Obituary - Patricia McElwain

Patricia J. McElwain, 89, Nevada, MO passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at Moore-Few Care Center in Nevada, MO. Pat was born August 8, 1934, in Nevada, MO to Wagner Rush Crawford and Winona Grace (Kester) Crawford. She married Jack Orville McElwain on May 3, 1953, and to this union two children were born; Kelli Dione Schapeler (Donald) and Robert Scott McElwain (Diana).

Pat lived her whole life in Nevada, MO except for a short time at Liberty, MO. She graduated from Nevada High School in 1952. She went to work out of high school for Henry Kraft Mercantile, retiring after 40 years of service. She enjoyed metal detecting, working in her flower garden, and her family.

Survivors include her 2 children, Kelli Dione Schapeler (Donald), Robert Scott McElwain (Diana); her grandchildren, Amelia Murphy (Keith), Katrina Rich (Jeremy), Rachel Dickerson (Tanner), Dixie Brooks (Rob), Bill McFarlane (Kim), Jared McFarlane; great-grandchildren and their families, Duff, Fox, & Pace Murphy, Ashley Purvis (Mark), Addison, Avery, & Maverick,

Brittany Brooks, Jonathan Brooks (Ellie), Madden and Salem, Zack Brooks, Josh McFarlane, Tyson & Remi, Matt McFarlane, Jacen Collins, Jaxxon & Jameson, Mikayla Collins, Amber Collins; one brother, Raymond R. Crawford; one sister-in-law, Joyce Crawford; and numerous nieces and nephews. Pat was predeceased by her husband, Jack O. McElwain; her parents, Wagner & Grace Crawford; a sister, Carol J. Duncan; a brother, Charles W. Crawford; and a sister-in-law, Patty Crawford.

Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at Moore Cemetery in Nevada with Dr. Kevin Daugherty officiating.

Memorials are suggested to First Baptist Church, Nevada in c/o Ferry Funeral Home.

Arson arrest in El Dorado Springs

On March 1, 2024, El Dorado Springs Fire and Police Department responded to a structure fire at 317 S Park St El Dorado Springs, MO. The cause of the fire was undetermined.

On March 27, 2024, El Dorado Springs Fire and Police Department responded to a structure fire at 113 W Cruce El Dorado Springs, MO. The Missouri State Fire Marshall determined the cause of the fire as arson.

On April 12, 2024, El Dorado Springs Police Department wrapped up an investigation into the fires occurring to vacant residences within the community. 

During the investigation, Kenneth Johnson acknowledged his part in several fires within the community. An arrest warrant has been issued for Kenneth Johnson Jr for 3 counts of Burglary 2nd Degree and 3 counts of Arson 2nd Degree.

On April 16, 2024, El Dorado Springs Police Department executed the arrest warrant taking Kenneth Johnson into custody. Kenneth Johnson has been turned over to the Cedar County Sheriff’s Office.

Further investigation may be needed.

IN THE CASE OF ALL ARRESTS, IT MUST BE REMEMBERED THAT THE CHARGE IS MERELY AN ACCUSATION AND THAT ALL DEFENDANTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL AND UNLESS PROVEN GUILTY.

Released by: Brett Dawn, Chief of Police

Obituary - David Neil Couch

David Neil Couch cherished his final sunset at his family’s homeplace on Monday, April 15 surrounded by loved ones. While he fought a courageous cancer battle, he departed his earthly home filled with gratitude, peace, and assurance of a heavenly reunion with so many of his beloveds.

David was born on April 28, 1950 in Nevada, MO, the first son of Martin Oliver (M.O.) and Helen Pauline (Boatright). David graduated from Bronaugh High School in 1968 and joined the Navy upon graduation, where he spent several years in the construction battalion. While he enjoyed many jobs throughout his lifetime, he loved farming and raising cattle most. He treasured the opportunity to work alongside his dad and brother, tending to the land and livestock they shared. David was a Shriner, Freemason, and lifetime member of the Bronaugh Christian Church.

He married his lifetime love, Connie Sue (Miller) Couch on May 29, 1970. Their legacy of love lives on in their surviving children: Gregg Couch (Kim) and Corey Couch, as well as their six grandchildren, Ashton Chapman (Darren), Mason Couch, Bailey Couch, Taylor Cox, Ethan Couch (Grace), and Kailey Couch, as well as great grandchild, Paxtin Enke. David is also survived by his brother, Phil Couch (Ranea), and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family, and many loving friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, M.O. and Pauline Couch, sister Connie Jean Couch, daughter Susan Couch Versluis, and his in-laws Dale and Erma Miller.

David was a kind and decent man. His infectious laugh was the joy of any room he entered, and you would be hard pressed to find someone who had anything but a kind word to say about his character. He believed – and often proved – that he could fix anything with a set of pliers and bailing wire, and he was known for his innovative repair jobs around the farm. While he enjoyed many tiles throughout his life – husband, dad, and Uncle Dave to name a few – his favorite role was undoubtedly ‘Papa.’ His grandkids were his proudest accomplishments, and he rarely missed a sporting event, rodeo, family celebration, fishing invitation, or opportunity to brag on their successes. David was loved fiercely and fiercely loved.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 20, 2024 in the Ferry Funeral Home Chapel with services officiated by his family. Interment will follow in the Worsley Cemetery, Bronaugh, MO. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Friday, April 19, 2024 at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to “Worsley Cemetery Fund” or “Vernon County Cancer Relief Fund” in care of the Ferry Funeral Home.

Miller breaks yet another record for Rich Hill High School Track

Miller breaks yet another record for Rich Hill High School Track 

Maysi Miller set the Javelin record last season (2023) with a throw of 107' 10"

Last night at the Archie Track & Field Meet she shattered her record with a throw of 111' 51"

Way to go Maysi!!!!

Obituary - James E. "Mack" Miles

James E. "Mack" Miles age 88 of Peculiar, Missouri departed this life on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at his home in Peculiar, Missouri surrounded by loved ones.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 19, 2024 at 2:00pm with internment at Cleveland Cemetery in Cleveland, Missouri.

Visitation will be 1:00pm - 2:00pm on Friday, April 19, 2024 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Judes Children's Hospital or Children's Mercy Hospital and may be sent to P.O. Box 432 Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.

A complete obituary will be posted once that information becomes available.

Clinton High School announces new softball coach

Clinton High School is proud to announce that it has selected Nolan Wilson as the head coach of Clinton High School softball team for the 24-25 school year. Nolan will also be a fifth grade teacher at Clinton Intermediate School next year.

Coach Wilson is a proud 2009 graduate of Clinton High School where he played baseball all four years under the direction of Coach Jim Garvin. He was a 3-year letterman and during his senior year he received First Team All Conference and First Team All-District honors as a pitcher. He also played football and basketball during his years as a Clinton Cardinal.

Nolan has coached football in the Lincoln, Clinton, and Warrensburg school districts. At Lincoln, he was the defensive coordinator for the team during the year they went to the state championship game.
Nolan is married to Dr. Hannah Braden, a veterinarian at the Warsaw Vet Clinic. They have two daughters, Cambrie and Carlie Wilson. In his free time, Nolan enjoys coaching his daughters’ softball, soccer and basketball teams. He also coaches a U12 travel baseball team. Nolan is active with the youth at First Baptist Church in Clinton, and enjoys spending time with family and friends.

“I am excited to be back in the Clinton School District,” says Coach Wilson. “This is my home and I want to see every student succeed and grow to their full potential. I am excited to take the next step in my coaching career by becoming the head softball coach. This program means a lot to me and my family. My oldest sister was a part of one of the first softball teams Clinton ever had, and my dad helped grow the program by taking over the summer program for many years. I can’t wait to lead this great program!”

Activities Director, Kevin LaFavor, is looking forward to Coach Wilson rejoining the Cardinal coaching staff. "We are very excited to bring back another former Cardinal to the Clinton School District. For many years, Coach Wilson could be found at a ball field here in Clinton watching his sisters play softball, and he has a wide variety of knowledge when it comes to the sport. Nolan will be a crucial part of our coaching community, and will contribute greatly to our goal of aligning our youth, middle school, and high school programs. His vision and strengths are not only noticeable on the field, but off of it as well. I look forward to seeing the girls play this fall, and I could not be more excited for them to get started."

Way to go Lucas!

We would like to congratulate Butler High School Senior Lucas Johnson for taking 5th place (of 100 competitors) at State in Business Calculations!!

Obituary - Jacqueline (Jackie) Lee Diehl

Jacqueline (Jackie) Lee Diehl, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and registered nurse, passed away on April 11, 2024, at the age of eighty-three.

She was born in Leeper, Missouri on March 23, 1941, to Leonard and Mae Knapp with siblings, Gene, Bill, La Don and Jerri. All whom have preceded her in death.

Jacqueline began her journey in life as a loving daughter, sister, and friend. On April 27, 1964, she married Rex Edwin Diehl, and in their over fifty-two years of marriage they built a family, home, and thriving farm in Schell City. Rex preceded Jacqueline in death in February 2017.

In her early years, Jacqueline dedicated herself as a homemaker and beautician. Later, her calling led her back to school, where she pursued a career in nursing. Her dedication and compassion led her to serve her community at the Nevada Regional Medical Center for over 15 years, touching countless lives with her care and kindness.

Jacqueline cherished her children and grandchildren. Though she experienced the heartache of losing her son, Scott Edwin Diehl, as a small child, her love for her surviving children, Nancy Simmons (Todd), Rexanne Diehl, and Renee Fesperman (Brent), was steadfast and constant. Her legacy lives on through them and her grandchildren: Scott, Jack, Landon, and Landry; great-grandchildren: Madison, Peyton, and Auburn; and great-great-grandchildren: Julyan and Nolan.

Her faith was an integral part of her life, and she was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Schell City, where she found solace and strength in her community and many friends.

Jacqueline Lee Diehl will be remembered for her unwavering love, quick wit and easy laugh, and her dedication to others. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, kindness, and love that will continue to inspire all who knew her. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

A memorial service to honor and celebrate Jacqueline's life will be held at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, Missouri at 11AM on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. Visitation to be held at 10AM prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorials to the Joe Clark Residential Care Home in Nevada may be made in c/o Ferry Funeral Home.