Obituary - Carolyn Sue (Mease) Bishop

Carolyn Sue (Mease) Bishop, 82, Nevada, MO, known lovingly to family and friends as Sue or Susie, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Moore-Few Care Center in Nevada following health issues over the past several months. Sue was born January 23, 1944, on the family farm west of Reeds Spring, MO as the last of 9 children to Dewey Wesley and Vina Nova (Epley) Mease.

Sue grew up in the Reeds Spring area and graduated from Reeds Spring High School with the Class of 1962. After high school, she began working in a small clothing store in Reeds Spring and later at Woolworth’s on the square in Springfield, MO. While in Springfield she met David Bishop and they were wed on May 3, 1968, in Lebanon, MO. Their marriage began a new chapter that took them to several communities in Missouri over the coming years, including Warrensburg, St. Joseph, and Kirksville, where she managed college bookstores for University of Central Missouri, Missouri Western State University, and Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman University), respectively. After the birth of their son in 1979, Sue opened an in-home daycare and continued this after her and David moved to David’s hometown of Nevada, MO in 1982. By the late 1980s, she had started her own house cleaning business, which continued until her retirement in 2009.

Among the joys of her life were sewing, gardening, and baking, all of which she enjoyed sharing with others. Above all, the loves of her life were her two grandsons, Winston and Linden Bishop, who brought her immeasurable pride and joy. She always greeted them with hugs and a full cookie jar.

She is survived by one son, Will Bishop (Kristin) and two grandsons Winston Bishop and Linden Bishop, all of Redfield, KS; 2 brothers, Bill Mease (Lila), Galena, MO, and Max Mease (Carolyn), Crane, MO; 1 sister-in-law, Diane Mease, Galena, MO, the surviving spouse of her late brother Darrel Mease; and multiple generations of numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by both parents; her husband David; brothers Carl Mease, Ron Mease, and Darrel Mease; sisters Irene Jones, Alene Stewart, and Wanda Carr.

Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with memorial services immediately following at 2:00.

Graveside committal services will be held in the coming weeks at Yocum Pond Cemetery near Reeds Spring, MO. Those details will be announced later.

Memorials are suggested in her memory to the Vernon County Cancer Relief for Life c/o Ferry Funeral Home.

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Obituary - Linda Kay Moore

Linda Kay was born on October 19th, 1940 in her grandparents’ home in Huntsville, Arkansas. She was the daughter of Thelma and Wiley Walker. She had 4 siblings: Pete, Clela, Larry, and Kathy.

She married the love of her life, Marion Thomas “Tom” Moore, on May 30th, 1958. They had three children: Dale, Sandy, and Glen. She was “Granny” to her grandchildren: Blake, Tera, Logan, Bethany, Whitney, Malloree, Zack and all the great-grandchildren. She also had many other titles in life... Cousin, Aunt, Friend, and many more “To know her, was to love her” is an easy thing to say.

Linda worked at May Company (Venture Stores Division), Bunny Bread, and held several part-time jobs. At the time of retirement, she was the Vice President of Human Resources at the Nevada Regional Medical Center.

Linda was an active member in our society: Vice President of the Board of Directors for Quality Products, former State President for the Human Resources Division of the Missouri Hospital Association, BPW Woman of the Year in 1997, former First Auxiliary President with the Fraternal Order of Eagles, former president of the Metz Alumni, as well as a member of the Bushwhacker committee, Soroptimist, and the Nevada Community Betterment.

Linda Kay loved cooking for family and friends, playing games, reading, music, and traveling. Some of her favorite trips were to: Alaska, Hawaii, out east to view fall foliage, and any trip that included the beach.

Linda passed away in her home on April 6th, 2026 surrounded by the love of family. She was proceeded in death by her husband (Tom) and all her siblings.

Visitation will be held Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 10:00-11:00 am at Ferry Funeral Home, services to follow directly after, at 11:00 am.

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Obituary - Charles Eugene Foreman, Sr

Charles Eugene Foreman, Sr was born on July 17, 1932, in the family home commonly referred to as “Dally Hill” just outside Walker, MO, to Clarence and Phebe Alice (Dally) Foreman. He passed away in his sleep before the sunrise on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, getting the immense privilege of spending the day with Jesus.

Charles would start school at 6-years-old after passing his mom’s test of being able to count to 100 and recite the alphabet. Starting at Coal Creek School and then going to Howard after his sister Alice started school due to increased tuition, even though it was almost two times farther from their home. Charles would attend Walker High School for two years before he would quit to start working. After a year off, his Aunt Vinta Hamilton insisted that he go back, and after a talk with the principal Charles would complete two years of school in one year’s time and graduate with his original class in May of 1950.

After graduation, Charles worked with his Uncle Roscoe Hamilton on the farm as well as completing a variety of jobs for friends and neighbors. Charles loved to work with his hands and there was never a problem that he couldn’t build a solution for.

In November of 1952, Charles received a draft notice and was inducted into the United States Army on December 12, 1952. After clearing his screenings and other exams at the KC MO Induction Center he would then go to Fort Chaffee in Arkansas before beginning basic training at Fort Sill in Oklahoma. Charles wrote a collection of letters to his mom while in basic that the family is beyond grateful for. After he was trained and received his recognition as a Fire Direction Control Plotter he was flown to Camp Stoneman in Oakland, California for 30 days before arriving at the USS Weigel Sasebo in Japan and eventually landing in Inchon Bay Korea with the 68th AAA Gun Battalion.

When asked about his time in the military Charles would say that, while he was trained and prepared, he had prayed that he would never have to use the training to take someone’s life. God answered that prayer by having Chaplain Jack Randles there needing an assistant. Charles would help Chaplain Randles set up and take down supplies for services (5 a day), work with orphanages and gain a new respect for the life he had been given. Charles would credit Chaplain Randles for not only providing the opportunity for him to learn about the Army, but also the reason he would continue to believe in the power of God and how important it was to put faith first and serve in both your church and your community.

When his 16 months of service was completed in Korea, Charles returned to the United States. He vividly remembered putting his feet back on American soil and used his experiences to remind everyone that freedom isn’t free. He served 8 years of reserve duty and was honorably discharged on December 10, 1962 with a rank of Corporal along with the following honors: Korean Service Medal & Ribbon with Bronze Star; Korean War Service Medal & Ribbon by Republic of Korea; Good Conduct Medal and Ribbon; National Defense Medal & Ribbon; United Nations Medal & Ribbon and the Rifleman Medal.

An avid supporter of Veterans, Charles was a lifetime member of the VFW and he and Neoma worked together to tell the stories of local individuals who served our country, leaving a legacy that will withstand forever.

After returning to Vernon County, Missouri, Charles went back to the farm and helped his Uncle Roscoe Hamilton. While at the blacksmith’s shop picking up something he ran into Neoma Alexander who happened to also be there with her dad. His eye was caught and he would later ask her to marry him, and although the 7-year age difference might have worried her dad at first, it turned into one of the greatest love stories ever lived. They were married on June 15, 1957 and never looked back, celebrating 67 years of marriage before her passing in November of 2024.

Together they would bring 3 children into this world, Charles Eugene Foreman, Jr (Chuckie); Chester Lee Foreman (Chet), and Christine Elizabeth Foreman. They grew up in the farmhouse that was given to Charles by his Uncle Rock until moving to the other side of Walker in 1972.

Charles was a devoted member, Sunday School teacher, and deacon at Walker First Baptist Church for many years until its closing. He then attended Schell City First Baptist Church, and later Nevada First Baptist once it became too much for him and Neoma to drive back and forth with icy roads and health obstacles. It didn’t matter the building, Charles could tell someone about the gospel, and he did so with vigor, love and a passion that made you sit down and listen.

While talking to a neighbor one day that was getting ready to go and take a test to see about becoming a Rural Mail Carrier, Charles decided he would go along and see how hard it was. He aced the test and would serve both the Walker and Harwood communities as a Rural Mail Carrier from September 21, 1968 until his retirement on August 3, 1992. The endless stories of how Charles used that job to serve others can be found all over the community. Whether it was pulling someone out of a ditch, helping someone that had fallen in their home, to reuniting a child with their parents, he was always available to help. He loved his job and his community.

Retirement didn’t bring rest or respite as Charles still held the title of “farmer”. His polled Herefords and Allis-Chalmers tractors were his pride and joy and they always needed assistance of some kind. He did give Neoma enough content to keep up an entire weekly column in the local newspaper titled “Country Connections” from his daily tasks. These could range from having cattle out, cutting off part of his finger while building a crib, to running himself over with a tractor. No two days were ever the same, but he always seemed to take it all with a grin.

Charles enjoyed attending the local festivals, especially Walker Fun Days, The El Dorado Picnic, Schell City Fall Festival and Bushwhacker Days. His love for fixing vehicles kept active entries in the parades, and a full shop! It was always a tradition each year for Grandpa/Pappy to take whoever the newest grandkid/great-grandkid on the Merry-Go-Round before any other rides. He also loved the ferris wheel and, of course, the festival food that was only offered at these events.

Taking community service very seriously, Charles would go above and beyond in any organization he belonged to. Some of the organizations most dear to him included MO State Grange, Blue Mound Grange, Rural Mail Carriers Association, NFO (National Farmer’s Organization), Polled Hereford Association, Walker 4-H, Harwood Ruritans, Mason’s (where he earned his 60th year pin), Gideons International, 54 Cruisers Car Club, The Bushwhacker Museum Board of Directors, Vernon County Genealogical & Historical Society where he helped survey and map Vernon County cemeteries, the Sons of the American Revolution, and many more.

Charles could build anything and loved to do so with every opportunity. His woodshop was always filled to the brim with possibilities. He built displays for the Bushwhacker Museum, a pergola for the Walker Senior Housing, a ramp for the Walker First Baptist Church, and many treasures that later generations will enjoy for years to come.

He also used these skills to restore his 41 Chevy Coupe, 1969 Ford Ranchero, 1926 Model T Ford Roadster, and an M1 A1 Willy Army Jeep to resemble the one that he drove with Chaplain Randles in Korea that was always a crowd favorite at every parade.

Charles gave his life to the Lord at the Harwood Baptist Church and was baptized in the creek and never looked back. He served God in everything that he did. His life was an example to his kids, his grandkids, his great-grandkids and anyone that had the privilege to speak with him. This gives the family a peace beyond understanding that Charles is now free from any earthly pains, and we can see him again one day if we follow the example he put before us.

Charles Eugene Foreman, Sr, of Walker, MO, leaves behind his three children; Charles Eugene Foreman, Jr (Vicki); Chester Lee Foreman (Marla); and Christine Graham. 11 Grandchildren; David Foreman (Betsy); Charity Lanning (Bob); Wendy Conley (Brandon); Joseph Graham (Angie); Katie Budd (Anthony); Wesley Charles Foreman (Bridget); Timothy Foreman (Alexandra); Regan Kluhsman (Ben); Corey Graham; Sarah Ireland; Matthew Holmes (Jessica). 24 Great Grandchildren; Coltin Wilson, Brooklyn Foreman, Brice Budd; Garrett Conley, Keeley Foreman, Carter Foreman, Isaiah Charles Graham, Gentry Budd, Mylah Graham, Brylan Fortman, Avery Neoma Foreman, Amelia Foreman, Bennett Foreman, Dawson Kluhsman, Dean Kluhsman, Layla Penrod, Zoey Penrod, Eliza Lanning, Sebastian Emerson, Brock Ireland, Greta Holmes, Milo Holmes, Henry Holmes and Ingrid Holmes. His niece Phyllis Garrison (Bob), and brother-in-law Frank Haynes, along with numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, friends, and loved ones who will miss hearing his stories and simply being in his presence.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife, Neoma Lee (Alexander) Foreman. A brother Russell Lee Foreman, both of his sisters Dora Jane Haynes and Alice Beaty. Sisters-in-law Juanita Foreman, Violet Overton and Annie Haynes; and brothers-in-law Dale Overton, Fred Haynes, and Joe Beaty. Along with his Uncle Roscoe Hamilton and Aunt Vinta Hamilton, whom he always spoke very highly of.

Funeral services were held Friday, April 10th at the First Baptist Church in Nevada, MO with burial in Green Lawn Cemetery, Schell City, MO. Donations can be made to Gideons International to continue Charles’ mission to spread the word of Jesus to everyone in c/o Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.

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Obituary - Dolores Elizabeth Otter

Dolores Elizabeth Otter, 73, of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Guest Home Estates in Ft. Scott. She was born on August 4, 1952, in Norton, Kansas, the daughter of Arthur Thomas Otter and Cecelia Kathryn (Moos) Otter. Dolores dedicated her working life to the service of others, spending many years as a caregiver and housekeeper within the home healthcare industry.

She is survived by her brother, Mark Otter, and his wife, Donna, of Warrensburg, Missouri, as well as her sister, Anne Horst, and her husband, Dean, of Amsterdam, Missouri. Her memory will also be cherished by numerous nieces and nephews. Delores was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Anthony Otter, James Otter, Leon Otter and Quentin Otter, and her sister, Rose Otter.

Funeral services were held April 9, 2026, at Ferry Funeral Home with burial  at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

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Obituary - Matt Alexander

Matt Alexander, 90, of Appleton City, Missouri, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2026, at Appleton City Manor.

Matt was born on July 4, 1935, in St. Clair County, Missouri, to Purna Roy “PR” Alexander and Mattie Lee Alexander. He was born and raised in Appleton City, where he attended grade school and graduated from Appleton City High School.

Following high school, Matt attended the University of Missouri in Columbia, where he studied agriculture and was a proud member of the FarmHouse Fraternity. During his time in college, he met the love of his life, Marian Ellinwood, a student at Stephens College. The two were united in marriage on October 15, 1959, in Boston, Massachusetts, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in love and family.

While living in Davenport, Matt worked as a salesman for Rath Meat Packing Company. During this time, Matt and Marian welcomed their first son, Bret, on November 24, 1962. The family later moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where their second son, Dean, was born on June 2, 1965.

In 1967, Matt and his family returned to Appleton City, where he joined his father on the family farm. Matt spent the remainder of his career as a dedicated cattle and crop farmer, building a legacy grounded in hard work, integrity, and a deep-rooted passion for agriculture. He earned numerous national honors and awards for his work in cattle embryo development and steer quality.

Matt was also a very active and respected member of the Appleton City community. He took pride in supporting local events, building relationships, and contributing to the town he called home throughout his life.

Above all else, Matt was an extraordinary husband, son, and father. He was a devoted family man who took great pride in raising his sons on the family farm and rarely missed an opportunity to watch them play sports. He found joy in the simple moments spent with family and in the life he built alongside them.

Matt was also a lifelong fan of University of Missouri athletics and seldom missed a Mizzou football or basketball game.

He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his unwavering dedication to his family, his commitment to his community, and the lasting impact he made on the agricultural industry.

Matt was preceded in death by his parents, “PR” and Mattie Lee, his wife, Marian “Punkie”, in 2015, his son, Bret in 2023, and one sister, Betty Moore.

Survivors include his son, Dean Alexander; daughter-in-law, Melodie Alexander; grandchildren: Matthew Alexander, Coleton Alexander, Nicholas (Katie) Alexander, Lauren Alexander (Dalton) Weaver, Riley Blackshear, Ty Cumley, and Cory Cumley; and sisters, Joan Smith and Shirley Quick.



The family suggest any memorials be given to the Appleton City Booster Club and those may be left at the funeral home or given the day of his service at Lakeview by Sue.

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Solar farms in Bates County: Some questions answered

It became apparent during meetings this past Wednesday at the Bates County Commissioner's office there are a lot of questions to be answered and work to be done regarding solar farms coming to Bates County

It must first be pointed out that Bates County is not zoned against solar farms. For the record, the same for wind turbines- however, there's no need to worry about the turbines, there's a very slim chance Missouri may ever see any new wind farms due to current legislation and federal monies drying up to support them.

But by contrast, solar farms (large arrays of solar panels) are popping up in Missouri as quickly as possible due to looming Missouri Senate Bill 849 that could halt future projects. So logically, the rush is on to install as many as possible so they will fall under Grandfather status.

On top of it all, Bates County offers something rather unique as solar farms need a hefty connection to the power grid and Bates County offers not one, but two prime locations: on the west side with connection near the La Cygne power plant and on the east side near the former Montrose power plant. This rare combination has put our county high on the 'wish list' for any type of alternation power generation, primarily including solar.

For now we'll look at the west side of the county as the Clearway Energy 650 megawatt solar farm project just south of Amsterdam is supposed to begin construction late this Summer. The project is coming much to the dismay of some however, all it takes is an agreement between the company and the landowner. Neither of which are obligated to notify the community outside of working with the county commission regarding right-of-ways and agreements regarding roads.

It is however, in the best interest of the solar company to work with the community to sign a Chapter 100 bond agreement that would bring some type of financial benefit locally. We'll discuss that agreement in detail shortly but it appears, based on feedback from citizens present during Wednesday's meetings, there are unanswered questions to be addressed first and Barry Matchett, Head of External Affairs for this region representing Clearway Energy was on hand to answer those which included:

What about runoff and erosion?

Does the ground get contaminated if the panels break?

Do solar panel fires pose a unique threat?

Has Clearway procured all necessary permits?

What about negative impact on adjacent property values?

Matchett answered that first four questions with what appeared to be satisfactory responses but the property values discussion was rather lengthy. Nearby landowner Chad Wiley revealed documentation indicating that solar farms do indeed have a long term impact however Matchett begged to differ. His response was that while a solar farm may have some negative impact early on, it will improve in short order as those nearby get used to the installation being part of the landscape over time. 

He also said many steps are taken to help the farm 'blend in' by adding berms with cedar trees to reduce overall visibility of the panels, among other things. 

As those questions were addressed, the focal point of the discussion wound down to: What's in it for our community? Our schools? Our roads? Townships? Other benefits? 

All of which lead back to the Chapter 100 discussion.

In short, a Chapter 100 contract will insure that some tax monies will stay local and can be fed into schools, infrastructure or whatever is designated in the contract; and that very contract is under a time crunch to be completed, as according to Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, it needs to happen in 30 days or less.

Earlier, Wheatley did provide Mid America Live with his initial 'wish list' of those to get compensation from the Clearway Solar farm that included fire gear, sewer improvements and a storm siren for both cities of Amsterdam and Amoret. However, it appears that list is likely to get much longer in coming days as local schools are high in priority too.

In the end, it stands to reason that Clearway likely has a predetermined amount they will agree to and now it's up to the commission, with input from citizens, to decide where it will go. There will be a town hall type 'meet and greet' with Clearway Energy representatives to be held April 27th, 6:30 pm at the Miami R-1 high school gymnasium and the public is highly encouraged to attend as noted below.

Editor's note- Additional details regarding the Wednesday commission meeting will be revealed in the upcoming weekly report from the county clerk's office. More information is forthcoming from Mid America Live regarding other solar projects as well as answers to frequently asked questions regarding the Clearway project.

 

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I-49 and West 52 overpass again open

The I-49 overpass in west Butler is again open to traffic. Note that resurfacing will be ongoing on 52 highway at various times between State line and Butler as well as East 52 from I-49 to the eastern county line for several months to come.


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Obituary - Etha Pearl Black

Funeral services for Etha Pearl Black of Nevada, Missouri formerly of Amoret, Missouri will be 2 p.m. Sunday, April 12, 2026 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Visitation from 4 - 6 p.m. Saturday, April 11 at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Contributions to The Bungalows at Nevada or Amoret Christian Church. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Etha Pearl Black, age 92 of Nevada, Missouri died Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at the Bungalows in Nevada, Missouri. She was born December 18, 1933 to Marion Grover and Olive Ellen Judy Hedger in Amoret, Missouri.

Etha is survived by three children, Donna Lynnette Gregory and husband Randy of Butler, Missouri, Alan Dean Black and wife Brenda of Deepwater, Missouri and Kevin Lee Black and wife Chelle of Butler, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Tyler (T.J.), Brady (Brooke), Seth (Tera), Austin (Laura), Cooper (Riley), Carmin (Mike) and Andrea (Josh); 14 great-grandchildren, Ty (Michaela), BrayLeigh, Hailey, Reagan, Lainey, Aspen, Daylan (fiancé Gracie Glynn), Kaden, Kobe, Khloe, Kizzy, Kennadi, Parker and Paisley; three great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. Etha was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald Black (2-2-2005); a second husband, Phillip Pieratt (4-17-2020); four sisters, Catherine, Anna May, Mary and Ellen; and an infant brother.

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