From the desk of Bates County Coroner Greg Mullinax

I wanted to update the public on several deaths which have made headlines in recent weeks. These investigations have been completed and as family has been apprised of results, it's appropriate to follow-up.

On 8/5/2024 after 9PM we responded to a residence in Worland where two decedents were located inside a home; a male 32, and a female, 58. I understand the alarm any time more than one decedent is discovered. This investigation revealed extremely unsanitary living conditions, and the individuals had been deceased for an extended period of time. 

As such, autopsy & forensic toxicology was not able to yield a cause of death. It is clearly determined, however that there was no trauma to the decedents and there is no indication of the involvement of other persons. My belief is the death is likely connected to the unfortunate living conditions of the home for both individuals.

In this matter, extensive assistance was received of the Rich Hill Fire Department and the Bates County Sheriff's Office. For which, I am very thankful.

On 8/7/2024 just before 9am we responded to an apartment on West Atkison St. in Butler, where a 28 year-old male was discovered deceased by a friend. Sadly, investigation reveals natural causes due to longstanding medical complications.

My thoughts and prayers remain with all who are grieving a loss.
Most respectfully,

Greg D. Mullinax
Bates County Coroner

Obituary - Tate Anthony West

Tate Anthony West, age 55, La Cygne, Kansas passed away Friday October 11, 2024. He was born on November 21, 1968 in Fort Scott, Kansas the son of Carl and Maurita Russell West.

Tate graduated from Fort Scott High School and joined the United States Army Reserves and after five years, he became active duty, making a career in the military with twenty-six years of total service, also eighteen years law enforcement service. He was proud to serve, country, state and community. He retired from the City of La Cygne as Chief of Police in December of 2019. He was united in marriage to Amy Kiffer on March 30, 2002.

Tate’s love of family and passion for being the best Papa he could be, were the two things held most closely to his heart. Tate had a love for motorcycles, with Harley Davidson’s being on the top of the list. Tate’s hobbies included hunting, bowling, working in his “well organized” shop, and planning his next motorcycle trip. He was a member of the VFW and American Legion. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Tate is survived by his wife, Amy, son, Jesse West(Erin), three daughters, Melissa West, Lacy Ranes(Tyler), Abbigail Ribblett(Alexander), twin brother, Shaun West(Carolyn), and Byron(Melissa), a sister, Alisa(Donnie). Also surviving are six grandkids, that Tate loved and adored.

Funeral service will be 9:30 am Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at the Mound City First Baptist Church. Burial will be 1:30 pm in Leavenworth National Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 pm Monday, October 21, 2024 at the Church. Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Legion or VFW. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com

Obituary - Patrick Beebe

Patrick Beebe, age 46, passed away on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at Golden Valley Memorial Hospital in Clinton, Missouri. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, October 18, 2024 with visitation from 9:30-10:30 AM prior to the service. Memorial contributions can be made to the Patrick Beebe Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the funeral home.

Patrick Ward Beebe was born on April 13, 1978 the son of Daniel B. and Martha Ellen (Parks) Beebe in Clinton, Missouri. Patrick lived in the Clinton area most of his life and attended the Clinton Schools. Patrick loved spending time in the outdoors, especially fishing and camping. He also enjoyed watching the KC Chiefs and Royals. Patrick was a kind hearted man and known for his smile by all those he encountered. He would offer a helping hand to anyone in need. Pat could always make you smile and laugh even on the worst days. He felt everyone deserved a second chance.

Patrick accepted Christ into his life and was baptized at North East Baptist Church on May 12, 1991. Pat was a member of Boy Scout Troop 225. He obtained the rank of Life Scout, and he was a brave in the tribe of Mic-O-Say.

Patrick loved his fiancé, daughter and his new grandson with all his heart. He enjoyed the simpler things in life and making memories with all of his family and friends. Patrick will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Pat was preceded in death by his mother Ellen Chapman-McCullough and sister Amanda (Chapman) Rodriguez, his maternal grandparents Ward Parks and Wilma (Houk) Hardin, his paternal grandparents Glenn and Lottie (Jones) Beebe.

Survivors include his fiancé Mayala Stewart, his two daughters Taysia (Harison Sanchez) and Ember Beebe, a bonus son Asher Stewart, and his grandson Koltyn Sanchez, his parents Daniel and Dorothy (Hicks) Beebe, his many brothers and sisters; Daniel G. Beebe, Joseph Hicks, Marion Beebe, Angie (Matt) Lasswell, Dee (Jerry) Witherspoon, Jeanie Anderson, Marc (Nora) Baumgarden, Brian Beebe, Jamie (Chapman) Courtney, and Melinda (Chapman) Falke along with numerous nieces and nephews and other family members and friends.

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

One seriously injured in Henry County rollover accident

On Tuesday October 15th around 12:40 p.m. the Missouri State Highway Patrol in Henry County along with Henry County Sheriff's Office responded to a one vehicle rollover accident at Missouri 52 and Walnut Street in Montrose.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the accident occurred when the westbound 2005 Ford F-150 driven by 24 year old Donovan H. Conyers-Ryberg of Montrose formerly of Butler ran off the right side of the roadway and overturned twice.

Mr. Conyers-Ryberg sustained serious injuries and he was transported by Life Flight Eagle to Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri for treatment.

View crash report below:
https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/HP68/AccidentDetailsAction?ACC_RPT_NUM=240524492

Way to go Peyton!

We would like to congratulate Archie High School Junior Peyton Himes! He was selected as Cass Career Center's junior Young Professional of the Month for October! 

This award is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Harrisonville who celebrates the outstanding work accomplished in Cass County.  #ArchieStrong

Way to go Butler Bear Brigade

We would like to congratulate the Butler Bear Brigade for placing 4th in Parade and 8th in Field Show this past Saturday at the Odessa Marching Invitational!

Pictured below is Junior Windsday Grissom and Senior Seth McCoun! 

Traffic Alert: Accident on H Highway near Spruce

Several emergency personnel are on scene of a motor vehicle accident on H Highway near CR 10003 near Radford Cemetery in the Spruce area of Bates County.

Please slow down and use caution if you must travel in this area. Mid America Live will update when more information is made available.

This story has been updated:
https://batescountynewswire.blogspot.com/2024/10/update-one-injured-in-accident-near.html

Obituary - Joseph “Joe” Ray Palmer, Jr

Joseph “Joe” Ray Palmer, Jr, 47, of Independence, Missouri passed away October 10, 2024. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, October 19, 2024 at Altona Baptist Church, 12494 NE State Route Z, Adrian, Missouri 64720. Burial will follow in Altona Cemetery. Services under the direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). 

In Lieu of flowers, contributions in Joe’s name are suggested to Disabled American Veterans or The Wounded Warrior Project. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Joe was born February 17, 1977 in Weisbaden, Germany to Joseph Palmer Sr, and Linda Griffin Palmer. He was raised in the Episcopal Church and was Baptized as an infant; he was also confirmed by the Bishop of the Armed Forces at Fort Leavenworth. As an adult, he was saved and baptized in June 2013.

Everyone who knew Joe knew he had a very big heart and was a very caring man. He always tried to help people. He began his scouting career as a cub scout and earned the rank of Eagle Scout and lived by its precepts. Joe was active in sports, ROTC and band during high school.

Joe proudly served his country in the US Army Mechanized Infantry. He received the Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge and Expert Infantryman Badge. Joe was a Bradley 113 Operator on the Machine Gun Team who trained in military OPS in urban terrain in both day and night and land navigation. He was a true patriot and his proudest achievement was following his father and grandfather in service to his country. Joe loved God, Family & Country. At his passing he was employed by the VA Medical Center in Kansas City as a Groundskeeper. His lifelong love of the outdoors included his abilities to exceed and provide exceptional and respectful landscape care to several golf courses including the National in Kansas City along with cemeteries including Mount Muncie in Leavenworth, Kansas.

Joe is survived by his parents; Joseph Palmer, Sr and Linda Griffin Palmer, two brothers; Benjamin Palmer and Daniel Palmer, sister; Elizabeth Kalash, four nephews; James Palmer, Isaiah Palmer, Lucas Kalash, Jonathan Kalash, and two nieces; Amelia Palmer and Anna Kalash.