Obituary - Clyde Edward “Ed” Louvier

 Clyde Edward “Ed” Louvier, 74, Nevada, MO passed from this life on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, MO following a brief illness. Ed was born in Kansas City, MO to Bobby L. Louvier, Sr. and Louise (Black) Louvier. He married Kathy Williams on May 12, 1972 in Rich Hill, MO and she survives of the home.

     Ed grew up in Kansas City and Rich Hill. He graduated from Rich Hill High School Class of 1970.  He worked for the City of Nevada for 26 years in the Wastewater Department until his retirement. Ed attended the Assembly of God Church in Lamar. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and hunting with his son, William. Most of all he loved spending time with his family.

     In addition to his wife Kathy, survivors include two children: a son William Louvier (Dava), Nevada, and a daughter, Annie Louvier, Nevada; five grandchildren, (twins) Katie and Allie, Haley, Brett, and Kendra; great-grandchildren, Kamrie, Kenadie, Gannon, Mila, Ivy, Brynley, David, Darren and two on the way; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; as well as several; brothers and sisters-in-law.   

      ***  The Louvier family announcing to family and friends hoping you’ll join us May 16, 2026, to celebrate Clyde Edward (Ed) Louvier’s extraordinary life. He touched so many lives with his kindness, humor and spirit. Let’s gather together to remember, laugh, cry and celebrate the gift of knowing him.

     Dress comfortably and bring your favorite memories to share. For the family there will be a lunch served at the church immediately following the celebration.  Services will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Lamar First Assembly Church, 1200 Mill Street, Lamar, Missouri.

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Obituary - James Rhea

James “Coach” Craig Rhea of Appleton City, passed away peacefully, in the presence of family Sunday, May 3rd, 2026, at age 78.

Jim was born on August 29, 1947, in Bethany, to, Alice Ruth King and James Craig Rhea Sr. He grew up in Mt Moriah, MO. He excelled at basketball, and played in college at Highland, KS, before transferring to play at NCMC, in Trenton, MO. After, a year there, he put away his basketball and finished his bachelor's degree from Northwest Missouri State.

Jim married his high school sweetheart, Dianne McGinness, on October 15, 1966. To this union, two children were born: Darren and Tera. Two more sons, Jon and Jason McGinness, were welcomed into the family following the loss of Dianne's brother.

In 1972, Jim moved to Appleton City to take a women’s coaching position. The following year, the boys’ basketball coaching job became available, and he decided to stay—continuing to coach while becoming a dedicated part of the community. Throughout his career, he taught health, physical education, psychology, and driver’s education. Committed to education and leadership, Jim later returned to school to earn his master’s and specialist degrees, going on to serve as a principal and superintendent at Roscoe School.

In his spare time, Jim enjoyed fishing, cookouts, photography, and spending time with his family.

Jim was preceded in death by both of his parents, his beloved wife, Dianne Rhea, and his brother, John Rhea.

He is survived by his sisters, Jane Fordyce, of Ridgeway, MO, and Jeanne (Dwight ) Hamilton of Mt Moriah, MO.; his daughter Tera Payne (Tracy ) of Appleton City, MO; , his sons, Darren Rhea ( Shari), of Cassville, MO; Jon McGinness (Becky), of Plattsburg, MO, and Jason McGinness; his grandchildren, Kayleigh Mayo (Matt) of Appleton City, Brennan Minks (Kristie), of Warrensburg, MO and Conner Minks, of Warrensburg, MO; Kyle Rhea (Shannon) of Branson, MO, Kris Rhea, of Cassville, Jayden McGinness of Platte City, MO, and Landon McGinness of Kansas City; and his great-grandchildren, Asher, Alex and Arthur (AJ) Mayo of Appleton City, MO and Tillie and Hadley Rhea of Branson, MO.

MEMORIALS - AC Booster Club

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Obituary - Patricia Shell

Patricia Josephine Helen Shell, 85, of Butler, Missouri, passed away on Monday, May 4, 2026, at her home surrounded by family. Per her wishes, no services are scheduled at this time.

A complete obituary will be posted when it is available, courtesy Atkinson Funeral Home.

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Obituary - Steven Edmundson

Steven Creighton "Grizz" Edmundson, 75, of Cleveland, Missouri passed away on May 2, 2026 in Overland Park, Kansas.

Visitation will be held from 3:00-3:30pm, May 09, 2026, at Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel (816-657-4400). Funeral service to follow beginning at 3:30pm. Burial to follow in Cleveland Cemetery, Cleveland, MO. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Blood Cancer United (formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - LLS). Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com

Born on March 20, 1951 to James Creighton and Marguerette Helen Edmundson in Scott City, Kansas. He spent his life as an entrepreneur, owning several businesses along the way. His days spent building a legacy in the world of barbecue held his fondest moments as he found local fame feeding the many families of his community. He was known for his charm and playful demeanor that brought many smiles to his family, friends and community.

Steven was preceded in death by his wife of 38 years, Kathleen Sue Edmundson; son, Shea Creighton Edmundson; granddaughter, Melanie LeAnn Edmundson. He is survived by son, Eric James Edmundson (wife Sharon; grandsons, Dustin and Codie); grandson Joseph Devon Stoeckle; daughter, Stephanie Jane Edmundson (grandson, Creighton Nickle); son, Steven Lucas Edmundson (Tierney; grandson, Bodhi; granddaughter, Iveigh); brothers, Stanley (Cheryll), Stuart (Nancy), Stacey (Sherri), and Staley (Tera) Edmundson; sister, Starla (Fred) Williams; many great grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

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Obituary - Frederica “Freddie” Craft

Frederica “Freddie” Craft, 85 of Nevada, Missouri passed away Monday, May 4, 2026 at the Bungalows at Nevada. Cremation, with private family services to be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009).Memorial contributions may be made to the Bungalows at Nevada in care of Mullinax Funeral Home, 10 S. High St. Butler, MO 64730. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Frederica Caroline Keller Craft was born March 7, 1941 to Siegel Frederick and Lois Mae Freetly Keller in Barry County Missouri near Verona.

Freddie attended Verona schools, graduating in 1958. After graduation she moved to Kansas City with a friend and worked for the HD Lee Company and met Jimmy Craft. They were married in 1960 in Verona, Missouri. To this union two children were born, Steven and Lois.

Freddie was preceded in death by her parents, one sister Barbara Preston, an infant niece, a great-granddaughter, Remington Jade Craft.

She is survived by her husband Jimmy Craft, son, Steven Craft (Michelle) of Butler, MO., daughter Lois Midkiff (Kent) of Fort Scott, KS., five grandchildren, Brandon Craft (Kaleigh) of Belton, MO., Lyndsi Craft of Butler, MO., Holly Craft of Butler, MO., Corey Midkiff (Dana) of Lenexa, KS., and Megan Midkiff of Reno, NV., along with 9 great-grandchildren.
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Silver and Gold honors for Miami students

The following Miami R-1 students attended Nevada music contest on Sat. April 25th and returned with shining results

Angela Fairbarin (6)- SILVER- vocal solo

Kinzleigh Aldrich (6)- SILVER- flute solo

Corbin Clayton (6)- SILVER- flute solo

Miami Band- GOLD - Tyler Hragyil (8), Quorra Bertam (7), Audrey Clayton (10) & Robin Bukowski (10)

Tyler Hragyil (8)- GOLD- trumpet solo

Harper Powell (6)- GOLD- vocal solo

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Butler Saddle Club introduces 2026 Rodeo Royalty Candidates

Princess Candidate

Reid Davis is the 13 year old daughter of Matt and Shelley Davis from Rockville, MO. Reid attends Adrian R-III where she is the 7th grade. Reid is a hard worker when it comes to her school, she maintains all A’s since school started. When not in school, Reid enjoys riding her horses, fishing, hunting, spending time with her animals and playing soccer. Reid is a member of the Next Generation 4-H club where she shows pigs at the Bates County Fair. Reid also enjoys attending the Bates County Sheriff Posse Fun Shows-she won 3 buckles herself last year! The three words that best describe her are: outgoing, fun, and outdoorsy. When asked what country song best describes herself Reid replied, “free falling” by Tom Petty because “I am crazy about Elvis, love my mama, and Jesus.” Reid’s brother, Chaz, is her role model because he is a hard worker and achieves a lot. And Chaz is always up to something fun. Reid will be selling raffle tickets for $1. The raffle is for savage rifle or $500, Missouri state fair 4 pack (includes 4 admission tickets and 4 concert tickets of winner choice) or $200.

Queen Candidate

Raquel Lane is the 16 year old daughter of Chris and Angle Capriola from Hume, Missouri. Raquel attends Hume High School where she is a member of the cheerleading squad. Raquel is the 203 Butler Saddle Club Princess and is the 2025 Nevada Rodeo Queen. When not in school Raquel likes to hang out with her friends, going to rodeos, riding horses, and riding razors. Raquel enjoys participating in fun shows where she competes in barrel racing. The three words that best describe Raquel are energetic, outgoing, and determined. The country song that best describes Raquel is “wild as her” by Corey Kent because “when I am riding, I feel free and safe. “Fuel a little fire in her soul” and the adrenaline hits. Raquel’s role model is her mom because “she pushes me to do my best and try hard at what I want to do. She has never let me down and is always there for me. Even when I fail, my mom is there to pick me back up and put a smile on my face. Raquel will be selling discounted admission tickets and raffle tickets as stated above.

 Queen candidate

Allyson Spurgeon is the 17 year old daughter of Anthony and Amber Spurgeon from Adrian, Missouri. Allyson attends Adrian High School where she is finishing her junior year. Allyson is an active student where she is involved in NHS, student council, student tribe, yearbook, 1st Vice President for Adrian FFA Chapter, FBLA. Outside of school Allyson enjoys showing horses with ABRA, AQHA, and NSBA. Allyson is the reigning world champion walk/trot 14-18 age division and a reserve world champion 14-18 halter gelding. Allyson enjoys showing her goats and hanging out with her friends in free time as well. Allyson has grown up around rodeo watching her brother compete in saddle bronc and her dad judge. The best three words that describe Allyson are independent, confident, and kindhearted. When asked what country best describes Allyson, she replied “how do you like me now” by Toby Keith because “it reminds me how far I have come.” Allyson role model is Jenna Scali because she is strong willed and always willingly to help anyone. Jenna has a lot of knowledge when it comes to horses too. Jenna always has a smile on her face and good advice.  Allyson will be selling discounted admission tickets and raffle tickets as stated above.

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Most government offices to be closed this Friday

Truman Day will be celebrated throughout Missouri this Friday, May 8th. Expect government offices to be closed as well as a few businesses. Call ahead to be sure.


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