Kyle Monroe Johnson, 34, of rural Excelsior Springs, passed away Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at his home following a lengthy illness fighting Lupus. Kyle was born the son of Preston and Tammy (Cook) Johnson on November 30, 1988 in North Kansas City, MO. Kyle was a graduate of Excelsior Springs High School.

Kyle was a lifelong Chiefs fan who believed in the power of superstitions. You could always catch him watching the Chiefs games in the same place. His love of cars started at a young age. He especially loved his Mustang which he took meticulous care of and spent time doing upgrades on. Kyle’s favorite race car driver was Jeff Gordon and enjoyed watching races with his brother, Dillon. His family sees him driving his dream Mustang through the heavenly gates and spending his time with the loved ones who have gone before him. Kyle was a fan of classic rock and country music and enjoyed his summer weekends at the lake with family. Kyle was brilliantly smart and intellectual. He was quite the historian and could recount many historical facts and events. He loved food and his mom’s cooking, but hated mushrooms. Kyle was kind and generous and would give anything to help someone. He would go to any length to protect his family and friends. He adored his two dogs, Lola and Arcadia, who never left his side.

Kyle was preceded in death by his Grandpa and Grandma Writesman; Grandpa and Grandma Cook; uncles, Larry Cook and Dennis Cook; and cousins, Tyler Vaughn and Bryce Wheeler.

He is survived by his parents, Preston and Tammy Johnson of the home; his brother, Dillon Johnson (Qynne) of Liberty, MO; his grandparents, Fred and Robin Johnson of Warsaw, MO, and Mike and Sue Wood of Missouri City, MO; and his two dogs, Lola and Arcadia.

Memorials are suggested to The Lupus Foundation of America, 2121 K Street N.W. Suite #200, Washington, D.C. 20037.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 22, 2023, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick, MO. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday also at the funeral home. A burial will follow at South Point Cemetery, Orrick, MO.

Condolences

So sorry for the families loss you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sherry McKown Lutjen

I have no words to express my deepest sympathy to the parents of an awesome young man. May my friend be well on the other side, and may his forever giving light be a blessing of healing upon you all. May the LORD embrace you in your time of torture. May each tear shed be a reminder of his place in our hearts. His SOUL is free, his mind clear, and his journey here is over. GODSPEED to you, Kyle.
The Holland Family

My prayers and love for all the family, my heart breaks for you all. I pray Gods love will surround you and comfort you . I know Kyle is now with God and family in heaven and you will see him again. Until then your love and memories for Kyle and the love of your family will be with you forever, love you all.
Glenda Wynn

November 26, 1983 ~ February 28, 2023

Charley Dawn Merriman, 39, of Richmond, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at her home.

Charley was born on November 26, 1983, in Richmond, the daughter of Michael Wayne Nail and Nancy Jo Nail.

Charley was proceeded in death by her dad, Michael Nail; paterial grandparents, Don Nail and Donna Sue Stagner; material grandparents, Bud and Pat Lee; uncle, Ernest Dewayne Lee; aunt, Joan Denice Lichty; and her brother-in-law, David Roy Merriman.

Charley was a very caring person, she always put everyone’s needs before her own. Her sons, Johanthan and David Merriman, were the loves of her life, she would do anything for them. She was a comedian in life and she loved listening to music and you could always hear her singing. Charley loved her family. She was a daddy’s girl, she took after him in loving music. She loved her brother Jerry (Rooster), they may have fought but if anybody ever hurt him she would hurt them. She loved to take her mother to the thrift shops because that was what she loved doing most with her. She loved watching sports, especially the Chiefs and she also loved March Madness, college basketball.

In school she was a cheerleader and loved cheering for the Bearcats and she loved playing basketball in high school. After graduating and getting married and having her sons, she was their biggest cheerleader. Whatever sports they played, her and Michael were right there cheering them on. Charley was there cheering Jon on to recover from his accident, she knew he was strong and could get through this and he did because of Charley’s cheering him on. As of late, besides her two sons, Charley had a new passion, she loved to go mucking. If you was in the car with her she wanted to go on this street or that street because she had to see what people had sat out to see if she could go back and get it later. The old saying is one man’s trash it another man’s treasures. She found many treasures. This was her favorite thing to do so this is from her, LET’S GO MUCKING.

Charley is survived by her mother, Nancy Glynn; brother, Jerry Nail; sons, Jonathan Merriman and David Merriman; her husband, Michael Merriman; many aunts and uncles, cousins and her many friends. She loved each and everyone of you.

Visitation is Saturday, March 11, 2023, at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. The funeral is immediately following visitation at 3:30 p.m. Burial will be at Riffe Cemetery.

Condolences

I love you cuz & i miss you so much!!!! You are legendary!!!!
Patty Sue

May 17, 1948 ~ February 26, 2023
74 years, 9 months, 9 days

Linda Kathryn McCubbin, 74, of Orrick, MO, passed away Sunday, February 26, 2023 at the Riverbend Heights Health and Rehabilitation Center in Lexington, MO. Linda was born on May 17, 1948 in Clay County, Missouri, to Floyd Trainer and Kathryn (Burnett) Trainer.  She grew up in the Excelsior Springs area. She married Paul Edward McCubbin, but later divorced and remained friends and raised their children. Linda had worked as a housekeeper at Liberty Hospital. She had a good sense of humor and always had a witty reply. She was never shy about speaking her opinion. Linda’s favorite things to do were cooking and spending time with her loving grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Stella Trainer, and a son, Danny LeRoy McCubbin.

Linda is survived by her children, Brad McCubbin and Shelia Roberts (McCubbin); her grandchildren, Page Roberts, Tyler Roberts, Zachary Roberts, Kaylynn McCubbin, and Trevor McCubbin; and great grandchild, Otto Gable.

Visitation will be held Monday, March 6, 2023 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick, MO. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home on Monday with burial following in Sunny Slope Cemetery in Richmond, MO.

March 2, 1970 – February 13, 2023
52 years, 11 months, 17 days

Dale Ray Mathews, 52, originally from Orrick, MO, left this Earth and travelled to Heaven on February 13, 2023.

He was born in Richmond, MO, on March 2, 1970, to Dale and Marge (Robertson) Mathews. He was a lifelong Orrick resident and received his education in the Orrick Public Schools. Ray graduated from Orrick High School in 1988.

Ray worked as a self-employed carpenter. He worked with his father, Dale from many years. He has built several new houses, housing additions and remodeled many businesses, such as Gowing Funeral Home in 1992, Fubblers (Jayder’s Cove) and the Masonic Lodge in Missouri City, MO. He took pride in the work he completed. His craftsmanship will be greatly missed in the areas where he worked and lived.

After a lifetime of rejecting the gospel, Ray came to know the Lord in 2005 when he watched his oldest daughter get baptized. If you know anything about Ray Mathews, you know that whatever he does, he does 100% … And his commitment to the Lord was no different. He immediately joined the First Baptist Church of Orrick and connected himself with the pastor. He was hungry to learn as much as he could. After about a year of absorbing everything that he could from the Word of God, he declared the call to preach. His pastor mentored him, got him prepared, and gave him opportunity to minister the word. Ray had a hunger for preaching and teaching and became a sought-after minister in the surrounding communities for pulpit fill, and for revivals. It was then that he was invited to become a deacon of the First Baptist Church of Orrick. Where he served with distinction. And honored the Lord. The apostle Paul told Timothy to be diligent to study the word, and to “fulfill his ministry”. Ray Mathews did that with distinction.

Ray was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Paul and Dortha Mathews, and his material grandfather, Fred Willard.

Survivors include his children, Autumne (Jim) Heffermen of Fayetteville, AR, Riley Mathews, of Liberty, MO, Payton Mathews, of Liberty, MO, and Joshua Mathews, of Warrensburg, MO; parents, Dale and Marge Mathews, of Orrick, MO; and sister Dalla (Mark) McMullen, of Orrick, MO. He is also survived by his nieces and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life for Ray will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2023 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at The Home Place at Valley View, 35920 West Highway T, Camden, MO 64017. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made payable to Dalla McMullen or made directly to his memorial fund at The Bank of Orrick.

Condolences

I was so very sad to hear of the passing of my brother in Christ. Although I mourn, I also rejoice in knowing that Ray is now in the presence of our Lord and Savior. I only know that he was grinning (as that what I shall remember most – his lovely grin) when he came face to face with God. Such a lovely man Ray was, such an inspiration to many, such a faithful follower that His heavenly Father greeted him arms wide open saying, “Welcome home, my faithful servant.” I, also, know Ray was greeted by ALL those he helped accept Christ.
Marilyn Moffitt

November 14, 1946 ~ January 16, 2023

David Lee Clevenger Sr., 76, of Rayville, MO, passed away at his home on Monday, January 16, 2023.

David was born on November 14, 1946 in Excelsior Springs, MO, to George Everett Clevenger and Dorothy Rose (Michaels) Clevenger. David attended schools in Orrick and graduated from Orrick high school with the class of 1964. He had lived most of his life in Ray County. David worked for over 30 years for Hallmark Cards in Liberty before he retired from his duties there. He also was a farmer, as farming was one of his favorite things in life.

David was preceded in death by his parents, George and Dorothy Clevenger; a brother, Scott Clevenger; and a sister, Kathy (Clevenger) Nevins.

Survivors include two sons, David Lee Clevenger II and Michael Clevenger, both of Kansas City, MO; and a brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Judy Clevenger of Portland, Oregon.

Memorial visitation will be held on Friday, January 27, 2023 from 10:30 until 11:30 a.m. at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick. Memorial services will immediately follow at 11:30 a.m., also at the funeral home. Inurnment will follow in Riffe Cemetery northwest of Orrick.

Billy Gene Pendleton, 76, of Richmond, MO, passed away on December 23, 2022.

Billy was born on February 27, 1946, to Russell J. and Mary F. (Mann) Pendleton of Orrick, MO. Billy graduated from Orrick High School in 1964.

In 1965 he married Francie (Sharp) and they had two children together, Kim and Jerry.

He is survived by his children, daughter, Kim and her husband, Jimmy Davidson of Hardin, and son, Jerry Pendleton, of Richmond; grandchildren, Megan (Ronnie) Endicott, Mallary (Dallas) Gowin, and Colton Gene, MacKenzie and Austin Pendleton; his brothers, Ronald and his wife, Sandra Pendleton of Orrick, Robert Pendleton, Dennis and his wife, Kathy Pendleton; his sister, Barbara Teigen of Overland Park, KS; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; former wife, Francie; his sister, Linda Jane; brother-in-law, Jim; niece, Jennifer; and Marjory Estes, his special friend.

He worked at General Motors in Kansas City for 10 years. After that he moved to Baldwin City, KS and farmed several hundred acres. In the mid-eighties he moved back to the Richmond area to truck garden his own farm. His biggest enjoyment was tending to his vegetables and sharing them with others.

Visitation with funeral services will be held at Gowing Funeral Home, Orrick, on Thursday, December 29, 2022, with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. and services to follow at Noon. Burial will be at Southpoint Cemetery at Orrick.

Larry Dale Nichol, 79, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2022.

He is survived by Cathy L. (Bailey) Nichol, his wife of 48 years of Orrick, MO; daughters, Amy West (husband JD) of Lee’s Summit, MO, and Laura O’Dell (husband Timothy) of Orrick, MO; grandchildren, Bailey, Alex and Jesse West, Kristin, Abigail and Zachary O’Dell; sister, Diane Hall; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Mabel Nichol; and brothers, C.E. Nichol and David L. Nichol Sr.

Larry was born on February 4, 1943, in New Castle, PA, the son of Chester and Mabel Irene (Culver) Nichol. As a teenager, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout and was athletic playing baseball and basketball at Van Horn High School and graduated in the class of 1961. He served his country proudly in the Army stationed in Korea.

Larry started his career at Curt’s Market in Independence, MO, becoming a meat cutter.  He ended his career at the Raytown School District for 20 years until retirement.  Larry loved watching his hometown teams, the Royals and Chiefs. He also worked at the Royals’ Stadium in the summers.  He loved spending time with family and friends playing golf, cards, poker and bowling any chance he got.  Those who knew him remember him laughing and being the life of the party. To know him was to love him.  Everywhere Larry went, the family could hear someone call out his name from across the room.  The best Husband, Dad, Grandpa and Friend to the end.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 31, 2022 starting at 1:00 p.m. at The Orrick Christian Church, 401 E. South Front St., Orrick, MO 64077.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Orrick Christian Church.

May 17, 1953 – December 2, 2022

On Friday December 2 nd , Joan Denice Lichty (Nail), beloved Sister, Mother, and Grandmother passed away at age 69 at North Kansas City Hospital.

Joan was born in Lexington, Missouri on May 17th, 1953 to Don Nail and Donna Sue Stagner (Hall). She grew up in Orrick, Missouri with her siblings David, Mike, and Steve Nail, and Susan and Dale Stagner. She graduated from Orrick High School (OHS) in 1971 and was involved in many different clubs and activities. She was a member of the Student and Executive Councils, was Class President and Treasurer, F.H.A. song leader and 1 st Vice President. She was also a member of the Pep Club, played flute in the OHS band, was a drum majorette, and was awarded Miss Ray County 1971.

Following graduation, she moved to Kansas City and worked at Hallmark before meeting and starting a family with her former husband, Rick Lichty. She raised her family in Gladstone, Missouri, where she attended the Gladstone Church of Christ. After starting and successfully running a housekeeping business (Navajo1), she accepted the position of Housekeeping Manager at the New Mark Care Center. After working her way up to Environmental Director, she retired in 2016 to spend more time with her family.

Joan lived for her family and absolutely loved to spoil and spend time with her five grandchildren. Her favorite pastimes were hosting family gatherings, family vacations, taking care of her puppies and gardening. She would never miss the nightly news and loved to watch movies and football. Joan was best known for her beauty, love of her children and grandchildren, her humor, determination and stubbornness.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Don Nail and Donna Sue Stagner (Hall), and her brother, Mike Nail.

She is survived by her children, Brent, Bryan (Rose), Chris Lichty, and Jessica Vulgamott (Brent); her five grandchildren, Corba Lichty and Quinn, Chase, Sloane, and Miles Vulgamott; her siblings, David (Christie) and Steve Nail, Dale Stager (Tammy), and Suzy Cresswell (Steve); her aunt, Mary Lou Payne; cousin, Nancy Payne; and many other family and friends. She is also survived by her beloved puppies, Mindy and Mandy.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, December 8, 2022, at Gowing Funeral Home, 202 Adams Street, Orrick, Missouri 64077.

A Celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 9 th , at the Orrick First Baptist Church, 301 Adams Street, Orrick, Missouri 64077.

Joan loved animals and we kindly ask family and friends, in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the KC Pet Project, 7077 Elmwood Ave, Kansas City, MO 64132, https://kcpetproject.org, in her name.

Georgia Kinne, 76, of Richmond, MO, passed away to be with her Lord and Savior on November 13, 2022. Georgia was born on January 2, 1946, in Independence, MO, to Bert Reichling and Thelma May (Trainor). She married the love of her life, William “Bill” Kinne, on May 25, 1996. He preceded her in death in 2015.

She spent her whole life working hard as she retired from Liberty Hospital. She raised 10 children, Iva, Gail, Jerry, Sue, Lori, Bert, Crystal, Beth, Little Artie, and Paul. She leaves behind her children, 18 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren, as well as many friends and loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Vern; her sister, Thelma; her daughter, Iva; a son, Little Artie; two sons-in-law, Lenvil and Rich; one daughter-in-law, Beverly; and three grandsons, Chris, Travis, and Alex.

Georgia loved her family very much and always looked forward to family get-togethers and holidays with everyone. She was a Christian, a wonderful mother, wife, grandmother and friend. If you needed her, all you had to do was call. She had a heart of gold. She will be greatly missed.

Our family is extremely thankful for Samantha, who became a very close and dear friend to Mom. We thank you for the extra comfort and continuous loving care you provided her, during her last few months. We are forever grateful.

Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society.

Visitation will be Friday, November 18, 2022 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick. Funeral services will follow at the funeral home at 11:00 a.m. with burial following in South Point Cemetery near Orrick.

William “Darrel” Silkwood was born in Kansas City, MO, on April 23, 1976, and passed away on November 6, 2022 in Henrietta, MO.  Darrel loved spending time with family, especially his four grandchildren.  He enjoyed fishing, racing and working on cars.  Darrel was the most selfless person, with the biggest heart.

He was proceeded in death by his father, Lonnie Dean Silkwood, Sr.; his step-father, Bruce Hurshman; two brothers, Ricky Knutter and Lonnie Dean Silkwood, Jr.; and other relatives.

Darrel is survived by his mother, Sherrie Hurshman; step-mother, Connie Elliott; son, Dylan Silkwood and his wife, Nicole Silkwood; his daughter, Shianna Silkwood; and his four grandchildren, Troy Silkwood, Brandon Harris, Jr., Shania Harris and William C. Silkwood; his sisters, Sheryl Kincaid and Deanna Lynch; his brothers, Russel Knutter and Jerry Knutter; his niece, Lacey Silkwood; and nephews, Ryan Silkwood, Cody Kincaid, and J.D. Kincaid; and several cousins.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, November 10, 2022 at the Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick. We will then leave the funeral home in procession to the Craven Cemetery near Camden, MO, for a graveside service and burial.