Obituary - Donald Edwin Wimsatt

Donald “Donnie” Edwin Wimsatt, 78, of Archie, MO, passed away on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at his home with his family by his side. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 13, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, MO, with the visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian, MO, with full military honors.

Donnie was born June 1, 1944, to Kenneth “Google” G. and MaryBelle (Maddux) Wimsatt in Dayton, MO. He graduated from Archie High School with the Class of 1962. After high school, Donnie enlisted with the U.S. Navy, serving during the Vietnam War. Upon discharge, Donnie began his career with Bendix, retiring as an electrical planner in October of 1999 from Honeywell. He met the love of his life, Barbara Davenport, in May of 1970. They wed on May 22, 1971 at Barbara’s mother’s house in Harrisonville, MO. From this union, two children were born - David Gerald and Heather Rachael.

Donnie participated in Boy Scouts, obtaining his Eagle Scout and becoming a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. He was also a member of the Ararat Shriners and the Grand River Lodge #276 in Freeman, MO and had been previously a member of the Archie Masonic Lodge. Donnie had a love for reading the Bible. From cover to cover or just a quick passage, the Bible gave him joy. He will be remembered for his love of music, collecting records, playing golf and pool, fishing and enjoying classic Westerns, but mostly he will be remembered for his unique sayings. You knew Donnie loved you if he was being slightly ornery with you, or if he threw out one of his many sayings such as, “Do you live around here or ride a bicycle?” That was just who he was. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him... and just remember, he “loved you more.”

Donnie was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Geraldine Houchen; and an infant brother. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Barbara Wimsatt; his son, David (Stephanie) Wimsatt; his daughter, Heather (Derrick) Schrock; 7 grandchildren: Devin Schrock, Dalton Schrock, Mariah Wimsatt, Dawson Schrock, Lannah Wimsatt, Hadley Schrock, and Henley Schrock: his sister, Janice Harader; and many extended family and friends.

From the desk of Bates County Sheriff Chad Anderson

Members of the Bates County Sheriff’s Mounted Patrol and Sheriff’s Posse answered the call from the FFA horse Judging group. Members took horses to the Bates County Fair Grounds to assist with practicing their horse judging skills. 

FFA kids from around the region were bused to the Bates County Fair grounds to practice their judging skill from horses, goats, pigs and cows.

“We are proud to consistently be someone the schools and kids can count on when needed” says Sheriff Anderson. “We are also proud of the facilities at the fairgrounds and all the investments from time and money spent to support our agricultural life in Bates County”.

Obituary - William Ted Lang

William Ted “Bill” Lang, 63, of Beloit, WI, died on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at Beloit Memorial Hospital.

He was born on January 22, 1960 in El Dorado Springs, MO, the son of Ted and Mary Jane (Puckett) Lang. Bill was a 1979 graduate of Nevada High School in Nevada, MO.

Bill enjoyed watching and listening to all sports on the TV and radio. He loved his cat, Corny and spending time with friends, especially talking with Mark Mendenhall, David Cherry, and his fellow “Brothers Pig” group.

Survivors include his sister, Cindy (Eric) Gill of Beloit, WI; brother, Clifford (Debbie) Lang of Perryton, TX; sister-in-law, Jeanne Close of Stephenville, TX; nieces and nephews, Christy (Rob) De Moss, Amanda (Ray) Kortte, Jace (Hayley) Lang, and Kimberly (Brett) Robinson; great nieces and nephews, Audrey, Reagan, Oakley, and Jackson; many other nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents and grandparents.

A graveside service for Bill will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 6, 2023 in Moore Cemetery, Nevada, MO, with a reception to follow at the Elks Club.

Shots Fired At Deputies During A Pursuit

At approximately 3:45 am this morning the Deputies with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office located a stolen vehicle (out of North Kansas City) in the area of I-49 and 163rd Street in Belton. 

The driver of the vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit ensued. During the chase, the driver of the stolen vehicle fired several shots at the pursuing Deputies.

 
The Grappler Device was used to stop the vehicle on Byars Road in Grandview. Two suspects fled the vehicle on foot. A short time later, both the female and male suspects (both still armed at the time) were taken into custody without incident.

Both parties are suspects in multiple business burglaries throughout the metropolitan area. They were transported to the Grandview Police Department and are currently pending formal charges. The Grandview Police Department is assisting in the investigation.

 
Additional weapons and stolen items were recovered from the vehicle. No Deputies or Officers returned fire during the incident, and no injuries were reported. Additional information will be provided once formal charges are filed.

Good morning Drexel Bobcat Families

Good morning Drexel Bobcat Families,

At around 7:05 this morning we were alerted to a possible emergency situation in close proximity to the school. At that time the district went into a brief lockdown. 

Shortly after we confirmed with the Cass County Sheriff’s department, they advised that a lockdown was not necessary. By approximately 7:20 the lockdown was lifted.

Terry Mayfield
Superintendent

Obituary - Marjorie M. Godley

Graveside service for Marjorie M. Godley will be 2:00 p.m., Monday, March 13, 2023 at Highland Cemetery with Pastor Tony Cook of Northside Baptist Church, Lawton, Oklahoma officiating.

The family will greet friends from 5-7 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Becker-Rabon Funeral Home.

Marjorie M. Godley, 92, of Lawton, Oklahoma passed away Tuesday, March 7, 2023 in Lawton. She was born November 12, 1930 in Rockville, Missouri to William P. “Bill” and Mildred (Snively) Hoffman. She graduated from Rockville High School in 1948. Marjorie had been a resident of Lawton since 1968 when her husband was transferred to Fort Sill. She married SFC (Retired) James Clarence Godley on August 5, 1956 in Kansas City, Missouri. James passed away July 15, 2011. 

Marjorie was a member of the Lawton Crafts and Hobbies Association from 1977-1993 and at one time she served as secretary and publicity chairman and worked at Ray’s Pharmacy for two and a half years. Marjorie enjoyed watching NASCAR and especially her favorite driver, Jeff Gordon. She liked to picture point and spend time with her cats. She also sold Sarah Coventry jewelry.

Marjorie is survived by her three sons, Wendell Godley and wife Suzy of Fort Worth, Texas, Terry Godley and wife Sharon of Bakersfield, California, and James Godley of Lawton, Oklahoma, four grandchildren, Amanda Drake and husband David of Moore, Oklahoma, Todd Godley of Mustang, Oklahoma, Nicole and Kendall Godley both of Lewisville, Texas, seven great grandchildren, Lillian Godley, Jaxen Godley, Taylor Drake, Ryann Drake, Makayla and Makenzie Innman, and Airianna Godley, and other nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, one brother, William Robert “Bill” and wife Dixie Hoffman, and one grandson, Kyle Godley.

Cloudy and gray weekend ahead

Dry but cloudy today. Temps will remain cool in the 40s, with rain chances returning Saturday morning. 

A few areas in northern Missouri near the MO/IA border may see some snow Saturday morning. Little to no accumulation is anticipated.

Obituary - Michael Louis Pool

Michael Louis Pool, age 70, a resident of Lake Fort Scott, passed Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at his home. He was born July 27, 1952, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the son of William Louis “Louie” Pool and Norma Elaine Johnson Pool. Mike grew up in the Bronson area and graduated from the Uniontown High School. 

He married Patricia A. Floyd on November 11, 1970, at Nevada, Missouri. Mike was a brick and stone mason as well as a tuck pointer. He used his skills on construction sites throughout Kansas and Missouri. Weekends were spent racing at the Mo-Kan track or fishing on the lake.

Survivors include his two sons, Brian Pool and Brent Pool (Tawny) both of Ft. Scott; six grandchildren, Laura, Ashleigh, Logan, Nash, Kellen and Evan and a brother, Steve Pool of Penokee, Kansas. Mike was preceded in death by his wife, Patty, on May 21, 2019. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Louie and Elaine Pool.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, March 15th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Bronson Cemetery. 

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Tuesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.