Obituary - Franklin Eugene Watson

 

Franklin Eugene Watson, 87, of Rockville, Missouri, went home to be with the Lord on October 28, 2025.  He was born in Bristow, Missouri, to Albert and Thelma Watson and was one of ten children. He was a man of deep faith whose life reflected his love for God, his family, and the outdoors. Whether he was fishing on a quiet morning or hunting in the fall woods, he found peace and joy in God’s creation. He loved spending time outdoors with his kids, teaching them how to hunt, fish, and be self-reliant.           

     Franklin left high school early to proudly serve his country in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1959. After his service, he worked at Nelly Don’s as a fabric cutter and went on to hold many other trades throughout his life. He was a skilled carpenter, house builder, roofer, mechanic, and all-around handyman who was never afraid of hard work.

     Frank dedicated many decades to prison ministry, where he shared the message of salvation and led countless people to the Lord. As an ordained minister, his faith guided every part of his life. He remained active in prison ministry until the age of 80 and attended church whenever he could, always ready to encourage others in their walk with Christ

     Frank is survived by his children: Pam, Shelly, and Sharon; Noah (Jessica) and their children Elleah, Lilliana, and Franklin; Jillian and her children Kaden and Elias; Hunter (Jayln) and their sons Reed and Wesley; and Hollie Souza (Ben) and their daughters Emma and Nova. He was also a grandfather and great-grandfather to numerous other children who brought great joy to his life.

     Frank is also survived by his loving wife Jessie, their loving dog Abby, and his stepchildren Kathy Harra, Brenda Mart, Janet (Tim) Stolifer, Jeannie (Joe) Parmon, and Becky (Jason) Barnhart. He was also a grandfather to their children and never saw them as step. To him, his heart always had enough love for everyone, and family was family. He loved them all as his own.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Pearl, Betty, Neva, Wesley, Daisy, and Roy. He is survived by his siblings Bill and Sylvia Watson, Dorothy Sisson, and Rosemary and Burl Idecker.

     Franklin was known for his homemade breads and rolls, his warm smile, and the way he couldn’t help but laugh when he heard babies laugh. He will be remembered for his kindness, laughter, and unwavering faith. His legacy lives on in the lives of those he touched and in the family who loved him deeply.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23

MEMORIAL - River of Life Church

Obituary - Kevin Dean Curtright

Kevin Dean Curtright, 67, of Merriam, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, in his sleep at home in Merriam, KS. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Crescent Hill Cemetery, 14458 NW County Rd, 1001, Adrian, MO. Memorial contributions can be made to Catholic Charities.

Kevin was born on January 11, 1958, in Wichita, KS, to the late Donald and Juanita (Root) Curtright. Kevin loved his family, friends, dogs, and cars. Those of you who knew Kev know he had a fun streak in him that couldn't be beat. Kev loved fast cars and spending time hunting and playing pool with the guys. His loving, fun nature made him the best dad. He loved spending time with his little girl, Patricia "Trish". They would often employ a phrase his father taught him: "Mums the word." Trish called him every day and they made time to get together most weeks. They were two of a kind. Kevin had great trust in Kiel, his son-in-law, as he gave him his most precious daughter, knowing that she would be well taken care of and have a wonderful life. Kevin put his wife and daughter first and always took care of them, no matter how busy he was. Kev had great times with his wife, Jane, filled with love for their whole life. Kevin's most important accomplishment in life is being a wonderful husband and father, and his family could not have asked for more. He is deeply loved and will be dearly missed. Even in his death, Kevin left these few verses of a poem to help us think of him with less pain.

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me - David M. Romano

When tomorrow starts without me
Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name
And took me by the hand
And said my place was ready
In Heaven far above
And that I'd have to leave behind
All those I dearly love
But when I walked through Heaven's Gates
I felt so much at home
When God looked down, smiled at me
And told me "Welcome Home"
So when tomorrow starts without me
Don't think we're far apart
For every time you think of me
I'm right there in your heart.

Kevin was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Juanita; brother-in-law, Jim Case; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jim and Betty Creath; and sister-in-law, Susan Creath. Kevin is survived by his wife, Jane Curtright (Creath); daughter, Patricia (Trish) Smith, and her husband, Kiel Smith, of Kansas City, MO; sisters: Donna Turner and husband, Ken, of Overland Park, KS; and Paula Case of Dallas, TX; brother-in-law, J. Bryan Creath, and wife, Karen, of Raymore, MO; nieces: Debbie Stoerman and husband, Dave; Teresa Hummell and husband, Dan; and Carrie Miller and husband, Tom; nephews: Josh Creath and wife, Rachel; and Wyatt Creath; and many great-nephews and great-nieces: Grant Stoerman, Jack Stoerman, Maddie Hummell, Nathan Hummell, Case Miller, Bella Miller, Xander Miller, Carter Zook, and Maddie Creath.

Special meeting in Harrisonville Thursday night

 

Have questions about what's on the November 4, ballot?

Join City staff from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 30, to learn about how these 3 questions will impact the Harrisonville community.

Bring your questions and find the answers you need before casting your vote.

Can't make it on October 30? No worries, feel free to visit www.harrisonvilletogether.com to learn more

Obituary - John Cannon

 John Wayne Cannon, age 84, of Nevada, Missouri, passed away peacefully in his home on October 27, 2025.

John was born on March 16, 1941, in Hale Center, Texas, where he graduated from high school. In May of 1959, he married the love of his life, Patsy Ann Merrell. Together they shared 45 wonderful years of marriage before Patsy preceded him in death on December 2, 2004. He was also preceded by death by grandson Taylor O’Dell Greer, brothers Donny Cannon, David Cannon, and sister Lila Simmons.

In 1967, John and Patsy moved to Missouri, where John began working alongside his father-in-law, Slim, helping to build the Stockton Dam. Throughout his life, John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

John worked as a truck driver, welder, and coal miner. Even after retirement, he kept busy with summer projects, always finding something to occupy his hands and mind. If you knew John he was always in a hurry whether it was for dinner or dozing he was always ready.

John leaves behind a legacy of love and hard work through his daughters, Kathy Lynn Greer and her husband Jeff of Nevada, and Karen Cannon Miller of Kingwood, Texas.

He was the proud grandfather of Tyler Dean Greer and Kelsey of Milo; Tanner Wayne Greer and Drew Sligar of Springfield; and Jerin Patrick Miller and Jamie Ann Miller of Kingwood, Texas. He was also a cherished great-grandfather to Gracelynn Wayne Greer and Brynlee Dean Greer of Milo.

John is survived by his brother, Leon Cannon, as well as several nieces and nephews.

He will be remembered for his love of family, his strong work ethic, and the many stories he shared. John will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with Kerry Fowler officiating. Interment will follow in Marvin Chapel Cemetery, Nevada.  The family will receive friends from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. prior to the service.

Memorials are suggested in his name to Vernon County Youth Fair c/o Ferry Funeral Home.

Obituary - Holden Maus

  

Holden John Keith Maus, age 18 of Schell City, MO left this world on Monday, October 27, 2025, as a result of a motor vehicle accident.

    Holden was born November 26, 2006, in El Dorado Springs, MO to Jonathon and Jennifer Pursley. Holden graduated high school from Northeast Vernon County R-1 on May 2, 2025. Holden loved his family dearly and spent most of his childhood playing basketball, hunting and fishing. He recently found a love for dove hunting. Following graduation Holden worked for Herschberger Construction LLC out of Clinton, MO. He had great determination and took pride in what he did. He spent many days this summer building shops and homes. He was well known for his pranks, humor, his stubbornness, and his contagious smile that would light up a room.

     Holden will be deeply missed by his loving family which includes his parents, Jonathon and Jennifer Pursley and his siblings, Kuper, Cecily and Jessa of the home in Schell City; his older siblings, Kyleigh Foster (Scott) and their children Brystol, Riggs, Harper, and Scottie, of Rich Hill, MO, Jadyn Otter (Jacob) and their children, Adalynn, Silas, Renlee, and a boy on the way, of Nevada, Rhianna Bailey (Carson Rohaus) of Montrose, MO; his grandparents, Marcia Brundridge of Schell City, Keven and Sue Harms of Schell City, and Rodney and Joann Pursley of Chetopa, KS; great-grandma Venita Humphry of Schell City; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and numerous friends.

     Holden was preceded in death by his grandparents, John E Maus, Michael Brundridge, and Mary Ellen Maus, all of Schell City.

     Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Northeast Vernon County Elementary School in Schell City. Interment will follow in Green Lawn Cemetery in Schell City. The family will receive friends from 4-6:00 p.m. on Friday evening at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.

     Those who wish may contribute to the family c/o of Ferry Funeral Home.  

Obituary - John Price

 

John Price age 90 of Harrisonville, Missouri departed this life Monday, October 27, 2025 at Belton Regional Medical Center, Belton, Missouri. 

Cremation with no services scheduled. 

A complete obituary will be posted once that information becomes available, courtesy Dickey Funeral Home

Obituary - William Joseph Dugger

William Joseph Dugger, 82, of Kansas City, MO, passed away on Monday, October 27, 2025, at St. Luke's East. Graveside service will be on Tuesday, November 04, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at Crescent Hill Cemetery in Adrian, MO. A full obituary will be posted when it is available, courtesy Atkinson Funeral Home.

Obituary - Marlin Henry Sexton

Marlin Henry Sexton, 83, of Peculiar, Missouri, passed away on Monday, October 27, 2025 at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas. A memorial service, with military honors, will be held at 7:00pm on Thursday, October 30, 2025, with a visitation beginning at 6:00pm at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, MO. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Real Life Assembly Building Fund in Peculiar, MO. A complete obituary will be posted when it becomes available.