Obituary - Thomas E. Prettyman

Thomas Edward Prettyman, 81, Freeman, Missouri, passed away Friday, December 8, 2023 at St Joseph Medical Center in Kansas City, MO. Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, MO, with burial in Freeman Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00am Wednesday at the funeral home. Contributions may be made to the Belton Assembly of God Church in Belton, MO.

Thomas was born April 3, 1942 in Freeman, MO, a son of Lester Kern and Opal Marie (Duncan) Prettyman. He was a lifelong Freeman resident, attended Freeman School and graduated with the first class from Midway High School in 1960. Tom was united in marriage to LaDonna Mae Wheatley on June 8th 1963 at the home of Rev. Joe Brewster in Harrisonville.

Tom started work for Southwestern Bell as a lineman in 1963 and later became a switching technician, retiring from Southwestern Bell/AT&T in 2006. He was always involved in his hometown, serving as a city alderman and also on the Freeman Zoning Board for many years. Tom was a member of the Belton Assembly of God Church in Belton, Missouri, and the Communication Workers of America, Local 1180.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Johnathan; and four sisters: Lillie, Dollie, Judy, and Martha. He is survived by his wife, LaDonna Prettyman, Freeman, MO; three daughters: Nora Tallman, Belton, MO; Ruth Ann Heines, Cherokee, North Carolina; and Clara Clark, Belton, MO; two sisters: Mary Alice Brown, Cedar Hill, MO; and Lovella Tanner, Freeman, MO; five grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Obituary - Joyce Lea Ward

Joyce Lea Ward, age 82 of Raymore, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at Foxwood Springs Living Center surrounded by her loving family.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at Raymore Cemetery.

Joyce was born in Jordan, Missouri on May 6, 1941 to Orville Driskill and Eva (Bybee) Driskill. After graduating high school, Joyce continued her education. She was a life long Minister’s wife and faithful member of Countryside Bible Church in Peculiar, Missouri. Joyce worked as a mail carrier and was a member of the Rural Route Carrier Missouri Union #16. In life, Joyce loved bird watching, reading, coloring, gardening, and absolutely loved being a grandmother.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Orville and Eva Driskill.

She is survived by her husband Don Ward; children, Gail Williams (Glen) and Robin Simpson (Jim); sister Janice Chapman; four grandchildren, Brandi Riggs (Wesley), Ben Williams (Ally), Ashley Simpson (Brady Tierney), and Alex Wilson (Brad); and six great grandchildren, Gabe, Lexis, Eva, Ezra, Reese, and Carson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Sarah Cannon online at www.sarahcannon.com

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278

Free Christmas Photos on the Butler Square

 

Structure fire in Nevada

The Nevada Fire Department responded to report of a structure fire at 524 W. Austin Blvd. On arrival, crews found light smoke coming from roof on east side. 

Crews made entry to find the ceiling in a bedroom on fire. Fire was extinguished and room overhauled, cause of fire is ruled electrical. 

Eleven firefighters from Nevada and 3 apparatus. Milo and Deerfield responded for mutual aid, 7 firefighters and 3 apparatus from those departments.

Butler Youth Wrestling Club has a great day at Holden

Another great day of wrestling in Holden today for the Butler Youth Wrestling Club. 

Our 6Us joined us today and they all did well and learned a lot for their first tournament. 

GREAT WORK EVERYONE… let’s keep it up!! As always, we are so proud of all of you and your hard work!!

Results from today:

Melanie Varns-1st in Boys and Girls
Myka Morrill-1st in Girls
Eli Morris-1st
Covy Riley-1st
Nolan Varns-1st
Garren Mcguire-1st in 6U, 4th in 8U
Renner Hill-1st
Jarrett Blomquist-1st
Waylen Henderson-2nd
Julius Varns-2nd
Gabriel Sines-2nd
Levi Wiese-2nd
Lucas Dixon-2nd
Elana Wiley-2nd
Brayden McGuire-2nd
Evan Thomas-3rd
Raylan Dickens-3rd

Obituary - John Earl Davis

John Earl Davis, 81, of Archie, MO, went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on the 8th of December 2023 in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loved ones. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, MO, followed by interment in Crescent Hill Cemetery in Adrian, MO. The family will receive friends 6:00-8:00 PM on Wednesday, December 13 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

John was born the 27th of June 1942 in Carbon Center, MO, the son of William and Leona (Elston) Davis. John was a resident of Archie, MO, for 52 years and a 1961 graduate of Archie High School. John was united in marriage to Linda Darlene Brown on the 2nd of May 1964 in Harrisonville, MO. Born of their union were two daughters, Vonda Kay Mawson (Davis) and Paula Sue Lethcho (Davis). John joined the United States Army in 1964 and served eight years in the United States Army Reserves. He then, later, became a carpenter for three years before going to work at Leed’s Car Plant for eight years. He returned to carpentry where many know him for his meticulous craftsmanship. 

He devoted numerous years as a deacon and RA Leader at the First Baptist Church of Archie. His unwavering faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was a source of deep pride for him. John dedicated himself tirelessly, ensuring he was a remarkable provider for his household. Despite long work hours, he consistently made it a priority to engage in play and support Kay and Paula, whether that be playing catch or shooting hoops in the driveway. He found joy in Sunday night pitch games with friends, bowling, pool, ping pong and horseshoes. 

During the onset of spring, he'd set up his Martin houses, delighting in the joy of watching them throughout the entire summer. On pleasant autumn days, he could often be seen harvesting pecans on The Ranch. Before the winter snow arrived, he and Linda would embark on trips to The Valley in Texas, creating cherished memories over the course of several years. 

In his cherished moments, he found immense happiness watching Callie and Mackenzie exhibit their cattle, cheering on Markie during softball games, supporting Stetson in cattle shows, basketball, and baseball, while also creating lasting memories building a treehouse together. John led an exceptional life that will be deeply missed. He was a pillar of strength and reliability, a person his family could always admire and depend upon.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Linda Davis, who shared his home. His legacy continues through his two daughters: Kay Mawson (Rodney) of Archie, MO; and Paula Lethcho of Compton, AR. His adored grandchildren are Callie Curtis (Nick), Markie Smith (Jimmy), and Mackenzie Mawson (Kip Wallace), all from Archie, MO; with one cherished great-grandson, Stetson Curtis. John is also survived by his sisters, Clara Grace Myler of Harrisonville, MO; and Betty Jo Christopher of Archie, MO; along with nieces and nephews: Rhonda Rush (Ralph) of Creighton, MO; Danny Myler (Lanita) of Harrisonville, MO; and John William McDaniel (Gayle) of Harrisonville, MO. Additionally, he is survived by numerous beloved great nieces, great nephews, and cherished friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Leona Davis; his brother, Harry Davis; son-in-law, Michael Lethcho; niece, Dixie Baker; and in-laws, Art and Elberta Gardner.

Obituary - Beverly Inez (Bell) Johnson

Beverly Inez (Bell) Johnson of Raymore, MO passed peacefully on December 7, 2023.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at Cullen Funeral Home, Inc., 612 W. Foxwood Dr., Raymore, MO 64083. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 13, 2023 with burial to follow at Greenlawn Cemetery, Kansas City, MO.

Beverly was born in Kansas City, MO on August 27, 1931. She was the oldest of three children of Frank E. and Edith L. (Waller) Bell. Beverly had two siblings, Janet Earlene (Bell) Dyer (Philip) and Col. William E. Bell (Mary).

Beverly married Earl Warren (Bud) Johnson on June 10, 1949. They were blessed with six (as Bev would say, “Perfect” children). Patti Wescoat (Larry), Kelly Johnson (Pam), Tim Johnson (Debbie), Paul Johnson (Nancy), Julie Kincaid (Brian), Zach Johnson (Shannon). She had 21 grandkids, 34 great grandkids and 6 great-great-grandkids.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Edith Bell, her sister and brother-in-law Janet and Philip Dyer, and brother Col. Bill Bell, her husband, Bud Johnson, two daughters-in-law, Kathy (West) Johnson and Sheryl (Scoggins) Johnson and one son-in-law Andrew Aguirre.

Beverly and Bud lived in the KC area most of their married lives. Together they built, owned and operated B/J Productions for over 45 years. B/J Productions was a Promotional Company that included B/J Photos for Santa and the Easter Bunny pictures at many local malls and events; and the Bud Johnson Petting Zoo which traveled locally as well as over much of the north-western United States. Many of their children and grandchildren were active participants in their business as well.

Beverly was raised attending church as a child. As a young mother she was active at the First Baptist Church of Grandview. She taught Sunday School and had an active role in the WMU (Women’s Missionary Union). In 1970 she moved her membership from the First Baptist church to Belvidere Heights Baptist Church and remained active as a Sunday School teacher, member of the Church Council and WMU until her death. She loved the Lord Jesus with all her heart, read her Bible and prayed daily, which guided her life and she had a continuing prayer list for her children, family and friends.

Beverly would always tell everyone that all of her children were “Perfect”, even as her children would shake their heads. Beverly enjoyed doing things and going places with her kids and she talked with them daily. She enjoyed traveling and visiting with friends. She enjoyed going to the great-grandkids sports events and school programs. She was loved and will be missed by all who knew her!

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Belvidere Heights Baptist Church 15109 White Ave, Grandview, MO 64030.

Butler JV boys wrestling team traveled to Harrisonville for a tournament today

The Butler JV boys traveled to Harrisonville for a tournament today.

We did well overall. We lost some close matches. Most had their first career matches, and they all improved as each round progressed. With more mat time, we will win those close matches.

I am super proud with the camaraderie this freshman group has with each other.

Results:
Mayan Pajula: 3rd place.
Dustin Grubb: 3rd place.
Wyatt Miller: 3rd place.
Phineas Goertz: 4th place.
Aidin Powell: 4th place.