From the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel:
Willard Eugene Strange, 67 of
Butler, Missouri passed away Friday, September 18, 2026 at the Hospice House of
Olathe, Olathe, Kansas. Memorial
services will be held 10:00 am Saturday, October 3, 2026 at Mullinax Funeral
Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Inurnment
will follow on Saturday in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. There will be no visitation. Memorial contributions may be made to the
Strange family c/o Mullinax Funeral Home.
Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.
Eugene Strange was born February
16, 1959 in Butler, Missouri. The son of
Dale Eugene and Rita Colleen Kisner Strange.
Eugene grew up in the Butler area
and eventually went to work as an AVS postal driver for many years. When he wasn’t working, he could be found
fishing or spending quality time with his good friends, Buzz, Fred, Leeann,
Marshall, and his dog Rocky.
Eugene was preceded in death by
his parents, Dale and Colleen Strange.
He is survived by his brothers Lee Strange and wife Lena, Allen Strange
and wife Jane, nieces, Tasha and husband Tyler, Angie, Alesha, Amber and
husband Kevin, Andria and husband Tyler, and Midori, nephews, Matthew and
Vernon and his wife Brandy, 15 great-nieces & nephews, and one
great-great-nephew.
James “Ed” Harris, 86 of Drexel, Missouri passed away on
September 19th, 2026. A
visitation will be held Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at
Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel (816-657-4400).
Funeral services will follow on Saturday at 2:00 pm, also at the funeral
home with burial in Sharon Cemetery, Drexel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Drexel School Foundation. Messages of condolence may be left for family
and friends at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.
Ed was born in Amsterdam, New York on August 4th,
1940 to Chester Clay and Frances Bolling Harris. The Harris family moved to
Drexel when he was 14 months old. He
grew up with two older sisters and one brother He was often spoiled rotten by his
sister Lucille and often had great sibling fights with his other sister Renee.
This however did not keep them from all being close and getting together every
chance they could. Getting together often meant an aggressive game of Wahoo,
where Lucille and Ed would whip up on you.
Ed could roll six’s back-to-back, often being accused of having loaded the
dice. Ed grew up in Drexel and graduated from Drexel High School in 1955. He was drafted into the US Army in May of
1963, and stationed in Fort Leonard Wood, where he was discharged with a
honorable medical discharge. Ed never
classified himself as a veteran because he felt like he didn’t serve his
country to the level that others had. He
said others gave their life and you can’t compare that to what I did.
Ed worked at a glass company and shortly after almost
cutting off his fingers, and standing up Kay for their first date, he was
united in marriage to Katherine Louise Cummins on September 24th
1965. They made their long-term home in
Drexel where they raised two children, Jim and Sheryl. Ed spent many years at the Drexel Elevator
going through three ownerships. He drove
a bulk truck and semi-truck for the majority of those years. Ed retired in 2013
from the elevator after making long-term friendships with many people along the
way.
Ed was blessed with five grandsons, Stephan Ogden,
Christopher Harris, Ethan Harris, Andrew Gilbert, and Adam Gilbert. He received an extra blessing when he was
blessed with three great-granddaughters; Brylynn, Maelynn and Blakely.
Ed was proceeded in death by his wife Kay Harris, parents;
Chester and Frances Harris, and his brother Windy Harris.
He is survived by his son Jim Harris, daughter Sheryl
(Darrell) Gilbert, sisters, Dorothy “Lucille” Tucker, Renee Cooper, and
sisters-in-law Rosalee Demott and Sue (Rick) Neubauerand along with grandsons;
Stephan Ogden, Andrew (Britney) Gilbert, Christiopher Harris, Adam (Makenna)
Gilbert, Ethan Harris. As well as his great-granddaughters; Brylynn, Maelynn
and Blakely and many nieces and nephews that he adored.
BCMH Health Fair Offers Low-Cost Labs, Free Screenings and More October 6
Bates
County Memorial Hospital will host its 2026 Health Fair from 3 to 7 p.m.
Tuesday, October 6, at the BCMH Education Center, 615 W. Nursery Street in
Butler.
The community
is invited to stop by for affordable health testing, free screenings, hands-on
activities, and a chance to meet members of the BCMH healthcare team and other
local healthcare providers.
One of the
Health Fair's featured offerings is a five-test lab panel for $20, including
A1C, cholesterol, Vitamin D, TSH and glucose. Men over age 50 can add a PSA
test for $2.50. Testosterone will also be available as a $10 add-on.
A carotid
artery ultrasound will be available for $60, giving people another affordable
way to check on their health.
Free health
screenings will include blood pressure, oxygen level and carpal tunnel
screening with an occupational therapist. BCMH will also offer hands-on CPR
training, health information and demonstrations.
The Health
Fair will include a Meet and Greet with Dr. Ethan Weeks from 5 to 6 p.m. Weeks,
a Bates County native and family medicine physician, recently joined the BCMH
Family Care Clinics.
Several
local healthcare providers and clinics will also be on hand to share information
about the care they provide in the community.
The
Missouri Lions Eye Mission Foundation and Butler Lions Club will provide free
vision screenings and eyeglass assistance, with Dr. David Miller, a local
optometrist in Butler, participating in the event.
Other
participating organizations include Bates County Health Center, local hospice
providers, LifeFlight Eagle, Narcan Education with Breathe for Bre, Giving Fore
Living, Grief Support Group, Dr. Adam Dains, dentist, and Weight Loss Warriors
(formerly TOPS).
More
participating organizations and activities will be added to the hospital's
website as details are confirmed.
The Health
Fair will also feature the gallery from BCMH's 2026 Show Us Bates County
Community Photo Contest. The gallery will include the contest's winning
photographs, and visitors can vote for the People's Choice Award from the
eligible photos.
The BCMH
Health Fair is open to the community.
BCMH Health
Fair
Tuesday, October 6
| 3–7 p.m.
BCMH Education
Center
615 W. Nursery
Street, Butler
For
complete details and updates, visit bcmhospital.com/2026-health-fair/.
Dear Community Members,
5th Annual Cass County Sheriff’s Rodeo Set for October 2, 3
The 5th annual Cass County Sheriff’s Rodeo presented
by the Cass County Sheriff’s Auxiliary will be held Friday, October 2 and
Saturday, October 3, at 8 p.m. both nights.
Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. and sign-ups for mutton
busting begin at 6 p.m.
This year, the rodeo will be across from the
Harrisonville Community Center at 2101 S. Jefferson Pkwy.
Entertainment for the entire family returns in the
arena with everything from barrel racing to bull riding.
Food trucks with diverse options will also be on site.
Before Friday night’s festivities, barrelman/funnyman
Tex Holiday will host members of the Special Olympics and CASCO Area Workshop
along with their plus-ones at the Harrisonville Community Center.
New this year, Tex will host the Exceptional Rodeo at
5:45 p.m. in the gym. This will consist of a Grand Entry, the National Anthem
and rodeo/western games.
Dinner will follow this new event, then members will
have a chance to socialize, listen to music and dance before walking across the
street to watch the rodeo at 8 p.m.
Tickets are available online through SimpleTix. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children,
with ages 3 and under getting in free.
A Celebration of Life and Military Honors for Kenneth "Ken" Beard will be 11 a.m. Monday September 21, 2026 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Visitation 10 - 11 a.m. Monday prior to the service at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Inurnment at a later date. Contributions to a VFW of your choice. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.
Kenneth “Ken” Don Beard, age 79 of Kansas City, Missouri died Friday, September 11, 2026 at Delmar Gardens in Lenexa, Kansas. He was born March 9, 1947 to Donald Dwight and Beulah Marie Chapin Beard in Appleton City, Missouri.
Ken, one of four children, grew up in the Pleasant Ridge Community in rural Bates County, Missouri. He attended elementary school at the Hudson School and graduated from Appleton City High School (Appleton City, Missouri) in 1965. In 1967 he joined the army and was stationed in Cu Chi Vietnam with the HHT ¾ Calvary, 25th Infantry Division. After discharge Ken returned to Butler, living there many years before moving to Kansas City, Missouri.
Ken and Marge Mount were classmates who were later reunited. After they found each other again, Ken would travel to California to see Marge and she traveled to Kansas City to see him–growing their relationship. They were married on March 25, 2002. Ken was a longtime barber at the Southside Barber Shop in Butler, then in Kansas City. He was a member of the VFW.
Ken was an honest and hard working man who made many friendships–not only through his time as a barber, but also as a member of the VFW. He had an uncanny ability to bring a smile or a laugh to anyone, regardless of how bad a day they were having. Ken loved to travel with Marge to National Parks where they could watch the animals or a beautiful sunset. A hobby of Ken’s was perfecting his BBQ recipes. He was always up for a lunch date with Marge and Angie to Jack Stack BBQ. As he got older, Ken enjoyed sitting in the garage with a cold drink, watching the cars go by and visiting with anyone who would stop by. Ken will be remembered with affection and gratitude by all those who knew and loved him.
Ken is survived by his wife, Marge Beard of Kansas City, Missouri; daughter, Angie Kauffman and husband Kermit of Butler, Missouri; two grandchildren, Kaleb Kauffman and wife Ceceily of Butler, Missouri and Lanie Kauffman and fiancé Lucas Vert of Republic, Missouri; one great-granddaughter, Dakota of Butler, Missouri; two sisters, Edna Fenimore and husband Darrell of Weatherford, Texas and Kathryn Landers and husband Dale of Omaha, Nebraska; one stepson, Brandon Bowles (Beth); six step-grandchildren, Ella Bowles, Sophie Bowles and Lily Bowles all of California, Kenzie Mitchell and Zach Mitchell (Ally) all of Kansas City, Missouri and Breanna Mitchell of California. Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Leslie Beard; one sister, Joan Davis; and one stepdaughter, Angela Bowles.
A Celebration of Life and Military Honors for Kenneth "Ken" Beard will be 11 a.m. Monday September 21, 2026 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Visitation 10 - 11 a.m. Monday prior to the service at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Inurnment at a later date. Contributions to a VFW of your choice. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.
Kenneth “Ken” Don Beard, age 79 of Kansas City, Missouri died Friday, September 11, 2026 at Delmar Gardens in Lenexa, Kansas. He was born March 9, 1947 to Donald Dwight and Beulah Marie Chapin Beard in Appleton City, Missouri.
Ken, one of four children, grew up in the Pleasant Ridge Community in rural Bates County, Missouri. He attended elementary school at the Hudson School and graduated from Appleton City High School (Appleton City, Missouri) in 1965. In 1967 he joined the army and was stationed in Cu Chi Vietnam with the HHT ¾ Calvary, 25th Infantry Division. After discharge Ken returned to Butler, living there many years before moving to Kansas City, Missouri.
Ken and Marge Mount were classmates who were later reunited. After they found each other again, Ken would travel to California to see Marge and she traveled to Kansas City to see him–growing their relationship. They were married on March 25, 2002. Ken was a longtime barber at the Southside Barber Shop in Butler, then in Kansas City. He was a member of the VFW.
Ken was an honest and hard working man who made many friendships–not only through his time as a barber, but also as a member of the VFW. He had an uncanny ability to bring a smile or a laugh to anyone, regardless of how bad a day they were having. Ken loved to travel with Marge to National Parks where they could watch the animals or a beautiful sunset. A hobby of Ken’s was perfecting his BBQ recipes. He was always up for a lunch date with Marge and Angie to Jack Stack BBQ. As he got older, Ken enjoyed sitting in the garage with a cold drink, watching the cars go by and visiting with anyone who would stop by. Ken will be remembered with affection and gratitude by all those who knew and loved him.
Ken is survived by his wife, Marge Beard of Kansas City, Missouri; daughter, Angie Kauffman and husband Kermit of Butler, Missouri; two grandchildren, Kaleb Kauffman and wife Ceceily of Butler, Missouri and Lanie Kauffman and fiancé Lucas Vert of Republic, Missouri; one great-granddaughter, Dakota of Butler, Missouri; two sisters, Edna Fenimore and husband Darrell of Weatherford, Texas and Kathryn Landers and husband Dale of Omaha, Nebraska; one stepson, Brandon Bowles (Beth); six step-grandchildren, Ella Bowles, Sophie Bowles and Lily Bowles all of California, Kenzie Mitchell and Zach Mitchell (Ally) all of Kansas City, Missouri and Breanna Mitchell of California. Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Leslie Beard; one sister, Joan Davis; and one stepdaughter, Angela Bowles.
Darla
Cunningham, 56, of Drexel, MO, passed away on September 8, 2026 at her home. Services
are pending at this time and will be announced at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Mullinax Funeral
Home, Drexel (816-657-4400). Messages of
condolence may be left for the family and friends at
www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.
Darla Kay
Cunningham was born on December 19, 1969 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in
Oklahoma City, OK. She was the daughter of Billy Wayne and Carrol Sue Burrow Cunningham.
Darla
absolutely loved her family with her whole heart and was very proud of being a
mother and grandmother. She loved to laugh and always had a great sense of
humor. She had a great love for nature and animals. Darla also had several
hobbies including writing and drawing, listening to music, cooking, going on
walks in nature and spending time with her family. She had a huge heart and
always wanted to help anyone she could. She was strong, determined, funny and
had a great heart of gold. She will be greatly missed but always loved.
Darla was proceeded in death by her parents, Bill and Carrol Cunningham. She is survived by her daughter Dayla Cunningham, grandson Jedidiah, her sister Anissia Cunningham and brothers Billy and Scotty Cunningham. Including many nieces and nephews, extended family members and friends.
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Adam Scott & Traci Class Family Benefit Sometimes, a community is at its best when a family needs
it most. On October 17th, The Tom’s Bar and Grill is opening its
doors from 5 to 11 PM for a benefit for Adam Scott and Traci Class and their
family of Independence. After the heartbreaking loss of their infant child in
early September, the family is facing unexpected funeral and medical
expenses. You can help by attending the benefit, making a cash
donation, or donating an item or gift certificate for the silent auction. And volunteers are needed to help make this special
evening possible. Come out October 17th, from 5 to 11, at The Tom’s Bar and
Grill, and show the Class family that they are not alone. When tragedy strikes, it’s neighbors helping neighbors
that make a difference. Tom’s Bar and Grill 2949 East Highway 40
Independence.  |
American Auto of Butler is now open offering Mechanic services to our community. Owned and operated by Joseph Smiley, this 2022 Butler Graduate has opening his business to serve the community he loves. Open 9 till 6 Monday through Friday offering basic mechanic repairs such as brakes, oil changes, transmissions, light tire repair, all drive line and suspension to include diagnostics and all motor work. Pick up and delivery in the city limits of Butler. Call today to schedule your appointment. American Auto of Butler now open at 18 South Orange Street at the Stoplight. 660-464-9389 that number again 660-464-9389.
McGennis Youth Center Barbecue and Auction Set for Sunday, September 27
This year’s annual McGennis Youth
Center Barbecue and Auction are set for Sunday, September 27.
2026 marks the 60th
anniversary of the McGennis Youth Center. To mark this milestone, several
things have been added to the barbecue along with all the traditional events.
This year there will be special
demonstrations of blacksmithing and quilting, plus an historical reenactment of
Betsy Ross. Youth Center board members will also be available to provide history
of the Center and its founder, Mary McGennis.
As he has for a number of years,
Harry Byram will be on hand to give horse and wagon rides starting at 12:30.
Harry will also be available to answer questions and talk about his team and
wagon.
In conjunction with the barbecue
this year will be the Tenth Annual Car and Truck Show. Car show registration is
from 12 to 1 p.m. For more information on the car show contact Jared Rankin at
417-448-4903 or [email protected].
Children’s games will start at
12:30 p.m.
Serving for the barbecue is at 1
p.m., with barbecued beef, pork and chicken, along with beans, cheesy potatoes,
coleslaw and bread. A wide variety of cakes will be available for dessert.
Everyone is invited to bring a cake for the dessert table, if they’d like to.
The meal is catered by Food Fair of Rich Hill.
The auction will start about 1:45.
Larry Hacker will be our auctioneer this year.
A popular part of the auction will
again be featured this year. The Mad Hatter features ten McGennis Youth Center
caps donated by Pony Keg. These caps, each numbered, will be auctioned off. At
the end of the auction one of these numbers will be drawn. That winning number
will win this year’s gun donated by Bell Farms.
In
the same vein, Bob Schlyer has donated a beautiful diamond ring. Numbered
envelopes will be auctioned off and a lucky winner drawn at the end of the
auction.
For more information about the
auction or to donate an item call Marc or Alison Bell at 660-832-4196. The
generosity of those who donate and those who bid has made the auction a major
revenue source for the Youth Center.
Admission to the barbecue is $13
for adults and $7 for children (ages 6-12). Tickets are for the meal and are
not required for the auction.
From Rich Hill, the McGennis Youth
Center is located five miles west on A Highway and four miles south on WW
Highway.
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Seamless
Gutter Installers Wanted |
The Northbound I-49 bridge over Mormon Fork creek will be closed beginning October 1, 2026. A median crossover will be in place to allow traffic to continue northbound, which will be reduced to one lane to allow both northbound and southbound traffic on the southbound bridge.
Plan on slowing down and using caution when traveling through the
area. The northbound bridge will be closed for an undisclosed amount of time.
A reunion is planned for anyone that has ever been employed at Bates County Memorial Hospital… from Candy Stripers to CEO’s.
It’s all for fun and reminiscing of the, “Good Ole
Days” at Bates County Memorial Hospital. Past and present employees are
encouraged to bring pictures and memorabilia to share with the group.
The Bates County Memorial Hospital employee reunion
will meet at the Butler City Park, located on Parkview Street on October 6TH at
11:00 am.
This is a yearly event, held in October. This year
everyone will need to bring their own lunch to enjoy with at the park.
You do not have to RSVP to attend the yearly Bates
County Memorial Hospital Past and Present Employee Reunion to be held October 6TH
at
11: am at the Butler City Park .
From the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel: Georgianna Smith 101 of ElDorado Springs formerly of Butler died Sept 22 in ElDorado Springs. Grave...
