James Dale “Jim” Walker, 44 of Independence, Missouri died May 15, 2012 at his home. Jim was born July 10, 1967 in Dallas, Texas, son of Gary and Carol (Berry) Wright.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Gary Wright; mother-in-law Dorothy A. Elson; and two granddaughters, Lily Heavener and Erianne Soto.

He is survived by his mother, Carol Wright of Drexel, Missouri; wife Angie Walker of Independence, Missouri; son James D. Walker of Independence; daughter April Heavener of Independence; grandsons Austin Heavener and Mason Heavener; stepson August Burns; stepson Nick Blackwell; brother Scott Walker, Sr.; nephews Scottie Walker, Jr., and Michael Hudnall; sisters-in-law Yvonne Morris and Rhonda Hudnall; and cousins Gary Howard, Kim Davis, Heather Blagsted and Charles and Nona Howard.

Laurence “Larry” Resz, 81 of Passaic, died May 10, 2012 at his home surrounded by family and friends after battling cancer. Larry was born September 13, 1930 in Appleton City, Missouri.

He is survived by companion Brenda Knox, nine children, four step children, one brother, one sister-in-law, several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sons, two brothers, and one sister.

Albert Henry Stephens, 63 of Drexel, died May 3, 2012 at his home in Drexel. Albert was born September 7, 1948 in Davenport, Iowa, son of Carl Leo and Helen Elizabeth (Moss) Stephens. Albert served as a Corpsman in the U.S. Navy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister Bonnie Thomas. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Stephens of Drexel; daughters Julie Ann Osborn of Neodesha, Kansas and Crystal Jones of Harrisonville, Missouri; grandchildren Brandi Ogle, Jordan Jones, and Jackson Jones, as well as nine siblings.

David “Chad” Mawhirter, 76 of Drexel, died May 4, 2012 at his home in Drexel. He was born February 16, 1936 in Denver, CO, son of Phillip and Winnie (Leatherman) Mawhirter. He attended grade school through the 7th grade at Strasburg, Colorado and entered the U.S. Navy at in 1955 at the age of 19. Chad served 20 years, and later was recalled to the USS Missouri battleship when it was recommissioned.  After a world cruise, he retired in 1986 and went to work for the MoDOT Highway Department, where he worked for 17 years. After retiring from MoDOT, he restored antique furniture at his home in Drexel.

Chad enjoyed fishing, drinking a cold beer, and spending time reminiscing about the ‘Good Old Navy Days.’

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Phillip, Harry, Alvin, Marvin, and sister Minnie, as well as uncles Kenny and Raymond, and aunts Ardeanna and Alta. He was also preceded by one cousin, Gary, and a great-nephew, Jonathan.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Phyllis (Philby) Mawhirter; son Dylan Cody Mawhirter; grandson Dustyn Cordell Mawhirter; one daughter-in-law JoElle; one foster daughter Michele Mann; and 2 granddaughters Taylor Hawkland and Jenna Grace Mann. He also leaves behind many cousins, nieces and nephews, and their families; as well as his dog and best friend, Buddy.

Arthur Lee Coberly, 84 of Butler, died May 2, 2012 at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler. Arthur was born November 28, 1927 in Oklahoma, son of Tom Aney and Celara (Fox) Coberly. Arthur worked in many various occupations and trades throughout his life. In recent years, he especially enjoyed dealing and playing poker on Friday afternoons at Medicalodge of Butler, where he was a resident. For Arthur, nothing got in the way of Friday afternoon poker.

Arthur was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by a brother, Albert Coberly, and a sister, Virginia Self. He also leaves behind a good friend, Dottie Esher and her dogs, from whom Arthur enjoyed frequent visits.

Donald Dean Elliott, 70 of Paola, Kansas died April 25, 2012 at Overland Park Regional Medical Center. He was born March 6, 1942 in Miami County, Kansas, son of Ralph Raymond and Arletta Francis (Cavender) Elliott.

A lifelong dairy farmer, Don was born and raised on the family farm. He graduated from Paola High School in the class of 1962. After graduation, Don married Donna Moore on February 18, 1962. They had two children, a son Adam and a daughter Sara. Don and family stayed close by to help his father with the dairy. At the retirement of his parents Don and his family moved back to the farm to continue; this is where he resided to life’s end. Don lost his wife Donna in February of 1996. He retired from milking but continued with the cattle and crops, taking a lead custodial position in 1997 for Blue Valley School District – Oak Hill School Building. On Christmas Day of 2001 at Kansas City International Airport he met Viengsavanthong Chantavong from Laos. They were married February 13, 2002. Vieng gained her American Citizenship on November 20, 2009 at 10:30 AM in Topeka, KS. Her daughter, Sulita, came to stay in 2005 and became a citizen as well that same year. Losing his son in March of 2011, he shared the farm with Vieng, Sulita and Sara.

He is greatly missed by those that knew him, worked with him, and those that loved him. Don was a very giving person, always concerned for people around him; he would, as Jesus taught, “turn the other cheek.”

Don was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Donna Elliott; son, Adam Elliott; and a brother, Leonard Elliott. He is survived by his wife Vieng and her daughter, Sulita; his daughter, Sara Morris; brother, Ralph Elliott; 2 granddaughters, and 4 great-grandchildren.

Gladys Marie (Cumpton) Linard, 98 of Butler, Missouri died April 24, 2012 at Medicalodge of Butler.  Gladys was born September 16, 1913 in Spruce, Missouri, daughter of William Everett and Rosa (Diehl) Cumpton. She attended schools in Butler, Missouri and was united in marriage to Howard S. Browning, and to this union two children were born. She was later married to Homer Claude Linard, Jr.; to this union, two children were born.

Throughout her life, Gladys maintained an avid faith in God and was a member of the Ohio Street United Methodist Church in Butler. She never missed a Sunday for as long as her health permitted. Gladys was hardworking, honest, loyal and loving. She was selfless and kindhearted, and never had a bad word to say about anyone, and never any hatred in her heart. Her family remembers the special food she made for various family members at different occasions; particularly banana bread and homemade popcorn balls and coconut cream pie. Gladys never met a stranger and her family describes her as the “most amazing woman you’d ever meet.”

Gladys was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; sons Larry Lee Browning and Freddie Lynn Linard; brothers, George Cumpton, Arthur Cumpton, Johnny Cumpton, Marvin Cumpton, Everett Cumpton, and Quentin Cumpton; and sister Wilma Kollman.

She is survived by sons D.J. Browning and wife June of Chesapeake, Virginia and Dr. Homer C. Linard, III and wife Laurie of Brighton, Michigan; grandchildren David Browning and wife Debbie of Chesapeake, Virginia; Chris Browning of Oilville, Virginia; Pat Bohlen and husband Chip of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Erin Linard of Peoria, Arizona; Andrew Linard of Brighton, Michigan; and Nathan Linard of Brighton, Michigan; and great-grandson David Browning, Chesapeake, Virginia. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Roberta “Bobbie” Leigh Overly, of Louisburg passed away peacefully, Monday night, April 16th, 2012, in the comfort of her home. Born August 19th, 1948 in Canandaigua, NY, she grew up in Waterloo, IA surrounded by family. She was a country girl at heart, enjoying childhood summers on the nearby farm of close friends Vern and Irene Arnold. She later moved to Kansas City, MO with her mother where she completed her schooling with a Biology degree from U.M.K.C. She loved animals and especially enjoyed horses and horseback riding. She worked at Camp Lake of the Woods Horseback Riding Academy in Swope Park as an instructor. One of her adult students would later become her husband of over 40 years spent on farms near Freeman and Drexel, Missouri, where she enjoyed riding her horse Ringo and raising cattle with her husband and sons. She also was a biology lab instructor at Johnson County Community College; she worked as the Horsemanship Program Coordinator for the Cass County 4H and judged many horse shows through out the county. Bobbie also displayed her patience and compassion throughout 18 years of service, friendships and fulfillment as a teacher’s aide in the Louisburg KS (416) school district. She was an active member of the Drexel United Methodist Church and the Drexel chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. Bobbie was a dedicated wife, an unconditionally supportive and loving mother and a sincere, fun loving friend. She will be greatly missed.

Preceded in death by her father, Robert Cowie and mother Berneal (Odekirk) Shelby she is survived by step-parents Marvin and Pat Shelby of Liberty, MO, her husband Orbie “Butch” Overly of the home; sons, Thomas Overly of Hanover, NH; Will and wife Alese Overly of Salt Lake City, UT. Aunt Elinor Ehrig of Waterloo, IA, and uncle M.J. & Joice Odekirk of Gilbert, AZ, half-brother, Rob Cowie of Canton OH; and half sisters Kim Hague of Canton, and Kathleen Kulow of Wooster, OH. And many cousins, nephews and nieces.

Margie Marie (York) Lain was born February 18, 1916 in Ballard MO. She passed away Thursday, March 29, 2012 at the age of 96, at the Gardens Care Center, Kingman AZ. Margie moved from the Butler, MO area to Kingman, AZ  in 1963. She was employed by McCullough in Lake Havasu City AZ, Kingman Regional Hospital and the American Legion while living in Kingman. Margie was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur Monroe and Ida Mae (Zieler) York; 5 brothers, Herbert, Ervin, Glen, Billie and Ivan; 2 sisters, Artie Lippold and Delpha York. She is survived by 2 brothers, Raymond York of Butler MO, Lonnie (Betty) York of Arlington TX; 1 sister, Naomi Cummings of Nevada MO; 5 children, Myrna (Norm) Johnson of Scottsdale AZ, C.A. (Brenda) Lain of Marceline MO, Janice Edwards, Ideana Hickle, Jeanie Badilla/Rich Sibbitt of Kingman AZ; 9 grandchildren, Richard (Lisa) Johnson, Jim (Nancy) Johnson, Bob (Laura) Johnson, Vanessa (Chris) Hale, Deana (Jimmy) Cottle-Chunn, Stacey (Shawn) Hancock, Katie (Chad) Gardner, Larry Badilla, Monica Badilla; 20 great grandchildren; 8 great great grandchildren; numerous nephews, nieces and friends.  Margie was a lifetime member of the Ladies American Legion and the VFW.

A note from Margie’s children; at the time of Margie’s death her beloved brother Raymond York of Butler, MO was still living.  He passed 8 days after Margie and will be missed dearly by all of us.  RIP Mother and Uncle.

Kenneth Joseph Sickman, 85 of Grain Valley, Missouri died April 7, 2012 at his home in Grain Valley. He was born March 13, 1927 in Germantown, Missouri, son of Frank and Kate (Walbert) Sickman. He served in the U.S. Army as an auto mechanic where he earned the Army of Occupation Medal and World War II Victory Medal.

He was united in marriage to Faye Joyce Brown on December 10, 1949 and to this union, two children were born. Kenneth was proud to have been a retiree from Teamsters Local #41; his family remembers that he said “if you take care of your job, it will take care of you.” In his spare time, he enjoyed working on things around his house and in the garage, particularly motor vehicles. Kenneth loved helping others; both with financial and emotional support, when needed. He also particularly enjoyed raising cattle on his farm.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, and three sisters; making him the last of his siblings to pass away. He is survived by his daughter, Vicki Friend of Jefferson City, Missouri; son Kevin Sickman of Blue Springs, Missouri; five grandchildren: Kiel, Jared, Kristian, Tiffany, and Matt, and one great-grandchild. He also leaves behind nephew Jerry Foster and wife Janice of Paducah, Kentucky.