Levi Nelson Meyer, 24, of Orrick, passed away February 16, 2016 in Kansas City, Mo.

Levi was born in Kansas City, Mo., on February 7, 1992 to Leo Aaron Meyer and Pamela Darlene Meyer. He had lived most of his life in Orrick and had graduated from Orrick High School with the class of 2010.

Levi had worked as a laborer for a HVAC company that maintained heating and cooling units for businesses.

Levi was preceded in death by his grandmother, Cookie Reddell, and his brother, Aaron “Peanut” Meyer on April 23, 2011.

Levi is survived by his father, Leo Aaron Meyer of Kansas City, Mo., his mother, Pamela Darlene Meyer of Independence, Mo., his brother, Adam Meyer with the U.S. Airforce at Whiteman Airforce base in Knob Knoster, Mo., and his grandmother, Patricia Norcross of Orrick, Mo. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 23, 2016, followed by funeral services at 11:30 a.m. at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick. Burial will follow in Riffe Cemetery northwest of Orrick.

Margaret Alene Battagler Mayers died February 17, 2016 at the age of 95. Margaret was born on December 26, 1920 in rural Orrick, Mo. She was the youngest child and only daughter (but “not spoiled”) of Louis and Pearl Fisher Battagler. Her brothers, who brought her much joy and who predeceased her, were Homer (Jesse), Cecil (Edress), Remmel (Louise and Sara), and Woodrow (Gladys and Mary Lou).

Margaret grew up in rural Orrick in a farming family. She graduated from Orrick High School and went on to business college in Kansas City, Mo. After college she worked and lived in Kansas City with many good friends and had a great time. Her brother, Woodrow, then offered her a job back in Orrick where she returned and fell in love with John Daniel Mayers. They were married in 1946. J.D. died in 1969. They shared their lives and work in the restaurant in Orrick and JD’s Store on 210 Highway. Margaret enjoyed visiting with everyone at the store until her retirement at age 70.

Margaret and J.D. had two daughters, Patsy Lea Danielson (Larry), Yakima, Wash., and Susan Jane Rogers (Steven), Richmond, Mo. Margaret had four grandchildren, Kirsten Danielson Fitterer (Pat), Yakima, Wash., Kendra Danielson, Tacoma, Wash., Landon Rogers (Mary Beth), Richmond, Mo., and Lance Rogers (Danielle), Richmond, Mo. and her five beautiful great grandchildren, Kellen Stoffer (son of Kirsten), Tyler and Cameron Rogers (sons of Landon), Birdie Rogers (daughter of Lance). She was predeceased by her great grandchild, Connery Rogers (son of Lance).

Margaret was loved and honored by her many nieces and nephews, most especially Connie Greer, Judy Bruning, Louis Lee Battagler, Marsha Young, and Debbie Koenig.

Susan and Steve spent many years in the care of Margaret, and she and her family were most appreciative. Also the family thanks Shirkey’s Retirement home for her wonderful care.

Her services will be 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 24, 2016, at the Orrick Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 23, 2016, at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick. Memorials may be made to the Orrick United Methodist Church or Southpoint Cemetery.

Mary Sue Smith, 70 of Richmond, Mo., passed away Saturday, January 23, 2016 at NorthCare Hospice House in North Kansas City, Mo.

Mary was born on January 26, 1945 in Ray County, Mo., to Clarence Marshall Farris and Alice Irene (Covey) Farris. She had lived in Camden and Orrick before moving to Richmond, Mo., where she lived most of her life.

Mary was a family oriented person and loved the time she spent with her family. She especially loved family dinners and gatherings. She liked to shop and enjoyed collecting what nots for her vast collection.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters that died in infancy; sisters, Rebecca Newsome and Newana Mangaugh; brothers, James Raymond Farris, Samuel Vincent Farris and Michael Farris.

She is survived by her sons, David Smith and fiance, Vanessa of Kansas City, Mo., and John Lusk of Richmond, Mo.; sisters, Christa Palmer of Richmond, Mo., Patricia Marler of Kearney, Mo., Alice Bary of Independence, Mo., and Rita Reynolds of Carrollton, Mo.; and brother, Clarence Marshall Farris, Jr. of Richmond, Mo. Also surviving are seven grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

The family will greet friends from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. Friday, January 29, 2016 at the Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick, Mo. Memorial services will follow at 2:30 p.m., also at the funeral home. Cremation.

Lewis “Butch” Flannery, 92, of Richmond, Mo., passed away Monday, January 18, 2016 from cancer at the Shirkey Nursing and Rehab Center in Richmond. He was born in Vibbard, Mo., to Chester and Susie (Hunt) Flannery.

Butch was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Chestina Williams.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Marjorie “Irons” Flannery of Richmond, Mo.; sister, Molly Greer of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; daughter, Kathie Mason of Liberty, Mo.; son, Dan Flannery of Kansas City, Mo.; step-daughters, Kathy Elder of Lee’s Summit, Mo., Connie Burch and husband, Bob Burch of Fulton, Mo., and Paula Best of Excelsior Springs, Mo.

Cremation with no services.

Condolences

I was so sadden by the news of Butch’s death. My mother was Barbara (Woods) and now is Blubaugh told me of his death. My father is Jerry Woods who had Butch do some farming for us.
Roger Woods

Sharon Turner, Sharon Helfrich, Sharon Coleman
January 22, 1953 – December 24, 2015

Sharon was born in Wister, Okla., on January 22, 1953, and died in a vehicle accident in Sallisaw, Okla., on Thursday, Christmas Eve, December 24, 2015. She was 62 years old.

Sharon, formerly of Excelsior Springs, Mo., spent the majority of her life in Kansas City and the surrounding areas. She had lived in Lawson, Mo., Polo, Mo., Orrick, Mo., and Liberty, Mo., for the majority of her adult life.

Sharon’s exemplifying trait was “compassion for the suffering” and she worked for many years as an LPN after attending Northeast High School. Sharon’s favorite work was when she was caring for the sick and elderly. Her compassion knew no bounds and this was never more evident than when she was caring for others. She also worked in customer service and retail management, but spent most of her adult years focusing on her job as a wife and mother.

Sharon is survived by one brother, Ralph Gray of Oklahoma City, Okla.; her three children, Timothy Coleman of Independence, Mo., Larry Coleman of Durham, N.C., and Sherri Morgan of Durant, Okla.; and eight grandchildren, John Coleman, Lucas Coleman, Jacob Coleman, Caleb Coleman and Abigail Coleman, all of Excelsior Springs, Mo., Lindsey Coleman and Alyssa Coleman, both of Durham, N.C., and Daniel Morgan of Durant, Okla.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Lula May Cummings; her father, Everett Turner; brothers, Audie Turner, Gilbert Turner, Walter Merriman, and Paul Turner; sister, Diana Holiman; son, Daniel Coleman; and a granddaughter, Arabella Morgan.

Visitation will be Sunday, January 10, 2016 from 2 to 3 p.m followed by memorial services at 3 p.m. at the Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick, Mo.

November 17, 1970 – November 29, 2015

Jake Erin Brown, 45, of Hardin, Mo., formerly of Orrick, Mo., died November 29, 2015 at his home.

Jake was born on November 17, 1970 in Richmond, Mo., to George Raymond “Jake” Brown and Shirley Laverne (McAfee) Brown. Jake lived most of his life in Ray County. He was a graduate of Orrick High School with the class of 1989.

Jake had been employed at the Ford Motor Company in Claycomo, Mo., for 15 years. After leaving Ford, he worked as a salesman for Chuck Anderson Ford in Excelsior Springs, where he was employed at the time of his death.

Jake liked to help his brother, Robbie, at the Big River Ranch in Lexington, Mo. He loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed deer and turkey hunting with his kids. His favorite thing was to be with his kids.

Jake was preceded in death by his father, George Raymond “Jake” Brown; a brother, Ricky Keith Maupin; and a sister, Robin (Brown) Hadley.

Survivors include his mother, Shirley L. Brown of Orrick, Mo.; his children, Samantha Arlene Brown and David Robert Brown of Hardin, Mo.; a brother and sister-in-law, Robbie Maupin and wife, Debra, of Lexington, Mo.; and a sister, Deborah Kay Henton of Orrick, Mo.

The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 5, 2015 at the Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick. Memorial services will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Gowing Chapel, with inurnment following at South Point Cemetery, Orrick.

Memorials to his minor children are suggested.

July 21, 1925 – October 17, 2015

L.G. McMahon, 79, of Orrick, Mo., went to be with Jesus on October 17, 2015 at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cameron, Mo., after a long battle with Alzheimers.

He was a member of Local 10 of the Ironworkers of America and had worked as a Superintendent for Continental Steel and Conveyor in Kansas City. He served his country in the U.S. Army and was a loving husband and father. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Judith McMahon, two daughters, a son and daughter-in-law, two brothers, three sister-in-laws, three grandsons and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Alzheimers Association in his memory.

Friends and family are invited to attend a Celebration of Life for L. G. at his home on Saturday, October 31, 2015 from 2 to 5 p.m.

July 21, 1925 – October 10, 2015

Marjorie Helen Elliott, Orrick, Mo., passed away Saturday, October 10, 2015 at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Marti and Terry Endsley of Orrick.

Marjorie was born on July 21, 1925 in Richmond, Mo., to Otis Ray and Ruby Marie (Shaner) Hill. Together with her family, Marjorie moved to Detroit, Mich., and later to Yellville, Ark. She returned to Richmond, Mo. and graduated from Richmond High School. This is where Marjorie met Robert Darrold Elliott of Camden, Mo. The two were married on the 23rd of June, 1944, in Kansas City, Kans., while Darrold was home on leave from the U.S. Army.

They took up residence in Camden, Mo., where they lived most of their married life while raising two daughters, being active members of the community and the Camden United Methodist Church in Camden, Mo. In 1971 the Elliott’s moved to Kansas City, Mo., and then to New Orleans, La., in 1972. Marjorie was employed with the Department of Defense most of her career. First with the Army Corp of Engineers in Kansas City, Mo., then with the Department of the Navy in Louisianna. She retired from her government duties with the Navy in 1981. Following her government retirement, she moved to California and began a new career in private industry as a credit manager for Kent Landsburg Corp.

After retirement from Kent Landsburg, Marjorie and her younger sister, Patricia Rankin, moved to Whidby Island, Wash., where they enjoyed an active social life with their many friends. After 9/11, Marjorie moved back to be with her daughters and their families. Her company was enjoyed by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. We were all blessed to have her back with us for the rest of her life, and she is deeply missed.

Marjorie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Robert Darrold Elliott in 1981, two sisters, Juanita Derstler and Patricia Rankin and an infant brother, Rodney Partrick.

Survivors include her daugthers and sons-in-law, Marjorie Ann (Marty) Endsley and husband, Terry of Orrick, Mo., and Darrolyn Lauderdale and husband, Tim of Blue Springs, Mo., a brother, LuJuen (Pat) Patrick of Marysville, Wash., and a sister, Elinor Day of Port Hadlock, Wash., four grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.

Memorial contributions in her memory are suggested to the Orrick Christian Church.

The family will greet friends from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 16, 2015 at the Orrick Christian Church with funeral services following at 10:30 a.m. Rev. Art Endsley will officiate. Burial will be in South Point Cemetery near Orrick.

June 16, 1944 – September 12, 2015

Ralph Edward Blackburn, Sr., 71, passed away September 12, 2015 at the NorthCare Hospice House in North Kansas City, Mo.

Ralph was born on June 16, 1944, in Fayetteville, Ark., to William Charles Blackburn and Dessie C. (Balcom) Blackburn. He had lived in Kenefic, Okla., for many years.

Ralph served his country in the United States Navy. He worked for the Lake City Ammunitions Plant for a number of years. Later, he hauled hazardous materials as a truck driver starting out with Kaw Transport Company before retiring from Celadon Trucking in 2006.

Ralph raised registered cattle, loved his ranch and his animals and especially loved his dogs.

He was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Tishomingo, Okla.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, William Charles Blackburn and Emmit Napier, a grandson, Jeffrey Alan Good, and a granddaughter, Lori J. O’Dell.

Ralph married Miriam Wyse in 1970 and she preceded him in death in 2006. Of this union he is survived by five sons, Ralph E. Blackburn (Linda) of Liberty, Mo., Ralph D. Good (Deb) of Excelsior Springs, Mo., Billy G. Good, Jr. (Fathom) of Adrian, Mo., Scott C. Good (Karen) of Nixa, Mo., and Eric W. Good (Barbie) of Raymore, Mo.; three daughters, Patricia L. O’Dell and Debra G. Clark, both of Orrick, Mo., and Jenny Shumaker of Waterford, Mich.; three brothers, Elmer Blackburn (Agnes) and James Blackburn (Carol), all of Tishomingo, Okla., and Howard Blackburn (Twyla) of Webb City, Mo.; sister, Mary Blackburn-Freeman (David) of Carthage, Mo.; 17 grandsons, 13 granddaughters and five great grandchildren; his first wife and lifelong friend, Virginia Riley of Independence, Mo.; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will greet friends from 5 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, September 16, 2015, at the Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick. Funeral services will be at 6 p.m. at the Gowing Chapel with Cremation to follow services.

Condolences

Condolences to the family from Ralph’s Navy friend.
David and Irene Eastwood

What a sweet man. I knew Ralph from Church. He was always giving of hugs and compliments. You will be missed friend. To his family, feel God’s presence as He helps you through the days ahead.
Nancy Spencer

July 8, 1952 – September 11, 2015

John “Popo” Richardson joined his father, Gene; brother Jimmy; baby sister, Kimberly and other family members in a heavenly reunion on September 11, 2015. An avid history buff, John would’ve preferred his death be on more positive American historical dates such as August 6th or September 2nd (sometime in the very far off future).

John’s wife, Carol and daughters, Bobby and Veronica, can attest that his trip from here to heaven was the first time John ever seemed to be in a hurry. They remember the guy who upon arriving late to his cousin Karen’s home for Thanksgiving (right across from his own home) said he’d run into traffic.

John’s siblings and in-laws/outlaws, Gwen (Jake), Danny (Terri) and Ginger (Roger), are left wondering who will rewrap the gifts from mom, Boots, so she doesn’t know they were ever opened. John left this world knowing he wasn’t really adopted, though for years he was suspicious given that his older siblings, Gwen and Danny were born in hospitals while he was born at home.

John’s mom, Boots, remembers John’s childhood obsession of reenacting historical battles with his toy soldiers including realistic burials after a lawn mower battle killed off most of his World War II regiment. In his adult life, he would leave these collectibles in their boxes and admire them far away from any lawn mower.

His grandchildren, Leia, Asher and Caleb are wondering who this “John” guy people are talking about was. They only knew a man named Popo who was exactly like John. Popo deep fried bacon in lard, gave them love, laughs and never a stern word.

John loved to tell a good joke. In fact, John’s son-in-law, Josh, has a head filled with jokes told by John the papers refuse to reprint here. Out of fear of catching fire, he won’t be sharing during the services held at Orrick Baptist Church in Orrick, Mo., 3 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2015. Anyone wishing to hear the jokes can join in the dinner reception after the service held at the church. Josh will be waiting for you in the parking lot.

John’s best friend since boyhood was David. John’s daughters feel they are now old enough to hear those stories of “river rat” debauchery, but that remains for David to decide.

John “Popo” Richardson disproves the adage that nice guys finish last. He got to heaven before all the rest of us. The rest of us are sad he didn’t drag his feet a while longer.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to https://mealtrain.com/g02k1e or for a tax deductible donation towards esophageal cancer awareness and treatment, http://www.ecaware.org/.