Thomas Eugene Vance
1951-2018
Springfield, MO Thomas Eugene Vance, 67, a native of Independence, MO, currently of Springfield, MO, died Friday morning, June 1, 2018, at Wilson’s Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Springfield, where he had been a resident a few years.
Tom was born in Independence, March 15, 1951, one of four children born to Frank and Marion Etta Modie Vance. He grew up in Independence where he attended school. He traveled across the United States by bicycle or on foot. He spent his working life as a groomer/walker for race horses in: Arkansas, Louisiana, and Omaha, Nebraska—where ever there was a horse track. A quality that he was known for was being a very neat/clean, very well organized and trust worthy person. Tom was an animal lover, and to say he was an auto enthusiast was an understatement!
Survivors include a brother James of Sheldahl, Iowa; a sister Frances Potter of Hiawatha; a good friend that shares a birthday with is Thomas Connor, also of Springfield; and a number of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister Joyce Keller.
Graveside funeral services are planned for 3 p.m. Friday, June 8, at Rose Hill Cemetery, Robinson. Pastor Rich Lehmkuhl, of Eternal Hope Worship Center, will officiate.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Brown County Humane Society, sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434, who is in charge of arrangements.
Vincent Robert (Bob) Lehmkuhl
1944-2018
FAIRVIEW, KS Vincent Robert “Bob” Lehmkuhl went to meet his savior on the morning of Monday, June 4, 2018, at the age of 74.
Bob was born March 1, 1944, at the Sabetha Hospital to Vincent and Margaret (Honeyman) Lehmkuhl. He attended Pleasant Hill School, St Augustine Fidelity School, and Hamlin school. He graduated from Fairview High School with the class of 1962.
On May 22 of this year, Bob and Linda (Johansen) Lehmkuhl celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary. They were married at the Church of the Nazarene in Falls City, NE. They raised a son Robert Lehmkuhl, daughter Amy Kopp, daughter (niece) Heather Mitchell, and daughter (niece) Gretchen Courtney.
Bob worked diligently at the Padonia elevator for 49 years before retiring in 2013. Bob and Linda purchased the Cozy Café in Fairview, KS, in 2005. After his retirement, he could be found wrapping silverware at the restaurant and completing a variety of honey-do’s.
During his younger years, Bob enjoyed hunting, attending and watching baseball games, and helping out his neighbors. Bob loved his church family from the Church of the Nazarene in Falls City, NE, and later the Big Lake Baptist Church in Big Lake, MO.
Later in life, he found immense pleasure in attending his grandkids activities which ranged from wrestling tournaments to livestock shows. He was also an avid watcher of KU basketball and St Louis Cardinal’s baseball.
Bob was known for his love of gardening. He was often found out in his large garden hoeing and tilling to keep the weeds out. He loved being able to share his produce with family, friends, and neighbors.
Bob had Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy and was confined to home for the last two years. During this time, Bob especially cherished his weekly get together with his siblings. Time spent with family was precious to Bob. Over the years, he became a passionate bird watcher. He had many bird feeders outside his front window.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Keith & Irene (Fischer) Johansen; sister and Brother-in-law, Darlene & Larry Stahl; brother-in-law Eddie Young, and brother-in-law, Larry Johansen.
Survivors include his wife, Linda; children, Robert (June) Lehmkuhl of North Augusta, SC, Amy (Dan) Kopp of Fairview, KS, Heather Mitchell of Joplin, MO, & Gretchen (Bobby) Courtney of Coral Springs, FL; his siblings, LeRoy (Delores) Lehmkuhl, Lois Buescher, Larry (Karen) Lehmkuhl, Donna Young, Joe (Margie) Lehmkuhl, Marge (Rodney) Bradbury, Kathy (Steve) Chandler, & Terry (Kristi) Lehmkuhl. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Andrew, Daniel, Lyndee, Dannell, Keithen, Kowen, Addalyn, Breylynn, Gyensynn, & Iyralynn, a great grandson, Walker, and many other nieces, nephews, and relatives.
Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha after 10 a.m. Thursday, where the family will meet friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. that evening.
A Celebration of Bob’s Life will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 8, 2018, at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center, Hiawatha, Kansas. Pastors Richard Lehmkuhl and David Showalter will officiate. Interment to follow at The Old Fairview Cemetery.
Memorial contributions to the Robert Lehmkuhl Memorial Fund to be designated later by the family, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.
Leland Leon Diggs
1949-2018
Leland Leon Diggs 69, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Sunday June 3, 2018 at Mosaic Life Care Hospital, in Saint Joseph. He was born January 1, 1949 in Maitland, Missouri son of the late Velma “Susie” & Marvin “Jim” Diggs. He married Felecia Hoffmann on August 24, 2007, and they shared 24 years together. He graduated from Mound City High School, then served in the United States Marine Corp and is a veteran of the Vietnam War, he was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with palm and frame, and the Campaign Medal with devise. He worked at Boehringer Ingelheim as a senior Maintenance Mechanic retiring in 2007, and then worked at Triumph Foods retiring in 2015. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, camping, restoring old cars, watching old westerns, spending time with his family, and spending time in his happy place, the deck. He was a member of VFW in Forest City, MO Leland was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Jimmie Diggs. He is survived by wife, Felecia Diggs of the home, three children: Bryan (Shannon) Diggs, Wathena, KS; Michelle (Josh) Brandon, Mound City, MO; and Jeramy (Tanya) Diggs, St. Joseph, MO; step daughter, Brandalyn Morris (Jesse Drake), St. Joseph; two sisters, Kay “Sis” (Bill) Jordan, St. Joseph; JoAnne (James) Morgan, Fernwood, MS; brother, John (Diane) Diggs, Forest City, MO; father in law, Robert Sill, Henderson, NV; brother in laws, James (Eriko) Sill, and Tim (Amy) Sill, and Craig Sill, eight grandchildren: Austin Diggs, Ariel (Phil) Steinlage, Cassidy Wennihan, Tanner Wennihan, Jordan Diggs, Trinity Diggs, Destiny Diggs, and Gunner Drake, several nieces and nephews, and his beloved cats, Sarge and Molly. A special thank you to: the Oncology and Respiratory department, and all caregivers at Mosaic for their kind and compassionate service for Leland. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am – 11:00 am on Saturday, with memorial services following at 11:00 am at the Rupp Funeral Home. He has been cremated under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the American Lung Association in lieu of flowers.
Stacey Lynn Sharp
1972-2018
St. Joseph, Missouri Stacey Lynn Sharp, 46, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Monday, June 4, 2018 at her home.
Stacey was born on May 31, 1972 in Warren, Ohio. She graduated Wathena High School in 1990.
She enjoyed fishing, camping & time with family & friends. Stacey was a great homemaker & will be sadly missed by her family & friends.
She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Joseph Coburn, uncle, Steven Coburn & a special cousin, Christina Zimmerman.
Survivors; daughter, Ashley Sharp. St. Joseph, Missouri
Sons, Kenton Sharp, Wathena, Kansas & Austin Sexton, St. Joseph, Missouri;
Spouse, Scott Sexton of the home;
Granddaughter, Kambrie Sharp;
Parents, Sonia & Terry Lane, Wathena, Kansas;
Sister, Michelle Rhodes, Kansas City, Missouri;
Grandmother, Patricia Coburn, Wathena, Kansas;
Grandmother, Betty Lane, Wheatland, Missouri;
Aunts, Sheryl Mitchell, Wathena, Kansas;
Patty Miller, Wathena, Kansas;
Dellinda Hayes, Kansas City, Missouri;
Uncle, James Coburn, Wathena, Kansas.
Many great aunts, great uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins & friends
Funeral Service: 11:00 A.M. Monday, June 11, 2018
At the New Life Church in Wathena, Kansas.
Visitation: 6-8 Sunday evening at the church. Friends may call after 9 A.M. Sunday at the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Wathena, Kansas.
Burial: Bellemont Cemetery, Wathena, Kansas
Memorials may be made to the Stacey Sharp Memorial Fund.
Danny Gene Edwards
1944-2018
Danny Gene Edwards 73, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Thursday June 7, 2018 at his home. He was born October 20, 1944 in Illinois son of the late Bessie & John Edwards. He married Cheryl Yount Steeby on September 15, 2007 and she survives of the home. He was an avid CB radio enthusiast and was known as the executioner as his handle, he also enjoyed collecting, junking, and riding motorcycles,. He was a member of PMB, of which he served as Vice President. Danny was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Lisa and several brothers and sisters. Survivors include: wife, Cheryl Edwards of the home, children: Shawn (Latoya) Edwards, Todd Edwards, Jackie (Corey) McDonald, Danny (Lisa) Edwards, Troy (Anna) Edwards, Robert (Barb) Sandberg, Valerie (Phil) Jung, Ambria King, Dana (James) Phillips, Heath (Debbie) Steeby and Whitney Steeby, a brother, Henry Edwards of Lacrosse, WI. as well as numerous grandchildren, and great grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm on Sunday at the Rupp Funeral Home to celebrate Danny’s Life. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com
Esther F. Lukert
1920-2018
Sabetha, KS Esther Lukert, 97, passed away on June 7, 2018 at the Apostolic Christian Home in Sabetha, Kansas. Esther was born in Newkirk, Oklahoma, August 4, 1920, the daughter of Ralph and Atha (Smith) Gilbert. She was a graduate of Fairview High School.
Esther was united in marriage to Ernest Lukert of Sabetha, Kansas in 1939 in Fairview, Kansas. They lived north of Sabetha in the Rock Creek area for the first five years and then moved south of Sabetha to the Capioma area to farm with Ernie’s family. They were blessed with six children in this union. Ernie and Esther farmed for over 50 years before moving into Sabetha to enjoy their retirement. Esther loved to cook for her family and hired hands. She was an excellent baker and made the best cinnamon rolls.
She is survived by her son, Lee (Connie) Lukert of Sabetha, KS; daughters, Susan (Richard) Dalton of Prairie Village, KS; and Linda (Richard) Devoe of Topeka, KS; grandchildren Jaclyn (Luke) Pfizenmaier and Michelle (Lance) Langvardt of Clay Center, KS; Jessica Dalton of Kansas City, MO; John Dalton of Seattle, WA; Mike Devoe, Amy (Andy) Green, and Derek (Lori) Snook of Topeka, KS; and Jonathan (Brandy) Snook of Gray, GA. Esther also has 16 great grandchildren.
Esther is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ernest in 2012, sons Eddie and Mike Lukert, daughter Dodie Reed, grandson Bob Carter, and great granddaughter Anna Pfizenmaier; and five siblings.
Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home after 10 a.m. Tuesday, where the family will meet with friends Tuesday evening, June 12 from 6:00 – 7:30.
A Celebration of Esther’s Eternal life is planned for Wednesday, June 13 at 10:30 am at Zion Lutheran Church in Hiawatha. Reverend Sean Kilgo will officiate. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.
Memorial contributions can be made directly to the Apostolic Christian Home in Sabetha, KS or to the Michael F. Lukert Memorial at the Johnson Cancer Research Center at KSU. Or both can also be given to Chapel Oaks Funeral Home.
JoAnna Coon
1950-2018
JoAnna Coon 68, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Friday, June 8, 2018 at a Saint Joseph health care center. She was born April 16, 1950 in St. Joseph, Missouri, daughter of the late Bessie & Earnest Coon. She worked at various nursing homes as a caregiver. She enjoyed fishing and collecting things. She was a loving mother and grandmother. JoAnna was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister, LaDonna Coon. She is survived by daughters, Jimmie Rice and Betty (Jimmie) Campbell, sons Ricky Rice Jr., David Fanning, John Fanning, and Freddy (Cathy) Fanning, numerous grandchildren, husband, Eddie, and great grandchildren, brothers, Fred (Sharon) Coon and Earnest Coon, sisters; Ernestine Marsh, Brenda Coon and Diane Coon. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm on Sunday at the Rupp Funeral Home. She will be cremated following the services.
Mary Rita Dilley
1929-2018
Mary Rita Dilley 90, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Sunday, June 10, 2018 at her home. She was born March 24, 1929 in Topeka, KS, daughter of the late Mary and Jacob Veesart. She was a homemaker, who loved to play bingo, go to the boat, sewing and apolstery, and working in her yard. She was a Christian. Mary was preceded in death by husband, Walter Dilley Jr. her parents, brother, Larry Veesart, sisters; Bernadean Bell, Evelyn Kinniburgh, and Maxine Robinson. Survivors include, sons: Don Dilley, Springfield, MO, and Brian Dilley, St. Joseph, MO, daughters, Christine Dilley, St. Joseph, MO, and Marilyn (Ray) Richardson of Collinsville, IL., grandchildren; Mary Roberts, Nick Tolin, Christopher & Bryan Dilley, 15 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandson, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Wednesday with funeral services: 11:00 am, Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home, Rev. Leanna VanZandt-Nauman officiating. The Interment will be at the Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials are requested to Interserve meals on wheels program. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.
Dorothy Irene Steele
1927-2018
Hiawatha, KS ……………Dorothy I. Steele, 90, of Hiawatha, died early Sunday morning, June 10, 2018, at the Hiawatha Community Hospital.
She was born Dorothy Irene Felts, one of six children born to Carl and Elda Krey Felts and was a lifelong resident of Brown County. Dorothy grew up at Robinson where she attended schools, graduating with the class of 1945. She worked out a short time in the area before she married.
She married Theodore Steele, Jr. in 1945, in Las Vegas, Nevada. They made Hiawatha their home all of their married life where they raised their son Robert and she was a devoted wife and mother. Ted died February 13, 2013. Dorothy continued to stay and maintain her home until recent months when her health started failing and moved to Maple Heights Nursing Home in Hiawatha.
Survivors include a son Robert of Hiawatha; two sisters: Lorene Austin of Topeka, Mary Ann Hathaway of Raymore, MO; several nieces, and nephews.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers: Lloyd Felts of Robinson, Dwight Felts of Ft. Smith, Arkansas; and a sister Ruth Schuetz of Hiawatha.
Funeral services are planned for 11 a.m. Friday, June 15, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, with Shane Spangler officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.
Friends may call at the funeral home after 10 a.m. Thursday. The family will meet with friends one hour prior to services.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Brown County Veterans Honor Guard, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434
Woodie H. Amos
1955-2018
Woodie H. Amos 62, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Monday, June 11, 2018 in St. Joseph, MO. He was born November 19, 1955 in St. Joseph, MO, son of the late Velma and Melvin Amos. He graduated from Benton High School class of 1974 and Missouri Western 1995 with an associates degree in social work. He was self employed in the construction and home improvement industry. He was an avid Chiefs and Royals fan who loved fishing and throwing horseshoes, spending time with his kids and grandkids. He was a drummer for several bands throughout his lifetime. He had a great passion for old cars and trucks, and always helped those in need or less fortunate. He was always there for the homeless with a passion to help them. He was small in size, but big in heart. He is now at home with God, mom, dad, brothers and sisters. Woodie was a Lifetime member of the Handyman Club of America, Pony Express Horseshoe League, Mitchell Park Christian Church and the Northwest Missouri Brain Injury Victims Association. He was preceded in death by his beloved dog “Girl”, parents, brothers, Eddie, Dennis, Charles “Baldy”, Ronnie and Melvin Amos Jr, sisters, Patricia Amos, Dorothy Amos, and Velma “Squirt” Wilfong. Survivors include, daughters, Christie Amos (Chad Bowman) and Stephanie Collings (Doug Beaver) of St. Joseph, MO, brothers, Leonard “Butch” (Joyce) Amos, and Billy Amos of St. Joseph, MO, sisters, Evelyn (Frank) Cook, Juanita “Toad” Timmons, and Rosalie Ballard of St. Joseph, MO, grandchildren: Brett Collings, Alex Summerow, Tyler Bowman, and Brayden Beaver as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Special thanks to Debbie and Jerry Underwood for such great hospitality in time of need. Funeral services: 10:00 am, Friday, June 15, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home, Pastor Rob Diamond officiating, The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Mount Auburn Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the Mosaic Cancer Center.
Erma Seever
1926-2018
Erma Louise Seever, 92, of Atchison KS died Monday, June 11, 2018 at Vintage Park of Atchison.
Funeral service will be 10:30 AM on Saturday, June 16, 2018 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 400 S 6th St, Atchison, KS; with Rev. Craig Lantz officiating. Burial will follow in the Moray Cemetery at Bendena, KS. The family will receive friends from 9:30 to 10:30 am prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church and may be sent in care of the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home who is handling the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.beckerdyer.com.
Erma was born May 11, 1926 on a farm outside of Bendena, KS daughter of Ernest and Emma Ricklefs Albers. Erma was a teacher in a one-room school house before her marriage. Along with being a mother to six beautiful children, she was the office manager and accountant for Seever TV with her husband, Harold. Erma loved spending time with her children, grandchildren & great grandchildren, who all enjoyed her wonderful homemade sweet rolls, cookies and brownies. Erma was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Atchison.
Erma was married to Harold Eugene Seever on June 26, 1947 in Bendena, KS. Survivors include six children: Shirley (Bill) Perry, Sharon Buford, Earl (Patty) Seever, Howard (Mary Jo) Seever, Kirk (Susan) Seever and Arlene (Shad) Horchem; fourteen grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; her parents; a granddaughter, Danielle Seever; a son-in-law, John Boner; and her three sisters, Alice Albers, Rosa Foster and Florence Ruhnke.
