Obituary - Lawrence Samuel “Larry” Lofquest

Lawrence Samuel “Larry” Lofquest, 62, Nevada, MO passed from this life on Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, MO. Larry was born on May 14, 1954 in Nevada, MO to Samuel Lawrence and Betty Bell (Montgomery) Loftquest.

Larry was raised in Nevada and Graduated from Nevada High School in 1972. He worked for K-W Harvester for a time before going to work for Crane-Plumbing in Nevada in 1978. He continued to work there until his retirement due to disability. Larry enjoyed NASCAR racing, watching sports on T.V., and especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include one daughter, Stephanie Otter and her husband Corey, Richards, MO; one son, Aaron Lofquest, Nevada; grandsons, Braxton Otter and Brady Otter, both of Nevada; three sisters, Linda Sims and her husband Ed, Nevada, Doris Marsh, Nevada, Karen Davis, Nevada; his girlfriend, Tammy Henderson, Nevada, and her children and grandchildren that called him “Papa” Larry. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 23, 2016 at Newton Burial Park in Nevada. The family will receive friends from 6-7:00 p.m. on Thursday evening at the funeral home.

Butler Fire Department and Civil Defense awards banquet

Brenda Cecil also presented Chief Henry with a commemorative Firefighter Edition Henry Rifle.

It was with mixed emotions as the Butler Fire Department and Civil Defense hosted its annual awards banquet. Awards were presented to Assistant Chiefs Mark Miller and Keith Cramer for 30 years of service and Captain Richard Dawson for 25 years of service to the Butler Fire Department. Firefighter of the Year was presented to Captain Doug Wix. 

A special recognition for Officer of the Year was also presented to Chief Henry. All in attendance participated in a moment of silence remembering fallen Firefighter Rodger Cecil. In recognition of Fire Chief Jim Henry’s upcoming retirement, 

Deputy Chief Jason Bennett presented him with a plaque as a “thank you” for over 40 years of service to the City of Butler. Brenda Cecil also presented Chief Henry with a commemorative Firefighter Edition Henry Rifle. 

In previous months Rodger Cecil had purchased the rifle and collected donations from special friends and firefighters from several departments to pay for the rifle for Chief Henry’s Retirement.

Missouri State Highway Patrol Colonel J. Bret Johnson Announces His Retirement

Colonel J. Bret Johnson

Colonel J. Bret Johnson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, announces he will retire effective February 1, 2017. Colonel Johnson is a 30-year veteran of the Patrol, and has served as its 22nd superintendent since May 1, 2015.

During his tenure, Colonel Johnson ensured the Missouri State Highway Patrol provided the highest level of service to the citizens of Missouri. He held all employees accountable to the highest of standards, and joined them in modeling the Patrol’s core values.

“It has been an honor to serve the people of Missouri for the past 30 years,” said Colonel Johnson. “My thoughts are with the friends and family of the 31 Patrol members who made the Ultimate Sacrifice, 18 of whom died while I served. These brave, honorable men did not get to reach their retirement.” 

“Bret Johnson has risen to the top due to hard work, integrity, and outstanding leadership,” Gov. Jay Nixon said. “As the lead state law enforcement officer on the ground following the Joplin tornado, he showed unwavering courage and leadership that provided confidence to Missourians in need. The state of Missouri and the Missouri State Highway Patrol are better because of his distinguished 30 years of service. I am grateful to Bret for his service to the state and for his tireless work to protect the safety of the people of Missouri.”

Throughout his career as part of the Patrol Command Staff, Colonel Johnson worked to strengthen cooperation with law enforcement and other response agencies across the state to ensure rapid and coordinated response to emergencies in all corners of Missouri. 

Another of Colonel Johnson’s priorities was community engagement. He established the Career Recruitment Division on June 1, 2015 to cultivate partnerships with diverse groups and organizations across Missouri. A goal is to build long-term relationships with young people to help inform them about career opportunities with the Patrol.

As part of his vision, Colonel Johnson joined faith leaders in speaking at unity services to focus on what the community and law enforcement have in common. He also embraced the Patrol’s use of social media to share educational and safety information and engage the community in efforts to make Missouri’s roadways safer. 

Johnson, a native of Unionville, was appointed to the Patrol in August 1986, as a member of the 58th Recruit Class. He served in assignments in Kahoka and Hannibal in Troop B (Macon, MO) and Troop F (Jefferson City, MO) before being assigned to General Headquarters as the executive officer. He was promoted to the rank of captain in 2003, and designated chief of staff. In 2007, he was promoted to major and served as the bureau commander for the Support Services Bureau before becoming commander of the Field Operations Bureau. Governor Nixon nominated Johnson to become the Patrol superintendent on February 11, 2015, and he was confirmed by the Missouri Senate on Thursday, March 19, 2015.

Johnson currently resides in Jefferson City with his wife, Cindy. They have two adult sons, one of whom is a sergeant on the Patrol, a daughter-in-law, and a five-month-old granddaughter. 

Obituary - Beth Pyles

Graveside services for Beth Pyles will be 2 p.m. Friday, December

23, 2016 at Old Union Cemetery in Columbia, Missouri. There is no visitation. Services under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com

Willa Beth Pyles, age 73 of Butler, Missouri died Monday, December 19, 2016 at Adrian Manor Nursing Home in Adrian, Missouri. She was born October 30, 1943 to William and Mattie Eli Ward Altgilbers in Columbia, Missouri.

Beth is survived by her husband, Ronald Pyles of Butler and three brothers, Dennis Baker and wife Marilyn, Stephen Baker and wife Glenda and Allen Baker and wife Linda all of Marble Hill, Missouri. She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Sue Bush.

Nevada Shop with a Cop program a huge success

The Nevada Police Department conducted our annual Shop with a Cop Program on the morning of Saturday December 17, 2016. With the overwhelming support from our community we were able to positively impact several local children and their families this holiday season.

The Nevada Police Department would like to thank the following individuals and organizations whose contributions and support were vital to making this event a huge success:

Anita Ryan & Walmart
Heartland Behavioral Health Services
Tera McFarland & Nevada Parks and Recreation
Family & Friends of the Nevada Police Department
Girl Scouts of Vernon County
Ike Richmond
Jim & Ronda Hardin
Nevada Firefighters Local 3031
Great Southern Bank
David Johansen
John Klingaman
Dairy Queen
Nicholas Crawford
Bill & Linda Crawford
Sue Lutes
Virginia Koopman
Norma Griggs

We look forward to continued success of this program in the future.

NRCS Offering Grants to Help Promote Natural Resources Conservation Activities

(COLUMBIA, MO) December 20, 2016 -- The USDA Natural

Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is offering grants for promoting public awareness and implementation of Farm Bill conservation activities.

State Conservationist J.R. Flores said $200,000 is available in Missouri for partners who can help make farmers, ranchers and specialty crop growers aware of NRCS programs. Areas of emphasis for the grants include: reaching historically underserved agricultural producers; workshops, field days and other educational efforts related to soil health; informing producers about organic production and certification, including the production of specialty crops; and farm-to-market tactics and methods.

“NRCS is looking for partners who will use these grant funds to educate Missouri’s farm community, conservation organizations, other natural resource agencies, private landowners and other citizens about opportunities made possible by the Farm Bill,” Flores said.

Applications must be received by 4 p.m. February 13, 2017. For more information about the grant announcement and the application process, contact Jessica Phillips at Jessica.phillips@mo.usda.gov or (573) 876-0912.

Obituary - Richard Dean “Rick” Loe

Richard Dean “Rick” Loe of Drexel, Missouri passed away

December 18, 2016 at the Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri. Funeral services will be held 1:00 pm Monday, December 26, 2016 in the First Baptist Church Mission Hall in Drexel. There will be no visitation. Burial will take place in Fairview Cemetery in Fairview North Dakota. Contributions are suggested to the Drexel VFW Post. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Rick Loe was born September 25, 1945 in Williston, North Dakota to Roy “Bud” and Evelyn Danielson Loe. He grew up in the Fairview, Montana area and later moved to Ethel, Missouri, where he graduated high school. Shortly after graduation, Rick enlisted in the US Army and began his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Following his training he was deployed to Germany. With the strong desire to serve his country, and make a career in the US Army, upon his return from Germany, Rick re-enlisted and was sent to Viet Nam. He enjoyed the Army life, but after receiving a severe injury in combat, his career came to an abrupt end. He was Honorably Discharged on February 24, 1967 and sent to Fitz Simmons Hospital in Colorado to recover. He later joined his brother Roy Loe and made Drexel, Missouri his home. Rick enjoyed spending time at the VFW, especially playing bingo. He enjoyed his John Wayne westerns and making children smile with gifts of candy or quarters.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Marie Johnson and Marjorie McDoughal. Rick is survived by his brother Roy Loe and wife Linda of Drexel, MO., nephew Roy “Rusty” Loe and family of Drexel, niece Shellie Wisdom and family of Amoret, MO., a half-sister, Crystal Martell and family of Sidney, Montana, as well as many other nieces and nephews.

Obituary - Violet Brewster

Violet J. Brewster, 87, Peculiar, Missouri, died Monday, December

19, 2016 at The Rehabilitation Center of Raymore, Raymore, Missouri. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 22 at the First Baptist Church in Peculiar with burial in Wills Cemetery, Peculiar. Friends may call from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 21, at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville.

(A complete obituary will be posted when information is available).