Friday, February 4, 2022

Refreeze Warning Tonight!

As temperatures continue to drop across the state into the evening hours, the melted snow and wet roadways could refreeze, creating slick conditions.

Use extra caution if you must be on the roads. Bridges and overpasses are especially prone to black ice. Remember to buckle up and drive safely.

Check conditions before you go: traveler.modot.org

Obituary - Philip Lee Fox

Philip Lee Fox of Rich Hill, MO, was born to Hubert and Ann Fox on April 14th, 1956 in Nevada, MO. Phil went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 1, 2022.

Phil spent his early years in Nevada, MO and Ballard, MO. At the age of 7, Phil traveled with his parents and sister to Thailand to join the mission field. After graduating high school, he attended Southwest Baptist University, where he received a Bachelor of the Arts in History, and met Cathy Coleman. Phil and Cathy married in November of 1978, and had three children—Lori, Eric, and Alicia.

Phil received his Masters of Divinity from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1988. His first pastorate was in Eufaula, OK. Over the course of his calling, he pastored churches in Pryor, OK and Adair, OK, eventually settling in Rich Hill, MO. While living in Rich Hill, he has served in the Ministerial Alliance, he has been active in the Community Choir, and performed multiple services in his community. Until his passing, he led the congregation at Faith Community Church of Prairie City. Sharing God’s love was his passion, and he took great pride in teaching others about Him.

Phil was preceded in death by beloved grandparents, and several aunts and uncles.

Phil is survived by his wife of 43 years, Cathy Fox, and his children Lori Fox, Eric Fox and his wife Jessica Fox, and Alicia Fox. His parents, Hubert and Ann Fox, his sister Beth Gregory and her husband Charlie Gregory. His grandchildren, Gabriella Boley, Anthony Boley, Grace Garcia-Fox, Paul Fox, and Liam Fox, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, February 7, 2022 at 2:00 pm with visitation 1:00 pm until service time. Interment will be in the Reformed Cemetery, Rich Hill. 

Contributions are suggested to Rich Hill Memorial Library or Kern Center and may be sent in care of Heuser Funeral Home Box 42 Rich Hill, MO 64779.

Obituary - Leslie Brock

Leslie Brock, of Independence, MO, passed away unexpectedly on February 1, 2022, at the age of 66.

Leslie was born on November 30th , 1955 to George E. Spear Jr. and Doris J. Spear (Merry) in Belton, MO. Leslie married Terry L. Brock on May 16th , 1975 and enjoyed over 46 years of marriage together. Leslie and Terry had two sons, James and John.

Leslie had a great work ethic and knack for helping others which led to two separate careers, one for the Belton School District as a secretary at Yeokum Middle School for 15 years followed by 10 years as the secretary for the Belton Police Department. Leslie made friends in every aspect of her life from the School District to the Police Department to the community around her. She was a truly genuine person who was always looking out for everyone else’s interests beyond her own.

Leslie loved being outside, whether that meant gardening, going on fishing trips with Terry or just sitting by the fire at night. She also loved being creative and artistic either singing, painting or even sculpting.

Leslie’s beautiful voice provided her the ability to perform in The Music Man which toured Europe while she was still in High School. And from time to time, she was gracious enough to sing solos at church or perform the national anthem at her sons’ sporting events.

Leslie was also a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Independence. Above all other things, Leslie loved being a great daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and wife. To her grandchildren she was MeMe and she was the best MeMe the world has ever laid witness to.

Words cannot do justice for how much she will be missed, not only by her family but by all the lives she touched along her journey.

Leslie is preceded in death by her mother, Doris J. Spear, father, George E. Spear, Jr., Aunt Elinor and Uncle Robert (Bob) Steinbrueck, Uncle Paul Robert “Bob” and Aunt Berneice Merry, and Uncle Harry Spear.

Leslie is survived by her husband, Terry, sons, James (Angela) and John (Lexi), grandchildren, Lilly, Sam and Emilia, brothers Michael (Jan) and Brett (Jo), Step-mother, Barbara Spear, step-siblings, Barbara Lynd (Bryce), Brent Gilmore, Mark Gilmore, Susan Wise (Kim), and multiple nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand nephews.

Services will be held on Monday, February 7, 2022 at the First Baptist Church in Independence at 500 W Truman Rd, Independence, MO 64050 starting with a visitation at 10 am followed by a memorial service at 11 am. An interment service for close family will be held directly after the service at Mt. Washington
Cemetery in Independence.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to the Save Our Sanctuary Fund for the First Baptist Church of Independence. Donations can be made on the “First Baptist Church Indep MO” app or by mailing them directly to the church at 500 W Truman Rd, Independence, MO 64050.

Harrisonville High School Wrestling News



Congratulations to our Harrisonville Wildcat wrestlers who've reached the 100 Win milestone! What an achievement! Congrats to Carson Miller, Melaina Beachner, Alana Lopez & Chloe Herrick! #WildcatPride

Obituary - Bruce Lane Kagarice

Bruce Lane Kagarice, 59, Garden City, MO, passed away Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at his home. A celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

Bruce was born on February 27, 1962 in Harrisonville, MO, to Jack and Wanda (Taylor) Kagarice. Bruce attended Lone Tree School and graduated from Harrisonville High School with the Class of 1980. Bruce met the love of his life, Kathleen, in 1998 and married July 10, 1999, when he also gained two sons, Christopher and Nicholas. Bruce worked for Shamrock Cabinet and Fixtures out of Raytown since 1999. In his free time, Bruce enjoyed woodworking, all outdoor activities, camping, traveling, watching the Kansas City Chiefs, and grilling and smoking food for the family gatherings. Last, but not least, obsessing over his three granddaughters who were tightly wrapped around his finger.

Bruce is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Wanda Kagarice; sister, Phyllis; and father and mother-in-law, Robert and Betty Hatfield. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, of the home; sons: Christopher Tye and wife, Angela; and Nicholas Tye and wife, Heather of Harrisonville; his three granddaughters: Madisyn, Ava, and Harper; sister, Sandra Morris of Harrisonville; brothers: Larry Kagarice (Dawn) and Jack Kagarice (Donna), both of Latour; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Happy Retirement Donnie!

Friday afternoon Donnie Wiggans celebrated his retirement with friends and co-workers at Nevada Regional Medical Center. Donnie was born in Kansas City, but moved to Fort Scott as a young boy.

There he eventually worked at Ruddick’s Furniture for 17 years before moving to Nevada to work at Heilig-Meyers Furniture. In 2001 he joined the Materials Management team at NRMC and says he’s really enjoyed working with the hospital staff. “I’ve given them a lot of trouble and they’ve given it right back.” Materials Management Director Mandi Jordan added, “Donnie has been a ‘rock star’ on customer service surveys multiple times. He has gone above and beyond to take care of customers and their needs. 

I’m proud of him, and for having the privilege of working with him for nearly six years.” Donnie now looks forward to hunting, fishing and working with his Golden Retriever. Congratulations Donnie!
 
(Pictured here with Donnie is Materials Management Director Mandi Jordan.)

Coyote Hunt in Bates County

 


Obituary - Jesse Rodriguez

Jesse Rodriguez, 36 of Butler, Missouri passed away Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at St. Joseph Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Funeral services will be held 5:30 pm Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). A visitation will follow from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Wednesday, also at the funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made, in lieu of flowers, to the Jesse Rodriguez Love Fund c/o Citizens Bank. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Jesse Rodriguez was born on October 3rd, 1985, in San Bernadino, California, to Jesus and Angela Rodriguez. As a child, Jesse participated in soccer and football. His football team won the CIF State Championship (that he liked to brag about often). In 2001 Jesse met the love of his life, Valerie. He later graduated in 2004 from Kaiser High School. Jesse and Valerie welcomed their firstborn, Issac, in May of 2006. While taking care of his family, he graduated from CDL school in 2007.

In 2011, after ten years of dating, Jesse married his high school sweetheart Valerie. As a family, they moved to Butler, Missouri, in February of 2013. In November of 2015, they welcomed their second born, Illiana. He worked for Town & Country Disposal, Barry Wright, and UPS where he gained many friends along the way.

Jesse enjoyed going on road trips and site seeing. This was a favorite family pastime as a child that he spontaneously did with his own children and family. In recent years, while driving a truck for UPS, he would love to share stories from his time away on the road. From the waterfalls in Oregon, the scenery in Utah, the greenery of the Carolinas, and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in Maryland.


He collected magnets from the states he was able to stop in, totaling 26. Jesse loved to grill and have the whole family together as many nights as possible. He would often drop in on his family just to spend time with them (mostly his mother’s). He got the most joy out of attending events for his children, niece, and nephews. He was their toughest and proudest spectator/critic.

In 2017 Jesse purchased his second wife, a 2015 Road King. He loved to take her on long rides and attend several bike rallies. Along with his bike, he took pride in maintaining his home, from mowing his lawn weekly to picking out and hanging most of his interior décor. He wasn’t your average big guy. People often underestimated him because of his size, but he loved to prove them wrong. Typically, a man of his stature wouldn’t challenge people to a race, and win! This competitiveness often carried forward into his work, where he would strive to finish his routes first and be the hardest worker around.

Jesse’s presence was infectious. His smile was contagious and welcoming. He often cracked jokes and picked on his family and friends. His wife Valerie and son Issac got the pleasure of being his most popular victims, while princess Illiana could do no wrong. He was one of the most loyal and loving person you could meet. When you needed him, no matter the time, he would be there to help. Often even helping strangers along the way. This big strong man had a huge heart that will carry on forever.

Jesse is preceded in death by his Father – Jesus Rodriguez, and Grandparents – Pasqual & Felicitas Cruz.

Jesse is survived by his wife – Valerie, two children – Issac and Illiana, mother – Angela, siblings – Jason Cruz (brother) and partner Amie Jo, Joseph (brother) & Melanie (wife) Rodriguez, Jeana (sister) & Nick (husband) Alkire, Donnie (brother) and Christina (wife) Bush, Tricia (sister) and Matt (husband) Stuart. Three nieces – Mikaylah, Taylor, Alayna, and four nephews – Damian, Davey, Vinny (godson), Kaleb, and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.
 

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