Obituary - Julia Kathleen Phares

Julia Kathleen Phares passed away suddenly on April 3, 2022 at Menorah Medical Center surrounded by her mother, father and sister. She was a bright light in their lives and will be sorely missed. Julia was born in San Francisco, California on October 7, 1977. 

She was adopted by her parents, David and Julie Phares, shortly thereafter. She lived in Berkley, California; Seattle, Washington; New Canaan, Connecticut; and New Iberia, Louisiana. Julia moved to Overland Park to be closer to her family, including her grandmother, aunts, uncles, cousins, parents and sister. She loved them all very much.

Julia enjoyed books and read voraciously. The New Yorker was a favorite of hers, and she loved discussing social issues and politics. She also loved exploring nature and bird watching. Julia was most passionate about cats and rescued many of them over the years. She also enjoyed visiting her sister’s farm to see the new lambs in the spring.

Julia is survived by her father David Phares of Kansas City, Missouri; mother, Julie Phares of Peculiar, Missouri; sister, Dr. Elizabeth Phares of Peculiar, Missouri and her cat Baby.

A small gathering will be held to celebrate her life on Saturday, April 9th from 3 pm to 4 pm at McGilley and George Funeral Home in Belton, Missouri. Family and friends are invited to share memories of the joy that Julia brought into their lives. Her light will never dim in our hearts. Rest in peace, sweet girl.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcgilleygeorgebelton.com for the Phares family.

City wide clean up for Rich Hill

The City of Rich Hill is actively pursuing nuisance properties. City wide clean up, May 16 to May 27, is a great opportunity to rid you and your property of unwanted items.

 
Detailed information is available at City Hall and will be shared on all City Facebook pages within the next week.

 
City Wide Clean Up will include but not be limited to:
**Appliances**
**Air Conditioners**
**Shelving**
**Mattresses**
**Televisions**
**Toilets**
**Sinks**
**Furniture**
**Car Batteries**
**Paint Cans (dried and open)**
**Carpet**
**4 Tires with no side wall or wheel**
**Brush**
**Limbs, no bigger than 6" in diameter**

Obituary - Sharon Kay (Coonce) Danner

Sharon Kay (Coonce) Danner, 74, of Holt, Missouri, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by family on February 20, 2022. Sharon was born at home on August 12, 1947 in Papinville, Missouri to Charles F. Coonce and Bertha E. (Wilson) Coonce.

She started dating her elementary school sweetheart Wesley L. Danner in December 1963. When asked how their first date went, she replied,"Oh, what a night." Sharon and Wesley were married on October 22, 1967. Sharon was a devoted wife and kept watch diligently by while her husband was in Vietnam.

Sharon was a stay-at-home mom until 1986 when she attended Maple Woods Community College. She completed an Associates Degree in Medical Transcription Following the completion of her degree, Sharon accepted a position as office manager for Dr. Balhuizen for 9 years. She then worked as a medical transcriptionist until retirement.

Left behind to cherish her memories: Her husband of 54 years, Wesley of Holt, Missouri, two loving children: a daughter, Lesli (Michael) of Liberty. a son, Robert of Holt. Four grandchildren: Jessica (Jeff) of Kansas City, John (Allie) of Kansas City, Jordan (Spencer) of Blue Springs. Five-great grandchildren: Paige and Liam Poston, and Scarlett and Adalynn Green, and Hunter. Also, many nieces and nephews and all her cousins.

Preceding Sharon in death were: her parents; Charles F. and Bertha E. Coonce, her siblings; Ralph Coonce, Helen Hall, Lewis W. Coonce, Doris D. Thomas, George E. Coonce, James N. Coonce, Ruth A. Kenney and Evelyn M. Painter, and her best friend and cousin Gail D. Biggs.

When Sharon was sewing, cleaning the house, baking or cooking she would have her oldies music on dancing around in the kitchen. Sharon loved her music and could even be found some Tuesday afternoons at the Kearney senior dance or definitely at the Wednesday night jam making music with her lifelong friends.

Sharon was a wonderful wife, mother, Nana, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. Spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren always put a smile on her face. Sharon faced major health challenges in life but met them with strength and perseverance. Sharon loved the Lord and was a member of The First Baptist Church in Kearney.

A visitation and Celebration Life Service will be held 12 noon to 2 pm Saturday, April 16, 2022at Heuser Funeral Home, Rich Hill, Missouri. Inurnment will follow in the Papinville Cemetery.

State Farm Student Athlete of the week Jaxon Hiser

We want to congratulate our State Farm student athlete of the week Jaxon Hiser! Jaxon is a senior on the Butler Track and Field team and was nominated by Head Coach Julie Diehl. Coach Diehl stated “Jaxon is a great leader for our program. He is also a great student and goes above and beyond in track.

He works hard at every practice and puts in extra hours on the weekends in Pole Vault. He steps into fill in for our relays whenever I need him to run, even at a moments notice.” We asked Jaxon what he believes it takes to be a strong leader and he stated “you have to lead by example.

You have to be the example in order to lead by example.” When we asked him what is something he has learned from participating in sports that he can apply later in life he stated “I have learned the harder you work the bigger the payout.” And when we asked him to describe what it takes to be an elite athlete he stated “doing the right thing at the right time, excelling in the moment.” Jaxon has reached a personal best of 12’5” so far this year in pole vault. He attended the state track meet last year as a junior in pole vaulting and hopes to return again this year.

He plans to attend the University of Missouri in Columbia in the fall. Jaxon is the son of Jason and Ashlee Hiser. We want to wish him and the rest of the bears the best of luck as they continue their track season!

Pictured left to right: Coach Julie Diehl; Jaxon Hiser, Kellie Davidson, State Farm

Obituary - Robin Howard Caskey

Robin Howard Caskey, age 64, passed away on Tuesday, April 4, 2022 at his home in Clinton, Missouri. Funeral service will be at 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 9, 2022 at the Vansant-Mills Chapel in Clinton with visitation from 1:00-2:00 PM prior to the service. Burial with military honors to follow in Drakes Chapel Cemetery in Clinton, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions can be made to Marine Corp Toys for Tots program and can be left in care of the funeral home.

Robin Howard Caskey was born on March 25, 1958 to Leon and Shirley (Chapman) Caskey and died in his home in Clinton, Missouri on April 4, 2022. He grew up in Clinton and graduated from Clinton High School in 1976. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. He was stationed all over the world during his active duty. Following his discharge, he remained in the active reserves and was recalled to active duty to serve in the Gulf War. He received many honors during his military service. He was a Marine through and through, and service to his country was very important to him. He was also an active participate in the Marine’s Toys for Tots program.

Rob continued his education as an adult, receiving both a Bachelor’s of Art and Master’s degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. For several years, he owned and operated Caskey Seamless Guttering with his brother Ron. In 2010, he formed New Wings Wildlife Art and began sculpting life-sized, life-like wooden birds, with his primary interest being larger raptors. He had an amazing artistic talent and spent countless hours in his wood shop. Rob was an avid hunter and fisherman, often hunting with his son and his father.

He accepted Christ as a young child and was a member of the Allen Street Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his mother (Shirley Caskey) and his brother (Ron Caskey). He is survived by his son Steven Caskey, his daughter Heather Willcockson, his granddaughters Alyssa, Amber and Paisley, his father Leon, his brother Randal, his sister Teresa Locke (Darin), one nephew, and two nieces.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home in Clinton, Missouri.

Freezing Temperatures Tonight

Temperatures are expected to fall into the mid to upper 20s tonight/ Sat AM. A freeze warning is in effect so steps should be taken to protect sensitive vegetation from being damaged or destroyed.

Max Motors Dealerships Acquire Nevada Auto Mall

Max Motors Dealerships will add Nevada Auto Mall, 2501 E. Austin Blvd. in Nevada, Missouri, to the company’s lineup of dealerships. The acquisition represents the second Max Motors location in Nevada and the tenth location overall, serving customers in four Missouri cities (Nevada, Butler, Harrisonville and Belton) and one in Kansas (Manhattan).

“Nevada Auto Mall and Hope family name have been doing business for 25 years and is known throughout the region for delivering a pleasurable buying experience,” said Bob Jacaway, Max Motors President and CEO. “It’s our mission to continue that legacy with Nevada Auto Mall as part of the Max Motors family.” All employees will continue to hold their current positions as a part of the purchase, including Dan Hope Jr. and Dan Hope III as we continue the family legacy.

The purchase of Nevada Auto Mall brings the total number of vehicle brands offered by Max Motors in Nevada to eight: Ford, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Buick, GMC, and Chevrolet. “We’re honored to be in a position to bring a variety of trusted brands to meet our customers’ needs,” Jacaway said. “We don’t want to be your dealership for just one purchase, but your dealership for life. No matter your unique needs or budget, we have the new or pre-owned vehicle for you.” Max Motors opened its first location in 2006 in Butler, Missouri.

The substantial growth the company has enjoyed earned Max Motors the No. 59 ranking as one of the Fastest Growing Private Company by the Kansas City Business Journal. Nevada Auto Mall is the newest addition to the Max Motors family which comprises Max Ford of Manhattan; Max Hyundai of Manhattan; Max Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Belton; Max Motors Pre-Owned Center; Max Ford of Harrisonville; Max Collision Center; Max Ford of Butler; Max Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Butler; and Max Chevrolet Buick GMC of Nevada along with the newest locations Max Ford Nevada and Max Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Nevada

Freeman Barrows the First County Clerk of Bates County

The first story this year will be about Freeman Barrows and his connection with Harmony Mission, Papinville and Bates County. If you have read the stories or heard them on the radio last year you will remember that Harmony Mission closed in 1836. The American Board had their annual meeting in September of 1935 and had decided to send some people to investigate how the mission was doing and to see if it still served a purpose to the Osage.

Revs Kingbury and Byington were sent to the mission in the autumn of 1834 spending some time at the mission to talk to the ministers and laborers at the mission. They brought back the information to the board that the mission should be closed, because most of the Osage had left the area. 

Freeman Barrows came to the mission in 1838. He was born in Middleboro, Massachusetts and later moved to New Bradford with his family to establish a wholesale grocery business. Freeman decided he was going to head west and arrived at Harmony Mission. When he first  came to Harmony he taught at a private school for George Douglas. William Waldo owned a store in the large building at Harmony that was built for the school, housing the Osage children and church services. Waldo hired Freeman to be the manager of the Waldo-Douglas store and he managed the store for two years.

In 1841 Bates County was established.  With permission being obtained from the governor, Thomas Reynold, on March 11,  1841 Harmony Mission was renamed Batesville.  It was the  third county south of the Missouri River. Freeman was elected County Clerk, recorder and circuit clerk. The post office was also located in the building and Freeman was also the postmaster. Batesville had the first post office, voting precinct and where court was held.

Freeman married Asenath A Vaill on August 23, 1842. She had come to Balltown to visit her sister Elizabeth (whom was married to Waldo owner of the store Freeman managed) and one year later they married. They lived in a log cabin two miles to the east of Papinville. Freeman was still working at the county seat and worked there for twelve years. Later he built a nice house which is still standing today. It is now the home of Elsie Klinksick.

About 1858 Freeman’s health was declining so he gave up his county seats positions. He died in April 1861 of tuberculosis and is buried at the Green Lawn Cemetery in Rich Hill, Missouri.

The next story will be about Asenath Barrows. She had a very interesting life and I am sure you will enjoy reading the story. The Papinville Historical Association is planning on doing the Harmony Mission Tour this spring. Those of you who made reservations last year will be called to let you know when the tour will take place. If you haven’t made reservation and would like to go to the location where Harmony Mission and Bates County was established call either of these telephone numbers 417-395-4288 or 417-395-2594 and make your reservation. There will be two tours 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Lunch will be served on both tours so you can eat on the grounds where Harmony and Batesville were established. Pray we won’t have a flood this year.

The Papinville Historical and Cemetery Association would like to thank every one who donated to the donation drive. Since we haven’t been able to have any events for two years this helped with our finances which was greatly appreciated. If there is any organization or school that would like to see the museum, school or hear more about the history of Harmony Mission or Papinville call the numbers that were given to make the reservations. We have a nice shelter house that can be used for family reunions with a kitchen and restrooms. Anyone that is interested in helping with the  Papinville Association (to keep the history alive for the future generations )you are welcome. We would love your help. 

              Submitted by Phyllis Stewart

Information for this story was taken from the following books:

“Papinville History Book 1997” Co-Compilers Beverly Sullins and Phyllis Stewart

“The First Protestant Osage Missions 1820-1837 “ Wm. W. Graves

“History of Bates County Missouri” W.O. Atkeson 1918