Isolated Severe Storms Possible This Afternoon

Scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon. A few of these storms could be severe with hail to around an inch and locally damaging winds. A tornado or two also can't be ruled out.

Obituary - Darryl Leonard

Darryl Leonard, age 76, Pleasanton, Kansas passed away Sunday, March 20, 2022.

Funeral service will be 2 pm Saturday, March 26, 2022 at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Pleasanton Chapel. Burial in the Pleasanton Cemetery.

Individual respects and guest registry can be made Friday, March 25, 2022. Contributions are suggested to Wounded Warrior Project.

Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.

Obituary - Pam J. Smith

Pamela “Pam” June Smith, age 64, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away, Friday, March 18, 2022, at her home in Fort Scott.

Pam was born March 29, 1957 in Stockton, MO to Billy Joe and Doris June (Wooldridge) Rayburn. She was a high school graduate, and on January 24, 1976, she married Steven Smith in Miami, OK, and together they raised three children. Pam worked as billing clerk at Nevada Regional Medical Center, was a homemaker and loved spending time with her family.

Pam is survived by two daughters; Christine Martinez, Fort Scott, KS and Heather (Mike) Durossette, Nevada, MO; four grandchildren, Logan Smith, Cameron Smith, Colten Lambott, and Haley Smith; several great-grandchildren; two brothers, Jim Rayburn, Nevada, MO and Mike Rayburn, Sheldon, MO.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband Steven Smith in 2008, one son, Scott Smith in 2021, one brother, Joey Rayburn, and one sister, Cheryl Swink.

The graveside service is scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 25, 2022, at Newton Burial Park.

Obituary - Frank D. Thurman

Frank David Thurman, age 68, of Archie, MO, passed away at home on March 17, 2022. He was born at home on March 29, 1953, in Pleasant Hill, MO, to Frank and Frances Thurman. As a young child he and his family moved to Archie, MO, where they ran a dairy farm. Frank graduated from Archie High School in 1971, and then joined the Air Force Reserves and attended college at Central Missouri State University where he received a Bachelor of Science in Agri-Business in 1976. Frank married Michelle Kathryn Jackson on February 17, 1979, and together they had three children. He worked together with his father and brother, Bill, on the family dairy farm until 2001, then worked at the Walmart Distribution Center and as a cattle farmer.

Frank (Frankie) was an active member of his community. He served as an ordained deacon and filled many other volunteer roles at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church in Harrisonville. He was raised in the Austin Baptist Church and also attended Archie Baptist and New Covenant of Garden City later in life. He had a great love for the Lord. He was also a board member for the Missouri Farm Bureau, and an active member of the Missouri Cattlemen's Association. He enjoyed sports and loved to play softball, volleyball, and ride his bike including riding in the MS150. He loved to travel and took his family all across the United States. His adventures took him to places like Guatemala, Costa Rica, Hawaii, and Alaska. He was an avid gardener and loved to create folk art around his home. He also greatly enjoyed playing games with his friends and family and spending time with his eight grandchildren.

Frank is survived by his wife, Michelle (Mickie), son Franklin Charles Thurman (b. 1979), daughter Bethany Frances (b. 1982) and husband Lee Leslie, their children Eleanor, Arthur, Juniper, and Wilder, son Forrest Jackson (b. 1985) and wife Katie Thurman, and their children Forrest D., Fallyn, Fineas, and Felix. He is also survived by 5 siblings, sister Virginia Snipes, brother James (Jim) Thurman, sister Mary Silber, sister Betty Hartwig, and brother William (Bill) Thurman, and many nieces and nephews.

Cremation. A Celebration of Life Service will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 26, 2022 at the New Covenant Fellowship, 30815 S. State Route F, Garden City, Missouri.

Family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., March 25, 2022 at the church.

In lieu of flowers it was Frank’s wish that donations be made towards supporting the mental healthcare of his community. We’ve selected Pathways via the Compass Health Network. Donations can be made online at the following link or by check made payable to Compass Health Network.

https://compasshealthnetwork.org/donate/

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.

Structure Fire in Rich Hill

The Butler Fire Department is assisting the Rich Hill Fire Department on a structure fire in the 400 block of Pine Street in Rich Hill at this time.

Please avoid this area! Mid America Live will update when more information is made available to us at a later time.

Chance for Isolated Severe Storms Tuesday

No significant changes to tomorrow's severe weather outlook. Stay tuned to possible updates tonight and tomorrow!
#mowx #kswx

Update: Death Investigation in Pittsburg Kansas

MEDIA RELEASE
Death Investigation
Media Update – March 21, 2022 – 2:45 PM

On Thursday morning, March 10, 2022, an autopsy was conducted on Mrs. Sorenson’s body at the pathologist’s office in Kansas City. No preliminary determinations were made, and the cause and manner of death are still pending at this time.

Due to the nature of this incident, law enforcement officers initially conducted the investigation as a possible homicide. 

However, information has since developed to where it is believed this may not be the case, and investigators are awaiting results from the final autopsy report for confirmation.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing at this time.

Anyone having information related to this incident, or other incidents, is urged to contact the Pittsburg Police Department at 620-231-1700, or at our tip line, 620-231-TIPS (8477). Callers may remain anonymous.

Obituary - Delores Aliene Gross

Delores “Dode” Aliene Gross, age 76, of Pittsburg, KS, passed away Thursday, March 17, 2022, in Belton, TX. She was born September 5, 1945, in Fort Scott, Kansas to Clyde Wesley and Ruth LaVerne (Rouse) Mallory. After graduating from high school, she became an LPN and was a dedicated nurse for 50 years, spending the majority of her career with special needs children and taking care of the elderly. She was an avid dog lover and loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Dode is survived by three daughters, Susan (Rob) Spencer, Belton, TX, Jeri (Scott) Beals, Verde, AZ, and Wendy (Mike) Macias, Upland, CA; one sister, Carol Beck, Pittsburg, KS; grandchildren, Jennifer Beals, Travis Beals, Ashley Goodwin, Brooke Kirbey, Bailee Foster, Blake Tripp, Brandon Tripp, Abigail Spencer, Jesse Spencer, Victoria Spencer, Carrie Spencer, and Owen Spencer; 18 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents, one brother, Jerry Mallory, a grandson, Travis Beals, a granddaughter, Gracie Spencer, and a nephew Gary Lyden.

A Celebration of Life will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 26, 2022, at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Lamar, MO with Pastor Jack Slade officiating.

Memorials may be made to Camp Barnabas (for special needs children) with the funeral home serving as custodian.