a train accident. He was born December 26, 1984 in Romanum, Micronesia, son of Sarasina and Roman Jicko.
He has lived in St. Joseph and worked at Triumph Foods for a year. He attended St. James Catholic Church.
Survivors include, several cousins, including Reko Buruta of St. Joseph.
A funeral service and prayer vigil will be held on Sunday at 2 p.m., at Rupp Funeral Home. Father Evan Harkins officiating. He will be transported to his home in Micronesia on Tuesday, and burial prayer services will be held at his home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

ST. JOSEPH – Sharon Kay Mitchell, 64, passed away Tuesday, October 28, 2014 at her home.
She was born August 6, 1950 in St. Joseph, daughter of Leota and James Perkins Sr. She married Meril “Gene” on May 18, 1983. She was a Homemaker. She enjoyed embroidering, singing, Patsy Cline, Gospel music, and was a member of Souls Harbor Pentecostal Church. Sharon was preceded in death by father, James A. Perkins, Sr.; mother, Leota Darlene McKnight, and husband Walter McNight, Jr.; two brothers, Charles “Sonny” Uffleman, and James “Jimmie” Perkins; and a sister, Iris Perkins.
Survivors include, husband, Meril “Gene” Mitchell of the home; six daughters, Tami (Tim) Power, Vickie (Keith) Rothwell, all of St. Joseph, Tracy Moran of Agency, Mo., Linda (Darlene) Alexander of Hobert, Okla., Deborah (Tim) Woosley, and Dana Alexander of St. Joseph; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; and three sisters, Brenda (Tom) Moore, Sandy (Larry) Coon, and Nancy Halamar all of St. Joseph.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m., Friday, with a celebration of life to be held at 3 p.m., Friday, at Rupp Funeral Home, with Pastor JoAnn Springs officiating. Memorials are requested to the Sharon Mitchell memorial fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

HOPKINS, Mo. – Marvin Eugene Kempf, 75, died Tuesday, October 28, 2014, at St. Francis Hospital, Maryville, Mo.
Marvin was born April 07, 1939, in Burlington Junction, Mo. A 1957 graduate of Pickering High School, he was trucker and farmer.
He married Margaret Lucille Ellison on June 20, 1957, in Maryville. Marvin was a member of the Wray Memorial United Methodist Church, Hopkins, Xenia Masonic Lodge #50, York Rite Bodies, Moila Temple, and Rosanna Chapter O.E.S. #262.
Survivors include: his wife Margaret Kempf of their home in Hopkins; brothers, David Kempf, Winterset, Iowa and Michael Kempf.
Visitation is 7 to 8 p.m., Friday, October 31, 2014, at Wray Memorial United Methodist Church, Hopkins, with Masonic Services following by Xenia Lodge #50, Hopkins.
Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, at Wray Memorial United Methodist Church, followed by Rosanna Chapter #262 O.E.S services. Burial will follow in Ohio Cemetery, Burlington Junction, Mo.
Memorials may be made to the Shriner’s Crippled Children’s Hospital Fund in Marvin’s name. www.pricefuneralhomemaryville.com

William ST. JOSEPH – Albert Charleston, Jr., 56, died Tuesday, October 28, 2014 at Heartland Regional Medical Center.
He was born November 24, 1957 to William and Ida (Colwell) Charleston, Sr. in Atchison, Kan.
William married Sandra Brachear on June 11, 1989. She survives of the home.
William was preceded in death by his father.
Additional Survivors: mother; sons, William Lamont Coats, Columbia, Mo., William Albert Charleston, III, St. Joseph, and Michael Xavier Charleston, St. Joseph; daughter, Krystal Philemon, St. Joseph; sisters, Mona Jean Ward, Janice Watson, Ida Alberta Charleston and Penny Burns; and several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, Eureka Valley Baptist Church. Care provided by Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

ST. JOSEPH – Don Herring, 72, died Tuesday, October 28, 2014 at Heartland Regional Medical Center.
He was born October 6, 1942 to Norman and Dorothy (Bledsoe) Herring in Easton, Mo. He married Billie Jo Smith on September 28, 1984. She survives of the home. Don was a graduate of Easton High School and was a self employed home builder.
Mr. Herring was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Jerry Herring.
Additional Survivors: son, Scott Herring (Amy), St. Joseph; daughter, MacKenzie Herring, Columbia, Missouri; sister, Norma Jean Boedeker (Jim); and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Services: 10 a.m., Saturday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a donation, the family requests memorial donations to be made to the St. Joseph Animal Shelter. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Criminal Justice Scholarships Available

Posted on October 30, 2014October 30, 2014

College-bound students interesting in pursuing a career in criminal justice in Missouri can get a leg up via a scholarship offered by the Missouri Sheriff’s Association. Livingston County Sheriff Steve Cox says the scholarship, in the amount of one-thousand dollars, will be presented to sixteen college-bound Missouri high school seniors who will be attending a Missouri college or university.

Applicants must be in good standing with their school, have a good reference from their school counselor, demonstrate financial need, have a 2.0 GPA or greater, and be active in extra-curricular activities.

The application also requires a paragraph attached to the application detailing goals ten years after high school graduation.

Students interested in applying for the scholarship may obtain the application on line at http://www.mosheriffs.com

You can also send an email to Karen Logan at karen@mosheriffs.com to request an application or contact the Missouri Sheriffs’ Association and Training Academy, 6605 Business 50 West, Jefferson City, MO 65109, 573-635-5925, extension 100.

Applications, along with the required paragraph, must be submitted by January 31, 2015.

(UPDATE) Collission with a dump truck sends two teenagers to the hospital on I-229N

Posted on October 30, 2014October 30, 2014

Two teenagers were taken to the hospital Thursday morning after their jeep collided with a dump truck.

According to St. Joseph Police Officer Sgt. Richard Ketchem a dump truck and a jeep were northbound on I-229 near West Highland Avenue in St. Joseph. Both vehicles tried to pass another vehicle, the driver of the jeep pulled over into the dump truck causing the jeep to flip-over on its top just before 7:30 a.m.

The driver and passenger of the Jeep were transported to Heartland with non-life threatening injuries. The girls were 16 and 17-years-0ld.

Northbound traffic on I-229 was diverted for a period of time while authorities worked the accident.

Officers issued the driver of the jeep multiple tickets.

(UPDATE) Owners chase “borrowed” truck through Midtown

Posted on October 30, 2014October 30, 2014

Police are investigating the theft of a truck in the midtown area Thursday morning. The owner of the truck pursued the thieves, and for a brief time police were pursuing them.

That pursuit ended shortly after 6am. Officers were interviewing the victims at 11th and Mitchell.

There were no injuries. So far, police have not located the truck or the suspect.

Captain Jeff Wilson of the St Joseph Police Department says an acquaintance borrowed the vehicle, but refused to return it.

Refresh this post for additional details as they become available.

Kansas Cold Weather Rule starts Saturday

Posted on October 29, 2014

The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) reminds Kansans that the Cold Weather Rule takes effect November 1 and remains in effect through March 31. In most cases the rule prevents or limits utility companies from disconnecting a customer’s natural gas or electric service during periods of extreme cold.

The Rule requires utility companies to offer a 12-month payment plan to allow consumers to maintain or re-establish utility service.

“The Cold Weather Rule helps to ensure that Kansans can be warm in their home this winter,” said Chair Shari Feist Albrecht. “We encourage consumers to take steps to prepare for colder temperatures. Steps can include making sure heating equipment is in good working order, thermostats are set at a reasonable level, weather strip and caulk windows and doorways — these things can cut down on heating costs.”

The KCC wants Kansans to have the electric and gas service needed to keep their homes warm during winter months. The KCC also recognizes the customer’s responsibility to make arrangements to pay for that service. The Cold Weather Rule was designed in 1983 to ensure that both goals are met. Any residential customer with a past due balance will qualify for payment arrangements under the Rule. However, it is the customer’s responsibility to contact the gas or electric company to make those arrangements.

Disconnection Conditions:
Utility companies may not initiate disconnection until temperatures are forecast to be above 35 degrees for the next 48 hours.
Utility companies must attempt to contact the customer by phone or in-person 24 hours before disconnecting service.
Utility companies are prohibited from disconnecting a customer’s service when temperatures are forecast to be at or below 35 degrees over the next 24 hours.

Payment Plan conditions to maintain or restore service:
*Customers must contact their utility company and inform that they cannot pay their bill in full.
*Customers must agree to pay 1/12th of the total amount owed, 1/12th of the current bill, the full amount of any disconnection or reconnection fee, plus any applicable deposit to the utility.
*Customers must agree to pay the remaining balance in equal payments over the next 11 months, in addition to their current monthly bill.

The Cold Weather Rule applies only to residential customers of electric and natural gas utility companies under the KCC’s jurisdiction. For a complete list of utilities regulated by the KCC visit: http://kcc.ks.gov/pi/jurisdictional_utilities.htm.

More information about the Cold Weather Rule is available at: http://kcc.ks.gov/pi/cwr_english.htm. Kansans may also contact their local utility company or the KCC’s Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at (800) 662-0027.

Rise in Ebola scams likely

Posted on October 29, 2014October 29, 2014

Since April, 1,200 internet domains with “Ebola” in their name have been registered. The official in charge of protecting and informing Kansas investors is warning about a likely increase in fraudulent online investment schemes related to Ebola.

Kansas Securities Commissioner Josh Ney cautions investors to be cautious with any unsolicited investment opportunities.

“Past experience tells us that periods of uncertainty or fear are prime time for con-artists looking to make a quick payday,” said Ney. “Investors should approach with caution any unsolicited Ebola-related investment opportunities, especially those received through the internet or email.”

Ney said an analysis of Internet domain names by the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) found nearly 1,200 domains with “Ebola” in their name have been registered since April 2014. About 1,000 of those registrations have occurred since July, as awareness of the crisis has spread. Of these sites, 184 were identified by NASAA’s Internet Fraud Investigations project group as suspicious.

“Our system identified a number of sites that may be suspect,” said Jake Van der Laan, Director of Enforcement for the New Brunswick Financial and Consumer Services Commission and chair of NASAA’s Internet Fraud Investigations project group. “A review of domain names indicates that there certainly appear to be those intent on raising Ebola-related funds or otherwise trying to leverage the crisis for financial gain.”

Van der Laan said a review of Ebola-related domain names found several with the words “fund,” “invest,” “stock,” or “futures” in their titles. For example, the following domain names have been registered: FundsForEbola.com; BestEbolaStocks.com; EbolaFutures.com; EbolaInvesting.com; EbolaOutbreakStocks.com; and EbolaStocks.com.

Most of the domain names are currently “parked” and have no content, indicating that either someone has purchased the domain hoping to resell it, or the content is not yet ready.

Securities Commissioner Ney reminds investors to use common sense. “Promises of quick wealth generally are red flags signaling fraud ahead,” said Ney. He urges individuals to contact his office to determine if both the promoter of the investment and the investment itself are licensed and registered. If not, they may be operating illegally. The KSC can be reached at ksc@ksc.ks.gov or 785-296-3307.

Salvation Army accepting applications for Christmas assistance

Posted on October 29, 2014

The Salvation Army in St. Joseph is now accepting applications for Christmas assistance. Eligible families and seniors are welcome to apply in person at The Salvation Army, 602 Messanie, at the following dates and times: November 3 -26, Monday – Friday, 9am – 11am and 1pm – 3pm.

Families and seniors who qualify for Christmas assistance receive food for holiday meals and toys for children in the family. Please call The Salvation Army at 816-232-5824 for specific information including what to bring with you to provide proof of eligibility. This may include items such as a photo ID, proof of income and a current utility bill.

For more information, call Teresa at 816-232-5824.

Bret Saberhagen to toss ceremonial first pitch

Posted on October 29, 2014October 29, 2014

Major League Baseball and the Kansas City Royals announced Wednesday that legendary Royals pitcher Bret Saberhagen will throw out the first pitch in game seven of the World Series at Kauffman Stadium.

Saberhagen was the MVP of the 1985 World Series. He delivered a complete-game shutout performance in the decisive Game Seven of the 1985 Fall Classic to clinch the organization’s first championship.

The game ball will be delivered by 17-year-old Jazmen Fowler from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lawrence, along with Royals Hall of Famer and 1985 World Series Champ Mark Gubicza.

Kansas native opera star Joyce DiDonato will perform the National Anthem. Singing “God Bless America” before the bottom of the 7th inning will be Master Sergeant Jennifer Sherman from Whiteman Air Force base.

Sitting in the Buck O’Neil Legacy Seat will be Kansas City, Missouri police officer James Cisneros. The team says Cisneros spreads his love of baseball to youth across the community, especially in the neighborhoods of the East Patrol Division. He often heads to early morning baseball games after an overnight shift to coach the 11-and-under “KC Premier Sluggers,” inspiring the boys to be great citizens on and off the field. Officer Cisneros is from a police family, a father of four, and works off-duty security at Kauffman Stadium throughout the season. He also mentors at-risk students from De LaSalle Charter High School and volunteers as a coach at William Jewell College.

Sitting in the Budweiser Our Hero Seat will be Sergeant First Class Dominic Baruelo. Baruelo joined the United States Army immediately after high school at the age of 17, and served as the senior supply sergeant with the 325th Combat Support Hospital in Independence, Missouri. Sergeant Baruelo is a highly-decorated native of Russell, Kansas, and has received many awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal twice, the Army Commendation Medal six times, the Army Achievement Medal four times and a Good Conduct Medal four times.

Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery!

Posted on October 29, 2014October 29, 2014

Daylight Saving Time ends this Sunday, Nov. 2. At 2am Sunday, clocks should be reset to 1am. For the 27th year Energizer batteries and the International Association of Fire Chiefs are sponsoring the “Change Your Clock Change Your Battery” program.

Proponents say the message is simple and the habit can be lifesaving.

They encourage you to use the extra hour you “gain” from Daylight Saving Time to change the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. They also hope you’ll test your alarms and remind friends, family, neighbors and fellow community members to do the same.

“Eighty percent of child fire fatalities occur in homes without working smoke alarms. It’s a tragic statistic that could be reduced by adopting the simple habit of the Change Your Clock Change Your Battery program,” said Fire Chief Mike Dalsing.

According to the National Fire Protection Agency, 71% of smoke alarms which failed to operate had missing, disconnected or dead batteries. Changing smoke alarm batteries at least once a year, testing those alarms and reminding others to do the same are some of the simplest, most effective ways to reduce these tragic deaths and injuries.

“The peak time for home fire fatalities is between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most families are sleeping,” said Chief Dalsing. “Smoke alarm maintenance is a simple, effective way to reduce home fire deaths. Children and senior citizens are most at risk, and a working smoke alarm can give them the extra seconds they need to get out safely.”

Experts say home fires injure and kill thousands each year. Those most at risk include children and seniors. Home fires kill 500 children ages 14 and under each year. Roughly three‐quarters of child fire fatalities under age 15 occurred in homes without working smoke alarms. Adults 75 and older are 2.8 times more likely to die in a home fire.

Obituaries for October 28, 2014

Posted on October 28, 2014October 28, 2014

ST. JOSEPH – Marguart L. Cowart, 83, died Sunday, October 26, 2014 at a local healthcare facility.
She was born November 8, 1930 to Harvey and Perna (Bingaman) Shaw in St. Joseph.
Marguart married the love of her life Lyle R. Cowart on June 10, 1949.
She graduated from Benton High School, Class of 1949 and retired from American Family as a clerical supervisor.
Mrs. Cowart was a member of Hyde Valley United Methodist Church, Gamma Aletha, American Legion Women’s Auxiliary and was on the Southside Fall Festival Committee. She also gave back to her community most notably during the flood of 1993 with the Salvation Army providing meals and transportation to the flood victims around Big Lake.
She also enjoyed fishing, spending time at Big Lake, traveling and going to craft shows.
Marguart was preceded in death by her husband of fifty years, Lyle; parents; great uncle and aunt who raised her, Albert and Verna Norton; and sisters, Betty Bennett and Maxine McLaughlin.
Survivors: daughter, Susan Edson (Ed); grandson, Scott Edson (Kelly); three great-grandchildren, Mackenzie, Becca and Jordan; brother, Harvey Shaw, Jr.; sister, Opal Polsgrove; numerous nieces and nephews; and her beloved cat, “Baby Girl.”
Services: 10 a.m., Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, where friends may call after 5 p.m., Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Hands of Hope Hospice or American Breast Cancer Foundation. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

MARYVILLE, Mo. – Henry Nicholas Mattson, 87, formerly of Conception Junction, Mo., died on Monday, October 27, 2014, at Golden Living Care Center, Maryville.
Nick was born May 16, 1927, the son of Ernest Edward Sr. and Catherine Barbara (Schieber) Mattson. He was a 1945 graduate of Conception High School. Later he joined the U.S. Army and served during the Korean Conflict.
On August 18, 1956, Nick married Elizabeth Colleen Schrader in Conception Junction.
In 1958, he graduated from Northwest Missouri State Teachers College, Maryville, and went on to receive his Masters of Education from NWMSU.
An educator and coach, Nick taught in the Jefferson C-123 School District for 31 years before his retirement. He was a member of St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic Community, Maryville; the Tri-C American Legion Post #464, Conception Junction, and Missouri Retired Teachers Association. Nick enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends and was a huge supporter of all his grandchildren’s activities.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Ed Mattson, John Mattson, Frances Worley and Alfreda Wilmes.
Nick is survived by his wife, Betty Mattson, of their home in Maryville; daughters, Pam (Dave) Gude, Harlan, Iowa; Mary Noel (Al) Meyer, Leawood, Kan.; Sheila Mercer (Philip Strawbridge), Lee’s Summit, Mo., Alison (Mike) Riley, Lee’s Summit; son, Tim (Susan) Mattson, Maryville; sister, Loretta Henry, Palm Desert, Calif.; 11 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
A family rosary will be 6 p.m., Wednesday, October 29, 2014, at Price Funeral Home, Maryville. A Parish Prayer Service is 6 p.m., Thursday, October 30, at St. Columba Catholic Church, Conception Junction, with visitation to follow until 8 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial is 10 a.m., Friday, October 31, at St. Columba Catholic Church with burial in St. Columba Cemetery, Conception, Mo. Military services will be conducted at graveside by the Tri C American Legion Post #464 and Missouri Military Honors Team.
Memorials may be made to the Jefferson C-123 Education Foundation, c/o Jefferson C-123 School District, 37614 Hwy. 136, Conception Jct., MO 64434. Arrangements: Price Funeral Home www.pricefuneralhomemaryville.com