March 09, 1926 ~ October 20, 2022
96 years, 7 months, 11 days

Paul Boyer Clevenger, 96  years of age and formerly of Orrick, MO, passed away Thursday, October 20, 2022 at the Polaris Health and Wellness Center in Cameron, MO.  Paul was born on March 9, 1926 in Rayville, MO, to Samuel Everett Clevenger and Nellie May (Boyer) Clevenger. He was raised around Orrick and educated in the area of which he was raised.

Paul had served his country in The United States Army during World War II. Paul was in the 517^th and stationed in Joigny, France. Their mission was to land behind enemy lines and rescue soldiers who were trapped. Paul carried out missions in France, Italy, Germany and Belgium at the Battle of The Bulge.  Paul was also at Normandy Beach during the D-Day invasion, having come across the English Channel in a U-Boat.  The 517^th was headed to Japan but the war ended before they arrived, and the boat (Oneida Victor) he was on turned around and headed stateside.  Paul remained in the Army as a cook, until his   discharge in 1946. Following his time in the service, he was engaged in farming and had farmed his entire life, also in the Orrick area.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; his parents; a brother, Evert Clevenger, Jr.; and sisters, Hazel Rimmer and husband Allen and Mazie Inez Frank and husband Claude.

Survivors include his step-sons, Russell L. Hyatt of Excelsior Springs, MO, and Bob Hyatt of Lathrop, MO.

Visitation for Paul will be held on Friday, October 28, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. at the Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick. Funeral services will immediately follow at 10 a.m. Friday, also at the funeral home. Burial with full military honors will be in Union Cemetery, Northwest of Orrick, MO.

Carolyn Lee (Cole) Allen, 87 years old of Kansas City, Mo. (formally of Orrick, Mo.), died on September 16, 2022 at Liberty Hospital. She was born March 25, 1935 in Alamosa, Colo., to Lloyd and Vera Cole.

After graduating from Harrisonville High School in 1953, she moved to Kansas City where she lived and worked with girlfriends. During that time, in 1955 she met Charles Allen on a blind date. After a brief courtship they were married when at that time the city girl moved to the farm and became a supportive, hardworking farm wife and mother. She took care of the family, home, and farm chores. She and Charles moved to Primrose Retirement Community in 2017 where she loved every moment, as well as everybody that lived and worked there. She worked hard and played hard. She was a talented artist who painted beautiful things. She was selfless, positive, and patient. Everyone she met loved her. She had a wickedly funny sense of humor and would laugh as much as her audience as she spun a story. Her favorite past time was spending time with her family.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son-in-law, Sean Buchanan and nephew, Grant Cole.

Surviving Carolyn are her daughters, Karen (Mike) Neese and Linda Buchanan; grandsons, Doug (Jen) Neese, Brad (Taylor) Neese, and Blake Buchanan; and her great granddaughter, Kaitlin Neese; her brother, Don (Trulla) Cole; nieces, Julie Cole, Cynde Cole and Shelley King as well as several cousins.

Services for Carolyn will be held on Thursday, September 22, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. with visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick, Mo. We will be celebrating and remembering this remarkable person who called everyone she met friend.

Memorial donations in her honor can be made to Reno Ranch, a licensed, not for profit animal shelter in Ray County, to be left or mailed to Gowing Funeral Home.

She will be desperately missed by her family and friends.

Donald K. Battagler, 67, of Claycomo, Missouri, passed away on September 10, 2022 in his home.  He was born on September 30, 1954 and later adopted and raised by the late Wilbur and Nadine Battagler.

He is survived by his sister, Karen Koerner and his four children, Tralee Swanson, Ryan Battagler, Joseph Battagler, and Karissa Mattram;  his grandchildren,  Ashlynn Swanson, Regan Swanson, Alaze’ Chowning, Zaylynn Battagler, Alliczandra Battagler, Ashlynn Swanson, Regan Swanson, Paige Stuart, Joey Battagler, Matthew Battagler, Noah Battagler, and Natalhia Battagler;  and one great-grandchild, Kamrynn Chowning.

Remembrance will be held privately with the family.  Inurnment will be held at a later date.

Mary Jo Lee, 90, of Orrick, MO, passed away September 8, 2022 at her home. Mary Jo was born January 14, 1932 in Howard County, MO, to George M. Long Sr. and Thelma Marie (Hunker) Long.

Mary Jo moved to Orrick, MO, in 1945 with her family. She graduated from Orrick High School in 1949. She went to Liberty, MO, and rented a room from old friends of the family. She went to work at National Bellas Hess in North Kansas City and rode a bus to and from work.

She was married to John Allen Lee of Orrick, MO, on March 10, 1950. They lived in Liberty, MO, for three years and moved back to Orrick in 1953. John passed away on April 15, 2019.

Mary Jo was a member of the Orrick Christian Church since 1945. She was Secretary and Treasurer for a number of years. She was a member of the Keystone Class and helped with funeral dinners.

She was an excellent seamstress and did sewing for other people. She loved to cook. She helped a lot of older women, doing whatever they needed help with.

Mary Jo is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, David Joe (Sheila) Lee, Orrick, MO; a daughter-in-law, Cindy Lee, Excelsior Springs, MO; a granddaughter, Emily (Jordan) Martinetti; a grandson, William (Ashley) Lee; a sister, Jean Stonner, Richmond, MO; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death was her parents; her husband, John; her son, Darrell Allen Lee; a grandson, John Allen Lee; a brother, George M. Long Jr.; and a sister, Sue Marshall.

Memorial contributions to Mary Jo’s memory can be made to South Point Cemetery in Orrick, MO. Graveside services will be held Friday September 16, 2022 at 2 p.m. at South Point Cemetery.

Richard Alan Myers, 57, of Orrick, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 in Orrick.

Alan, as he was best known as, was born on July 22, 1965 in Muscatine, Iowa, to George Richard Myers and Glenda Sue (Thompson) Myers. On May 20, 1985, he was united in marriage to Annette Leach. For the past 23 years, he and Annette made Orrick their home.

Alan was a bi-vocational pastor. Alan had been a meat cutter and manager for almost 37 years for various large chain stores. Alan was currently employed with Precision Woods in Holt, MO. He attended church in the days of his youth at Lawson Assembly of God. He would later be called into the ministry under Rev. Bobby Morris.

Alan was called to fill in at Orrick Assembly of God for his first service outside of Lawson on September 5, 1999. He would be installed as pastor in Orrick on January 16, 2000, with Rev. Ronald Garner officiating the installation.

Alan had served as a Royal Ranger leader and commander, Sunday School teacher, deacon, Bible Quiz coach, youth leader and served here in Orrick on the Ministerial Alliance. Alan joined the Lions Club here in Orrick several months ago to better serve his community.

Alan would spend his final moments in the House of God, on Tuesday, August 30, 2022. You would find him there daily, studying the word of God, worshipping, praying, and preparing sermons. The Lord would call him to his heavenly home within the doors of the church. Alan loved his best friend, Jesus Christ passionately and fervently. The next love of his life was family, especially those ones called grandchildren. He showed up for everything with them. He was always in anticipation of what the Lord was doing for those that would come through the doors.

Alan was a joy to be around, he was a prankster. He loved history, the St. Louis Cardinals, community, and sharing the gospel, leading someone to Christ, doing water baptisms and seeing that life transformed. To have really known him was to love him.

Alan was preceded in death by his parents, George and Glenda Myers; his grandparents, George Hadley and Colleen Myers, and Joe and Helen Thompson.

Survivors include his wife, Annette Myers of the home; his children, Bryan Myers and Brooke Verschueren and husband, Robert, all of Orrick; his grandchildren, India Myers, Penelope Terpening, Spencer Terpening, Rayelynn Terpening and Jase Terpering, all of Orrick; his sister, Vanessa Newman and husband, Shawn, of Excelsior Springs, MO. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Alan will be held on Monday, September 5, 2022 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at the Orrick Assembly of God Church. Burial will follow in South Point Cemetery near Orrick.

Fred W. Bryson Sr. of Waverly, MO, formerly Slater, MO, died on July 31, 2022, at 5 a.m. in the CenterPoint Hospital ICU, in Independence, MO. On July 27, Fred was life flighted there from Lafayette County Hospital in Lexington, MO.

Fred was born February 1, 1941, in Marshall, MO. He was the son of Herbert Q. Bryson and Lillian Violet (Davis) Bryson.

On September 6, 1957, Fred married Shirley M. (Brown) Bryson, who preceded him in death in November 2020.

The family will have a combined Celebration of Life for both Shirley and Fred at a later date.

Fred worked in construction most of his life. When he wasn’t working, he was building things. He built anything from kitchen cabinets to guitars to motorcycles and cars. He could build anything. In the evenings he loved playing one of his many guitars. Everything that he knew how to do he had taught himself how to do it. Fred loved his family very much and loved providing for them.

Fred W. Bryson leaves behind a son, Lyle T. Bryson of Warsaw, MO; two daughters, Pamela Bownes of Spokane, WA, and Michelle Lilly of Slater, MO; as well as two chosen sons, Robert Morley of Independence, MO, and Marty Petrovic of Camdenton, MO; five grandchildren, Shirley Borchardt of Stockton, MO, Riley Renno of Warrensburg, MO, Jamie Abner of Kansas City, MO, Keith Lilly of Liberty, MO, and Zackary Bryson of Clinton, MO; along with nine great grandchildren, and one great-great grandson. Fred also leaves behind his brother, Harry D. Bryson of Holden, MO, and several nieces and nephews.

Fred was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley M. (Brown) Bryson; his son, Fred W. Bryson Jr.; his parents, Lillian V. (Davis) Bryson and Herbert Q. Bryson; his sister, Rexine Q. Bryson; and two brothers, Robert Bryson and Jimmy Bryson.

November 18, 1945 ~ August 17, 2022

Sandra Elizabeth Stapleton, 76, of Orrick, MO, passed away August 17, 2022 at Liberty Hospital with her family by her side.  Sandra was born on November 18, 1945 in Kansas City, MO, to Thomas Aaron Stapleton and Mildred Eileen (Ward) Stapleton.

Sandra lived in Kansas City, MO, until she moved with her family to Orrick in 1960. Upon moving to Orrick, Sandra began her freshman year of high school at Orrick High School. Sandra graduated from Orrick High School with the class of 1963. Sandra had worked as a machine operator for Tredegar Corporation in Excelsior Springs, MO, for many years before she retired in 2009. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Orrick. She loved traveling with her friends. She was a big fan of George Strait and loved watching the Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs play on TV. She enjoyed sitting with her mom on the front porch and visiting with the neighbors.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Thomas Stapleton, and her sister, Patricia Lee.

She is survived by two brothers, Robert “Bob” Stapleton of Creighton, MO, and Phil Stapleton of Sioux Center, Iowa, and a sister, Mary Ann Holt of Richmond, MO. She is also survived by many nephews and nieces.

The family will greet friends on Saturday, August 27, 2022 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick.  Memorial services will follow at the funeral home at 11 a.m., with Inurnment following at South Point Cemetery, Orrick, MO.

Memorials in memory of Sandra are suggested to The First Baptist Church of Orrick.

June 22, 1932 ~ August 14, 2022
90 years, 1 month, 23 days

Norma Lou (Gryder) Dugan-Clemmons, 90, of Orrick, MO, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2022 at her home in Orrick.

She was born in Orrick, MO, on June 22, 1932 to Herman and Pauline (Cheshier) Gryder. She was a lifelong Orrick resident and had received her education in the Orrick Public Schools. Norma graduated from Orrick High School in 1950 and was the class valedictorian.

Norma had worked as a bookkeeper for Sandstrom’s garage in Orrick and later as a production worker for AVSCO Plastics in Excelsior Springs.

She was first married to Roy K. “Jake” Dugan on September 29, 1950. He preceded her in death on November 25, 1993. Later, she married Richard “Dick” Clemmons on February 21, 1998. He preceded her in death on June 26, 2014.

Norma was a member of the First Baptist Church of Orrick, where she taught Sunday School, sang in the Choir and often was called upon to sing at funerals. She liked to read, she also loved her OLEO Group. She enjoyed a widows group that gathered on Friday evenings to eat out. She especially enjoyed attending church and worshipping the Lord.

Besides her two husbands, she was preceded in death by her parents; her step-father, Fredrick Gryder; brothers, William Gryder, Benny Gryder and Paul Gryder; and her half brother, Harold Gryder.

Survivors include her daughter, Katherine Rochowicz (Larry) of Mohnton, PA; son, Bruce Dugan (Christine) of Orrick, MO; her half sisters, Darlene Gryder Gilpatrick of Bethany, MO, and Deva Arlene Gryder Lanning (Gary) of Eagleville, MO;  her step-daughters, Cindy Epperson of Orrick, MO, and Cathy Howell (Jim) of Independence, MO; her grandchildren, Derrick Dugan (Kelley), Keith Dugan (Jodi), Rose Dugan Mcadams (Kyle), Kyle Rochowicz (Brianna), and Amanda Rochowicz; eight great grandchildren; step-grandchildren, Jay Howell (Fanta), Chrissy Howell, and Danny White.  Also surviving are four step-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

The family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, August 19, 2022 at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick.  Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 20, 2022 at The First Baptist Church in Orrick, with Reverend Jacob Overstreet officiating. Burial will follow in South Point Cemetery near Orrick.

Billie Frances (Thomas) Roberts, 95, of Orrick, MO, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus shortly before 2 p.m. Thursday, July 7, 2022, at Shirkey’s Nursing and Rehab Center, where she had resided since January 21. Her family had surrounded her the last several days just as she would have wanted.  She often said, “I just want all my kids together”.

Billie was born in Brookfield, MO, to John White and Faye (Bachman) Thomas, the youngest of five siblings. She grew up on a small farm near Pennville, MO, and attended a country school and Green City High School.

On December 17, 1944, she married Dale Roberts, and they were married 58-1/2 years. They lived in various locations, while Dale was serving in the U.S. Army. After his discharge, they returned to Green City while Dale completed his college degrees and began his career in education there.

Throughout her married life, she was a supportive wife and homemaker as Dale’s teaching, coaching and school administrative positions took them from Green City to Revere, Braymer, Coon Rapids, IA, Hayden, CO, and Monroe City, MO, before moving to Orrick in August of 1969 when Dale became superintendent of schools there.

Billie was a past member of the Daughters of Revolution, a long time member of PTA, serving in various positions, a room mother and an advocate for those with Down Syndrome. She lived a life of deep faith in God and for the day she would enter the Kingdom of Heaven, a faith which she passed along to her children.  She was always there to comfort them and one of her mantras was “It’ll be okay.”

An accomplished pianist, playing by ear, she was often asked to play at weddings and funerals and most recently entertained other residents and the staff at Shirkey’s, much to their delight.

Billie and her three sisters also spent any hours singing together, and this continued as they gathered as adults.

Above all else, Billie was devoted to and loved caring for her family and was a nurturer by nature.  Her cooking, baking sewing (darning) are memories embedded in our minds. The scent of cinnamon rolls baking and the sight of homemade noodles drying in wait of a holiday dinner will always be with us.

Family travels were a constant with many pictures showing Billie setting a picnic table with a tent and campfire nearby. With precision, she could pack up a camper or camping supplies in her sleep!

She saw that laughter and love filled her home, and that, the greatest memory of all, will fill our hearts forever.

Billie is survived by her two sons, Ronnie (Mary), Phoenix, AZ, and Sandy, of Lexington, MO; grandchildren, Suzanne Roberts, Normal, IL, Julie (Geoff) Shepherd, Novato CA, Kimberly Duncan, Orrick, and Tyler “Willie” Duncan, Fleming; great grandchildren, Ashley Reeves, Tempe, AZ ,Brandon (Meredith) Reeves, Ft. Worth, TX ,Cali Shepherd, Orange, CA, Zoe Shepherd, Fayetteville, AR, Ashlin (Brandon) McKinney, Excelsior Springs, and Jaxon Dorton, Orrick; great great grandchild, Scarlett McKinney, Excelsior Springs; two older sisters, Virginia Dehm, Milan, MO, and Betty Gerst, Independence, MO; and a sister-in-law, Mary Jean Thomas, Milan, MO.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dale; son, Thomas “Tommy” Lynn Roberts; daughter, Candace Faye “Candy” Roberts; brother, Carlyle Thomas; and sister, Irene Wyatt; brothers-in-law, Carl Wyatt, Howard Dehm and John Gerst; and many nieces and nephews.

Billie will be cremated, and her request for no services is being respected.  The inurnment of her ashes will be at the Green City Cemetery by the family at a future date.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the staff of Shirkey’s Nursing and Rehab Center and the hospice nurses and aids of Shirkey’s Hospice for the care they gave Billie. Their compassion and dedication to caring for and serving her was beyond measure. It meant so much to see the love and gentleness returned to a mother who had given that her entire life.

Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Orrick Methodist Church, 201 W. Elm Street, Orrick, MO 64077.

May 26, 1925 ~ June 03, 2022

Nadine Battagler, 97, of Orrick, MO, died Friday, June 3, 2022 in Springfield, MO, surrounded by her family and friends.  Nadine was born in rural Ray County, Missouri, on May 26, 1925 to Charles and Bessie (Shumate) Peters. Nadine was the youngest of five children. She married Wilbur Battagler on December 22, 1945. Together, they had three children, Marilyn Kay, Karen Sue, and Donnie Kent.

Nadine is survived by her daughter, Karen Koerner and her son, Donnie Battagler; her granddaughters, Nicole (Les) Moody, Jill (Brian) Stan, Tralee (Scott) Swanson, Karissa Stuart; her grandsons, Kevin Koerner, Ryan and Joseph Brock Battagler; great granddaughters, Mia and Gracie Stan, Ashlynn and Regan Swanson, Alaze (Caleb) Chowning, Zaylynn Battagler, Ali Battagler, Natalhia Battagler, and Paige Stuart; great grandsons, Haiden, Avery, Austin and Jacob Moody,  Joey, Matthew, and Noah Battagler; great great granddaughter, Kamrynn Chowning; and sister-in-law, Mary Peters. Nadine is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Wilbur; daughter, Marilyn Kay; brothers, Glenn and Ivan (Doris); sisters, Helen (Alfred) Newell, Melba “Dudie” (Ben) Smith and Velma Peters; step-sister, Gertrude; and son-in-law, Dan Koerner.

Nadine was loved by all who met her. She enjoyed cooking (she was one of the best), taking care of Wilbur, entertaining family, keeping her home, and traveling. She also loved driving her Cadillac, wearing her jewelry, and was an all around “Classy” lady. Her 97 years were rich and full, and she will be greatly missed by all.

Nadine was a member of the First Baptist Church in Orrick.

Visitation will be held from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 11, 2022 at First Baptist Church in Orrick. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the church with Pastor Randall Moody and Pastor Jacob Overstreet officiating. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery, northwest of Orrick.

Memorials are suggested to Union Cemetery in Nadine’s memory.

Condolences

Karen I know it’s difficult to lose your Mom, but you can take great confront the fact she had a positive influence on about everyone she came in contact with, especially as the Room Mother for our class. She went on nearly all our school trips and helped plan our class parties. She was good to my Grandmother, Velma Robinson, when she lived across the street. She was the one who helped pick the cactus thorns out of my hand when I was 7 and we were playing with my cousins, Rick and Connie McGinnis, in your back yard. I doubt if you recall that, but I’ll never forget it. It’s a testament to the woman she was, always there to help when needed.
Arnold & Melissa Bruns