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Obituary - Jeanie "Grams" Stephens

Jeanie "Grams" Stephens, 63, of Adrian, Missouri, passed away Friday, October 20, 2023, at her home. Memorial services will be held October 29, 2023 at 4:00 PM at the Adrian High School in Adrian, MO, with a visitation from 2:00 - 4:00 PM. Following the memorial service, there will be a reception to celebrate Jeanie's life in the High School Commons. Memorial contributions may be made to any of the following in Jeanie's name: Adrian Christian Church, Adrian Rural Fire Department, or Bates County Industries.

Jeanie was born May 6, 1960, to Charles and Karen Kennedy. The family lived in Detroit, Michigan, and Rich Hill, Missouri, before moving to Adrian in 1972. Throughout her school years in Adrian, Jeanie was blessed to have the love and support of several local families. She spent a lot of time in the Johnson, Brewster, Gunn, and Greenwell homes. She spoke fondly of these families often and shared stories of their positive impact throughout the rest of her life. Jeanie graduated from Adrian High School in 1978. Jeanie was united in marriage to Jerry Stephens on March 29, 1980; and to this union two children were born: Hannah Kathleen & Gerold Layn. Throughout the years, Jerry and Jeanie opened their home to many children, and they welcomed their chosen daughter in 2005, Tiffany.

Jeanie was a longtime member of Adrian Christian Church (ACC) and was a faithful and vocal follower of Jesus. She was the first mayor of ACC's "Bibletown" children's ministry, contributed to youth group activities, and held many Bible studies in her home over the years. She was a huge supporter of both the Adrian and Midway School Districts. Jeanie was a member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority for several years. She believed strongly in living a life of service and instilled this idea in those around her. Jeanie was known for her generosity, empathetic spirit, and positive impact on her community.

Jeanie worked at Briarwood State School, Trails West State School, and the CASCO Area Workshop before founding Willow Creek Group Homes in August 1996. Jerry and Jeanie were group home providers for "the ladies" for more than 25 years until her retirement in April 2022. Her impact on the lives of her ladies and the community through her career with Willow Creek is indescribable. Jeanie offered her group-home employees the flexibility to both work and parent, allowing them to bring their children or grandchildren to Willow Creek activities to be an extra-special part of the ladies' lives.

Jeanie lived life to the fullest. Her favorite title was "Grams," and she could be found often at her grandchildren's many activities. She enjoyed shopping with friends, volunteering, and scrapbooking. Even after she found herself struggling with mobility issues, you couldn't slow Jeanie down; you could always find her and her red scooter at sporting events, church functions, and anywhere else she could be a light and support to others. Jeanie threw the best parties and often let friends and family borrow items from her elaborate "party supply closet." Jeanie was truly one of a kind.

Jeanie is preceded in death by her parents and her father-in-law, Bill Stephens. She is survived by her husband, Jerry Stephens, of the home; her daughter, Hannah (Matthew) Newkirk, of Adrian, MO; her son, Gerold (Ashley) Stephens, of Adrian, MO; her daughter, Tiffany (Jason) Hendricks, of Adrian, MO; her grandchildren: Harlee, Claire, and Mattie Newkirk; Greyson and Meredith Stephens; and Mackenzie and Haley Essenpries; her mother-in-law, Kathleen Stephens; brother-in-law, Rick Stephens; honorary granddaughter, Leonor Nogales Martinez; four siblings; and too many additional family members and close friends to count.

Anyone have information on this?

At some time on Monday, October 23, 2023 or there about, the Butler fire department was called out not once but twice to investigate the report of a fire at a Park in Butler, Missouri. This is what they found on the second call.

If good conscience and civic duty isn’t enough initiative, ON THE GO JOHNS will be offering a monetary reward to anyone who can give credible information that will lead BPD to the person or persons that did this to the portable toilet unit located at the Kenton & Friends all inclusive park on the corner of Delaware and Mill Street in Butler, Missouri.

Feel free to share this post to reach as many people as possible. Whoever did this should be held accountable. This isn’t just vandalism to our property this is destruction to an amenity for all children that enjoy using this park.

We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause but at this point the restroom facilities are unavailable at the park .

Brent Welston Kendra Welston
On The Go Johns, LLC

If you have information please contact us at 660-200-5420 or the Butler Police Dept directly. Thank you

Update: Arrest made in Lamar football game stabbing

On Friday, October 20, 2023, at 9:15p.m., the Lamar Police Department responded to a report of a person stabbed in the roadway near 6th and Maple, directly south of the Lamar High School Football Stadium.

The victim of the stabbing was a 14-year-old Lamar High School student. Thankfully, there were trained personnel on scene, including members of the school staff, two off duty doctors, an off-duty Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper and an off-duty paramedic and staff from the Barton County Ambulance District who were all on scene and began emergency first aid.

The Lamar Police Department, with assistance from the Barton County Sheriff’s Office, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Ozark Drug Enforcement Team and the State Juvenile Office began an investigation into the incident.

The investigation revealed that three male juveniles from Pittsburg, Kansas, ages 14,14, and 16, partially concealed themselves between parked cars and then attacked two male juveniles as they walked by.

The victims, ages 14 and 15, were both from Lamar. One victim suffered punches to the face. The second victim suffered multiple stab wounds. The stabbing victim was airlifted from the scene to a regional hospital where he was treated and, thankfully, has been released.

At this time all three juvenile suspects have been located, are in custody, and have been charged with First Degree Assault through Juvenile Courts.

The Lamar Police Department would like to thank the community for their support of their officers during this investigation. We would like to thank Chris Wyatt of Cox Barton County for providing breakfast for the officers on Saturday morning. We appreciated the support from everyone.

Happy Hill Church of God Annual Thanksgiving Dinner & Concert

 

Obituary - Joyce Lee Highley

Joyce Lee Highley, age 87, departed this life to be with the Lord on Friday, October 20,2023, in Joplin, Missouri, surrounded by her family.

Joyce was born November 15, 1935, in Olympia, Missouri, to Lee Ora and Effie Irene (Stockstill) Henry. Her education began in a one-room school house near her home, and she graduated from El Dorado Springs, Missouri, High School.

Joyce married Norman Highley, at her parents’ home in Olympia, Missouri, on July 5, 1953, and they moved to Ft. Scott, Kansas. In 1960, the Highley family moved to Nevada, and Joyce was a stay-at-home mother of five children, and babysitter for several children. In 1966, she went to work for Maxwell Grocery Store. Later, she was employed by John Deere and Madill’s in Nevada and Western Insurance Company in Ft. Scott, Kansas. In 1979, Joyce joined her son, Kenny, and husband, Norman, as bookkeeper for Highley Tire Center. 

In 1983, the father-son team established a second store in Stockton, Missouri, owned and operated by Norman and Joyce. Joyce then became the bookkeeper for both locations. Not long after opening the Stockton store, Joyce and Norman sold their long-time family home in Nevada and moved to Stockton. Joyce worked part time at the local shoe and antique store, T & W, and for many years, she commuted to work at the Nevada tire store. After 13 years, Joyce and Norman retired their Stockton business and returned to Nevada. Joyce continued to work for her son Kenny until her retirement on January 26, 2016.

Joyce was saved in the fall of 1947 at Glade Springs Missionary Baptist Church during a revival. She became the wife and help-mate of a Missionary Baptist preacher in 1958, when God called Norman to preach the gospel. Joyce and Norman chose a life of serving God and travelled many miles to churches where Norman served as pastor and for revivals. Joyce was a member of West Union Missionary Baptist Church. In 1983, she was an organizing member of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Nevada.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Norman Highley; brother, Larry Henry; and sons-in-law, Frank Todd, Nigel Fleming, and Bob Zumwalt.

She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great, great grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends. Children: Patricia (Rick) Bobbett, Bolivar, Missouri; Kenny (Linda) Highley, Nevada, Missouri; Glenda Todd, Joplin, Missouri; Sherri Zumwalt, Nevada, Missouri; and Lori Yokley (Ron), Moundville, Missouri. Grandchildren: Joshua Highley (Renee), Nevada, Missouri; Jordan Highley, Nevada, Missouri; Jenna Kennedy (Aaron), Blue Springs, Missouri; Randall Yokley (Billie), Moundville, Missouri; Ryan Yokley (Caryn) Moundville, Missouri; Sarah Hancock (Justin), Sheldon, Missouri; Daniel Fleming, Nevada, Missouri; and Tiffany Crawford (Bryan), Nixa, Missouri.

El Dorado Springs man was arrested last week on weapons charges

El Dorado Springs man was arrested last week on weapons charges.

The El Dorado Springs Police Department reports officers responded Saturday to the 100 block of Long Lane concerning an unlawful use of a weapon. 

Investigation led to the arrest of 37 year old Gordon Liveoak for the probable cause of unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm, and 4th degree domestic assault.

Officers received a Cedar County warrant charging Liveoak with felony unlawful use of a weapon, and felony unlawful possession of a firearm. 

Mr. Liveoak was taken to the Cedar County Jail, where he is being held on a $25,000 cash bond.

Disclaimer: Arrest records are public information. Any indication of an arrest does not mean the individual identified has been convicted of a crime. All persons arrested are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Obituary - Randy E. Wallace

On October 20, 2023, surrounded by his loving family, Randall Eugene Wallace, known to his friends as Randy, departed this world peacefully at Freeman Hospital West in Joplin, MO. 

He was born to James and Maxine Wallace on May 7, 1951, in Nevada, MO. Randy's life was a testament to the values of hard work, dedication, and a deep love for his family.

Randy married the love of his life, Sandy, on May 17, 1975. Together, they raised their two daughters, Lindsay and Lanette. The Wallaces were a close family and Randy's commitment to his wife and daughters was unwavering. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Maxine, his brother Richard, and his beloved daughter, Lanette.

Randy's professional journey began as a teenager when he started working at the business started by his father, Wallace Electric. Over the years, he honed his skills alongside Jim and eventually took over the business with his wife, Sandy, in 1981. Randy’s commitment to his work was a testament to his strong work ethic and his desire to provide for his family. His white Wallace Electric truck was a familiar sight around town as they continued to operate the business together up until his death along with their valued employee, Steve Fleener.

In his leisure time, Randy was a man of many passions. He enjoyed weekends and holidays out on the lake, soaking in the tranquility of the water and the thrill of boating. For years, he served as the Nevada Speedway announcer, entertaining audiences with his vibrant commentary and recognizable voice. He had a love for anything racing including dirt track stock car races, enduro races, demolition derbies, and motocross racing. Randy's love for motorcycles started at the age of 7 and he could be found out on two wheels every chance he got. 

He was recognizable on his roulette green Triumph Tiger cruising (or speeding) through town with his best friend, Brent Ernsbarger. He also relished motorcycle trips with friends and family and took many through the years with Sandy. 

He enjoyed joining other riders from all over at the Tiger rallies in Jasper, Arkansas each fall. Classic cars were another one of Randy's passions, and he was an active member of the Nevada Cruisers, proudly displaying his father’s meticulously polished El Camino.

Yet, Randy's ultimate source of happiness in life stemmed from being a "Pa Pa" to his five adoring grandchildren - Owen, Molly, Rand, Eli, and Oscar. He reveled in passing on his passion for motorcycles (and his onerousness) to the next generation.

Randy will be deeply missed by his devoted wife, Sandy; daughter, Lindsay, and her husband, Josh, of Springfield; son-in-law, Zach, of Nevada; grandchildren; and a circle of friends and extended family.

In honor of Randy's memory, a visitation will be held on Thursday, October 26th, from 5-7 PM. A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, October 27th at 10 AM at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada, MO.