Obituary - Jimmy Smith

Memorial service to honor Jimmy Smith will be held at a later date.  Care is entrusted to the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri.  Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

James “Jimmy” Eurman Smith, 69 of Butler, Missouri passed away on September 17, 2025. He was born on August 25, 1956 in St. Louis, Missouri to Eurman “Tom” Smith and Marion “Lou” Lounette (Bates) Smith.

After graduating high school, Jimmy proudly served in the United States Army.  In his early years, he worked alongside his father as a carpenter and handyman before eventually building a lifelong career as a truck driver.  He spent many years on the road, providing for his family and gaining countless miles of experience behind the wheel.

In 2022, Jim faced his first battle with heart troubles, which forced him to leave the road and step away from the driving life he had known for so long.  That change brought him to Butler, Missouri where he moved in with his daughter, Jamie and her family.  Though leaving driving behind was difficult, it gave him the gift of time—a chance to grow closer with his loved ones and to watch his grandchildren grow.

Jimmy dearly loved his grandchildren—Kathryn, Myles, Rylee, and Nikko—and found joy in simply watching them play together.  He also enjoyed spending time at his son’s tattoo shop and was always eager to spread the word about where to find the best tattoos, proudly handing out Dom’s cards whenever he had the chance.

A quiet man at heart, Jim found comfort in watching his favorite sci-fi and oldie TV shows.  He also loved spoiling the family dogs, often being teased for “ruining the good dogs” with treats and affection.  Those simple pleasures, along with time spent with family, brought him peace and joy.

He is survived by his children, Jamie Morgan (husband Kyle) of Butler, Missouri and Dominic “Dom” Smith of Butler, Missouri; his sisters, Lynn Chapman (husband Robert) of Moscow Mills, Missouri and Karla Roy (husband David) of Papillion, Nebraska; his brothers, Gary Smith of Missouri and Tommy Smith of Cabool, Missouri; as well as extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.

With his passing, Jimmy is reunited with his second wife, Debi Smith, who preceded him in death in 2014. Jimmy was also preceded in death by his parents, Eurman “Tom” and Marion “Lou” Smith; his sister, Melody Smith; and his brothers, Larry Smith and Keith Smith

Jim will be remembered not only for his service to his country and his many years on the road as a truck driver, but also for his courage, perseverance, and quiet nature.

Harrisonville VIP's recognized

 

Welcome Home!

This week, two of the Harrisonville VIPs (Volunteers in Police Service), Jim Franklin and Duane Rogers, participated in the Honor Flight alongside other distinguished veterans of our armed forces. Jim and Duane spent the day visiting our nation's memorials. The event was dedicated to honoring our American veterans and recognizing the gratitude and support they deserve. Upon returning to the Kansas City airport, they were warmly greeted by loved ones, fellow veterans, military band and the Maranatha Christian School marching band.

Thank you to all who have served to protect our country and ensure our freedoms.

Courtesy Harrisonville Police Department

Butler Senior Kamden Fennewald ties school record

 Congratulations to Senior Kamden Fennewald who tied the school record for Assists in a Match last night with 51 assists against Adrian. She now holds the record along with her sister Taitlyn Madison, who set the record in 2020.

Weekly report from the Henry County Sheriff's Office

Dates: September 12, 2025 – September 18, 2025

Sheriff Aaron Brown reports the following arrests and incidents for the week:

• September 15, 2025 – Warrant:
  Sergeant Richardson arrested Eric Kelce, age 45, of Clinton, at the courthouse on three Henry County felony no-bond warrants. The warrants were for Burglary 1st Degree and two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance.
• September 15, 2025 – Warrant:
  Sergeant Richardson arrested Jason Wilson, age 46, of Clinton, on five Henry County felony no-bond warrants. The warrants were for five counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance.
• September 15, 2025 – Domestic Assault 4th Degree:
  Deputy Murphy responded to a domestic disturbance. The investigation led to the arrest of Kevin Bowman, age 58, of Clinton, on a 24-hour investigative hold for Domestic Assault 4th Degree. On the same day, the Henry County Prosecutor’s Office filed formal charges, and a warrant was issued for Domestic Assault 3rd Degree.
• September 15, 2025 – Domestic Assault 3rd Degree:
  Deputy Stevens responded to a domestic disturbance. The investigation led to the arrest of Rebecca McConnaughey, age 25, of Deepwater, on a 24-hour investigative hold for Domestic Assault 3rd Degree.
• September 18, 2025 – Domestic Assault 2nd Degree:
  Deputy Hinkle and Deputy Moree conducted a follow-up investigation in the Clinton area that led to the arrest of Adam Evans, age 35, of Osceola, on a 24-hour investigative hold for Domestic Assault 2nd Degree. On the same day, the Henry County Prosecutor’s Office filed formal charges, and a warrant was issued for Domestic Assault 2nd Degree.

All individuals arrested are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The above arrests are allegations at this time.

For additional information or to provide tips, contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at (660) 885-5587.

Showers return late tonight, into tomorrow

Obituary - Norma Bivin

Norma Nadine Bivin, 93, Nevada, MO passed away on Monday, September 15, 2025, at Moore-Few Care Center, Nevada.  Norma was born January 7, 1932, in Richards, MO to Frances and Edith (Bell) Heathman.   She married Dale L. Bivin on June 20, 1981, and he preceded her in death.

    Norma attended three years of college, including two summers at Southwest Baptist College in Bolivar, MO, and two summers at Pittsburg State Teachers College in Pittsburg, KS.   After graduation, she taught elementary school at Mt. Zion Bible School in Ava, MO for ten years; then worked at the University of Missouri, Columbia, purchasing department for 19 years.   Norma enjoyed photography, crocheting afghan blankets, stamp collecting, reading the Bible and  historical and religious novels, keeping a daily diary, fishing, and making scrap books.

     Survivors include four brothers, Francis G. Heathman, Robert W. Heathman, Richard L. Heathman, and Loren Heathman, all of Nevada, MO; and two sisters, Pauline Page, Nevada, MO and Evelyn Green, San Diego, CA. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Dale.

     Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Moore-Few Care Center, Nevada, MO with Bill Platt officiating.   Committal will follow at a later date, in the Concordia Baptist Cemetery in Concordia, MO.   In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute in Norma’s memory to First Christian Church, Nevada, MO in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

Obituary - Bill Gaddie

Bill H. Gaddie, 84, of Freeman, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at Research Medical Center. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, MO. Family will receive friends on Monday, September 22, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions are suggested to the NRA - National Rifle Association.

Bill was born on August 17, 1941, to Willie and Jessie (Vest) Gaddy in Springfield, MO. Bill was a 1959 graduate of Cass Midway High School. In 1960, he joined the US Air Force and served our country honorably to 1964. In July of 1965, he married Carol Zeiler. To that marriage, three children were born. Bill enjoyed working on and fixing up cars. He was very proud of his 1938 Chevy Coop and 1966 Pontiac GTO. He loved working in his yard, spending time with his family, and fishing.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Lee Gaddy; and a sister, Ruby Green. He is survived by his children: Mike Gaddie and Kathy Lambertz of Harrisonville, MO; Scott and Michelle Gaddie of Archie, MO; and Becky and Rob Deardorff of Archie, MO; sister, Eva Duncan, of Freeman, MO; and ex-wife and friend, Carol Binder, of Archie, MO. Bill was blessed with 8 grandchildren: Brittney Deardorff, Trever and Brandy Deardorff, Brooklyn Gaddie, Mason Gaddie, Jordan and John Knudsen, Josh Gaddie, Ashley Lambertz, and Erin Lambertz; and 5 great-grandchildren: Oliver, Rhett, Emberlynn, Greyson, Lilly, and one more on the way.

Dubray ties another school record

 

Congratulations to Butler High School Junior Kylee Dubray who tied the school record for with 6 blocks last night against Adrian. This ties the record currently held by Alyx Gepford (2011).