Obituary - Shirley Lee Jean Baxter

Shirley Lee Jean Baxter, 91, Milo, MO, passed away on Friday, September 20, 2024, at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, MO. Shirley was born in Clinton, MO on January 21, 1933, to Melvin Luther and Lorine (Porter) Kessler. She was married to Dean Baxter on August 18, 1951 and he survives of the home.

Shirley attended school at Greenwood School in Kansas City, Jr. High in Bell Gardens, CA, and High School at Central High School in Kansas City. She worked at Chandler Show Store, Dixie Shop, and Stowe Hardware, all in Kansas City. She also worked at Farm & Home, Dr. Griswold’s office and Moore-Few Nursing Home in Nevada, MO. Shirley was the first administrator of Moore-Few Nursing Home. She worked at three other nursing homes in Missouri as well. Shirley retired from the Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Bureau on October 1, 1999, after working as Administrative Assistant for two bureau managers for 12 years. In the Village of Milo, she served as Finance Officer for 15 years.

Originally moving to Nevada in 1958 to a farm South of Nevada on BB highway, they then moved in 1984 to Jefferson City until 2001, when they moved back to Milo, MO and built a new home there.

Shirley was involved in numerous organizations: she was a member of the Business & Professional Women for over 40 years, held several local and state offices, and was the Woman of the Year; a member of International Association of Administrative Professionals since 1992 to two different chapters: Ink & Quill, Jefferson City and Route 66, Joplin, and held several chapter offices, helping with 3 Missouri Division meetings; served as president of the Missouri Square and Round Dance Association; served also on the board of Missouri Round Dance Association; was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Nevada, MO; served as an ombudsman at Moore-Few Nursing Home; and worked at numerous elections.

Shirley is survived by her husband of 73 years, Dean Baxter; four children, Mike Baxter, Sheldon, MO, Mark Baxter, Minnesota, Melvin Baxter, Florida, and Daniel Baxter, Nevada, MO; 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Jeanne Achey, and one brother, Melvin L. Kessler.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church, Nevada, with Pastor Laura Agee officiating. Those who wish may contribute in Shirley’s memory to the First Presbyterian Church or St. Jude Children’s Hospital in c/o Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada. Committal will follow in the Sheldon Cemetery at a later date.

Shed fire this morning in Butler

Around 7:30 a.m. on Friday morning the Butler Fire Department along with Butler Police Department responded to a report of a shed fire at 119 S. Broadway Street in Butler.

When crews arrived on scene the shed was fully engulfed in flames but no one was said to be injured in this fire. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation at this time.

Mid America Live News will update this story when more information is made available to us from the Butler Fire Department. 

Butler Chamber of Commerce Business of the month for September

The Butler Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate Derailed Commodity of Butler for being selected as the September business of the month. 

Be sure to come check out the wide selection of flooring and furniture items! If you need it for a house they have it! 

Pictured below is the crew of Derailed Commodity and member of the Butler Chamber! Be sure to check them out!

Obituary - James E. Baker

James E. Baker, 92, of Peculiar, Missouri, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2024 with his granddaughter by his side. In lieu of services, the family recommends lighting a candle in his memory. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude.

James was born in Altus, Arkansas. He spent his childhood in Altus, later moving to Kansas City, MO. He served in the Army during the Korean War. He thoroughly enjoyed his retirement years at the Lake of the Ozarks and as a Winter Texan.

Jim enjoyed fishing, bowling, square dancing, grilling, and watching sports, but it was his family that brought him the most joy. He genuinely enjoyed talking with neighbors and friends, and wanted to be remembered as the kind and generous person that he was.

James is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Nancy; and his daughter, Teresa. He is survived by his son, Steve; his grandchildren, Rachelle and Brian; and many friends and extended family members.

Important Update: Midwest Lumber Butler Location

 Due to a storm that impacted our store, we are temporarily closing our Butler location until further notice. The safety of our customers and staff is our top priority, and we need to assess structural safety before reopening.

For any inquiries, please contact us at 816-281-3500 or email office@midwestlumber.com. Thank you for your understanding!

Update: Wanted man arrested in Crawford County Kansas

On Thursday, September 19, 2024, Nicholas Howard Juarez, was taken into custody by Law Enforcement in Crawford County, Kansas. 

The Fort Scott Police Department sends it’s appreciation to the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office, Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Kansas Highway Patrol and the United States Marshals Service for their assistance in the apprehension of Juarez.

Please note. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

View original post below:

https://batescountynewswire.blogspot.com/2024/09/fort-scott-kansas-police-seeking-public.html

Obituary - Keaton Cale Kennedy

Keaton Cale Kennedy, age 27, passed away on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at his home in Clinton, Missouri. Memorial services will be held at 11:00am, September 28, 2024, at Green Acres 701 S Prairie Lane, Raymore MO 64083. Memorial contributions can be made to the Keaton Kennedy Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the funeral home.

Keaton was born on August 20, 1997, in Kansas City, Missouri. He will be remembered as a loving father who cherished moments spent with his two sons. Whether he was fishing with them, tossing a football in the yard, or sharing the fun of a video game, he loved spending time with his boys. His sons, Kase and Daxton, were his world, and he took great joy in seeing them do the things they love.

Keaton’s passion for Cane Corso dogs was another defining part of his life. He bred and raised these beautiful dogs with a dedication that not only nurtured the animals but also forged deep friendships with fellow dog enthusiasts. His kind heart, sense of humor, and friendly spirit made him beloved by those who knew him, and the relationships he built over the years are a testament to his friendly demeanor.

Keaton was preceded in death by his grandpa, Johney J. Hastings Jr., and other beloved grandparents and great-grandparents. His passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the lives of his family and friends, who will forever cherish their memories of him.

He is survived by his loving parents, Kristina and Donald Lee, as well as their children Kailan Hastings and fiancé Caitlyn, Kwenten, and Thomas. Keaton’s precious sons, Kase and Daxton, and their mother, Autumn, will hold his memory close to their hearts. His father, John Kennedy, also survives him, along with his grandparents, Brenda and Danny Griffith; Kasey and Chad Green, and their children, Isabella and Trevor; and Kimberly and Steve Hugunin, and their children, Ava, Henry, and Bo.

Keaton’s presence in this world was one of warmth and kindness, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. His legacy will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and everyone whose life he touched.

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

Butler Lady Bears Volleyball loses tonight on the road in Adrian

The Butler Lady Bears traveled north tonight to take on their rival the Adrian Lady Blackhawks in JV and Varsity Volleyball action tonight. 

The Butler JV girls lost in both sets 19-25 and 21-25. The Butler Varsity girls won the first set 25-18, lost the second set 18-25, lost the third set 15-25, and lost the fourth set 21-25. 

The Lady Bears move to 5-2 on the season and will look to get back on the winning track as the compete on September 21st in the Lamar Tigers Classic. Enjoy some photos from the contest tonight below: