Paul Preston Beydler

Paul Preston Beydler, 85, El Dorado Springs, passed away Feb. 27, 2010. He was born Oct. 27, 1924, in Jerico Springs to Virgil O. and Naomi (Hutchinson) Beydler. He was the forth of five children growing up on the family farm near Jerico Springs and in Buffalo, WY.

During the Second World War he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard serving in the Pacific on Saipan and Guam.

Returning home, Preston married Cleola Mae Willhoite of Jerico Springs on Oct. 12, 1946. The young couple found work by migrating to the Kansas City area. Preston worked at Kansas City Power and Light as a Journeyman Instrument Relay Technician for 36 years. He then retired to El Dorado Springs and enjoyed fishing with family and friends in the area lakes.
Preston was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers - Byron, Stanley and Dwight; grandson, Andrew James Childress; and son-in-law, Phillip Childress.

Survivors include his wife, Cleola Mae; daughter, Terry Ann Childress; son, Paul Byron Beydler, and wife, Peggy Ann; sister, Kathleen Farmer; four grandchildren - Matthew Rardon, Joy Johnson, and husband, Mark, Kelsey Beydler and Dala Stevens; and five great-grandchildren - Logan Rardon, Nick Johnson, Cody Stevens, David Stevens and Ashley Stevens.

Visitation was from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 3, at Bland-Hackleman Chapel.

Services will begin at 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 4, at Bland-Hackleman Chapel with Travis Bryson officiating. Brandon Watkins will provide music. Interment will follow in Brasher Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be: Paul Beydler, Greg Beydler, Randy Beydler, Matthew Rardon, Dee Skeeters and Kent Harvey.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Brasher Cemetery in memory of Paul Preston Beydler.

Rodney Earl Schnedler

Rodney Earl Schnedler, 45, Nevada, passed away on Feb. 27, 2010, at Freeman West Hospital, Joplin, following a short illness. He was diagnosed with an aggressive form of liver cancer 10 days before his death. He was born Sept. 5, 1964, to Robert Lee Schnedler and Mildred Evadyne Moore. His parents divorced in 1965.

When Rodney was three, his mother married Charlie Wales, formerly of Cedar County. Rodney grew-up in Nevada and graduated from Nevada High School in 1982. He lived in Dallas, TX, for 20 years working as a bookkeeper for a hotel management company. While in Dallas, he was a member of the Crossroads Community Christian Church and was active in the Diabetes Association and the Autism Program. 

He returned to Nevada in January 2009 to work for U.S. Bank. Rodney purchased his dream home, a stately mansion that was built in the early 1900’s. He and his sister, Connie Martin, enjoyed decorating the grand old home. It was placed on the “Tour of Homes” in Nevada in August 2009.

He was preceded in death by his father and two brothers, Roger and Richard.

Survivors include his mother, Mildred Wales, and stepfather, Charles Wales - Nevada; three sisters - Cheryl Lorenz - Fulton, Connie Martin – Columbia, and Sandra Pippin - Nevada; one brother, Robert Schnedler - Nevada; two step-sisters, Jackie Wales - Fortuna, CA, and Judy Nichols – Stockton; their spouses and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services were held in Nevada and internment was at Newton Burial Park, Nevada, on Wednesday, March 3. Those who wish may contribute to the American Diabetes Association in Care of Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.

Mary Rachel (McKinney) Smith

Mary Rachel (McKinney) Smith, 83, Washington, D.C. passed away Feb. 24, 2010. She was born Jan. 19, 1927, to Harvey and Mary McKinney in Schell City.

Mary attended grade school and high school at Schell City.

She joined the Air Force in the spring of 1951 where she met her husband, H.J. Smith. They were married in June 1955.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Harvey and Mary McKinney; and four brothers – Joe, Roger, Dennis and Hugh McKinney.

Survivors include her husband of the home, two step-pdaughters, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and many friends. She will truly be missed.

Ruby May Barritt

Ruby May (Adams) Barritt, 99, El Dorado Springs, passed away Feb. 24, 2010, at Community Springs Healthcare. Ruby was born Dec. 21, 1910, in the home of her parents, E.R. and Gertrude Adams in Cedar County. She was the first daughter in a family of 10.

She attended grade school at Pleasant Ridge. Ruby was saved as a young girl and joined the Baptist Church. She attended as long as her health permitted.

On Dec. 25, 1931, Ruby married Lloyd Harold Barritt. They were blessed with four children - Howard, Vera, Wayne and Alice Geraldine who passed away at age two.

Ruby liked working in her yard and was always busy knitting, crocheting and making quilts.

In 1994 she lost her partner, Lloyd. She was able to live alone until Oct. 1, 2009, when she moved to Community Springs Healthcare Facility.

Preceding Ruby in death were: her parents, Eddie and Trudy Adams; baby daughter, Geraldine; two sisters, Elizabeth Schwalm and Virginia Carter; five brothers - Eugene, Floyd, James, Paul and Lawrence; and a grandson, Larry Barritt.

Ruby is survived by one sister, Muriel Hammer; one brother, Kenny Adams; two sons, Howard Barritt, and wife, Maxine, and Wayne Barritt, and wife, Vesta; and one daughter, Vera Whitesell; five grandchildren, some of which affectionately called her Me-Ma - Ronnie Whitesell and wife, Dana, Denny Whitesell and wife, Lisa, Tony Barritt and wife, Glenda, Cathy Barritt and Susan Elliott and husband, Tom; 14 great-grandchildren - Casie Broker, Christina Owen, Tate Whitesell, Kama Deschane, Adam Elliott, Matthew Elliott, Kelly Barritt, Dawn Todd, Colt Whitesell, Ace Whitesell, Kaylyn Whitesell, Faith Barritt, Donald Kelly and Melanie McWilliams; eight great-great-grandchildren; as well as extended family and friends.

Services were held Saturday, Feb. 27, 2009, at Bland-Hackleman Chapel with Brother Everett Smith officiating. Karen Rains provided music. Interment followed in Clintonville Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were - Ronnie Whitesell, Denny Whitesell, Tony Barritt, Tom Elliott, Don Sanders and John Broker.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Clintonville Cemetery.

Ernest Reginald Turner

Ernest Reginald Turner, 78, passed away Feb. 21, 2010, at his home. He was born Nov. 4, 1931, in Westfield, NJ, to Reginald and Marjorie (Comer) Turner.

On June 29, 1958, Ernest married Marjorie Highley in Montevallo.

Preceding Ernest in death were: his parents; one brother, Donald; two sisters, Mary May and Elizabeth Lyons; and one son Donald.
Ernest is survived by his loving wife, Marjorie, of the home; one son, Larry Turner, and wife, Rosemary; three daughters - Stephanie Newberry, and husband, Robert, Karen Pettit, and husband, Shannon, and Kelly Lapreze, and husband, Edward; four brothers - John Turner - Edison, NJ, Robert Turner - Marco Island, FL, David Turner - Cape Coral, FL, and George Turner - Freehold, NJ; three sisters - Barbara Scillitoe - Belvedere, NJ, Edith Balland - Georgetown, DE, and Margaret Langwasser - Middlesex, NJ; 20 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Ernest was a wonderful loving and caring man and will be greatly missed.

Services began at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24, in Bland-Hackleman Chapel with Pastor Jim Davis officiating. Interment followed in Olive Branch Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were Larry Turner, Joe Turner, Keith Turner, Steven Edwards, James Edwards, Chris Edwards and David Moore.

In lieu of flowers memorials contributions may be made to Montevallo Baptist Church or the March of Dimes.

Helen M. Skeen Perkins

Helen M. Skeen Perkins, 91, St. Joseph, formerly of El Dorado Springs, died Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010, at a local health care center. She was born Jan. 13, 1919, in Savannah, MO, the daughter of Algy and Enga (Atlakson) Skeen.

She married John L. Perkins on Oct. 4, 1947. He preceded her in death.

Helen was a member of the Christian Church in Roscoe. She enjoyed bowling and entertaining at home.
In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents and six brothers and sisters.

Survivors include a sister, Anna Canchola (Gregorio) - St. Joseph; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services were held at Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory with interment in Memorial Park Cemetery.

The family suggests memorial gifts to St. Mary or St. Patrick Catholic Church parishes.

Theodore Rayford Thomas

Theodore Rayford Thomas, 77, Schell City, the only son of Victor Warren and Beatrice (Brown) Thomas, was born March 21, 1932, on a farm south of Schell City. He passed from this life at 11:52 a.m. Friday, Feb. 19, 2010, at the Ellett Memorial Hospital in Appleton City.

Ted grew up in the Schell city area and graduated from Schell City High School in 1950. He worked briefly as a farmhand before entering the United States Navy in February 1951. He was honorably discharged in 1955. During his service time, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Medal and the United Nations Service Medal.

On Feb. 26, 1956, Ted was united in marriage to Norma Jean Goble and to their union four children were born. Ted and Norma made their home locally and for many years. Ted farmed and hauled livestock. Around 1970, Ted started operating the
Standard Service Station that he ran for about 13 years. While running the station, he also worked as City Marshall and was subsequently hired by the Vernon County Sheriff’s department as a deputy. He worked in law enforcement from 1983 to 1996, serving five and a half years as Vernon County Sheriff. After retiring, he continued to work part time transporting prisoners for the county as needed. He also ran the city road grader and volunteered countless hours on area improvement projects.

Ted was a member of the Harwood Baptist Church, Schell City Rural Fire Department, Schell City Lions Club, Schell City South Ward Alderman, Schell City Community Betterment, Missouri Sheriff’s Association, State Line Peace Officers Association and was a more than 50 year member of the Schell City Lodge #447 AF and AM joining in 1956.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents; one sister; and his daughter, Raejean, who passed away Nov. 30, 2002.

Survivors include his wife, Norma, of the home in Schell City; one son, Jerry Thomas, and his wife, Michelle – Hume; two daughters, Teri Thomas – Schell City, and Jackie McCammon, and her husband, Jason – Adrian; one sister, Edith McCoy, and her husband, Kenny – Schell city; 10 grandchildren – Christy Goodman, and her husband, Jared, Jeremy Maus, Becky Hill, and her husband, Nick, Brent, Travis, Kelsey and Brittany Thomas, Katelyn Johnson, and her husband, Chan, and Jordyn and Emily McCammon; seven great grandchildren - Cayla, Logan, Bryce and Jackson Goodman, Ethan Maus and Raeah and Raeleigh Hill.
Services were held Tuesday, Feb. 23, in the First Baptist Church in Schell City with Brother Doug Reynolds officiating. Musical selections were Life’s Railway to Heaven and Angels Among Us. Pianist was Winkie Smith.

Pallbearers were Tom Haddix, Paul Palmer, David Bell, Larry Dade, Kenny Hallam and Quentin Goodman. Honorary pallbearers were Ron Peckman, Chris Spratt, John Randall, John R. Hoagland, Jim Goodman, Drue Hoagland, Rex Diehl and Kenny McCoy.
Interment with military honors followed at the Green Lawn Cemetery in Schell City.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Schell City Community Building or the Schell City Rural Fire Department.
Arrangements for Mr. Thomas were entrusted to the Lewis-Hoagland Funeral Home in Schell City.

Kenneth Edward 'Dick' Powell

Kenneth Edward “Dick” Powell, 80, Nixa, passed away at 5:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010, at Cox South Hospital in Springfield, after surgery, due to complications with pneumonia. Kenneth was born on May 10, 1929, to Cora Mae (Hatfield)
Powell and Jessie Emory Powell in Collins.

He attended Elementary and High school in Collins. Kenneth enlisted in the United States Navy and served as a gunners-mate during the Korean War. After an Honorable discharge, he became employed as an electrician. Kenneth was a member of the local 124th Union of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in Kansas City. He retired in 1993.

Kenneth was a longtime member of the Elks Club in Nevada. He and his family attended All Saints Episcopal church in Nevada and he later attended St. John’s Episcopal Church in Springfield.

Kenneth was united in marriage on April 9, 1951, to Jewell Dean “Judy” (Durnell) Powell, who preceded his death on Aug. 12, 2005. To this union three children were born - daughter, Janet Lynn Powell-Massingill - Nixa, son, Gregory Kevin Powell, and wife, Glenda – Nixa, and son, Darin Michael Powell, and wife, Lori - Belleville, IL.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Warren Powell, and his wife, Bea; an aunt, Pauline Johnston, and her, husband Don; a baby sister, Helen, and a baby brother.

Kenneth is survived by his three children; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one brother, Raymond Powell, and wife, Wanda – Collins; three sisters in law - Delores Ott, and husband, Bob - Weaubleau, Lenora Ashlock, and husband, Kenny - Bolivar, and Betty Clary – Urbana; and numerous beloved, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Services were held on Tuesday, Feb 23, at Sheldon Funeral Home Chapel with Father Jerry Miller of St. John’s Episcopal Church officiating. Burial, with military honors was at Robinson Cemetery in Weaubleau under the direction of Sheldon Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs.

Elma Mae Gooden Rippy

Elma Mae Gooden Rippy, 83, formerly of El Dorado Springs, passed away Feb. 18, 2010. She was born March 28, 1926.

Elma Mae was a graduate of El Dorado Springs High School.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jess; brothers, Hobert, Hubert, Donald and Austin; and her parents.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Pat Rippy; daughter, Pat Hulett-Jones, and husband, Don Jones; grandchildren - Marilyn (Rippy), and Patrick Avalos, Stephanie (Rippy) and Matt Ainsworth, Rick and Deanna Hulett, Danny and Jaquie Hulett, Sarah Campbell and Big Dave Petersen; great-grandchildren; sisters – Nelda Kinney – Downing, Ruth Latta – El Dorado Springs and Violet Emons Fulbright- Willard; and brothers Wesley Emons – Nebraska City, NE, and Ronald Emons – Virgil City.

Inturnment was Monday, Feb. 22, in Westlawn Hillcrest Memorial Park, Omaha, NE, followed by a lunch and a Memorial Service at the Center for Hoe and Healing At Westlawn Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Memorial are suggested to The Solid Rock Church, 2240 Railroad Highway, Council Bluffs, IA, 51503.

Jessie May Garrison

Jessie May Garrison, 94, was born Sept. 21, 1915, in Hot Springs, AR, to Jesse and Ethel (Garrison) Wisner. She passed away Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010 at Cedar County Memorial Hospital, El Dorado Springs.

Jessie was seven when her mother passed away and her father and two brothers, Roy and Floyd, moved back to Missouri, where she resided her entire life.

She married Mahlon Garrison Dec. 22, 1934, and lived in the Bear Creek area until she could no longer live by herself. To this union five children were born, four sons and one daughter. Jessie was baptized and loved the Lord and believed in the teachings of the Bible. She raised her family on a farmer’s income and went to work after they all had graduated from high school.

Jessie worked a period of time at National Bellas Hess then decided to be a nurses aide at Waite’s Rest Home, Truman Lake Manor Rest Home and Sac Osage Hospital before retiring and then working for West Central and with senior citizens. In her later years she would take the OATS Bus to various shopping areas.

She enjoyed her family and being around friends. Her hobbies included reading the Bible, sewing, quilting and helping others as long as she was able. The last year and three months was spent in Community Springs Healthcare Facility in El Dorado Springs.

Jessie was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Mahlon Vanice; one son, Mahlon William; her parents; two brothers, Floyd and Roy; and one great-great-granddaughter, Jennifer Ann Smith, who died at birth.

She is survived by three sons - Dale, and wife, Pat - Belton, Ed, and wife, Betty Lou - Osceola, Dennis, and wife, Maggie –
Gladstone; and one daughter, Joyce Bacon, and husband, Jim - Harwood; 11 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren; along with many, many relatives and friends. She is also survived by three step-grandchildren - Diane Merryman - Springfield, Russell Bacon - El Dorado Springs and Kristi Atkins – Warrensburg; five step-great-grandchildren; and two step-great-great grandchildren.

Services were held Saturday, Feb. 20, in the Sheldon-Goodrich Chapel with Rev. Phil Fennell and Rev. Carl Whitacre officiating. Music was How Great Thou Art and In The Garden by the Bear Creek Blue Grass Gospel Band. Casketbearers were her grandchildren.

Interment was in Bear Creek Cemetery under the direction of Sheldon-Goodrich Funeral Home, Osceola.

The family suggests contributions to the Bear Creek Methodist Church in care of the funeral home.

Alex Praphan Boonyakiti

Alex Praphan Boonyakiti, 20, was born Aug. 21, 1989, in El Dorado Springs to John Praphan and Karri (Bowman) Boonyakiti. He passed away suddenly Feb. 4, 2010, in Springfield.

Alex enjoyed sports. He started playing soccer in Nevada, from age three until he started Mighty Mite football in the fifth grade. Alex played football for eight years and loved all his teammates and coaches. He ran track and played baseball and basketball. Alex was a great athlete and excelled at all he did.

He was preceded in death by two grandfathers, Jim Bowman and Larry Kerr.

Alex is survived by his father, John “Pun” Boonyakiti and wife, Kimberly - Nevada; his mother, Karri Bowman - El Dorado Springs; two brothers, Michael Boonyakiti and Chance Bain - both of El Dorado Springs; two sisters, Jasmine Boonyakiti, NC, and Aysha Boonyakiti - Nevada; his maternal grandmother, Kathy Stone and husband, Lloyd - El Dorado Springs; his paternal grandparents, Somjit Kerr, and friend, Darryl Kiger - Nevada; paternal grandfather, Gat Boonyakiti - Thailand; uncles - Adam Rodgers, and wife, Ashley - El Dorado Springs, James Bowman and wife, Skye, of Fort Campbell, KY, Jacob Bowman - El Dorado Springs, Al Stone and wife, Danae - Blue Springs, Brent Stone and wife, Crystal - Grain Valley, Brandon Stone and wife, Stephanie - Butler; aunts - Sara Bowman - Springfield, Vipa Boonyakiti and friend, Samuel Vella - NJ, Michelle Loy and husband, Josh - California and Laurie Long and husband, Zach – Kansas; paternal great aunts - Pitt Morris - California and Porntip, Sarnmanee and Sri - all of Thailand; cousins - Jessica Jones and husband, Chris - Nevada, Sean Jackson and wife, Jaime - Texas, Gabriella and Caleb Loy – California, Laikyn, Kaden and Drew Long - Kansas, and Avery Rodgers - El Dorado Springs, other relatives and many great friends.

Services were held Tuesday, Feb. 9, in the Church of God (Holiness), El Dorado Springs, with Pastor Joe Trussell officiating. Michael Boonyakiti sang–“What Brothers Are For.”

Casketbearers were Chad Depee, Geoff Stewart, Donnie Pennington, Chris Shanks, Brian Ellis and David Rotert.

Interment was in Hackleman Cemetery, El Dorado Springs, under direction of Sheldon Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs.

The family suggests contributions to the Alex Boonyakiti Memorial Fund in lieu of flowers.

George 'G.W.' Hamby

George, “G.W.” Hamby, 89, Higginsville, passed away Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010, at Meyer Care Center in Higginsville. He was born Sept. 7, 1920, in Guymon, OK, the son of Charles Judson Hamby and Minnie Fae Ferguson.

He and Marjorie Scott were united in marriage on June 5, 1949.

G.W. served during World War II in the Army Air Corp from 1942 until 1945 with the rank of staff sergeant.

He was a vo-ag teacher at Green Ridge and Sweet Springs, then served as district supervisor for agriculture education in southwest Missouri, retiring in 1986.

G.W. was a member of the First Baptist Church in Higginsville. He was a member of the Missouri Vo-Ag Teachers Association, Missouri Vo-Ag Teachers Alumni Association and was an FAA supporter.

He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers – Guy, Clifton, J.S., Charles and Verdie Glen Hamby; and three sisters – Vera Green, Georgie Baker and Audrey West.

Survivors include his wife, Marge – Higginsville; one son, Carl (Mary) Hamby – White Plans, NY; one daughter, Carolyn (Mike) Boland – Waverly; one sister, Myrtle Boultinghouse of El Dorado Springs; six grandchildren – Matt Boland, Steven Boland, Daniel Boland, Jeffrey Hamby Grace Hamby and Rose Hamby; and one great-grandchild.

A memorial service was held Monday, Feb. 15, with Dr. Greg Fine officiating. Speakers were Nancy Hamby, Jim West and Terry Heiman.

The family suggests memorials to the First Baptist Church in Higginsville.