January 21, 1953 – October 2, 2025

Melvin E. Williams, age 71, of Kansas City, MO, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2025. He was born on January 21, 1953, in Kansas City, the beloved son of Huey and Vera Williams.

Melvin had a lifelong passion for cars and computers — interests that reflected his curious mind and love for problem-solving. Though a quiet and private man, those who truly knew Melvin discovered a unique and caring soul. When he let his guard down, his humor, wit, and quiet charm shone through — traits cherished by all who were lucky enough to experience them.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Huey and Vera Williams; his brother, Ronnie; and his sister, Pam.

Melvin is survived by his daughter, Shelby O’Dell, and her husband, Michael Johnson; his brothers, Glen and Bruce Welch; and a host of extended family and friends who will deeply miss his presence.

A private service for family and close friends will be held on October 9, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick, MO. All who knew and loved Melvin are welcome to come by and share a memory in his honor.

Condolences

My deepest condolences to you and your family. I pray for God’s comfort and strength during these times of mourning.
Randy Green SumnerOne

We were very sorry to hear about your father’s passing. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts during this difficult time. Wishing you peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Jeff Harper

James Eugene Belt, 66, of Kearney, Mo., passed away on September 2, 2025.

James, or Jim as most knew him, was born on March 5, 1959 to James Monroe and Virginia Lou (Newsome) Belt in Richmond, Mo., but spent most of his childhood growing up in Orrick, Mo. This is where James would go on to excel in athletics, being a talented dual-sport athlete in basketball and football, where he would be a part of the State Championship 1975 Orrick Bearcats Football Team. While not playing sports, Jim would work around Orrick, doing farm work and showed no fear in climbing the large grain bins. Jim was a great friend to everyone he met and was known to many for being an avid Oakland Raiders fan, his talents as a shark-catcher, but most importantly for his love of being with his grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, James M. Belt, and a sister, Cindy (Scotty) Cazzell.

Jim is survived by his mother, Virginia Belt; two sisters, Pam Boyda and Kim (Rick) Turner; his children, Jamie Marrant, Makayla Belt, and Logan Belt; his grandchildren, Natalie, Haylee, Kaitlyn and Zander Marrant, and Marleigh Jewell; as well as several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

The family would like to welcome those who knew and loved Jim to a visitation in honor of his life that will be held from 12 Noon to 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick. Jim will be laid to rest at South Point Cemetery, just east of Orrick, and the graveside ceremony will occur directly following the visitation.

Jackie Lee Riddle, 71, of Orrick, MO, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2025 at North Kansas City Hospital surrounded by her loved ones. Jackie was born in Excelsior Springs, MO, to Donald Keith “Jack” and Shirley Ross on July 6, 1954. She was a lifelong resident of Orrick, MO, where she graduated from Orrick High School in 1972. Jackie received a bachelor’s degree in education from Central Missouri State University. Jackie retired in 2022 from Hallmark after 50 years of service, while also working at Arrowhead for over 30 years and the T-Mobile Center for 18 years as a suite attendant.

Jackie was married to Edward Riddle on June 11, 1983. Jackie’s greatest joy in life was the time spent with the people she loved most. She cherished every moment with her family, friends, and especially her grandkids. She always loved to travel, making memories with her family and having fun adventures with her girlfriends. A dedicated and hardworking woman, Jackie took pride in the multiple roles she held throughout her life that gave her an opportunity to meet and connect with so many people with who she’s still friends with today.

Jackie is survived by her husband, Edward Riddle of Orrick; son, Casey (Heather) Gaines of Liberty; daughter, Katy (Jeremy) Greer of Orrick; and daughter, Kelly (Garrett) King of Orrick; eight grandchildren, Conner, Ross, Tucker, Jack, Gunner, Maddy, Anders, and Joelle. She is also survived by her mother, Shirley Ross of Orrick; brother, Keith (Joyce) Ross of Gladstone; mother-in-law, Helga Riddle of Richmond; sister-in-law, Susan Carter of Orrick; brother-in-law, John (Claudine) Riddle of Orrick; brother-in-law, Gerald Jones of California; and several nieces and nephews.

Jackie is preceded in death by her father, Jack Ross; father-in-law, William “Ed” Riddle; sister-in-law, Helene Jones; and brother-in-law, David Skahan.

A funeral service honoring Jackie’s life will be held for family and close friends on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 11 a.m. at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick, MO. Burial will follow immediately at South Point Cemetery near Orrick. A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, September 21, 2025 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Branded Banquet Hall, 708 Wollard Blvd., Richmond, MO, where all who knew and loved Jackie and her family are invited to gather, share memories, and honor the joy and love she brought to so many. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Jackie can be made to South Point Cemetery or Outpacing Melanoma Foundation.

Kevin Michael Casey, 66, of Orrick, Missouri, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2025, at his home with his wife by his side.

Kevin was born on December 2, 1958, to Robert Eugene and Kierna Mae (Minor) Casey in Independence, Missouri. On June 11, 2015, Kevin was united in marriage to his wife, Lisa.

Kevin was a hard worker and with his wife, Lisa, they built a dental lab together that became very successful, running it side-by-side for nearly 15 years. This was something he was very proud of. Kevin was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He had a true love for people and never met a stranger. He was known for his charismatic personality and his deep faith. He loved Jesus, going fishing and spending time out on his land.

Kevin was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Kierna Casey.

Kevin is survived by his wife, Lisa, of the home; one son, Garrett Casey (Jocelynne) of Kearney, MO; three daughters, Kayla Cummings (Nathan) of Blue Springs, MO, Lauren Walkup (Matt) of Berryton, KS, and Jennifer Thompson (Nate) of Springfield, MO; two sisters, Teri Casey of Independence, MO, and Kellie Keaton (Derrick) of Independence, MO; as well as five grandchildren, Adam Casey, Jack Casey, Josie Walkup, Jonah Walkup, Eva Thompson, and one more grandchild on the way.

Services will be held at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, with a visitation for the family to receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and funeral services beginning at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Art Endsley officiating.

Shirley LaRue Stevinson, 95, of Fleming, Missouri, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2025, at Good Shepherd Community Care in Lockwood, Missouri.

Shirley was born on November 5, 1929, to Robert “Bob” and Alice (Pulse) May in Missouri City, Missouri, where she spent her early years before moving and becoming a lifelong resident of the Fleming and Orrick communities.

She was united in marriage to Billy Joe Stevinson on March 25, 1949, and they shared nearly 64 years together.

Shirley was a proud homemaker and enjoyed spending time and caring for her family. She was a member of the Orrick Baptist Church. She helped with Vacation Bible School, was a Sunday School teacher, a prayer warrior, and a member of the choir. Shirley loved all animals, especially her cats and dogs, even the random chicken, duck, and pigeon. She enjoyed cooking, doing puzzles, and studying the Bible. Shirley was always trying to educate herself because she didn’t have the opportunity to further her education. In her later years, she enjoyed feeding and watching the birds.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Alice May; her husband, Billy Joe Stevinson; her sister, Jean Sells; and one son, Jim Bob Stevinson.

She is survived by one son, Larry Stevinson (Jody) of Greenfield, Missouri; a daughter-in-law, Inga King of Orrick, Missouri; three grandchildren, Jamie (Eric) Henrich of Orrick, Missouri, Jenny (Jed) Stevinson of Orrick, Missouri, and Eric (Renae) Stevinson of Fleming, Missouri; four great grandchildren, Harley Parks, Wesley Henrich, Tyson Stevinson, and Kayla Stevinson; and two great-great grandchildren, Maddison and Nichole.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at the First Baptist Church in Orrick from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with funeral services beginning at 1:00 p.m. Graveside services will follow immediately at South Point Cemetery, just east of Orrick.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name may be made to Humane Society of Ray County or the Orrick First Baptist Church.

Elton Mansell, 73, of Pleasant Valley, Missouri, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on June 16, 2025. Elton was born July 20, 1951, to Elmo and Rosemary (Stanton) Mansell.

Elton was a devoted son, brother, uncle, father, Papa and friend. Elton married Nancy Barrett of Orrick, Missouri, on June 2, 1973. From this union were born three sons, Chad Mansell (Laura), Steven “Kyle” Mansell (Alisha), and Nicholas Mansell (Christi), as well as six grandchildren, Paige, Matthew, Katelin, Madilynn, Bella, and Scarlett Mansell. Other surviving family members include sisters, Marcia Cull, Michelle Ross, and Kristen Mansell, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Throughout his life, Elton resided in Clay and Ray counties. After graduating from Orrick High School with the class of 1969, Elton enlisted in the US Army in 1971. He then went on to serve one year in Vietnam, then was honorably discharged in 1974. From 1975 to 1986, Elton voluntarily served the city of Orrick as a fireman, and continuously supported his family through various jobs — essentially a jack of all trades — up to his retirement in 2018.

Elton was preceded in death by his parents; his nephew, Justyn; and brother-in-law, Curtis Ross.

He loved many and was loved by all.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 from 11:00 A.M to 1:00 P.M. at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick with funeral services beginning at 1:00 P.M. and graveside inurnment at Southpoint Cemetery, just east of Orrick, following immediately after.

Richard Lee Hershberger, 72, of Orrick, MO, passed away April 9, 2025 at home, surrounded by family and friends. Richard was born December 26, 1952 to Elba Elmer and Dollie Anna (Landis) Hershberger in Harrisonville, MO. Richard worked in the scale industry the majority of his life. On September 21, 1998, he married Kathy Dewhirst, who
resides of the home.

In addition to his wife, Richard is survived by his three children, Chris (Amy) Hershberger of Parkville, MO, Wendy (Chad) Coldwell of Richmond, MO, and Russell Hershberger of Polo, MO; step-daughter, Nicole Goodrick of Texarkana, TX; and 12 grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Spencer Chillis, Olivia Hershberger, Kaelyn Coldwell, Clayton (Emily) Coldwell, Colton Coldwell, Celee Hershberger, Derrec Ross, Ricky Ross, Makayla (Kaine) Boyd, Dominic Ross, Dallas Ross, and Sierra Ross; seven great-grandchildren with two more on the way; brothers, Eldon Hershberger of Kansas City, MO, Myron (Brenda) Hershberger of Canon City, CO, and Sherwin (Dawn) Hershberger of Harrisonville, MO; sister, Marcia Lightcap of Harrisonville, MO; and many nieces and nephews.

Richard’s life was anything but easy, and that afforded him the gift of knowing how to love big. He loved Jesus, his children, and grandchildren more than anything, and was very involved in their activities growing up. Richard was well known in Orrick for coaching Little League Baseball teams, the haunted houses he and Gary Clark built every Halloween, and lighting his house up like Clark Griswold every Christmas. Richard loved working with his hands, woodworking, model trains, and fishing with his wife.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved Aunt Alma Mast, nephew, Vince Remshak, and his brother-in-law, Lee Lightcap.

There will be a celebration of life planned for Richard at a later date.

Lois June Thomas, 95, of Richmond, Missouri, passed away peacefully in Liberty, Missouri, on March 21, 2025.

Lois, or as most knew her, June Thomas was born on May 28, 1929 in Braymer, Missouri, to Henry J. Mills and Mildred Irene McBee. June graduated from Orrick High School in 1947 and went on to graduate from Central Business College in Kansas City. After college she went to work for Lake City Arsenal where she manufactured ammunition for the war effort before taking a job at Vendo as a secretary. On June 3, 1948 she was wed in marriage to Paul Kenneth Thomas in Orrick, Missouri.

June had many passions in this life. She loved the outdoors with hunting, fishing and finding morel mushrooms. Once, she ended up with her picture in the paper after shooting a 12 point buck in Ray County. She took flying lessons and she flagged for her husband, Paul, while he was crop dusting. She loved to read, travel and garden; canning her own tomato juice and making pickles. In 1972, June even traveled all the way around the world in two weeks. June was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, earning a title of Worthy Matron.

June was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Kenneth Thomas; her sister, Lila Elizabeth Mills-Albertson; and her niece, Deborah Ellen Albertson Hamelton.

June is survived by two daughters, Linda Sue Thomas of Liberty, Missouri, and Paula June Thomas of Richmond, Missouri; one son, Mark Randall Thomas of Rayville, Missouri; one sister, Mary Margaret Mills Padget of Odessa, Missouri; two grandsons, Kenneth Dean Thomas of Rayville, Missouri, and Travis Neal Thomas of Grandview, Missouri; three nieces, Marcia Albertson Evans of Kansas City, Missouri, Jaime Padget of Oak Grove, Missouri, and Shannon Padget-Kleindienst of Monroe City, Missouri; three nephews, Robert Lynn Albertson of Kansas City, Missouri, Martin Padget of Lake Winnebago, Missouri, and John
Padget of Odessa, Missouri.

No funeral services will be held at the request of June. She will be loved and missed by many. A private burial will take place at Union Cemetery just outside of Orrick, Missouri.

Robin LeAnn (Fulte) Brockhoff, of Richmond, MO, passed away Friday, March 14, 2025, at the age of 63.

Robin was born on September 15, 1961 in Lexington, MO, to Robert and Sarah (Claypole) Fulte. Robin was raised and educated in Orrick, MO, and graduated from Orrick High School. She spent her lifetime as a homemaker and loved the outdoors. She enjoyed fishing, gardening and going to the lake, but her favorite passion outdoors was springtime mushroom hunting. Robin also enjoyed spending time with her
grandchildren.

Robin was a member of the Excelsior Springs Eagles Lodge and she held the Eagles sisters near and dear to her heart. She enjoyed making countless memories with them which she loved sharing with her family.

Robin is survived by her mother, Sarah Fulte of Orrick, MO; three daughters, Amie Dennis of Liberty, MO, Misti (Jeremy) Holloway of Richmond, MO, and Marcie Outersky (Freddie Stevens) of Richmond, MO; two brothers and two sisters, Mikala (Tommy) McConnell of Orrick, MO, Stacy (Kim) Kolosick of Orrick, MO, Brent (Amy) Fulte of Richmond, MO, and Jeff (Karen) Fulte of Orrick, MO; her grandchildren including, Logan Dennis, Derrick (Abby) Dennis, Maddox Holloway, Kiley Gaulden, Autumn Stevens, and Lynlee Stevens; great grandchildren, Rose Dennis, Charlotte Dennis, and Aaron Dennis; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Robin was preceded in death by her father, Robert; significant other, Dean Snow; and grandson, Cole Dennis.

Visitation will be on Friday, March 21, 2025 from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick with funeral services immediately following. Burial will be at Southpoint Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made at Gowing Funeral Home to the family, in care of Misti Holloway, to assist with the expense of a headstone.

Kimberly Ann “Kimmy” Presbury McGinnis of Orrick, MO, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by loved ones on February 10, 2025, at the age of 54. Kim was born in Wichita, KS, on November 24, 1970, to Nancy (Wetmore) Todd and Paul Presbury Sr.

Kim was preceded in death by her loving father, Paul Presbury Sr. of Orrick, MO, grandparents, and many adored pets.

Kim moved to South Kansas City, MO, where she attended Hickman Mills High School. Kim worked for American Fire & Security as a fire extinguisher sales and service technician before starting her own company, McGinnis Fire & Safety. Afterward, Kim became the manager of Fubbler’s Cove Restaurant where she became close with several of the patrons there that called her a close friend. After Fubbler’s, she went to work for the Ray County Sheriff’s office as the Office Manager.

Kim is survived by her loving husband, Rodney McGinnis of 23 years; four children, Corey “Tommy” Presbury (Aiden) of Smithville, MO, Steven Higginbotham (Jess) of Richmond, MO, Kymmie Rogers (Kalija) of Camden MO, and Brian McGinnis of Orrick; as well as four beautiful grandkids, Paislee and Wrenlee Higginbotham, Kreed Rogers, and a soon to be baby granddaughter; her mother, Nancy Todd (Mark) of Warsaw, MO; a brother, Paul Presbury Jr. (Lisa) of Warsaw MO; and a sister, Angela Huddleston of Glendale, AZ.

A visitation will be held at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick, MO, on Saturday, February 15, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.