Tuesday, October 31, 2023
Obituary - Christopher Gerald Avery
In his 61 years of life, Chris managed National Video, worked for Cardinal Health, the Kansas City Star, and the Kansas City Auto Auction. He graduated from Rockhurst College, where he majored in English and fell in love with Shakespeare.
His true legacy, however, lies in the hearts of the people he loved and continues to love, from beyond the veil.
He is preceded in death by his father, and survived by his mother; his brother, Mark Avery (Michele); his nephews, George (Martha), John, and Benjamin Avery; and his great-niece, Nora Avery, all of Overland Park, Kansas. Chris is survived, too, by his uncles, Gary McGrath (Frances) and Jim McGrath.
He perfected the role of ‘cousin,’ and is survived by his cousins: Kathleen McGrath and her son, Grayson Kassius Andersen, of Ottawa, Kansas; John McGrath of Kansas City, Kansas; Matthew McGrath (Frances Dickey) and his sons, Charles and Thomas McGrath, of St. Louis, Missouri; and Sarah McGrath (Timothy Bauman) and her children, Hannah, Daniel, and Margaret Bauman, of Rochester, New York. He will be missed, too, by his extraordinary circle of friends, including his dear friends David Hutton (Cissy), Vashon Borich-Leach and Ron Leach and their sons, Ty and Jack, and the entire Branson Karate and Tai Chi community.
There was always room in Chris’ heart for a new friendship, a new connection. Chris was the glue between his family members, and in his fifties, Chris found his niche in Branson, Missouri, where he quickly became a pillar of the community.
Chris lived for a good meal of barbecue (extra points for burnt ends), a Royals win, a Shakespearean reference, and a viewing of Ted Lasso, Rambo, or some other ‘classic’ movie. He cherished long conversations with loved ones, in which, as he would say, "we solved all the problems of the world.” He loved his faithful companion and ‘soul dog’ Ophelia, who passed away almost a year ago. He loved traveling, although, unfortunately, he never did stumble across Diane Lane in Italy.
It is impossible to translate the heart and verbalize the miracle that was Christopher G. Avery. So, a simple goodbye must suffice: Chris, we love you, we grieve you, we thank you for your six decades of goodness and devotion to the things that matter most in this world. Goodbye to our son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend.
A Celebration of Life Mass will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 3, 2023 at Our Lady of The Presentation Church, 130 NW Murry Road, Lee's Summit, Missouri 64081 With inurnment at Longview Memorial Gardens, Kansas City, Missouri.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Shepherd of the Hills Humane Society, 2837 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, Branson, Mo 65616 in Chris's name.
Obituary - Richard “Pete” VanHorn
Richard “Pete” Leon VanHorn was born on October 12, 1940 at home in Nyhart, Missouri, son of Lawrence Leslie Van Horn and Mildred Francis (Dunlap) Van Horn.
Pete began his school years at Tripp School before attending Butler High School where he graduated in 1958. While in grade school Pete worked for Lloyd Bottoms picking and selling watermelons on Saturdays, and in high school Pete was a member of FFA. After graduating he worked in construction with Dean Connor in Kansas City for one year, and later with Leroy Jones and Wesley Pike building homes in Butler. Pete taught woodworking for several years at Peru Star 4-H Club. He started working with the Associated Natural Gas Company in the mid 1960’s, Atmos Energy, as well as other natural gas companies until retirement.
On January 5, 1961 Pete married the love of his life, Wilma Jean Thompson, and to this union four children were born. Pete enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons and grandsons. Another hobby was woodworking, and Pete could be found out in his woodworking shop even up until a couple months ago. He would make picture frames in his shop and enjoyed giving them away to his friends and family. Pete also enjoyed making homemade wine from cherries and grapes, and giving those as gifts as well.
Some of you may have wondered over the years where the name Pete came from. When Pete was a child they lived near the grocery store and he could always be found carrying around or wearing a cap-gun pistol. The owner of the grocery store one day started calling him “Pistol Pete” or “Two Gun Pete,” and from then on he was known by Pete and not Richard.
Pete was preceded in death by his father Lawrence Leslie VanHorn, mother Mildred Francis VanHorn, half-brother Paul Sheldon VanHorn, and grandson Nathaniel Scott Deems.
Survivors include his wife Wilma Jean VanHorn of Butler, sons Dallas Wayne VanHorn (Karol) of Butler, Michael Shannon VanHorn (Tina) of Mexico, Missouri;, daughters Kelly Renee Deems (Daniel) of Blue Springs, Missouri, Angela Dee VanHorn of Butler, grandsons Corey Dallas VanHorn (Andrea) of Butler, Dalton Wayne VanHorn of Olathe, Kansas, Cody Eugene VanHorn of Mexico, Missouri, Grant Richard VanHorn of Mexico, Missouri, and brother Jack Leroy VanHorn (Patricia) of Butler.
Obituary - Loretta Mae Garwood
Loretta worked at Firp & Bob’s and 54 Cafe as a waitress. In 1968, she and Leland started up Garwood Wrecker, where they operated the business together until they retired in 1980. Loretta always enjoyed hunting, fishing and found a love for golfing later in life.
Loretta was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Leland Garwood; three sisters, Wanda Fay Lemmons, Julia Lea Goodnight, Lena May Goss; one sister-in-law, Judy Goodnight and her uncle, Johnny Goodnight.
Loretta is survived by two sons, Ed Garwood and his wife Cathy and David Garwood and his significant other Deborah Keirsey; four brothers, Lonnie Goodnight of Coweta, OK, Jack Goodnight and his wife Krista of Owasso, OK, George “Andy” Goodnight and his wife Sharon of Tulsa, OK and Jerry Goodnight of Tulsa, OK; one sister Wilda Kay Brown and her husband Bill; two brother-in-laws, George “Bill” Garwood and his wife Lisa and Norman Garwood. She is also survived by two grandsons, Lee Garwood and his wife Cassie and Corey Garwood; four grandchildren, Carson Garwood, Nathan Garwood, Brayden Garwood and Tenley Garwood and cousins, Jeff Goodnight and his wife Lorie of Coweta, OK and Gary Goodnight and his wife Dee of Coweta, OK.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Tues., Oct. 31, 2023 at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, with Pastor Ray Dean Scism officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00-1:00 prior to the service. Interment will follow in Moore Cemetery, Nevada. Memorials are suggested to the Moore Cemetery Association c/o the funeral home.
Runaway juvenile from Belton
Quana was last seen in the area of B St. around 7:00 p.m. on 10/30/2023, wearing a pink Nike hoodie, grey backpack, and black tennis shoes.
Monday, October 30, 2023
Ballard R-II School District awarded safety grant
The Ballard R-II School District has been awarded the MO DESE State Safety Grant.
From the desk of Bates County Sheriff Chad Anderson
The form they sign states, "I understand that I am to avoid all Halloween related contact with Children and remain inside my residence between 5pm and 10:30pm on Halloween unless there is just cause to leave.
BCMH says thank you
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. . #breastcancerawareness #breastcancerawarenessmonth #pinkpower #BCMHCares #fightbreastcancer |
A visit to the fire station
Hard freeze next few mornings
Butler man injured in motorcycle accident
Life-Saving Award Issued to Deputy, Police Officer, and Dispatchers in Vernon County
Four life-saver awards were issued by Vernon County Sheriff Jason Mosher as the result of an incident that took place on August 20, 2023, involving a motor vehicle accident.
According to Mosher, multiple agencies were dispatched to a report of a possible motor vehicle accident on I-49 North of Nevada. After multiple agencies responded and searched, no vehicle could be found.
Deputy Foster with the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office along with Officer Gish with the Nevada Police Department continued to search for the vehicle with the assistance of two dispatchers with the Sheriff’s Office who were tracing the phone call.
The Sheriff said he would like to congratulate each of the four people receiving the award and thank them for their hard work and dedication to the citizens of Vernon County.
Pictured top to bottom: Dispatcher Jadean Highley, Chief Deputy Travis Cole, Sheriff Jason Mosher, Deputy Tristen Foster, Nevada Police Officer Calvin Gish, and Nevada Police Captain Josh Westerhold. The fourth dispatcher wishes to remain anonymous.
Obituary - William "Bill" Frank Ryan, Sr.
After the passing of his wife, Bill’s father, Joseph moved his family to Colorado Springs, Colorado. This is where Bill met the love of his life, Peggy Lou Plant. Bill worked in factories both setting them up and maintaining them. His first job was at a chip factory, Red Seal in Colorado Springs. Bill and Peggy eloped to Raton, New Mexico, May 23, 1959. Bill was a hard worker and could fix anything. He worked hard to provide for his family. He lost his beloved Peggy in 1995. After losing her and living in Texas, he followed his brother, Bobby Ryan to Nevada, Missouri. He has lived in the area for over 18 years. Bill attended the Assembly of God Church in Nevada, MO.
Bill was preceded in death by his loving wife, Peggy Lou Ryan; his sister, Mary Bruner; brothers, Joseph Ryan (Katherine), and Robert Ryan (Rosemary). Survivors include his four children, Lou Ellen Acosta (Ralph), Austin TX, John Ryan, Nevada, MO, William Frank Ryan, Jr., Colorado Springs, CO, and Susan Ross (Charles), Colorado Springs, CO; 7 grandchildren, Katie, Audrey, Matthew, Ana, Joshua, Thomas, and Mckenna; 8 great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada, with Pastor Charles Ross officiating.
Arrangements are under the direction of Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.
What's Up by LeRoy Cook
Scary Stuff
Just in time for Trick or Treating, cold, wet weather came in over the weekend. We did make one last warm, clear trip on Thursday, with 20-mile visibility and fair-weather cumulus. On Friday, eastern Missouri had 70-degree weather while our west side was down in the 40’s, under 700-foot ceilings.
The week’s transient arrivals included a Cirrus SR-22, a Cessna Skylane and an indeterminate Piper single. Of the few local aircraft going up, Dennis Jacobs and Nate Schrock flew missions in Cessna 150s and Les Gorden had his Beech Bonanza F35 out.
We were saddened to learn of the passing of Joanne Winters last Tuesday, wife of former Butler airport manager Tom Winters who operated a maintenance shop at Butler airport from 1971 to 1990. Tom and Joanne raised their kids on the airport, living right on the premises. After 1990, they relocated to California, Missouri where Tom commuted to Jefferson City to maintain the MO Conservation Commission’s aircraft fleet. They’ve kept busy in retirement, until Joanne’s health recently failed. Our condolences to Tom, Tommy and Tracy.
A couple of aviation episodes made headlines last week, the first being an attempt by a dead-heading pilot to pull the fire extinguisher handles on an Embraer EC-175 commuter airliner. That would have shut down both engines, requiring an emergency airstart on auxiliary power, pretty scary stuff. It’s common to let commuting company pilots ride in the cockpit jump seat so they can get to work, but he was evidently having some emotional problems and had to be persuaded to go back to sit in the cabin while the flight diverted for his removal. An unusual circumstance; may it remain so.
The other incident involved a miscommunication at Houston, when a Hawker business jet took off while a little Citation Mustang jet was still clearing the runway. The tough old Hawker’s wingtip clipped the tailcone of the Mustang and tore off a piece of it, climbing away unscathed. Investigation as to how it happened is still on-going, but needless to say, it could have been bad. Pay attention and watch out for each other.
All these happenings are being dumped into the FAA’s newly-appointed Administrator, who just took office last week. Mike Whitaker’s background is mostly in Urban Mobility, the pipe-dream multi-copters that are supposed to be filling the low-altitude airspace over cities with passengers and packages. At least he holds a Private Pilot’s license, but he’s got a lot on his hands at FAA.
The weekly question wanted to know the commonly-used name of the Boeing model A75? It’s the Stearman PT-17. Lloyd Stearman designed it but never built it, selling out to Boeing, who made 10,000 of them for WW-II. Our brain-teaser for next week is, when is it officially night-time, for pilot logbook purposes? You can send your answers to kochhaus1@gmail.com.
“Re-homing” effort to benefit Lily’s House in Adrian
A speed of 2.1 miles per hour was the official average last Wednesday as Jonassen Structural Movers, LLC transported a two bedroom home to a new location in Adrian, Mo that will greatly benefit Lily’s House transitional graduates.
Despite heavy rainfall at times this highly coordinated effort came off without a hitch, with the exception of a blown tire just as the structure reached its destination following the 14.7 mile journey.
But all that is ‘water under the bridge’ so to speak as the 900 square foot house currently sits within feet of its new foundation on 6th street and should be ready for occupancy by Thanksgiving.
“I got a call from friend Ean Wise back in April” said Jeff Vick “He said come and see me, I’ve got a gift for you.” Vick’s impression was that it would be something smaller- you know, a gift basket or other donation. “We drove out to see him and he said he wanted to donate a house!” said a surprised Vick as he and wife Sara checked out the small home that was on property Wise had recently purchased.
“He told us they were building a new home nearby and were otherwise going to have to tear down this one” Jeff said as he described the house that was built in the 1930’s and in great condition for its age.
The Vick’s replied with an unequivocal yes, we’ll take it.
Now the task of moving the approximately 150,000 lb residence down muddy gravel roads, under power lines and across a bridge or two which is certainly not for the faint of heart.
However, another friend, Steve Hubbard volunteered to serve as general contractor to oversee the entire operation which reportedly went just a planned and included cooperation with Osage Valley Electric, Evergy and many others.
Upon arrival in Adrian Police Chief Chris Dillon jokingly had a little fun noting that “The house parked in the street at 6th and Max Stevens will be towed if not removed in the next 48 hours.” There was a bit more fanfare too, as many local residents lined the streets and cheered as the house crawled its way into the city limits.
And finally 7 nerve racking hours later, the house sits very close to its new foundation along 6th street in north Adrian, ready to be placed and plumbed as soon as the ground dries out a little.
For anyone who is not already aware, Lily’s House was the brainchild of Jeff and Sara Vick in 2017 who saw the need for “a safe place where families who are currently in crisis due to the influences of addiction, abuse, poverty or abandonment are provided the resources to heal and grow together” according a statement on their website lilyshouse.org.
Little did they know that following their move to Adrian, as foster parents the Vick’s made the life changing decision to take on the monumental tasks of seeking funding and other resources to open a thrift store, purchase a van then open the doors to some 15 mothers and 29 children who sought shelter at Lily’s House.
Along with grants and other programs to help fund Lily’s House, the Vick’s have implemented a tax credit program that benefits everyone to which of the $271,000 that were available, only $12,000 are left and anyone wishing to donate should “jump on board” as soon as possible.
Many success stories have come from graduates of Lily’s House in their own words: A young mother came to us from jail. She was a repeat offender who made the decision in her heart to start a new life but did not have a support network. She spent 14 months with us at Lily’s House, and is now a faithful employee at a local store. Through hard work and determination she was able to regain custody of her two young boys and she is living life clean and sober.
Another resident was a user from the young age of 14. During this time she was in and out of jail on numerous charges. After waiting 7 months for her to be released from jail, she came to us 9 months pregnant. Now she and her son are thriving! She is working at a local store in our community and is 15 months clean and sober.
Another mother at Lily’s House has been in and out of unhealthy relationships and several cycles of addiction. When she determined she was ready to live a different life, she lacked the support that would allow her to create that opportunity. Lily’s House offered her that community. She is now clean and lives a life free of fear and abuse with her child.
A recent graduate, Ashley Sehorn says “I can confidently say that I have become the person I have only dreamed of being. I love me today, I love my kids, I love my family, I love every person involved with the Lily’s house because without all of you I wouldn’t be me today”
Today, Ashley works on staff at Lily’s House and as part of the program she and her children will be living in this home that will be used as transitional housing for graduates.
To learn more about this labor of love, visit www.lilyshouse.org as well as Facebook. And yes, donations no matter the size, are always welcomed.
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Week 11 Missouri State High School Football District Semi Final Preview
If your looking to watch some local high school football action you can check out the games below:
Drexel Bobcats (6-3) at Appleton City Bulldogs (7-2)
Victory Assembly Church in Adrian Annual Harvest Festival on October 31st from 6 - 9pm
We are excited to invite you to our Annual Harvest Festival on October 31st from 6 - 9pm!! This year we have moved our location (due to projected cold temps) to the SOUTH END of the Adrian Optimist Building!!
A SPECIAL SHOUT OUT FOR THE GENEROSITY OF THE ADRIAN OPTIMIST CLUB FOR PROVIDING A WARM LOCATION AND ALLOWING US TO USE THE FACILITIES FREE OF CHARGE!!
Obituary - Sherman Lee Ragsdale
Services will be held at St. Sabina Catholic Church, 700 Trevis Ave, Belton, Missouri 64012. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, November 6, 2023. Rosary will be said at 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, November 7, 2023 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial. Sherman will then be laid to rest next to his wife Leona at Floral Hills Cemetery.
Sherman was born in Kansas City, Missouri on July 19, 1944 to Henry Ragsdale and Arkie (Motley) Ragsdale. After high school, Sherman continued his education in trade school where he became a tool and die maker. He was a man of strong Catholic faith and has been a parishioner at St. Sabina in Belton with his late wife Leona for many years. In life Sherman was a Scout Master with the Boy Scouts of America Troop 428 and for eight years was the President of IAM Local Lodge 778 in Kansas City. He belonged to the Knights of Columbus. In earlier years, Sherman enjoyed camping, hunting fishing and wood carving and was a member of a local wood carving guild. He loved watching the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals and was an avid golfer. In recent years, Sherman owned a machine quilting business, quilting over 3000 quilts.
Sherman is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Arkie; loving wife of fifty-eight years, Leona Ragsdale; grandchild, Jerimiah Bentley; and two sisters, Alice Brockway and Alma Rice.
Cherishing Sherman’s memory are his loving children, Thomas Ragsdale (Michelle) and Sheryll Bentley (James); three grandchildren, Sandra Sindeldecker (Jason), Jacob Bentley, and Abigail Ragsdale; and great grandson, Alexavier Sindeldecker.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to American Heart Association online at www.heart.org or the American Cancer Society online at www.cancer.org
Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278
One killed, one seriously injured in Henry County crash
The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the accident occurred when the eastbound 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe driver by 41 year old Jesse F. Raybourn of Deepwater, Missouri ran off the right side of the roadway, became airborne, landed and struck a tree.
Jesse F. Raybourn was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident and was taken to Vansant Mills Funeral Home in Clinton Missouri.
A passenger in the vehicle 46 year old Jamie Vogel of Schell City, Missouri sustained serious injuries, and was transported to Golden Valley Memorial Hospital in Clinton Missouri.
The vehicle was totaled and was towed from the scene by Gary’s tow. This is Troop A of the Missouri State Highway Patrols 78th fatality of the year 2023.
Stoplight Market Customer Appreciation Day set for November 4th
Obituary - Larry Eugene Langley
Larry continued his passion of building cars and street rods while passing those skills to his sons. While the used auto parts market died off in the late 80's and into the early 90's, Larry started working in Kansas City for Blue Valley Auto Parts and then moving to James B. Nutter in 1993. He worked as the personal courier to James B. Nutter until his retirement in 2015. Larry enjoyed his retirement going to many car shows all over the region. He was also an avid fan of the Adrian Blackhawks, especially the football games throughout the years.
Larry is survived by his Sister Joann Langley, two sons Ryan and James (Karen) both of Adrian. Larry was active in supporting his grandchildren Rachel, Cate, Grace, Jacob, Danielle, and Lauren as much as he could. He was preceded in death by his wife in 2020, and his parents Walter and Pauline.
Sunday, October 29, 2023
Join us in welcoming Bayley!
Saturday, October 28, 2023
Bates County Cattlemen cookout Saturday, November 4th
Nevada Speedway Fall Enduro Race Results
Enduro Results
1. 23 Norman Mackley 310 laps
2. 23OH Hank Owens 308 laps
3. 22 Luke Miller 300 laps
4. 9T9 Trevor Fast 283 laps
5. 83 Jeff Whitley 257 laps
6. 7X Clayton Brown 232 laps
7. 75 Steven Seay 213 laps
8. 83 Gene Mills 199 laps
9. 9 Jordan Kennedy 179 laps
10. 42 Jerry Morgan 149 laps
11. 13 Andrew Crockett 139 laps
12. 12 Jett Herrick 134 laps
13. 7V Brandon Vink 130 laps
14. 48 Matt Sisney 123 laps
15. 8A Jacob Walker 84 laps
16. 2Jjr Jeremiah Beard 54 laps
17. 14T Dalton Moore 48 laps
18. 38 Jonathan Ramsey 45 laps
19. 75sr Rob Jones, Sr. 42 laps
20. 14W Travis Wolf 29 laps
21. 7 Alex Swank 11 laps
22. 0T Terry Hawkins 9 laps
Cold and Rainy
Back to back super bowl championships for young Butler Bears
These boys have worked hard all year to repeat as champions! Way to go Bears and congratulations to head coach Clayton Varns!
Cold temperatures outlook (Mon-Wed)
Gardner graduates from Remote Piloted Aircraft Training
Thorco Alumni, Family & Friends Reunion
The Thorco Alumni, Family & Friends Reunion will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Thiebaud Auditorium Meeting Rooms 105 E 11th S. Lamar Mo.
Thorco operated for 117 years in Lamar. Thorco began with a man named Frank Thorpe and a problem. Thorpe saw customers picking potatoes out of bins one at a time, an often dirty and time-consuming job so he came up with a solution. His first product was a wire potato scoop.
As Thorpe took to the railroad, selling his invention at stops in Barton County, his business grew. By 1930, it had outgrown its first facility, and the decision was made to move to a building at the corner of 18th and Gulf in Lamar. Frank Thorpe converted an old mill into a manufacturing facility.
But the growth did not stop there. In fact, steady growth occurred through 1965, with a two-year break from 1943 through 1945 due to World War 2. In the late 1960’s, the facility was purchased by Jim Allen and Ken Howard. This period would represent huge growth for the business they renamed into Thorco, as products for major national companies like Walmart, Dollar General, Family Dollar, Kroger and Gerber Baby Foods, as well as the United States Navy were developed.
In fact, so much growth would take place, the company would eventually expand to four facilities in southwest Missouri including Nevada, Butler, Cassville as well as the original plants in Lamar. At one point there was also some manufacturing in Canada and Mexico with total employment reaching 1,200 at one time.
Just prior to the plant closing the doors permanently on September 30, 2016 the group held a farewell event at Thiebaud Auditorium. At this event former Plant Manager Debra Probert noted that the average years of service of the associates was 22 years, and there were associates with more than four decades of service.
Bronaugh man injured in Vernon County rollover accident
Mr. Earnest sustained minor injuries and was taken to Nevada Regional Medical Center.
Butler man arrested on felony charges
Mr. Bradley was arrested on the charges of burglary/second degree and stealing/$750 or more.
Jeffery M. Bradley was booked into the Bates County Jail and is currently being held on no bond.
One arrested on warrants in Bates County
Mr. Heavener was arrested on two felony warrants, one for forgery and one for fraudulent use of a credit/debit device (value $500 or more).
Matthew S. Heavener was booked into the Bates County Jail, and is being held on a $10,000 cash or surety bond.
Bicyclist struck by vehicle in Vernon County
The Missouri State Highway Patrol said the accident happened when the eastbound 2002 Honda Accord driven by 24 year old Timmothey S. Wyrick of Lamar Missouri made a right hand turn and struck 38 year olds Joshua W. Rogers of El Dorado Springs Missouri who was riding a bicycle
Joshua W. Rogers sustained moderate injuries, and was transported to Freeman Hospital in Joplin for treatment for his injuries.
Friday, October 27, 2023
Obituary - Nelson Brooks
Nelson attended the one-room schoolhouse, Brush College, southeast of Hume for grades 1-8 and the Hume High School grades 9-12, graduating in 1951 right along with his wife. Nelson was best known for his basketball talents as a Hume Hornet with a great hook shot, his hunting skills, his hard work ethic, his love for his family and his storytelling.
After graduation, Nelson worked for the Frito Asphalt Company, based in Pittsburg, KS, from 1951-1954, dynamiting for construction of roads. He then became a brakeman on the Missouri Pacific Railroad from 1954-1981, until he was badordered due to hearing loss. Nelson was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Nevada from 1953 until 1989 when he and Ella Mae transferred their membership to First Baptist Church in Nevada. Other memberships in his life included the Masonic Lodge #303, O.E.S. #53 (Order of the Eastern Star), Elks Lodge #564 and N.A.R.V.R.E. (National Association of Retired and Veteran Railway Employees).
Enjoyments in Nelson’s life included vacationing with Ella Mae in Colorado Springs, playing pool at the Neal Center, reading Louis L'Amour books, watching westerns on Channel 8, and having family visit, especially his grandsons and great-grandkids. His favorite restaurants were Chicken Annie’s, Cooky’s Cafe, and Emery’s, where waitresses spoiled him.
Survivors include one son, Randy Brooks, of Nevada; one daughter, Ranea Couch and her husband, Phil, of Moundville; grandchildren: Christopher Schulze and his wife, Jenny, of Willard; Kyle Schulze and his wife, Lauren, of Nevada; Bob Brooks, Perkiomenville, PA; Bryan Brooks, Jacksonville, FL; Isabella Brooks, Nevada; step-grandchildren: Samantha Schmitt, Tayrin Schmitt, Kodie Schmitt and his wife, Macey; great-grandchildren: Maelee Faye and Gracee Aleen Schulze, of Willard; Emerson Ray and Iris River Schulze, of Nevada; Kallen Nash Brooks, of Perkiomenville, PA; step great-grandchildren: Heath Ray Hubbard, Taylee Mae Bryant and Connor Andrew Foster-Bryant; two sisters: Colleen Blevins, of Butler; and Diane Clark and her husband, Larry, of Hume; a sister-in-law, Karen Brooks, of Carl Junction; a brother-in-law, Oran Burrus, of Nevada; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.
In addition to his wife Ella Mae, he was preceded in death by his parents, Buford and Emma Brooks; his brothers: Melvin Brooks, Tom Brooks and Bob Brooks; sisters-in-law, Dorothy (Burrus) Busbea and Donna (Roby) Burrus; brothers-in-law: Bill Blevins, Elvy Burrus, Sr. and Darrell Busbea; nieces: Lisa (Burrus) Cargill and Judy (Burrus) Moore; nephews: Oran Everett Burrus and Travis Allen Burrus; and step great-grandson, Maddox Franklin Foster-Bryant.
The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada. A private committal will be held at a later date at Moore Cemetery beside his wife.
Memorials are suggested to the Neal Center, where Nelson loved going to play pool with friends or the Osage Masonic Lodge #303, where he was a long-time member, c/o Ferry Funeral Home.