Thursday, January 4, 2024

Obituary - Robert S. "Bob" Bricker

Robert S. "Bob" Bricker, 89, of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2023 at Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, MO. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, January 5, 2024 at Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, MO. 

Interment will follow in Raymore Cemetery in Raymore, MO. The family with receive friends 5:00-7:00 PM on Thursday, January 4, 2024 at Atkinson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions can be made to the University of Missouri Livestock Judging Team or the Harrisonville Elks Lodge.

Bob was born September 7, 1934 to David Homer and Velma Pearl (Wilkin) Bricker in Kansas City, MO. Bob grew up in Cass County, starting school at Judy Rural School No. 73, a school his grandfather helped build and at which his mother taught. He then went to Raymore schools for several years before graduating from Peculiar High School in 1952. He graduated from the University of Missouri in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Husbandry. While attending MIZZOU, he was on the Livestock Judging Team. Bob was united in marriage to Mary Lou Webb on July 21, 1956 in Peculiar, MO.

After college, Bob went to work at the Kansas City Stockyards and later formed a partnership that became the Kansas City Livestock Commission Co. In 1971, he sold out and built Miami County Livestock Company in Paola, Kansas. In 1979, he participated in the World Livestock Auctioneer Contest in Brush, Colorado.

Bob was active in several organizations where he took a leadership role. He helped start the Belton Jaycees, where he served as President. He was a 50-year member of Belton-Grandview Masonic Lodge #450 in Belton, and a member of the Cass County Elks Lodge. Bob was active in the Missouri Cattleman's Association, serving as President for two years from 1981 to 1983, and he was instrumental in merging the Missouri Cattleman's Association with the Missouri Livestock Feeders Association into one organization. In August 1981, Bob was also instrumental in starting the Beef House at the Missouri State Fair. He was also a charter member of the National Cattleman’s Association and had served as a Director from 1981 to 1983. Most of all, he was a lifelong Mizzou and Kansas City Chiefs fan. Hunting quail, geese, ducks, pheasant and deer were his lifetime hobbies.

Bob was preceded in death by two brothers, Dennis Woods Bricker and Gilbert Earl Bricker. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Mary Lou; his daughter, Debi Walthall; his son, Steve (Cathy) Bricker; grandchildren: Charity (Ray) Rushly, Brian (Amber) Cronin, Cody (Jamie) Walthall, and Rachel (Clint) Ash; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Re-Elect Sheriff Jeff Weber in Cass County

It was April 4, 1991 when I first put on the uniform of the Cass County Sheriff’s Office and for the last 3 decades it has been my honor to protect the county I was born and raised in. 

I have committed a lifetime to this community and It is a privilege to lead the men and women of the Cass County Sheriff’s Office as we strive every day to Keep Cass County Safe.

For these reasons, and so many more, I am announcing my campaign for Re-Election to a third term as your Cass County Sheriff.

Thank you for your continued support and God bless.

Sheriff Jeff Weber


Obituary - Tyler R. Claypool

Tyler Ray Claypool, age 32, of Nevada, MO, passed away Thursday, December 28, 2023, at Nevada Regional Medical Center.

Tyler was born June 29, 1991, in Lamar, MO. He was an over the road truck driver and had previously worked at Sonic for several years. He loved working on vehicles, and helping to take care of his grandpa, but the thing that brought the most joy was raising his two children.

Tyler leaves behind his fiancée Brittany Stevenson, Nevada, MO; two children, Hayden Claypool and Braylynn Claypool, of the home; his father, Larry Claypool, Nevada, MO; his mother, Shelly Claypool; two brothers, Zack Claypool and Treyton Claypool; two half siblings, Chrissy, and Tristan; maternal grandfather, Dwight Belcher; an aunt, Phyllis Ellifrits, Kingsville, MO; and an uncle, J. Claypool, Nevada, MO. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Don and Jeanette Claypool, and his maternal grandmother, Debbie Hood, and an uncle, Phillip Claypool.

Services for Tyler will be Monday, January 8, 2024, at 10:00a.m. at Ferry Funeral Home. There will be a private family burial at Click Cemetery.

Friends can pay their respects and sign the book Wednesday and Thursday, January 3rd and 4th, from 9:00 am til 5:00 pm each day.

Obituary - Jerry Wallace Benson

Jerry Wallace Benson, age 75, of Peculiar, Missouri passed peacefully surrounded by family on January 2, 2024 in Overland Park, KS.

Jerry was born in Albert Lea, Minnesota on March 4, 1948, the son of Judien Benson and Mildred “Millie” Cora Benson. He was the youngest of three children; Allen, Roger & Jerry. He graduated from Lake Mills, IA high school in 1966.

He married Teri Cromley on August 13, 1966. Jerry & Teri had three children, Carolyn, Jerry Wayne, and Jim. They moved from Rochester, MN to Missouri in 1975. He later married Ruth Ann in 1989 adding three step-children to his family; Kathleen, Carol & John. Jerry and Ruth were united until his passing.

He was trained as a meat cutter and held various positions as part of a happy & rewarding career. After retirement, he traveled with sons, Jerry & Jim, as part of a trucking business allowing the opportunity to travel most of the United States. He later enjoyed driving a school bus for time it provided with kids, helping them to and from school.

Jerry loved camping, dogs, fishing, hunting, and traveling. He was an avid outdoorsman and pool shooter and MN Vikings fan. He enjoyed fishing with daughter & sons, teaching his grandkids how to fish, and family time. He enjoyed traveling & fishing adventures with family to Minnesota, Canada, Texas, Florida, and many areas to pursue his love of nature, family and outdoors. He and Ruth enjoyed time in their camper while snow-birding in Rockport, TX.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 35 years, Ruth Ann of the home and beloved Cocker Spaniel, Lucky; three children: Carolyn Blake (Robert) of Liberty, MO; Jerry Wayne of Pleasant Hill, MO; and Jim of Pleasant Hill, MO; Step-children: Kathleen DeCarlo (Steve) of Melrose, MA, Carol Holsman (Todd) of Raymore, MO, and John Parker of Oskaloosa, IA; grandchildren: Natasha Ploog (Zach); Nasser Baroqua & fiancé Chesle (Carolyn), Haley Benson (Jim), Jordan Benson (Jerry Wayne); Step grandkids: Alex and Bryce Holsman (Carol), Natalia DeGroot (Kathleen), Colin DeCarlo (Kathleen), Dylan Blake (Carolyn), Megan Anderson; great-grandchildren, Anthony (Natalia) and Eden (Megan).

Jerry was an organ donor and his corneas were donated to restore the sight of two people on his passing.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Roger Benson; and Uncle Snookie.

A celebration of life will be at the home, Saturday, January 6, 2024, noon to 3 p.m..

Benefit for Heather Pugh & Family

 

Winter Conditions Return to the region

An active weather pattern is expected this weekend into early next week as a series of systems impact the region. The first of these arrives on Friday with light snow expected across the region. 

The strongest system is expected on Monday into Tuesday, though snowfall amounts remain uncertain at this time.


Obituary - Donald “Don” Ballweber

Donald “Don” Ballweber, age 71, Nevada, MO, passed away on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, MO. He was born June 4, 1952, in Salem, OR, to Harold D. and Thomasine R. (Stiers) Ballweber.

Don is survived by his wife, Sandy; his mother, Ruth; his children, Traci and Samantha; step-children, Tonya, Rickki, Chrystal, and Jessica. Four brothers, Gary, Daryl, Terry, Eric; and a sister, Lesa. His loving grandchildren: Lexi, Savannah, Jazlynn, Mercedes, Lexxie, Lia, Ryan, Jordan, and Jayci. He was preceded in death by his father, Harold; step-father, Jim Falwell; sister, Linda; and brother, Randy.

Don graduated from McNary High School. He served honorably in the US Navy and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He was a retired Professional Truck Driver with the CB handle “Dirty Don”. You know he would have something funny to say when you heard him on the CB. Don enjoyed anything to do with cars, camping, working in the yard, and being with friends and family.

Memorial services with Military Honors will be held 1:00 p.m. on Monday, January 8, 2024, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, MO, with Pastor John Durham officiating.

Obituary - Iva Erickson

Iva Erickson, 72 of Butler, Missouri passed away January 2, 2024 at her home in Butler. A visitation will be held Saturday, January 6, 2024 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the Amsterdam Baptist Church in Amsterdam, Missouri. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 am Saturday, also at the church. 
Burial will take place in Scott Cemetery, Amsterdam. 

Funeral services under the direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Memorial contributions may be made to the Amsterdam Baptist Church or Scott Cemetery. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfu-neralhome.com.

Iva Jewel Erickson was born on October 15, 1951 in Clinton, MO, to parents Russell and Eva Parker Cumpton. Early childhood she lived in Ballard, then moved west of Adrian. She graduated from Miami R-1 in 1969. 

Iva attended Fort Scott Community College where she graduated with her Cosmetology license. After high school, Iva married her high school sweetheart, Larry John Erickson in Amsterdam MO, where they raised 3 children. She loved to decorate, DIY, shop, and spend time with family and friends.

Iva was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Eva Cumpton, brothers Wayman and Leroy. She is survived by her children; Rebecca Joy Johnston and husband Jeff of Butler, MO; Ran-dall John Erickson and wife Julie of Louisburg, KS; Alison Jolene Putnam and husband Trey of Frisco, TX. Grandsons: Jacob, Tavin, Ethan, Renner, Ryder, and Jameson. Granddaughters: Abby, Mia, Josie, and Mairin. Great-grandchildren Carson, Jaxon, Grayson, Tyson, Ma-son, Knox, Margaret, and Miles. Siblings: Larry (Bonnie) Cumpton, Joy (and Ray) Craft, Sha-ron Halliburton, Sister-in-law Reda Cumpton. And a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

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