February 12, 1965 – September 14, 2014

Sgt. George Douglas O’Dell, 49, of Orrick, Mo., passed away September 14, 2014 at the Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, Mo.

George was born on February 12, 1965 in Richmond, Mo., to Sherman Douglas O’Dell and Sarah Maxine (Lee) O’Dell. He had lived his entire life in Ray County, mostly in the Richmond and Orrick communities. George was a graduate of Richmond High School with the class of 1983.

He was a law enforcement officer for over 25 years, having served on the police departments of Orrick, Wood Heights, Henrietta and Napoleon, Missouri police departments as well as working at the Ray County Jail.

George was a member of the Orrick Baptist Church, and was a site administrator for the COPS Network. He had also been active in the Boy Scouts of America, serving as a scout master. He was a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-say.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sherman Douglas and Sarah Maxine O’Dell, a sister, Edith Mae Gray on July 30, 2014, and a nephew, Dustin Morton.

George is survived by his wife Shonda O’Dell of the home in Orrick; sons, Alex N. O’Dell and Calvin D. O’Dell, both of Orrick; a daughter, Elizabeth K. O’Dell of Orrick; grandchildren, Ryder O’Dell and Zoe O’Dell, both of Orrick; sisters, Nancy VanOster of Richmond, Mo., and Susan Scharff of Kansas City, Mo.; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday evening, September 19, 2014 at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick, Mo. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 20, 2014 at the O’Dell Cemetery north of Orrick.

Memorials are suggested to the George O’Dell memorial fund in care of his family.

Condolences

Shonda–
So sorry to hear of George’s passing. You and our family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bro. Chris and Tammy Cox

Deborah Kay Downs was born in Independence, Mo., to James Robert Downs and Virginia Elizabeth Stillwell on December 14, 1952. She lived most of her life in Orrick, Mo. In 1970 she graduated from Orrick High School. She married Billy Gene Good on February 17, 1974. For a while, Bill and Debbie owned the Orrick Tavern in Orrick, Mo. She had worked at Whitaker Cable in Excelsior Springs, Mo. She most recently had worked for Crossroads Conoco for nearly 15 years and for Wilson’s Grocery Store in Orrick.

Debbie was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Gene Good; her parents, Bob and Virginia Downs; her sister, Patricia Good; her grandson, Jeff Good; and her brother in law, Ed Creason.

She is survived by her brothers, Bill Downs and his wife, Kelly of Richmond, Mo., Gary Downs and wife, Linda of Excelsior Springs, Mo., and David Downs and Mike Downs of Richmond, Mo.; her two sisters, Pam Misner and husband, Kirk of Kansas City, Mo., and Terri Clark and husband, Artie of Orrick, Mo. She is also survived by her step children, Ralph Good, Billy Good, Scott Good, Eric Good, Ralph Blackburn, Debra Gene Clark (her loving caregiver) and Patricia O’Dell; nieces, Shelby Downs, Amanda and Cheyenne Clark; nephews, Peyton Downs, Ryan Jeremy, Aaron Brooke and Austin Clark; 25 grandchildren and five great grandchildren; a great nephew; and her best friend and loving caregiver, Sharon McGlothlin.

The family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, September 16, 2014 at the Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, September 17, 2014 at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick, with burial following in South Point Cemetery near Orrick.

Pallbearers will be Kendall O’Dell, Steven Good, Tommy Clark, Travis Good, Peyton Downs, Josh Good and Aaron Brooke. Honorary bearers will be Jerry O’Dell, Tyler O’Dell and Cody Sparks.

Memorials are suggested to the Debbie Good memorial fund in care of the family.

Sandra D. Wyrick, 50, of Lee’s Summit, Mo., died September 4, 2014.

Visitation will be 2 p.m. Saturday, September 13, 2014 at Grace Baptist Church, 850 S.W. 150 Highway, Lee’s Summit, Mo., with services following at 3 p.m.

March 20, 1927 – August 27, 2014

Floyd Emmett “F.E.” Curry, 87 of Orrick, passed away Wednesday, August 27, 2014 at the NorthCare Hospice House in North Kansas City, Mo.

F.E. as he was known in Orrick, was born on March 20, 1927 in Centralia, Mo., to Champ Clark Curry and Iva Estella (Mathis) Curry. He had lived in Orrick for over 50 plus years. He attended school in Centralia. He served his country in the U.S. Navy during W.W.II. He was united in marriage on November 6, 1953 to Muriel M. Stansberry who survives him at the home in Orrick.

F.E. worked as a signal maintainer for the Wabash Railroad, which later became the Norfolk & Southern Railroad for 42 years. The railroad named a siding track near Orrick in his honor, and is known as the Curry Siding. He retired from the railroad in 1989. Following his retirement, he worked for six years at the Indian Hills Country Club.

F.E. liked to travel, play golf, and do yard work. He was a big Chiefs fan and had a big collection of sports memorabilia. His favorite past time was being with his family and enjoying his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a very sociable person and loved his many friends and visiting with them.

F.E. was a member of the Henrietta Baptist Church, Ada Lodge #444 and the Orrick Quarterback Club.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 61 years, Muriel M. Curry of the home in Orrick; a son and daughter-in-law, Ty Curry and Robin of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; a daughter, Tonya Lynn Graves of Orrick, Mo.; and a sister, Louise Hebert of Texas City, Texas.

Masonic services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 30, 2014 at the Henrietta Baptist Church, followed by visitation from 10:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., also at the church. Funeral services will be at the church at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow with full military honors at Richmond Memory Gardens.

The family suggest memorials be given to the Orrick Quarterback Club in his memory.

Condolences

Please accept our deepest sympathy. We remember F.E. from his railroading days when we lived in Moberly. Lynn enjoyed working with him. We hope these words convey our heartfelt sympathy at this time of your loss. Take care…
Lynn & Alta Himstedt

I am grateful for the life of Mr. Curry. Thanks to his service and to the service of others in our armed forces, my family and I have been able to lead our lives in freedom and peace.
Bob
A grateful stranger

November 4, 1923 – August 20, 2014

Lucian LaVerre Riggs, 90, formerly of Kansas City North, passed away Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at the Cameron Regional Medical Center in Cameron, Mo.

Lucian was born on November 4, 1923 in Orrick, Mo., to Herbert Riggs and Hazel L. (Davis) Riggs. He was a 1941 graduate of Richmond High School and had served his country in the U.S. Army during W.W.II. He was united in marriage to Dinelia D. Cox and she preceded him in death on May 9, 2010. He had worked as a postal clerk for the U.S. Postal Service at the main post office in downtown Kansas City, Mo., before he retired in 1983.

Lucian enjoyed fishing, photography and traveling as well as spending time with his family. He was a member of the Old New Garden Primitive Baptist Church near Excelsior Springs, Mo.

Survivors include his daughter, Lucie Dean Riggs of Kansas City, Mo., and a granddaughter, Amanda Dean Riggs of Kansas City, Mo.

Visitation will be 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, August 23, 2014 at the Old New Garden Primitive Baptist Church, with funeral services following at 3 p.m., also at the church. Burial with full military honors will follow in the Old New Garden Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Missouri Veterans Home Assistance League, 1111 Euclid, Cameron, MO 64429.

Condolences

Lucie and family, my mother, Marilyn (Dailey) Odell and I just found out today about your dad’s passing. We send our sympathy, warm thoughts, good memories and prayers. Your mother and mine were best friends and we always enjoyed visiting with you and your parents at the class reunions. Love to you from Connie and Marilyn.

I am grateful for the life of Mr. Riggs. Thanks to his service and to the service of others in our armed forces, my family and I have been able to lead our lives in freedom and peace.
Bob
A grateful stranger

August 18, 1947- July 30, 2014

Edith Mae Scharff Gray, 66, of Polo, formerly of Orrick, Mo., passed away Wednesday evening, July 30, 2014 at the home of her daughter in Excelsior Springs, Mo.

Edith Mae was born on August 18, 1947 in the Albany community north of Orrick, Mo., to Gala William Scharff and Sarah Maxine Lee Scharff. Edith was raised in the Orrick area and attended schools there. She was a 1965 graduate of Orrick High School. She lived most of her life in Ray County and moved to Polo, Mo., to the Hideaway Lakes area five years ago.

Edith had worked at various places in her life, including Russ Pendleton Farms, Snappy Convenience Store in Orrick, and American Wilcon Plastics in Orrick. She had been a bartender for many years at the Hideaway Tavern in Richmond and her last job was with Gilmour Mfg. in Excelsior Springs, of which she retired from.

She was the founding member of the organization, Caring Hearts. She loved doing charity work and helping those in need. She eagerly hosted the annual Butler & Lee Family Reunion every September and was well known for her outstanding fried chicken. She dearly loved her family, especially her girls, her grandchildren and her great grandchildren. Never one to meet a stranger, she always had a smile and kind word for most that she came in contact with.

Edith was preceded in death by her father, Gala William Scharff, and her mother, Sarah Maxine O’Dell in November of 1983.

Survivors include her daughters, Terri Laine Gray Moore of Sunrise Beach, Mo., and Daina Kristine Gray Hendricks and her signifiant other, Barbara Branch of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; her grandchildren, Billy Gray, Bobby Wilkinson, Jr., Alissa Cline, Joseph Tyler Hendricks, and Kiley K. Hendricks; her great grandchildren, Bryson Dickey and Amelia Hendricks; two sisters, Susan Scharff Gardner of Kansas City, Mo., and Nancy Scharff VanOster of Richmond, Mo.; a brother, George Douglas O’Dell of Orrick, Mo.; her step children, JoAnn Gray and Leonard Joe Gray, Jr.

A Celebration of Life for Edith will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, August 9, 2014 at the main shelter house at Hideaway Lakes near Polo, with Shirlee Coen leading the ceremonies. Guest are urged to dress casual and to bring a covered dish, a lawn chair and a good story to share.

Memorials are suggested to The Edith Gray Memorial fund and payable to either of her daughters or may be mailed to the funeral home at P.O. Box 169, Orrick, MO 64077.

January 10, 1964 – July 23, 2014

Jimmie Dale Richardson, 50 of Orrick, Mo., passed away Wednesday, July 23, 2014 at the Liberty Hospital.

Jimmie was born in Richmond, Mo., on January 10, 1964 to Dale Gene Richardson and Beulah F. “Boots” (Barrett) Richardson. He was a lifelong Orrick resident. He attended schools in Orrick and was a member of the Orrick Baptist Church where he was an usher and a member of the Mens Bible Study Group. Jimmie liked to collect Hot Wheel cars, electric trains and old vinyl music records. He loved being around people and loved God. He was a die hard Chiefs fan and loved cats, especially his beloved cats, Beavis, Kona and Simon.

Jimmie was preceded in death by his father, Dale Gene Richardson on September 26, 1985, an infant sister, Kimberly Anne Richardson on April 17, 1962. his paternal grandparents, Joseph Harrison Richardson and Mary Caroline Richardson, his maternal grandfather, Albert Barrett, his maternal grandmother, Opal Leila Mason and his maternal step grandfather, Charles D. Mason.

Jimmie is survived by his beloved mother, Beulah F. “Boots” Richardson of Orrick; his siblings, Gwendolyn Sue Rogers (Jake) of Warsaw, Mo., Danny Gene Richardson (Terry) of Idyllwild, Calif., John Robert Richardson (Carol) of Independence, Mo., and Ginger Kaye Brammer (Roger) of Pleasant Valley, Mo.; four nieces, four nephews, 13 great nieces and seven great nephews; and his cats, Beavis, Kona and Simon.

The family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday evening, July 25, 2014 at the Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 26, 2014 at Gowing Funeral Home with the Reverend Matt Simpson of the Orrick Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow in South Point Cemetery near Orrick.

Memorials are suggested to any of the following organizations, The SPCA, The American Cancer Society or The American Heart Association.

Condolences

Boots & Family,
So sorry to hear about Jimmie. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Jimmy & Linda Werle

May 22, 1926 – July 14, 2014

Georgie L. Beaird, 88 of Richmond, formerly of Orrick, passed away July 14, 2014 at her home in Richmond.

Georgie was born on May 22, 1926 in Harriman, Tenn., to William Brownbow Wright and Ruth Ann (Thompson) Wright. Georgie had lived most of her life in Ray County in the Orrick and Richmond areas.

She was first married to Sumpter Land who died at the young age of 27. Later she married Hubert H. “Buster” Beaird. He preceded her in death in July of 1993. Besides her two husbands, she was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings and a daughter, Jennett Roberts in 2013, and a son-in-law, Terry Micheal Roberts, Sr. in May of 2014.

Georgie had worked for over 20 years as a CNA for the Shirkey Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Richmond. Later she worked for many years as a cook at the cafeteria at Richmond High School in Richmond, Mo. She was of the Baptist faith.

Georgie loved her large family and especially loved family dinners. Her family not only included blood relatives, but just about everyone that she came in contact with. She loved her family, kids and cats.

Georgie is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Hubert Beaird, Jr. and wife, Sharon of Arcadia, Kans., a daughter, Lathey Riley and late husband (Clyde) of Cameron, Mo., and Lela Roberts and late husband (Henry Edward Roberts) of Rayville, Mo. She is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her beloved cat, Muffet.

The family will greet friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday afternoon, July 19, 2014 at the Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home with burial in South Point Cemetery near Orrick, Mo.

Memorials in her memory are suggested to Preferred Hospice of Lexington, Mo.

Condolences

My deepest sympathy and prayers for the family and friends on the loss of this marvelous and loving lady.
Rev. Fred J. Kelley

March 24, 1932 – June 26, 2014

Richard K. “Dick” Clemmons, of Orrick, Mo., died June 26, 2014 at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond, Mo.

Dick served his country during war time, first in the National Guard and later the United States Army. He had worked for 27 years for the United States Postal Service as the station manager at the main post office in Independence, Mo., until he retired. He was a member of the Orrick Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Norma Dugan Clemmons; two daughters and sons-in-law, Cindy Epperson (Brad) of New London, Mo., and Cathy Howell (Jim) of Independence, Mo.; three grandchildren, Jay Howell (Fanta), Christina Bird and Danny White; four great grandchildren, Delaney Howell, Chloe Howell, Bradley Bird and Kalie Bird; two step children, Kathy Rochowicz (Larry) and Bruce Dugan (Chris); five step grandchildren, Derrick Dugan, Keith Dugan (Jodi), Rose Dugan, Amanda Rochowicz and Kyle Rochowicz; five step great-grandchildren, Mason Dugan, Claire Dugan, Marlie McAdams, Noah Rochowicz and Rylei Rochowicz.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Roy F. “Coke” Clemmons and Frances Clemmons; a daughter, Linda Sue Clemmons; and the mother of his children, Anita Teegarden Clemmons; a brother, Roy K. Clemmons; and an infant brother, Robert Clemmons.

The family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday evening, June 28, 2014 at the Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick, Mo. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 29, 2014 at the Gowing Funeral Home with the Rev. Matt Simpson of the Orrick Baptist Church officiating.

Burial with military honors will follow in South Point Cemetery near Orrick and will be provided by members of the United States Coast Guard and members of the Ray County Veterans Honors team.

Condolences

We have many fond memories of Dick (Grandpa). Fishing, fish stories, shooting at cans and clay birds, cookouts, fish fries, Fourth of July fireworks in the backyard, sightseeing in Missouri and Pennsylvania and colorful stories of his life. We will miss you. We love you Dick. We love you Grandpa and Great-Grandpa.
The Rochowicz Family:
Larry, Kathy (Dugan); Amanda, Derek, Noah; Kyle, Brianna, Rylei

On behalf of our entire team at Shirkey Hospice and Palliative Care, we wanted to extend our sympathy to your entire family. May God bless and keep each of you and hold you close as you Grieve the loss of your beloved Husband, Father, and Grandfather. It was an Honor to serve you in your time of need.
Chaplain Bill Purcell

What a terrible loss for his friends, family and community. He was a wonderful guy.
Bob & Rosma Blyth

I am grateful for the life of Mr. Clemmons. Thanks to his service and to the service of others in our armed forces, my family and I have been able to lead our lives in freedom and peace.
Bob
A grateful stranger

June 20, 1966 – June 25, 2014

Donald Keith Calhoun of Orrick, Mo., passed away Wednesday, June 25, 2014 in Carrollton, Mo.

Donald was born on June 20, 1966 in Iowa to Wesley Keith Calhoun and Lula Mae (Hallers) Calhoun. He spent much of his younger life in Carrollton, Mo., and graduated from the Carrollton High School in 1984. In his earlier years, he had worked at the grain elevators in Carrollton. He moved to Orrick about a year ago.

Donald liked to hunt, fish, and bowl. He loved to be around his little granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Donald leaves behind a daughter, Jessica Calhoun of Hardin, Mo., a brother, Virgil Calhoun of Springfield, Mo., a sister, Becky Denker of Carrollton, Mo., and his granddaughter, Lula Calhoun of Hardin, Mo.

The family will greet friends Saturday morning, June 28, 2014, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. following visitation, with the Reverend Chris Cox officiating. Burial will be in Richmond Memory Gardens, Richmond, Mo.

Condolences

Jessica, Becky, Virgil and little baby Lula … I’m sorry for your loss. I’ve known Donny for a long time. He was a good man that was loved by many people, he will be missed. I was blessed to have him be a part of my life. Gone too soon but never forgotten. My Thoughts and Prayers are with the family.
Sally Goudelock

For many years Don brought laughs during shared breaks, professionalism during the working hours and smiles always. Jessica we had the privilege of witnessing his adoration of you at a few company gatherings. Our deepest sympathies to you, your daughter and his entire family.
Darren and Kim Berry

Don and I met when we were working at S&K in Lexington in 1987. We shared the same interest in bowling and soon he became a regular on our bowling teams. Don and I had the opportunity to travel a great deal over the last 26 years and had a lot of good times. He was a great friend who will be missed. Don and I had many great memories of our trips, the Chief’s games and working together, and that is what we all have to hold on to.
To his family, remember the good times and what he loved to do and he will always be with you.
Bob Carter