Obituaries – Page 15 – St. Joseph Post Archive

Lorine M. Rockwell

Posted on May 22, 2019

Lorine M. Rockwell
1936-2019

Lorine M. (Miles) Rockwell, 83, Prairie Village, Kansas formerly of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Monday, May 20, 2019.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, James L. Rockewell, Jr.
Survivors include her 2 daughters, Beckey Rockwell and Kelley (Rockwell) Courtright (Doug), of Kansas City, Missouri.

A beloved wife and mother, she was the kindest and gentlest of souls and had an avid love for flower gardening, music and children.

Rest in peace dearest.

Graveside Farewell Services & Interment 1:00 P.M. Friday, Ashland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family request donations in memory of Lorine Rockwell to the Alzheimer’s Association or the National Arbor Day Foundation. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Calvin Robinson Jr.

Posted on May 21, 2019May 21, 2019

Calvin Robinson Jr. 94, of Faucett, Missouri, passed away Monday, May 20, 2019 at his home.

He was born January 5, 1925 in Faucett, MO, son of the late Loraine and Calvin Robinson Sr. He graduated from Faucett High School, and married Mary Jo O’Conner on June 23, 1945. He served in the Army and is a veteran of the World War II. He retired after 30 years of service from Boehringer Ingelheim. He enjoyed going to auctions, restoring furniture, and farming, and he was a Christian. Calvin was preceded in death by his parents, sons, Thomas Dale Robinson and Patrick Eugene Robinson, grandparents who raised him, Clarence & Vena Rose, great grandson, Ryan Douglas Pinson, and brother, Marlin Robinson. Survivors include: wife, Mary Jo Robinson of the home, granddaughters, Kristie (Doug) Pinson and Holly (Terry) Soule, grandson, Jeff Robinson of Faucett, MO, great grandson, Christopher (Amber) Pinson, great-great grandchildren, Noah & Wrigley, brother C.H. Robinson, and daughter in law Dixie Robinson, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services: 10:00 am Saturday, May 25, 2019 at Rupp Funeral Home, Rev. Greg Smith officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Halleck Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the Friends of the Shelter, the Noyes Home, or Charity of Donor’s Choice.

Tom Welsch

Posted on May 21, 2019

Tom went peacefully to meet his Savior and join his parents and sister in heaven. Tom Welsch, 59, was born January 3, 1960 in St. Joseph to Bertram Howard and Margaret Ruth (Clark) Welsch.

Tom owned and operated his own marketing business.

Survivors include his siblings, Sherryl Sansone Scott (Bill), Roxanne Canfield, Patricia Robinson, Rick Welsch (Jane), Kathleen Welsch; ten nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Gina Compton, and a nephews Jeffery Sansone, Maxwell Welsch and niece Emma Nedblake

Memorial contributions may be made to the Gina Welsch Compton Memorial Scholarship Fund at Missouri Western State University or to the Jeff Sansone Scholarship Fund at Bishop LeBlond High School.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, May 22, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at Horigan Chapel in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to service at the chapel. Interment will follow after service.

Larry Weigum, Sr.

Posted on May 21, 2019

Larry Weigum, Sr. 81, of St. Joseph, MO, died May 19, 2019. Larry was born April 7, 1938, in Lodi, CA, to Arthur and Pauline (Hessler) Weigum.

Larry served in the California Army National Guard from 1959 – 1965. Prior to retirement he was supervisor of quality control for Silgan Container Corporation; retiring in 2004.

He married Virginia Ferraro on August 27, 1960 and they celebrated 58 and a half years of marriage.

Larry was a 32nd Degree Mason, a member of the Moila Shrine, member of the Northwest Missouri Model A Club. He was an avid golfer and was previously a Boy Scout Leader.

Survivors include his wife Virginia; two sons, Larry Weigum, Jr. (Julie); Greg Weigum (Laura); five grandchildren, Lance Weigum (Maria) ; Kevin Weigum (Casie); Kristen Heimann (Dan); Michael Weigum; Christopher Weigum; two great-grandchildren, Alex and Diana; aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions would be appreciated to the Shriner’s Hospital.

Funeral services will be Friday, May 24, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Inurnment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday, May 24, 2019, one hour prior to services at the church.

Virginia Marie Bailey

Posted on May 21, 2019

Mrs. Virginia Marie Bailey passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 19, at her home in St. Joseph. A nearly-lifelong resident of the city, Mrs. Bailey was 92 years old and a member of St. Francis Xavier parish. She had been seriously ill for a few months with complications from peripheral neuropathy, and had begun hospice care at her home.

Virginia Bailey was born on July 2, 1926, the only child of Cecilia Marie (Blasjewski) and Stanley Thomas Hruby. Her father worked at Stevens Hat Company and her mother was a homemaker. Virginia attended Saints Peter and Paul parochial school and Central High School in St. Joseph from her home on Lafayette Street. Upon graduation she started nursing training at Sisters Hospital, and was awarded the R.N. Designation in 1945. She then worked at Sisters Hospital, operated at that time by the Daughters of Charity.

That year she met (William)Bernard Bailey, of Troy, Kansas and St. Joseph. At that time Mr. Bailey was newly demobilized from his service in the Pacific theatre of World War II, and had started working at The Morris Plan, a savings and loan company in downtown St. Joseph. He eventually became president of the company. Virginia married him on December 28, 1945, and they took up residence in Troy, Kansas. They moved to St. Joseph with their growing family in 1950, and lived on Lafayette Street for the next 23 years. They attended St. Francis Xavier church and their children went to the parish school. Virginia was president of the PTA association in 1956-57 and an active member through her children’s school years. She was a member of the Great Books Society in St. Joseph. The family moved to a new home in 1973 and maintained that residence to the present.

In 1964, with her youngest child now in school, Virginia returned to her nursing career at St. Joseph’s/”Sisters” Hospital. She was a renowned nurse, admired for her organizational skills and thoroughness. She joined the office of Dr. Caryl Potter in the late 60s and later worked for the practice of Drs. Ellis Berkowitz and Charles Mullican. She retired from nursing in 1988 and began a life of volunteer work, foreign travel, gardening and enjoying the lives of her children and friends.

At St. Francis she was a member of the St. Ann’s Altar Society, and a team leader in the Funeral Luncheon Ministry. She also enjoyed the parish’s Bible study groups and organized various fundraising events and sales. Her main activity with the parish was volunteering at the House of Bread, a food distribution service for the needy, where she worked for more than 25 years. She also enjoyed membership in the Companions of the Society of the Precious Blood, the Daughters of Isabella, and the Charitable Ladies of St. Joseph.

Virginia’s husband died in 1990. She is survived by four of her five children: Mary Bailey, of New York City, Patricia Rhodes (m.Brad Rhodes) of Greenwood Village, CO, Margaret Bailey (m.Gary Mongiovi) of New York City, and William Kent Bailey (married Martha LaPlante) of Prairie Village, Kansas. Her daughter Jean Bailey Smith (m.Stephen M. Smith) preceded her in death, passing away in 2017. She is also survived by her two grandsons, Michael and Andrew Rhodes of Lone Tree, CO.

Mass of Christian Burial at 10AM, Thursday, May 23, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Interment at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

A rosary will be recited by the Daughters of Isabella at 4PM, Wednesday at Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel where a Parish rosary will be recited at 6PM. The family will receive friends following the parish rosary until 8PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the House of Bread, c/o St.Francis Xavier Church, 2614 Seneca, St. Joseph, MO 64507.

Herbert E. Clizer

Posted on May 21, 2019

Herbert E. Clizer, 90, of Savannah, MO, died at his home on Sunday, May 19, 2019.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date at the Savannah United Methodist Church.

Arrangements are under the direction of Heaton-Bowman-Smith Savannah Chapel.

R. Jeff Hemstock

Posted on May 21, 2019

R. Jeff Hemstock, 73, born September 21, 1945, left his worldly bonds May 18, 2019.

He was a Central graduate, served four years in the Navy, worked at Light and Power Company and at Barlow Truck Lines.

Jeff loved visiting with his friends, sitting on the porch and watching TV. He had many friends and never met anyone he couldn’t talk to.

He is survived by his family; Sue Schuler, Kari Followwell, Casey Schuler, Kym Kuehner and Sophie Lyn. He will be truly missed and forever remembered.

Fly High.

There will be no services.

Come celebrate his life Saturday, June 1, starting at 4:00 PM at Missourian 3701 King Hill Avenue.

Glenna Kathleen Goodman

Posted on May 21, 2019May 21, 2019

Glenna K. Goodman, 80, of Savannah MO, peacefully passed away and went home to meet the Lord May 18th 2019 after a brief illness.

Glenna was born October 8th 1938 in Atchison KS to Kenneth & Martha Plummer. She was the 2nd of 6 siblings. Lorretta Augustine, Myrtle Campbell, Kenneth Plummer, Lillian Yocum, John Plummer.

She spent 22 years of her career with American Angus Association followed by 7 years with the Savannah School District.

Glenna married Donald L Goodman Sr. June 13 1959 in St. Joseph, MO. They had two sons Donald Jr. (Donna) of St. Joseph and Gregory of Savannah. Don Sr Passed away just over two years ago. She also leaves behind 7 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren with the ninth on the way. and numerous nieces and nephews.

Glenna’s faith was unwavering throughout her brief illness of brain cancer she always said “No matter what happens God has it and His grace is sufficient”. She served as the clerk and treasure at her church for over 36 years. She shared the love of Christ with everyone she met.

Services will be held at Savannah Praise Fellowship Church of God 900 State Hwy E Savannah, MO on Wednesday May 22nd at 10:00AM with interment at Long Branch Church Cemetery.The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Savannah Praise Fellowship Church of God in Glenna’s memory.

Obituaries May 20th

Posted on May 20, 2019

David N. Simmons
1937 – 2019

David N. Simmons 81, of Highland passed away on May 16, 2019 at his home in Highland, Kansas.

David was born October 17, 1937 in Robinson, Kansas at the Kurt Miller’s farm the son of Robert and Cecil Gibson Simmons. He attended school in Troy, Leona, Highland, Bendena, Kansas and Greely Colorado. He told us that John Albert (his cousin) and Him use to ride horses to school every day. As a young boy he got the measles. Later on when he was older he got the mumps and they were very painful. When he was 16 or 17 years old he was living with Uncle Lee in Leona and graduated from the 8th grade in Highland, then graduated Junior High in Greeley. He never knew why his cousin John Albert called him Davy Crockett and his Uncle Dink would call him Abe never knew why they did that.

His family moved back to Highland and he went to Highland High School for three weeks before dropping out to join the Marines. Dave’s first job was delivering news papers in Greeley Colorado. He also worked at Boeing Airlines in Wichita, worked at a couple gas stations and helped his dad on the farm and did some plumbing. He was the janitor and bus driver for the Highland School District. Growing up he also worked for Ukena’s Hardware and Dawson’s Automotive. He started his own plumbing company and did that until retiring at the age of 65.
When he was younger he remembers scooping coal off the box cars in Leona and was a corn sheller. He made $1.10 an hour and his last job he made $20.00 an hour. He told us in 1962 the gas price was 19 cents a gallon and he remembers Grandpa (Robert Simmons) giving him 10 cents to buy a pop and ice cream. His favorite age was 21 because he got out of the service and was able to come home. On August 26, 1961 Dave married Shirley Hobbs and to this union 4 children were born; Wayne, Gloria, Lori and Jerry. Later they divorced in 1996.

David loved his gardens, raising rabbits which he sold, and always had large strawberry patches. His hobbies were fishing, and gardening. He loved to camp at Perry and Tuttle Creek, because the fishing was great in both these places.He has traveled to all the states but 4 as he got older, he loved to watch the yellow canaries and the hummingbirds that came to his feeders outside his window. One year he had two babies that stayed all season and they entertained him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Ruth Ann; three brothers and two sisters, and a grandson Jeremy Tilton.

Survivors include his four children Wayne, Gloria, Lori, Jerry; 10 grandchildren and several great grandchildren. Also surviving are her sisters: Judy Ross, Luella Golden, and Jerry Ruth Davis, and brother; Bill Simmons.

Military Graveside services are planned for June 4, 2019 at 10 am at the Highland Cemetery.

Memorials in his name and may be sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home Box 33 Highland, Kansas 66035.

Gene McNeal
1928 – 2019

Gene McNeal, 90, of St. Joseph, MO, died May 19, 2019 at Living Community.

Gene was born October 16, 1928 in St. Joseph, to Russell and Jennie Opal (Cavinee) McNeal. He was a 1946 graduate of Lafayette High School and served his country in the U.S. Army as a Corporal during the Korean War; receiving an honorable discharge in 1952. Prior to retirement he was Executive Director of Administration of the Transportation Communication International Union (TCU); retiring December 31, 1988. Gene was a member of the VFW, American Legion #287 Savannah, MO, Am Vets, Elks Club, and served as Adjutant for seven years for American Legion #359 St. Joseph.

He married Mary Ellen Mayse and they were married for 46 years. She preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death were an infant daughter Rose Marie McNeal; his parents; four brothers and a sister.

Survivors include seven children, Peggy Maats (Job); Tootsie Bell (Donald); Patrick McNeal (Joan); Kathy McNeal; William A. McNeal (Susan); Michael McNeal (Cathy); Joseph McNeal (Helen); Gene’s significant other Valeeta Soltys; thirteen grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

Mr. McNeal has been cremated under the direction of Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel.

Fond memories and condolences may be shared at www.heatonbowmansmith.com

Obituaries May 19th

Posted on May 19, 2019

James H. Thompson
1952 – 2019

James H. Thompson, 67, Kansas City, Missouri, passed away Thursday, May 16, 2019, at his home following a lengthy battle with multiple illnesses.

He was born on April 20, 1952, to Claude “Tommy” and Betty (Myers) Thompson in Lawrence, Kansas.
Jim had many fond memories of his childhood in Texas and rural Missouri; he graduated from Savannah High School in 1970. He was stationed in New Mexico and Japan during his service in the Air Force from 1971 to 1975. After earning a bachelor’s degree from Missouri Western State University, he spent several decades pursuing his love of all things technology with a career as a telecommunications engineer. In his spare time, when not tinkering with gadgets or concocting new things in the kitchen, Jim shared his dad’s joy of flying remote control airplanes, as well as going to air shows and the lake, and later, doting on the five grandchildren who adored their Papa Airplane.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, William “Eddie” Thompson.

Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Kristi and Travis Dale of Platte City, Missouri, and Amy and Corey Bolds of Independence, Missouri; grandchildren, Jonah Bolds and Joshua Bolds of Independence, and Kaitlyn Dale, Tyler Dale and Hailey Dale of Platte City; brother, Robert Thompson of St. Joseph, Missouri; sister-in-law, Pamela Thompson of St. Joseph; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

Farewell services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment is planned for 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 22, 2019, at Leavenworth National Cemetery. The family will gather with friends and family at noon on Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. An online guest book and obituary can be found at www.meierhoffer.com.

Betty (Cady) Burris
1939 – 2019

Betty (Cady) Burris, 79, St. Joseph, Missouri, journeyed home to be with her Lord on Saturday, May 18, 2019, after a courageous and lengthy battle with Pulmonary Disease. She was surrounded by her loving family.

Betty was born on June 15, 1939, to Clarence and Pearl (Gullick) Cady in Brookfield, Missouri. She grew up in Brookfield and graduated from High School in 1959. On August 9, 1959 she married her high school sweetheart, Glenn Dale Burris. They made their home in St. Joseph when Glenn’s job as a conductor with the Burlington Northern brought them here. He preceded her in death on March 6, 2015. They celebrated over 55 years of marriage together.
Betty was a wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker. She worked part-time at JC Penney, while her girls were in school. She was an active member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 49 Ladies’ Auxiliary, where she served as President, Vice-President, and most recently Treasurer. She and Glenn enjoyed camping, and socializing with their extended family at the Eagles Lodge. She loved family gatherings, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn Dale Burris (March 6, 2015); her parents, Clarence Luther Cade (March 21, 1987) and Pearl Rebecca (Gullick) Cady (October 19, 1986); two brothers, Harold Cady (May 17, 1989) and Gerald Cady (February 20, 2012); and one sister, Doris May Palmer (March 13, 2006).

Betty is survived by her daughters; Karen Lawrence (Don), St. Joseph, and Beth Haeker (Scott) Helena, Missouri, grandchildren; Don Lawrence (Ashli), Melissa Neal (Jonathan), Andrew Haeker (Kacie) and Caitlin Haeker; five great-grandchildren; Lila and Lauden Lawrence, Presley and Emery Neal, Knox Haeker; two sisters, Louella Hulett and Esther Reams, both of Brookfield; and numerous nieces, nephews and wonderful friends.

Farewell Services 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 49 Ladies’ Auxiliary. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Marvin L. Bowlin
1944 – 2019

Marvin L. Bowlin, 74, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Saturday, May 18, 2019.

He was born on November 29, 1944 in Maryville, Missouri to Loyd and Clema (Anderson) Bowlin. Marvin married Marjorie “Marge” Smith on December 18, 1966, she preceded him in death in 2014. He then married Karen Simpson on March 17, 2018. He was a member of the St. Joseph Rifle and Pistol Club, NRA, a Scottish Rite Mason, and attended the Riverside Baptist Church. Marvin also worked at Thomas Market for 18 years, Food-4-Less for 21 years, and at Wal-Mart in the sporting goods section for 11 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and first wife.

Survivors include current wife Karen, daughter; Marlene Bowlin (Scott Sheesley), and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Farewell Services 3:00 P.M. Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Savannah Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to the Second Harvest Food Bank or Wounded Warrior Project. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Arthur Thomas “Tom” Higley
1923 – 2019

Arthur Thomas “Tom” Higley, Sr., 96, of Basehor, KS, passed away Friday, May 17, 2019 at the Bonner Springs Nursing Rehab Center, Bonner Springs, KS.

Tom was born April 17, 1923 in Cummings, KS, the son of Clarence Newton and Viola May (Mayfield) Higley. He graduated from Horton High School in 1942. Arthur was a truck driver for Meyer Dairy, retiring in 1980 after twenty years. He was a member of the Antique Airplane Association and owned and flew a 1937 J2 Cub.

He was preceded in death by a son Tom Higley and a sister Marie Fehr and two brothers, Freddie Higley Norman Higley, and a granddaughter, Melissa Dawn.

Survivors include a son Rick and Ramona Higley, Bonner Springs, KS, a daughter Angie Higley, Horton, KS, two siblings, Don Higley, Atchison, KS, Lois Lyndsey, Stover, MO, grandsons, Allen Larson and Mitchell Higley and two great grandchildren, Alyssa, Ryan.

Graveside service and burial will be 11:00 AM, Monday, May 20, 2019 at the Round Mound Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Round Mound Cemetery and may be sent in care of the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.beckerdyer.com.