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SOLEN L. FITZWATER
Solen Leonard Fitzwater, 69, Lexington, Mo., died Saturday, Nov. 21, 1998, at the Lafayette Regional Health Center, Lexington.
Mr. Fitzwater was born March 22, 1929, in Ray County, Mo. He worked for Swifts Packing Co. He was of the Baptist faith.
His survivors include his wife, Hattie Feldman Fitzwater of the home; five sons, Leonard Fitzwater, Waverly, Mo., James Michael Fitzwater, Bulpitt, Ill., Steven Mark Fitzwater and John Thomas Fitzwater, both of Lexington, and Ricky Lee Fitzwater, Urbana, Mo.; four daughters, Elaine Denton, Lexington, Kathy Ann Fitzwater, Springfield, Mo., Kristy Lucinda Ridenour, Republic, Mo., and Kimberly Kay Fitzwater, Higginsville, Mo.; one brother, Leroy Fitzwater, Belton, Mo.; four sisters, Mary Cox, Sunrise Beach, Mo., Myrtle Smith, Joplin, Mo., Edna Carlton, Independence, and Dora Parker, North Kansas City; 14 grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Walker-Nadler Funeral Home, Lexington. Burial will be in Mount Washington cemetery. Friends may call from 7 to 8 tonight at the funeral home. The family suggests contributions to the American Cancer Society.
JOHN EARL PARKER JR.
John Earl Parker Jr., 63, Blue Springs, died Monday, Feb. 1, 1999, at his home.
Mr. Parker was born Jan. 23, 1936, in Kansas City. He was a roofing consultant. He was preceded in death by a son, Mark A. Parker in 1998.
His survivors include his mother, Mary Edna Parker, Oak Garove; three sons, John Adam Parker, Fayetteville, Ga., Kyle Clayton Parker, Vero Beach, Fla.. and Roger Scott Parker, Shasta Lake, Calif.; a daughter, Lori Carin Parker, Wichita, Kan.; four sisters, R. Joyce Lane, Blue Springs, Joan E. Rusnak, Kansas City, Kan., Betty Sue Steed, Tulsa, Okla., and Linda Kay Wharton, Oak Grove; five brothers, Byron E. Parker, Wichita, Kan., Danny E. Parker, Raytown, Edwin Parker, Oak Grove, Michael Ray Parker, Kansas City, Kan., and Richard A. Parker, Sacramento, Calif.; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Services will be 11 a.m. Thursday at the Webb-Freer Funeral Home. Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
BETTY J. THOMAS
Betty J. Thomas, 63, Grain Valley, died Monday, Feb. 1, 1999, at her home.
Mrs. Thomas was born Dec. 12, 1935, in Kansas City. She was a member of the Grain Valley Assembly of God Church and the Grain Valley VFW Ladies Auxiliary. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Thomas on Jan. 27, 1995.
Her survivors include her daughter, Valorie Montavy, a sister, Shirley Rucker, both of Kansas City; a granddaughter and a great-grandson.
Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Webb-Freer Funeral Home; cremation. Memorial contributions may be given to the Grain Valley Assembly of God Church.
WILLIAM R. "BILL" ANTOINE
William R. "Bill" Antoine, 73, Independence, died Monday, Feb. 1, 1999.
Mr. Antoine was born Jan. 16, 1926, in Shawnee, Kan., and had lived in Independence for the past 65 years. He was a member of Nativity BVM Catholic Church. He was a World War II veteran, serving in the 78th Lightning Division in the E.T.O., and received two Purple Hearts, a Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Infantry Badge, three Battle Stars and a French Citation Medal. He had been a member of the Disabled American Veterans for 50 years, Veterans of Foreign Wars for 51 years, and the American Legion for 54 years. He was a past member and president of the Independence Sertoma Club, a Third Degree Knights of Columbus, Council 3430, also a Fourth Degree Knight, was active in Scouting and a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say.
In addition to being a local businessman, he was active in both local and state politics, and served as committeeman for the Blue Township of Jackson County. He was elected to three terms in the Missouri House of Representatives, from 1966 through 1972. The Honorable William Antoine served as vice chairman of the committee on Interstate Cooperation; member of Agriculture and Labor committee and the Banks and Banking committee. He sponsored and passed the first House Bill requiring mandatory child immunization against measles in the state of Missouri.
His survivors include his wife, Virginia "Gini" Antoine; two sons, Joe Antoine, Blue Springs, and Chris Antoine, Independence; two grandchildren, Chad G. Antoine and Celeste E. Antoine; one great-grandson, Garrison W. Antoine; and one sister, Virginia "Toni" Marley, Parsons, Kan.
A funeral mass will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Burial will be in Mount Olivet cemetery, Raytown. Friends may call from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at D.W. Newcomer's Sons Noland Road Chapel, where a rosary will be said at 8 p.m. The family suggests contributions in his memory to the Greater Kansas City Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for research, 5442 Martway, Shawnee Mission, Kan 66205.
HADLEY CLEMENS
Hadley Clemens, 89, Phoenix, Ariz., formerly of Independence, died Friday, Jan. 29, 1999, at Valley Lutheran Hospital, Phoenix.
Mr. Clemens was born May 14, 1909, was raised in the Bolckow, Mo., area, and lived in this area before moving to Phoenix in 1972. He was a pattern maker for the Armco Steel Corp., retiring in 1972. He was known as a skilled craftsman, avid fisherman, musician and a dedicated leader in Boy Scouts. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and Christ United Methodist Church, Independence. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Coons Clemens, in 1979.
His survivors include two sisters, Louella Evans, Pine, Colo., and Laverne Council, Aloha, Ore.; two sons, Stephen Clemens, Independence, and Kent Clemens, Idaho Falls, Idaho; two daughters and sons-in-law, Marilee and Robert Clinefelter, Gilbert, Ariz., and Sylvia and Jay Jensen; nine grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Friday at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens, Kansas City. The family suggests contributions to Christ United Methodist Church, 14506 E. 39th St., Independence, Mo. 64055, or the Shriner's Crippled Childrens Fund.
ROBERT L. "BOB" DOTY
Robert Lee "Bob" Doty, 50, Blue Springs, died Saturday, Jan. 30, 1999, in Denver.
Mr. Doty was born June 25, 1948, in Kansas City and was a lifelong Jackson County resident. He worked for AT&T for more than 27 years in information technology systems. He graduated from Grain Valley High School in 1966, where he was active in sports, and graduated from Culver-Stockton College, Canton, Mo., in 1970, with a degree in math, where he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon and the Varsity Basketball manager. He was active in church all of his life, having served as a church trustee, elder, Bible teacher, sound systems, and many other ways. He was a member of the Blue Springs Christian Church, Grain Valley Optimist Club, and an Army veteran of the Vietnam War. He scouted for the Baker University football team for more than 10 years.
His survivors include his wife of more than 30 years, Donita Sue Jackson Doty of the home; his children, Lance Doty of the home, Erin Doty, Columbia, Mo., and Chris Doty and his wife, Toni, of Buckner; three grandchildren, Tyler, Anthony and Alexzander; his parents, Robert S. and Erma Doty, Grain Valley; two brothers, Larry Doty, Lee's Summit, and Dennis Doty, Kansas City; one sister, Kathy Doty, Grain Valley; and his Greek foreign exchange brother, Costas Kotzambasis, Sydney, Australia.
Services will be 10 a.m. Friday at the Webb-Freer Funeral Home, Blue Springs. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. The family suggests contributions to the church, American Heart Association or the Grain Valley Optimist Club.
VIOLA BIGGS
Viola Schuster Biggs, 80, Independence, died Monday, Feb. 9, 1998, at Research Medical Center.
Mrs. Biggs was born Sept. 17, 1917, in Levasy, and had lived in Independence since 1943. She was a sales clerk for Adlers Clothing Co. for 10 years, retiring in 1980. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Independence. Her husband, Carl Virgil Biggs, died in 1988.
Her survivors include a son, Michael Biggs, Blue Springs; and a sister, Erna Schuster, Independence.
Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at D.W. Newcomer`s Sons Noland Road Chapel. Burial will be in Woodlawn cemetery. Friends may call from 7 to 8:30 tonight at the chapel. The family suggests contributions to the memorial fund at the church or the American Cancer Society.
VIRGINIA N. BOONE
Virginia Nadene Boone, 80, Independence, died Friday, Feb. 6, 1998, at Trinity Lutheran Hospital.
Mrs. Boone was born June 16, 1917, in Kansas City. She was past president of T.O.P.S. and an active member of Bales Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir and taught Sunday school. She was also a member of the Evergreens Club and the Friendship Flower Club at the church.
Her survivors include her husband, Elmer Boone of the home; and a niece, Eleanor Mullins, Denver.
Services were today at the Speaks Suburban Chapel. Burial was in Mount Moriah cemetery, Kansas City. The family suggests contributions to the Second Mile Ministry or the church.
WOODSON D. BROWN
Woodson Dale Brown, 76, Independence, died Sunday, Feb. 8, 1998, at his home.
Mr. Brown was born June 12, 1921, in Spickard, Mo., and had lived in Independence most of his life. He was an auto mechanic and a Navy veteran of World War II.
His survivors include three sons, Steve Brown, Blue Springs, Mike Brown, Raytown, and Gary Brown, Independence; a daughter, Pati Priest, Kansas City; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Graveside services willbe 10 a.m. Friday at Mount Washington cemetery. Friends may call from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at the George C. Carson & Sons Independence Chapel.
ARTHUR E. BURKE SR.
Arthur E. Burke Sr., 85, Independence, died Saturday, Feb. 7, 1998, at St. Mary`s Hospital of Blue Springs.
Mr. Burke was a member of the Independence Auxiliary Police, American Legion, St. Paul`s Methodist Church, and was a Mason. He was preceded in death by his wife, Grace Burke, and a son, William.
His survivors include his children, Carole Burke, Marina, Calif., Kenneth Burke, Port Naches, Texas, Pat O`Hare and Priscilla Biskie, both of Camdenton, Mo., Arthur E. Burke Jr. Lee`s Summit, and Lorrie Lasater, Independence; a sister, Helen Fiske, Beverly, Mass.; a brother, Charles Bengault, Seattle; 13 grandchildren; and 32 great-grandchildren.
Services were today at the Sheil Colonial Chapel, Raytown. Burial was in Woodlawn cemetery.
KATHERINE J. CAIRNS
Katherine J. Cairns, 74, Independence, died Friday, Feb. 6, 1998, at Independence Regional Health Center.
Mrs. Cairns was born March 29, 1923, in Kansas City, Kan., and had lived in Independence since 1937. She was vice president of Cairns Flowers for 34 years, retiring in 1986. She was active in the Missouri State Florist Association and the Society of American Florists. She and her husband were florists to President and Mrs. Harry S. Truman, for which they were very proud. She had a lifelong interest in animal welfare and was a member of the Missouri Humane Society, as well as many other national humane organizations. She was a member of St. Mary`s Catholic Church and the St. Mary`s Guild for many years, but was currently a memberof St. Mark`s Catholic Church.
Her survivors include her husband of 51 years, Thomas D. Cairns of the home; three nephews, Dr. James Gracheck, Leawood, Kan., Dr. Stephen Gracheck, Ann Arbor, Mich., and William Gracheck, Albuquerque, N.M.; and three cousins.
Services were today at St. Mary`s Church. Burial was in Woodlawn cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of D.W. Newcomer`s Sons Noland Road Chapel.
MILDRED E. CRADDOCK
Mildred E. Craddock, 88, Raytown, died Sunday, Feb. 8, 1998, at the Independence Health Care Center.
Mrs. Craddock was born Feb. 12, 1909, in Sweet Springs, Mo., and had lived in Raytown for 48 years. She retired from the Raytown City CollectorsOffice as a city clerk. She was a member of the Blue Ridge Trinity Lutheran Church. Her husband, Lester E. Craddock, died in 1965.
Her survivors include adaughter, Carol Whittle, a sister, Leona Elsner, and two grandsons, Terry Whittle Jr. and Brant Whittle, all of Independence; and three great-grandchildren, Chance Whittle, Drake Whittle and Kelsey Whittle.
Services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at the George C. Carson & Sons Independence Chapel. Burial will be in Brooking cemetery, Raytown. Friends may call from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the chapel.
ROBERT E. GILLESPIE
Robert E. Gillespie, 65, Sibley, died Sunday, Feb. 8, 1998, at Independence Regional Health Center.
Mr. Gillespie was born Oct. 15, 1932, in Shirley, Mo., and had lived in Sibley most of his life. He was an Army and Marine Corps veteran, serving in the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was a life member of Disabled American Veterans Chapter 10 in Independence, and a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
His survivors include a brother, Joseph Gillespie of the home; and a sister, Evelyn France, Corvallis, Ore.
Graveside services will be 2:30 p.m. Thursday at the Oakland cemetery, with Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1000 military services. Friends may call from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the George C. Carson & Sons Independence Chapel.
BLAKE LISTON
Blake Liston, 79, Independence, died Friday, Feb. 6, 1998, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Kansas Ciy.
Mr. Liston was born in Kirtland, Ohio, and moved tothis area in 1951. He retired from the Lively Optical Co. in 1981. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and a member of the Waldo Restoration Branch.
His survivors include his wife, Norma Liston of the home; a daughter, Judith Liston, Harrisonville, Mo.; a son, Timothy Liston, Independence; five grandchildren; and a great-grandson.
Private services will be held.
FRED R. NORRIS
Fred R. Norris, 93, Independence, died Monday, Feb. 9, 1998, at Independence Regional Health Center
Mr. Norris was born Dec. 24, 1904, in Green Forest, Ark., and had lived in this area most of his life. He was a maintenance pipefitter for General Motors for 40 years, retiring in 1966. He was a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and was an ordained elder. He was active in church work and volunteered at the Laurel Club. He was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Dorothy Norris in 1996.
His survivors include two daughters, Kathleen DePugh, Belton, Mo., and Norine Brewer, Lee`s Summit; a sister, Grace Johnson; five grandchildren, Dennis DePugh, Diane Noble, Dana Spurgeon, Doug Brewer and Lora Ackerman; and five great-grandchildren.
Services will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Speaks Suburban Chapel. Burial will be in Mount Washington cemetery. Friends may call from 7 to 8:30 tonight at the chapel. The family suggests contributions to the RLDS Church.
ROBERT L. PHILLIPS
Robert Lee Phillips, 65, Edwards, Mo., formerly of Independence, died Sunday, Feb. 8, 1998, at his home.
Mr. Phillips was born Sept. 14, 1932, in Kansas City, and lived in this area before moving toEdwards 17 years ago. He was a heavy equipment operator prior to his retirement and was a Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War. He was a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the Disabled American Veterans and American Legion in Kansas City, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3600 in Climax Springs, Mo.
His survivors include his wife of 30 years, Jeannette Phillips of the home; four sons, Chris Allen Phillips, Edwards, Mark Adam Phillips, Climax Springs, Robert Phillips III, Roach, Mo., and Matthew Robert Phillips, Waynesville, Mo.; three daughters, Robin Lee Colin, Orange, Calif., and Laurie Carnahan and Wakita Yountz, both of Camdenton, Mo.; three brothers, James A. Phillips Jr., Independence, Larry D. Phillips, Edwards, and Terry W. Phillips, Waverly, Mo.; three sisters, Barbara McNurlin, Gail Franklin and Judy Shockey, all of Independence; 23 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services will be 2 p.m. Thursday at the Allee-Reed Chapel, Camdenton. Burial will be in Phillips cemetery, Edwards. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. The family suggests contributions to the American Diabetes Association.
