Mid America Live

Monday, January 27, 2025

The Museum Minute: Bates County is organized

Courtesy of the Bates County Museum 802 Elks Drive, Butler Mo 64730 (660) 679-0134

Herrman’s Historical Happenings week of January 29

1841 Bates County is officially organized and named after Frederick Bates, second Governor of Missouri.

1859 The state of Kansas is admitted to the union as a non-slave state.

1880 The Bates County Democrat newspaper says "Captain J. W. Hannah sells 220 acres northwest of Butler for $15 per acre."

1934 According to the Missouri Journal, there are a total of 11 newspapers in Bates Co.

1944 The Amsterdam Home Builders Extension Club serves a "penny supper" at the Masonic Hall. They collect a total of 4,300 pennies.

1955 The Adrian Theatre reopens after being closed for several weeks.

1967 Wilbur Zink, of Appleton City, speaks to the Bates County Historical Society on "The Younger Brothers", famed outlaws in the area.

1991 The Butler Fire Department's new pumper truck has arrived. The cost was $111,00.00 but has all the necessary equipment according to Chief Jim Henry.

2001 A Kansas City Southern freight train derails south of Merwin. No injuries but 6,000 gallons of sodium hydroxide had to be dammed up quickly.

Sunday, January 26, 2025

Obituary - Larry Gene Nickell Sr

Larry Gene Nickell Sr., a father, grandfather, mentor, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2025, at the age of 83. A visitation will be held from 10:30 am to 11:30 am Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel chapel (816-657-4400). Memorial services will follow at 11:30 am Saturday, also at the chapel. Private family burial will take place in Sharon Cemetery, Drexel at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made, in lieu of flowers, to the Drexel Golf Association or the American Heart Association. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Larry saw each day as a gift. His life was a testament to his faith in God, his love for his family, and his commitment to helping others.

Born on October 16, 1941, Larry was the son of Jim and Ruth Nickell. He attended Fort Scott High school, graduating in 1959. He held multiple jobs from a welder, to working on aircraft at Boeing, until he found his career working at KCPL from 1967-1999.

At the age of 14, he met Nancy, the love of his life, and the two were married on June 2, 1961. Their journey together began in Fort Scott followed by time in Kansas City, but soon took them to Drexel, Missouri, where they built a home and a life together for the past 63 years.

One of his favorite pastimes was riding his tractor and working on the farm. The farm wasn’t just a place to him—it reflected his hard work, determination, and love for the simple yet rewarding things in life. If he wasn’t at the farm, you may have found him at one of his children’s or grandchildren’s events, including sporting games, art shows, or music concerts, just to name a few.

Larry was also a passionate gun collector. He had an interest in the history and craftsmanship of firearms and spent many years building an impressive collection that he enjoyed talking about with family and friends.

For many years, he dedicated his life to supporting others through Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Larry’s personal journey of recovery inspired many others to find hope and healing. His story was one of resilience, humility, and grace, and he was a living example that change is possible with faith, hard work, and a willingness to help others. Through his service, he touched the lives of so many, saving those who felt lost and providing a sense of belonging to those in need of a second chance. Larry’s legacy will live on and be remembered through the actions, wisdom, advice, and opinions shared throughout his life.

Larry is survived by his daughters Terry Owens (John) and Laurie Webb (Trent); son Larry Nickell Jr. (Lori); and his grandchildren Ryan, Lauren (Bryan), Emily, Truman, Lydia, Ava, and Matthew. He also leaves behind great-grandchildren Wyatt, Evelyn, Noah, and Logan and a host of family and friends.

Larry was preceded in death by his devoted wife Nancy Nickell; sister Joyce Jost; parents Jim & Ruth Nickell and other extended family members.

In Larry’s words: “Please do not mourn, but celebrate all I have been given after changing my life by the Grace of God and the forgiveness and mercy offered by my family.”

May the thought of him being reunited with his love, Nancy, bring comfort and peace during this time.

Obituary - Marvia Jean Smith

Marvia Jean Smith, 78 of Drexel, Missouri gained her angel wings on January 11th 2025 in her home in Drexel. A Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 am Saturday, February 8, 2025 at the Drexel Community Building. Private family graveside services will be held at a later date in Peculiar Cemetery, Peculiar, Missouri. Arrangements entrusted to Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel chapel (816-657-4400). Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Marvia was born on August 14th, 1946 in Harrisonville, Missouri the daughter of Louis and Artia Roper Smith. She was a loving and dedicated mother and grandmother that found her greatest joys in life through her family.

Our grandmother was very caring and would help anyone in any way she could. She taught us that the world needs more people who care. She inspired many with her positive cheerful outlook on any situation. She was a very spirited person with a personality that always shined bright and loud. Mariva enjoyed making others laugh and spreading joy. She was a comfort to many and a joy to all. She spent many years caring for her family and her friends even though she recently had a struggle with some heart issues however she never let anything get her down. Even in the hospital she found ways to brighten others’ days.

Marvia was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Artia Fay Smith, brother Larry Smith, and her grandson Tyler Eicholz.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Richard and Kaye Eicholz, two grandchildren and their spouses, Dustin and Kelli Edmundon and Ben and Melody Ream, as well as two great-granddaughters, Natalie and Hayleigh Foster.

Obituary - Marilyn Vidal

Funeral services for Marilyn Vidal of Butler, Missouri will be 11 a.m. Thursday, January 30, 2025 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Visitation prior to services 10 - 11 a.m. Thursday at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Contributions to Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Marilyn Ruth Vidal, age 93 of Butler, Missouri died Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at the Butler Center. She was born September 3, 1931 to Walter Dean and Ruby Kathleen Mullis Summers in Kansas City, Kansas.

Marilyn is survived by four daughters, Theresa Platt and husband Jim of Archie, Missouri, Melody Kemper of Kansas City, Missouri, Peggy Jackson of Warsaw, Missouri and Dawn Shour of St. Joseph, Missouri; two sons, Harry Jackson of Kansas City, Missouri and Clinton Jackson of Overland Park, Kansas; eight grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Peggy Petty of Butler, Missouri; and numerous nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Harry Jackson in March of 1977; her second husband, Joseph Vidal on November 27, 1994; and her companion and partner for 25 years, L.W. (Jr.) Thompson.

Bates County MU Extension Council Election will be held through January 29

Butler, Mo. – New members of the Bates County University of Missouri Extension Council will be elected from January 21 to January 29 from candidates nominated by county citizens.

The County MU Extension Council is the governing body for university extension activities in Bates County. Council members work throughout the year with University of Missouri Extension staff to determine the county’s need for educational programming and then help plan activities to meet these needs.

“Any Bates County resident, 18 years of age or older, interested in education and the progress of our county should vote for the nominees of their choice,” said Mikayla Neil, MU Extension & Engagement Specialist. “The resources of the Universities are available to us. It is our responsibility to put these resources into effective use.”

The nominees for the one (1) council position are:

Brytni Spencer

You must live within Bates County to vote. Voting will be available at the Bates County University of Missouri Extension Center (1 N Delaware, Butler MO). You may also vote online at https://extension.missouri.edu/counties/bates/county-council/county-council-election starting on January 21 at 12:00 a.m.

Any eligible voter who would prefer to vote by mail you may contact the Bates County University of Missouri Extension Center, 660-679-4167, and request an early ballot. When completed, the ballots should be returned by mail to Bates County Extension Office, 1 N Delaware, Butler MO 64730, and be postmarked no later than January 29, 2025. For information about the local election process, contact the Extension Center at 660-679-4167.

University of Missouri Extension improves people’s lives with educational programs and access to university resources and experts to enhance economic viability; build strong individuals, families and communities; and create and sustain healthy environments. In Cedar County, extension programs address high-priority areas such as agriculture, nutrition and health, parenting and youth development, family life, consumer education, business and workforce, community development and continuing education.