Lon E. Curtner, 53 of Butler, Missouri passed away February 18, 2012 at his home. He was born September 18, 1958 in Independence, Missouri, son of Lon and Darlene (Johnson) Curtner. Lon worked as a mechanic for a cab company, among many other skills and occupations. Among survivors is Lon’s daughter, Rebecca L. Curtner, of Independence, Missouri.

Kimlin Sue “Kim” Hammer, 49 of Butler, died Saturday, February 18, 2012 at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler. Kim was born March 25, 1962 in Kansas City, Missouri, daughter of Dalford and Mary Lou (Weidner) Fuller. Kim liked to laugh and have fun, she loved to fish and spend time with her family – especially with her grandkids and her little dog Cowboy.  She loved to go to church, and loved working at Medicalodge. Kim was always there when you needed something, no matter what.

She was preceded in death by her parents. Kim is survived by her husband, Ronald Dean Hammer of Butler; daughter Selina Fritts and husband Jimmy of Butler; son Justin Hammer and wife Natalie of Butler; daughter Samantha Hammer of Butler; sister Sally Nelson and husband George of Amsterdam, Missouri; sister Dianna Engle and husband Mike of Shawnee, Kansas; brother Warren Fuller and wife Becky of Kansas City, Kansas; brother Billy Fuller and wife Tammy of Kansas City, Kansas; sister Peggi Hubbi of Sea Isle City, New Jersey; brother Freddy Fuller of Lawrence, Kansas; and brother Charlie Fuller of LaCygne, Kansas.  She also leaves behind her grandchildren Austin, J’Nessa, Chloe, Jake, Kristen, and Jess.

John E. “Johnny” Oliphant, 74, formerly of Rich Hill, Missouri, died February 15, 2012 at Golden Years Care Center in Harrisonville. He was born November 28, 1937 in Hamilton, Missouri, son of John Austin and Millie Martha (Clark) Oliphant. Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his step-father, Truman B. Pickering. He is survived by his brother, George Pickering and wife Judy of Lenexa, KS; three nieces: Sharon Kreiling and husband Phil of Lenexa, KS; Susan Martin and husband Dennis of Atchison, KS; and Angela Bonsignore and husband Paul of Lenexa, KS. He also leaves behind four great-nieces, and four great-nephews.

Delta Joan Endecott passed away February 14, 2012. Delta Joan was born in Kansas City, KS December 20, the daughter of Oswald and Emma A. (Rupard) McBride. At the age of two months her mother died and she and her three brothers went to live with her maternal grandparents at Harrisburg, MO.  She graduated from Harrisburg High School and was a member of the Harrisburg Baptist Church.  She was united in marriage January 16, 1943 to Thomas A. Endecott in Odessa, TX. She was a member of the Drexel VFW Auxiliary where she has been treasurer since 1983. She was a life member of EX-POW and was Adjutant Treasurer for the Department of MO EX-POWs for several years.  She retired from the Bank of Drexel.

She is survived by her husband, Thomas A. Endecott of the home; one daughter Judy Best and husband Richard of Marshall, MO.; two sons Ronald Endecott and wife Peggy of Houston, TX, Gary Endecott and wife Darlene of Raymore, MO.; seven grandchildren Curtis Houchen, Trisha McAmis, Dale Endecott, Tamara Seely, Terina Platt, Gregory Endecott and Jeffrey Endecott; sixteen great-grandchildren. She leaves one brother, Beryl McBride of Harrisburg, MO and many friends and relatives.

Written messages and memories may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Quentin was born July 15, 1924 in Spruce, MO., son of William Everett and Rosa (Diehl) Cumpton. He was united in marriage to Blanche Sanders on April 26, 1946 in Mound City, Kansas. She survives, and he and Blanche would have been married 66 years in April. Quentin had served in the U.S. Navy, and had worked as a commercial printer.  He belonged to the Masonic Lodge in Butler, as well as the VFW and American Legion.

Quentin was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers; and one sister.  He is survived by his wife, Blanche of the home; son Wesley Cumpton and wife Linda of Butler; daughter Cynthia Walton and husband Jerrol of Peculiar, MO.; grandsons Shannon and Wade Eric, both of Lee’s Summit, MO.  He also leaves behind a sister, Gladys Linard of Butler.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler, MO (660) 679-0009, with Rev. Dick Pierson officiating. Visitation prior to services from 1-2 PM at the funeral home. Burial with Navy honors in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Butler American Legion or Butler Masonic Lodge.

Joyce was born May 24, 1936 in Kansas City, MO, daughter of Maurice S. and Susanna (Yarick) Robinson. She attended school and graduated from Drexel High School, Drexel, Mo. She was united in marriage to Charles R. Young on November 23, 1962 at the Drexel Christian Church. To this union, two children were born.

Joyce was a homemaker and her family remembers that she loved to sew.  Other interests included camping, and floral arranging. She had attended the Drexel Christian Church, as well as the Edwardsville Christian Church.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Charles; her children, June Justice and husband Darrin of Kansas City, KS.; James Young and wife Kim of Kansas City, KS.; grandchildren Justin Justice and wife Heide; Jason Justice; Amanda Young; Jacoby Young; and Melanie Young. She is also survived by a brother, Robert Robinson, and two sisters, Mary Faulwell, and Martha Hunt. Joyce also leaves behind a special friend and caregiver, Christine Burger-McClure.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM Thursday, February 2, 2012 at the Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel (816) 657-4400. Visitation will be at 1:00 PM prior to the service. Burial in Sharon Cemetery, Drexel. Memorial contributions in memory of Joyce are suggested to the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation, and may be left in care of the funeral home. Written messages and memories may be left for members of the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Melvin was born January 7, 1925 in Eudora, KS, son of Melvin Arthur and Lillie Mae (Nelson) Clark.

While home on leave from the Navy, he met Betty Lou Landis, and following a two-week whirlwind courtship, they were united in marriage on November 18, 1945 in Olathe, KS.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; and three sisters; and one son, Randall and wife Karen. Melvin is survived by his wife of more than 66 years, Betty; his children, Vickie Fish and husband Bob of Stilwell, KS; Patricia Hutchison and husband Rob of Stilwell, KS; and Ed Clark and wife Linda of Mound City, KS. He also leaves behind 14 grandchildren, and 30 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 6-8 PM Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at the First Baptist Church of Stilwell, 19950 Broadmoor Ln, Stilwell; (913) 897-2261. Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM Thursday, January 19, at the church with Dr. Bill Johnson and Pastor Steven Donnelly officiating. Burial will follow in Aubry Cemetery. Memorial contributions in memory of Melvin may be made to the Drexel First Baptist Church Mission Fund, and may be left in care of the funeral home.  Written messages and memories may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

(Arrangements under the direction of the Mullinax Funeral Homes, Drexel Chapel (816) 657-4400).

Alpha was born September 8, 1920 near Aaron, Mo., in Bates County, daughter of Calvin Benton and Edna Ora Prickett.  She was united in marriage to Marvin Alonzo Keirsey September 21, 1941. Alpa was a member of the First Baptist Church in Butler.  Her family will always remember that she was devoted to and very supportive of her family. She was liked by all who knew her; and she will be missed by all.

Alpha was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Marvin, and one brother, Carl Mott.  She is survived by her son Wayne Keirsey and wife Deborah of Hume, Mo.  She also leaves behind 3 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 7 step-grandchildren; and 16 step-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM Friday, January 13, 2012 at the Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler, with Dr. Terry Davis officiating.  Visitation will be Thursday evening, 5-7 PM at the funeral home. Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Alpha’s name to your choice of Kamp Keirsey, Heartland Hospice, or the American Cancer Society.  Written messages and memories may be left for members of the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Services under the direction of the Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660) 679-0009.

Lori was born September 26, 1958 in Anaheim, CA, daughter of Benjamin and Rosemarie Martin. She attended school and graduated high school in Sacramento, CA.

Lori was well known to many people in the Butler, Mo., area as she had worked at the Casey’s on Ft. Scott St. for 10 years, where she had been the assistant manager. Lori deeply loved her family; she greatly enjoyed being a stay at home mother and grandmother.  Her family will always remember that she had a big heart, and gave great advice.

Lori was preceded in death by her parents, and one brother, Larry.  She leaves behind her significant other of 27 years, David McKinney; son, Bryan Wood and wife Penny of Butler; son David McKinney, Jr. of the home; brother Lee Martin of the home; one stepson, Robert McKinney and wife Cyeda of Olive Hurst, CA; and five grandchildren: Tavian, Jeylan, Chloe; Eain; and Brayden.

Cremation, with memorial service 2:00 PM Sunday, January 8, 2012 at the Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660) 679-0009 with Greg Mullinax presiding. Written messages and memories may be left for members of the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements under the direction of the Mullinax Funeral Home, (660) 679-0009.

Bertie was born December 5, 1925 in Bates County, MO., daughter of William Turpin and Aletha (Ison) Turpin. She grew up in Butler and attended a one-room school house there. She was united in marriage to Willis Tracy at the Butler Christian Church on September 26, 1948; two this union, two children were born.

Bertie and Willis lived and worked on a farm near Amoret, Mo. until moving to California in 1965. Bertie worked at the Hartley Company in Costa Mesa, CA. They returned to Butler in 1992, and Bertie worked as a housekeeper at a nursing home in Fort Scott, KS. Bertie enjoyed baking, gardening, sewing, and crafts.  She had attended the Amoret Christian Church.

Bertie was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband Willis, as well as one brother, Albert.  She is survived by her children: Carolyn Bonnot of Weir, KS; and Marcia Stubblefield of Irvine, CA; grandchildren: Geoffrey, Lori, Cindy, Gregory, Jennifer, Ashley, and Tracy; and great-grandchildren: Alexandrea, Tanner, and Nathaniel.

Cremation, with graveside memorial services at 2:00 PM Saturday, January 7, 2012 in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, MO with Greg Mullinax presiding. Memorial contributions in memory of Bertie are suggested to any charity of the donor’s choice. Written messages and memories of Bertie may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.  

Arrangements under the direction of the Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660) 679-0009.