Obituary - Sam Battaglia, Jr.

Salvatore "Sam" Battaglia Jr., a beloved husband, father, and friend, peacefully passed away on August 20, 2024, at the age of 90. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, August 26, 2024 at Englewood Cemetery in Clinton Missouri. Memorial contributions can be made to the people around that need it most, pass it on.

Born on April 30, 1934, Sam lived a life rich in love, laughter, and cherished traditions. Sam married his high school sweetheart, Norma Fullbright, on September 4, 1954. Their union was a testament to enduring love, as they shared 63 wonderful years together. Sam and Norma were the heart and soul of their family, opening their home every Sunday for spaghetti and meatballs, a tradition that brought their loved ones together around the table. Holidays, especially Christmas and Thanksgiving, were celebrated with joy and warmth, where Sam’s love for family was evident in every laugh and every shared story.

Sam was a man of many passions. He found solace in nature, whether it was casting a line on a quiet fishing trip, enjoying a peaceful hunt, or trying his luck at the casino. Cooking was another joy, and he took great pride in preparing meals that brought smiles to the faces of those he loved. Above all, Sam treasured the time spent with his family, creating memories that will be cherished forever.

For 30 years, Sam worked as an electrician at Armco Steel, a career that he approached with dedication and skill. He was a man of integrity, known for his strong work ethic and the pride he expressed in his craft.

Sam is survived by his two sons, Anthony “Sam” Battaglia and wife Melissa of Clinton, MO, Ronald “Ron” Battaglia and wife Barbara of Kearny, MO; grandchildren Angela Battaglia, Samantha Martin (Storm), Juliana Stasiak (Dan), Jeremiah Battaglia (Constance), April Hartwig (Duane), William Abraham, Sandra Lea Abraham, Elizabeth Abraham, Gabrielle Covert (Larry), Nicholas Battaglia (Rebecca), Cameron Casteel, Megan Richardson (Josh); 18 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great- grandchildren plus many other extended family members., who carry forward the lessons of love, strength, and kindness that their father imparted.

He is also remembered by many friends and extended family who were touched by his generosity and warmth.

Though Sam is no longer with us, his legacy lives on in the love he gave, the traditions he created, and the memories we hold dear. He will forever be missed, but never forgotten. Rest in peace, Sam. You will always be in our hearts.

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

Dangerous heat continues through Tuesday

Dangerous heat will continue today through Tuesday with highs in the mid to upper 90s and heat index values rising up to 100 to 110 degrees. A heat advisory is in effect for the entire area through Tuesday evening.

Police chase ends in Bates County

On August 25th around 5:15 p.m. the Missouri State Highway Patrol along with the Bates County Sheriff's Office was involved in a police pursuit that ended in a accident on E Highway just east of CR NE 2763 in rural Bates County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the accident occurred when a east bound 2024 Dodge Ram driven by 36 year Brandon G. Swartz of Joplin, Missouri was fleeing from police at a high rate of speed when he traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a fence and farm implement. 

Brandon G. Swartz sustained moderate injuries and he was transported to Bates County Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Mr. Swartz was arrested on the following charges 1.) Felony resisting arrest 2.) Felony 3rd degree assault (special victim) 3.) Driving while intoxicated. 

After receiving medical attention Mr. Swartz was booked into the Bates County Jail in Butler on a 24 hour hold with more charges pending at this time.

 Disclaimer: Arrest records are public information. Any indication of an arrest does not mean the individual identified has been convicted of a crime. All persons arrested are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Two injured Henry County crash

On Saturday August 24th around 9:24 a.m. the Missouri State Highway Patrol in Henry County along with the Henry County Sheriff's Office responded to a two-vehicle accident on MO 18 at Grand River Bridge.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the accident occured when the east bound 2023 GMC Terrain driven by an 80 year old Carol D. Teagarden on Butler, Missouri crossed the center of the roadway and struck a west bound 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by a 74 year old Rickard D. Wombles of Clinton, Missouri head on.

Carol D. Teagarden sustained serious injuries and was Golden Valley EMS to Research Medical Center for treatment. 

Rickard D. Wombles sustained moderate injuries and was also transported by Golden Valley EMS to Research Medical Center for treatment.

View crash report below:

https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/HP68/AccidentDetailsAction?ACC_RPT_NUM=240432230

Obituary - Norma Joyce Kramer

Norma Joyce Kramer, 86, passed away Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at Nevada Regional Medical Center.She was born November 4, 1937 to William Henry Madison and Blanche Louise (Tucker) Madison in Fort Scott. 

She attended country schools and St. Mary’s Catholic school in Fort Scott. On September 30, 1954, she married Bill Kramer. He preceded her in death in 2017. She enjoyed listening to music, staying active, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and watching them in their many sporting events and activities. She was a lifelong member of the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church.

Survivors are her sons, Michael Kramer and wife, Patricia, of Fort Scott and Larry Kramer, and wife Grace, of Fort Scott; her daughter, Dolores Pruitt and husband, Jim, of Fort Scott; her grandchildren, BJ Pruitt (Kayla), Brett Kramer (Erica), Jake Kramer, Cody Kramer, Cole Pruitt (Samantha), Megan Crosier (Clint), Patricia Sheehy (Morgan), and Michael Kramer; her ten great grandchildren and one expected in October; her siblings Nora Karleskint, Warren Madison, Cathy Thomas, Frank Madison, and Claude Madison.She was preceded in death by her husband Bill, brother William Madison, and sister Carol LeFever.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 26th at the Kennedy Gym with Father Yancey Burgess officiating. Burial will be at the National Cemetery in Fort Scott. A rosary will be at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 25th at Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel with a visitation to follow. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Care to Share. Donations may be sent to the Cheney Witt Funeral Home, 201 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Cars & Coffee event a success today

Several cool cars gathered this morning in the Napa/Family Center parking lot for the 1st annual Cars & Coffee event sponsored by Restless Performance and Be Seen Motorsports both of Butler.

The coffee was made available today by the famous Blue Truck Cafe. Thanks to everyone who attended this great event. Please enjoy some photos we took below:

Obituary - Charles Eugene McWhirt

Charles Eugene McWhirt, age 94, of Belton, Missouri passed away peacefully at Carnegie Village on August 22, 2024.

A celebration of life visitation will be held from 2-3 p.m. Thursday, August 29, 2024, at Cullen Funeral Home, Inc., 612 W. Foxwood Dr., Raymore, Missouri 64083.

Charles was born in Vandalia, Missouri on January 3, 1930, the son of Orlo J. McWhirt and Gladys M. Johnson. Shortly after graduating from the 8th grade, Charles moved to Kansas City, Missouri. There, he met his first wife, Jessie M. Eggeman. Together, they had three sons, Charles, Robert, and James, who they raised in and around Raymore, Missouri. After 20 years of marriage, Charles and Jessie divorced and the family separated. The two oldest boys remained with Charles, while James moved with Jessie to Michigan. A year later, on September 23, 1966, Charles married Velma L. Elkins, who became the love of his life. Charles worked many years as an Electroplater for Bendix, retiring at age 65. He also built many homes during his life, mostly in the Raymore area. Family was very important to Charles, and along with his parents and sons, Charles was blessed with the love of Velma's many siblings, nieces, and nephews.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Orlo and Gladys McWhirt; his loving wife of 47 years Velma L. McWhirt; two sons, Charles L. and James L. McWhirt; and his brother, Jimmie L. McWhirt.

He is survived by his son, Robert E. McWhirt.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to a local charity of your choice in his honor.

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Inc., Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278

Obituary - Linda Rose McKee

Linda Rose McKee, age 65, was born March 16, 1959 in Kansas City, Missouri. She departed this life August 22, 2024 at her home near Montrose, Missouri.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents; one son James Joy; her siblings: Sandy Ball, Mary Kendall, Jerry Scott, Cathy Ramirez and Bob Scott.

She is survived by her husband George Michael “Mike” McKee; two children, Paula Joy and George Allen McKee; her grandchildren: Joseph Kempinger, Noah Kempinger, Lyric Tinsley, Miley West, and Justiss Tinsley; her siblings: Diana DeMaggio, Frank DeMaggio, Ed DeMaggio, Janet McMichael, Liz Ramirez, Bea Clemons, and Nina Scott.

Visitation

Hill & Son Funeral Home LLC Saturday, August 31, 2024
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Funeral Service

Hill & Son Funeral Home LLC Saturday, August 31, 2024
11:00 AM