December 30, 1960 – June 20, 2014

Barry Dean Pilant, 53, of rural Orrick, passed away suddenly Friday, June 20, 2014 at his home.

Barry was born in Kansas City, Mo., on December 30, 1960 to Charles L. Pilant and Reba A. (Rairdon) Pliant. He had lived in Kearney, Mo., before moving to the Orrick area over 20 years ago. Barry was a general laborer in the construction business as well as having worked in many other capacities. He liked music and playing the guitar and had a passion for coming up with new ideas for the ampitheatre he built. He was a man that was always on the go and enjoyed his family and friends. He liked motorcycles and rode with the Freedom of Road Riders and the Weasels of Kansas City.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles L. Pilant.

Barry leaves behind his son, Brent Pilant, and a daughter, Sara Pilant, both of Independence, Mo.; his mother, Reba A. Pilant of Kearney, Mo.; his sister and brother-in-law, Lisa and Johnny McEntire of Lawson, Mo.; his grandchildren, Dannie Lynn Brunner and Layne Brunner of Independence, Mo.; and a nephew, J.C. McEntire of Lawson, Mo.

The family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday evening, June 26, 2014, with funeral services following at 7 p.m. at the Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick, Mo.

Condolences

Reba Pilant and Barry’s family.
Just wanted offer our respects and say we are keeping you in our prayers and thoughts as you travel this road.
Sincerely, David and Maxine Carey
(Maxine was teaching in Kearney when Charles was on the Board of Education)

Reba, Lisa and family,
I treasure many memories of Barry as a long ago childhood friend. After the family moved to Kearney, we gradually lost contact. However, I do remember spending great times with your family and riding horses with Barry. I’m sure he will be dearly missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time,
Bryce Strong

Lisa, Johnny and son:
You are in our prayers.
Susan Cusimano

February 15, 1954 – May 29, 2014

Terry Micheal Roberts, Sr., of Richmond, Mo., formerly of Orrick, passed away Thursday, May 29, 2014 at his home. He was known by family and friends as Mike. He was born in Kansas City, Mo., on February 15, 1954 to William Cecil and Mary Ann (Frieben) Roberts. He had lived most of his life in the Ray County area. He was schooled at the Orrick Schools and was employed as a truck driver for U.S. Express for several years before he retired in 2011.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jeanett Roberts on April 29, 2013; brothers, Roger Dale Roberts, James Roberts, Donald Roberts and Henry Roberts; sisters, Laura Louise Roberts and Mary Kathryn Roberts; and a great granddaughter, Clarra Nicole Roberts.

Survivors include his children, Terry Micheal Roberts, Jr. and wife, Toni of Altamont, Mo., Bobby Roberts of Polo, Mo., and Melinda Holmes and husband, Tony of Richmond, Mo.; his mother-in-law, Georgie L. Beaird of Richmond, Mo.; siblings, Dennis Roberts of Excelsior Springs, Mo., Ronald Roberts, William Cecil Roberts, Jr., Ann Roberts of Rayville, Mo., and Carol Roberts of Gravois Mills, Mo.; nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

The family visitation will be held Tuesday afternoon, June 3, 2014 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., followed by funeral services at 2:30 p.m., all at the Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick. Burial will follow in South Point Cemetery near Orrick. Memorials suggested to the family to help with expenses.

September 26, 1935 – April 7, 2014

Theodore Roosevelt Rowland, Jr., 78, of Lacey, Wash., formerly of Orrick, Mo., passed away April 7, 2014 at his home in Lacey.

He was born in Kansas City, Mo., on September 26, 1935 to Theodore Roosevelt Rowland, Sr., and Thelma Bethene (Hart) Rowland. He entered the U.S. Airforce on January 19, 1955 and made a career out of his service, serving as Aircraft Maintenance Supt. until his retirement in 1979. He has lived in the state of Washington for many years.

He is survived by his son, Kurt Rowland and a daughter, Jinny Rowland and three grandchildren, all of Olympia, Wash.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.

The family will greet friends Thursday morning, May 1, 2014 from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick. Military graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at South Point Cemetery near Orrick.

Condolences

He is missed everyday. Loved helping people, and was the most selfless person I’ve ever know.
Wish you were here dad.
Virginia Rowland

January 5, 1952 – November 22, 2011

Mr. Rodger Allan Sewell, 59 of Independence, Mo., formerly of Orrick, Mo., passed away Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence.

Rodger was born in Wichita, Kans., on January 5, 1952 to Clarence Harris Sewell and Phyllis Nadine Ferman Sewell. Rodger had lived his entire life in the Independence and Orrick areas.

He was a musician and loved to play the guitar and make music, which he continued to do until he became disabled.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Perry Sewell and Philip Sewell.

Survivors include two sons, Jimi Alon Sewell of Harrisonville, Mo., and Jon Phillip Sewell of Clinton, Mo.; a sister, Jayne Neville of Lexington, Mo.; a grandson, Corey Sewell of Harrisonville, Mo.; a granddaughter, Hayden Sewell of Clinton, Mo.; and a nephew, Dylan Neville of Lexington, Mo. Also surviving is his friend, Michael Kent of Independence, Mo.

Friends may call to pay their respects from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday evening, November 28 at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, November 29 at the Gowing Chapel with the Rev. Donna Murphy-Ceradsky officiating. Burial in South Point Cemetery near Orrick.

Condolences

I just found out Rodger that you were gone. 4-18-2014. God be with you my old friend. We sure had some high times together with my brother Ken down in his Floyd dehydrator home didn’t we. My sympathy to your family and I’m sorry I wasn’t there to say good bye. Peace be with you man.
David Dugan

My very deepest sympathy goes out to Rodger’s family, friends and loved ones. I was so saddened to hear of his passing. I’ve known Rodger for over 40 years and it just doesn’t seem real he’s gone. I didn’t see him often … every 5 years or so, but every time we did get to visit it was just like old times. He was a brilliant musician, and best of all he was a man with a heart of gold. I loved him dearly as a friend and will never forget him. I have many memories of times past and will cherish them forever. Rest in Peace, Rodger.
Kathy Washburn

In loving memory of Rodger, my childhood sweetheart, best friend, & first husband. “I will never forget you.”
Rodger & I shared 50 years; 15 of those years as sweethearts and then, husband & wife. Over the years, we kept in touch periodically. My love for him changed, but survived just the same. We had a personal connection that very few of his friends ever knew about. How do you let go of someone you learned to comfort, protect, and love so deeply? We must. I comfort myself in knowing that, this is just another part of life, death comes to each & every one of us. It is not good or bad. It simply is. Birth, Life, Death: Human Being. Although, I grieve his passing, I am so grateful to have been such an important part of his life. I am grateful that he loved me.
Marcia Bowen-Sewell-McAtee

My prayers go out to the family of Rodger. I am very proud to have known Rodger and been able to play music with him. He always had a smile and a sense of humor. He loved his music and I enjoyed listening to him play the guitar. He had a special talent. Will miss you very much Rodger. Rest in peace!
Joy (Williams) Willey

Our deepest sympathy goes out to Rodger’s family, he was a classmate and will be missed by all of our classmates.
Joyce Stockton

January 27, 1940 – April 14, 2014

Patricia Almira Lee, 74, of Orrick, Mo., passed away Monday, April 14, 2014 at the NorthCare Hospice House in North Kansas City, with her loving children at her side.
–Pat, as she was best known, was born on January 27, 1940 in Terre Haute, Ind., to Thomas A. “Red” Stapleton and Mildred E. (Ward) Stapleton. Pat live in Kansas City while growing up, but lived most of her life in the Orrick and Fleming communities. She was united in marriage to Jerry Marion Lee on June 4, 1957. He preceded her in death on May 7, 2009.

Pat had worked various jobs at the Orrick Public Schools and had also worked for Russ Pendleton Farms near Orrick, but her main duties were that of a wife, mother and grandmother. Pat played the role of mom to many kids in the Orrick area. She was kind, loving and eager to give a helping hand when needed. She was a member of the Orrick First Baptist Church.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas A. and Mildred E. Stapleton, her husband, Jerry M. “Bud” Lee, and a son, Ernest D. Lee in 1992.

She is survived by sons, David R. Lynn and Bud Edward Lee (Sheila) of Orrick, Mo.; daughters, Donna Daugherty (Mike) of Overland Park, Kans., Penny Fanning (Chuck) of Raytown, Mo., Hassie Lee and Nancy Glynn (Michael) of Richmond, Mo.; brothers, Robert Stapleton of Creighton, Mo., Thomas Stapleton of Springfield, Mo., and Phillip “Bossy” Stapleton of Philip, S.D.; sisters, Sondra Stapleton of Orrick, Mo., and Mary Ann Holt of Richmond, Mo.; 20 grandchildren and 39 great grandchildren. Pat is also survived by many nieces, nephews and numerous kids of the community as well as a host of friends.

The family suggest memorial contributions be made to NorthCare Hospice House, Attention: Development Office, 2800 Clay Edwards Drive, 10th floor, North Kansas City, MO. 64116-3220.

The family will greet friends from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 19, 2014 with funeral services following at 11:30 a.m. at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick, Mo. Burial will follow services at South Point Cemetery, near Orrick, Mo.

Condolences

Trish was a good woman and I will miss her. My mother, and Trish’s sister-in-law, “Tiddle”, would attend the services if at all possible. Sadly, it’s probably not possible.
Our sympathy goes out to our family at this time of sadness.
Marcia (Bowen) McAtee

She was a very Good woman that I owe a great Debt. I wish I could offer more than Condolences.
Steven Stutesman

So many memories. Always had words of advice and never had a problem being totally honest with me. I appreciated her and our talks very much. Second home for me for a good many years. She will be missed.
Dennise Snow (Baldwin)

February 24, 1953 – November 5, 2012

Connie Mae Brock, 59, of Oak Grove, Mo., formerly of Orrick, passed away Monday, November 5, 2012 at the CenterPoint Medical Center in Independence, Mo.

Connie was born on February 24, 1953 in Fargo, N.D., to Joseph Eldon (Jim) Dugan and Mary Ellen (Teegarden) Dugan. Connie grew up in the Orrick community and attended the Orrick Public Schools. She graduated from Orrick High School with the class of 1971.

Connie had worked in a retail tobacco store for a number of years before she became disabled. She was of the Baptist faith.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Eldon (Jim) Dugan and Mary Ellen Dugan, and her first husband, Jack Butler in June of 1983.

Connie is survived by two daughters, Miriah Mae Butler of Trenton, Mo., and Jamie Lynn Brock of Oak Grove, Mo.; her second husband, Paul Brock of Oak Grove, Mo.; brothers, Roy Kenneth Dugan of Tucson, Ariz., Richard Eldon Dugan of Lamoore, Calif., and David Allen Dugan of Florence Junction, Ariz.; six grandchildren, Shane Small of Lexington, Mo., Sarah, Justin, and Mackayla Sharp of Trenton, Mo., Deacon Paul Brock and Blayne William Brock of Oak Grove, Mo.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2:30 p.m., with a memorial service beginning at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, December 1, 2012 at the Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick, Mo. Memorials in her memory may be given to the charity of the donors choice.

Condolences

Miss you Sis.
Ken Dugan

I am so sorry dear sister that I could not come and say good bye. You were my friend, my confidant and my adventure buddy. I wish someone had told me where they placed you so I could come and visit. It would do my heart good. I will see you and all others who have gone before soon enough though. There has been, and always will be a place in my heart for you.
Love, Dav

December 29, 1943 – March 31, 2014

Thomas J. Jones, Jr., age 70, died on March 31, 2014 at his home in Excelsior Springs, Mo., with his family at his side. He wa born December 29, 1943 to Thomas Jones, Sr. and Charlotte (Ellis) Jones in Terre Haute, Ind. Tom graduated from Wiley High School in 1962 and from Indiana State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management. Tom worked as the Personnel Director for Eastern Express in Terre Haute before moving to Kansas City. Tom then graduated with a J.D. from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1972, and specialized in the practice of labor law for many years.

Tom is survived by his wife, Susan Jones; sons, Dan Jones (Aundie), Kevin Jones (Joely), and Aaron Jones; daughters, Shannon Smith (Rob) and Brandy McDermott (Kevin); grandchildren, Jasmine, Ariel, Danny, Hannah, Mackenzie, Camden, Avrey, Andrew, Anna, Logan, Caitlyn and Michael; sister, Carole Williams (Steve) of Terre Haute, Ind.; nephews, Jason Williams (Carrie) and Zach Williams (Debbie).

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and grandson, Dawson Jones.

Tom was an avid fisherman, hunter, and enjoyed all sports, especially watching his grandchildren compete in basketball and swimming. Tom loved competition and had talent in about everything he tried. He was assertive and yet attentive to others, tender hearted, and fiercely loyal to his family and friends. Tom enjoyed a good time, and left the lives he touched enriched with good memories and life lessons.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. If you so desire, contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House at Children Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, MO, or to a charity of your choice.

April 14, 1928 – March 6, 2014

Dorothy Irene Barber, 85, of Kansas City, Mo., passed away Thursday, March 6, 2014 at NorthCare Hospice House. Dorothy was born April 14, 1928 in Oklahoma to Lee and Elizabeth Lewis.

She was united in marriage to Clarence Barber, who preceded her in death in 2006. She had lived the past 50 years in Kansas City, Mo. Before moving to Kansas City, she had lived in Chetopa, Kans. She was a homemaker.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a son, Mark Barber, and a daughter, Clara Huff, both in 2012, and a brother, Lee Lewis.

Survivors include a daughter, Carolyn Barber of Kansas City, Mo., five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Visitation will be 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday with funeral services at 2 p.m. at the Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick, Mo. Burial will follow in Lewis Cemetery, Northeast of Orrick.

October 31, 1956 – January 13, 2014

Joseph William “Puddy” Loyd, 57, of Orrick, Mo., passed away Monday morning, January 13, 2014 in eastern Jackson County, Mo., as a result of a motorcycle crash. Joe was born on October 31, 1956 in Kansas City, Mo., to William Eldred Loyd and Betty Joann (Huffman) Loyd. He had lived most of his life in the Orrick and Kearney areas. He had attended schools in Orrick and graduated from Orrick High School in 1975.

After high school, Joe attended Lincoln Technical School in Des Moines, Iowa, where he received a degree in automotive and diesel mechanics. He had worked for several years as an assembler for Ford Motor Company in Claycomo, before he was medically retired in 1992. He was a member of the Orrick United Methodist Church, UAW Local # 249, and was a lifetime member of Freedom of Road Riders Local #29. Joe had a passion for motorcycles and biking, fishing and collecting Indian artifacts. He was proud of his Indian heritage. Joe was known for his warm and friendly personality. He never met a stranger and was always eager to talk and visit with people. Joe was a big teddy bear with a huge heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eldred and Betty Loyd and his brother-in-law, Bob Garnett.

Survivors include his sister and best friend, Vinetta Ann Garnett of Gladstone, Mo., and his “special daughter”, Ginger Sparks of Johnson County, Kans.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2014 at the Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick from noon to 2 p.m., with memorial services immediately following at 2 p.m.

Memorials are suggested to the Freedom of Road Riders Safety Fund in care of the funeral home.

Condolences

Thoughts and prayers for your loss. Joe was such a nice guy and classmate. God gained a true angel today.
Sherry McKown-Lutjen

Sorry to hear of Joe passing. You are in my prayers.
Bob, Doris Claypole

Riding Into Paradise … leaving the rest of us behind. What a great “Cuz” who will never be forgotten.
David Blyth

Be with peace Cousin. We love you. Listen to the music.
Vern Windsor

Puddy is/was my dearest friends! He is and will be forever missed!! I am sorry for the loss to his sister and his daughter. I’m here for you both if need be!!!
Suzie Beach

To my brother and my friend … you will be missed everyday … Watch over us … and save a dance for me … I love you.
Donna Hamilton

Going too miss you Joe! Good friend and neighbor!
Jimmie Richardson

Joe, words can’t express how much I am going to miss you. Your spirit and wisdom. And laugh and yes you are a teddy bear. But a Indian lone wolf. I will always love you. Tell everyone hi in the blue sky.
Nancy Martin

Never knew him as “Puddy” but the memories and good times of the “Crazy Cowboy” a very close and dear friend will live forever in my heart. God Bless.
Tim Hall

It was a beautiful night for a ride. We treasure your friendship and unwavering support always, brother. Your strength, character, and dedication are legendary, and we know you’re in fine company. We are better people because our paths crossed in this life. You earned those wings, man. PS. You guys might want to give your little sister just a wee respite before knocking anything else off a wall … and then again, you might not. We love you, will find peace, and see you again.
Shaky, Airhead, and Thunderfoot
Graves and Utter

Puddy was a very dear friend to Us, we will miss you so very much. We wish we could be there for your sister but it wasn’t possible you will always be in our thoughts and hearts, We know you will be looking down and watching over your sister. Be at peace
Johnnie & Saula Sproat

There are no words that seems to explain my love for him. No words that will ever touch on what he meant to me and what he brought into my life! Miss ya and yes we will see each other again.
Kevin Smith

Puddy,
I have always held you very dear to my heart as a brother and a friend. Good times and Bad we always knew we would be there for a Big Ol Hug. I love you Brother and will always hold you in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with family and friends.
Ride with the Angels. Always and Forever.
Love Babygirl

Death can never take a good man away, for in the hearts of the people he inspired, the legacy remains and continuous throughout generations.
Your Brother will forever be missed. May his soul rest in peace. Sincere sympathies from Ken and Ursula DeMoss.

First I want to express my deepest sympathy to Puddy’s family and all his many friends. I had to work today so I am sorry that I couldn’t be there to show my respect but know that I am with you in heart. JoeJoe – I will always cherish all of our little talks we had over the years trying to solve all that is wrong with the world. I will always remember the good times that we all had out at Dane’s and on the rides. I thank you for all of your help and advice when I bought my bike. You are a GOOD man and you will be missed!!! PS: Say “Hello” to our little buddy Lyndel! Until we all meet again!
Mama Mary

I have been fortunate enough to have known “PUDDY” for many years. And in all those years Never did I see this Man with nothing but a Big smile on his face. He was a kind of man that if you were in a Bad Mood , and “PUDDY” rode up some how what ever was bothering You, just seemed to vanish..!! I consider Myself Blessed to have known Him, and call Him MY FRIEND….!! YOU WILL be missed MY BROTHER may YOU REST IN PEACE…Your Friend “HIPPY”..!!
Bob “HIPPY” Anderson

Sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of Joe’s family and friends.
Larry Renz

July 15, 1949 – January 1, 2014

Paul Thomas “Tom” Presbury, Sr., 64, passed away unexpetedly January 1, 2014 at his home near Orrick, Mo. Tom as he was best know, was born on July 15, 1949 in Kansas City, Mo., to John Harding Presbury and May (Ostertag) Presbury. He attended and graduated from high school at the Ruskin High School in Kansas City with the class of 1967.

Tom studied mechanics at Longview Community College in Kansas City. He was a Master Mechanical Technician and was honored by his induction into the Michigan Master Mechanics Hall of Fame. He was the former co-owner and operator of Jerry’s Conoco in Independence, Mo., for over 25 years. Tom’s passion was cars, which he loved to work on, build and race. Tom loved his son and daughter and the grandchildren and every moment he spent with them.

Tom had lived in Independence and Kansas City before moving to Orrick several years ago.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Patty Olson.

Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Paul Thomas Presbury, Jr and wife, Lisa of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; his daughter and son-in-law, Kimberly Ann Presbury McGinnis and husband, Rodney of Orrick; brother, Jack Presbury of Virginia; and grandchildren, Tommy Presbury, Steven Higginbotham, Kymmie Higginbotham and Brian McGinnis. Tom would have soon became a great grandfather with the coming birth of baby Higgie.

Memorials may be given to the family to help with funeral expenses, payable to Kim McGinnis.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, January 5, 2014, with funeral services immediatley following at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick. Cremation will follow services.