Obituaries

Memorial graveside service and inurnment for Diana Lovelady of Belton, Missouri formerly of Amoret, Missouri will be 1 p.m. Monday, April 3, 2023 at the Benjamin Cemetery, Amoret, Missouri under direction of Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri.  Contributions to the Amoret Christian Church or American Diabetes Association.   Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Diana Lee Lovelady, age 64 of Belton, Missouri formerly of Amoret, Missouri died Sunday, March 26, 2023 at her home.  She was born May 20, 1958 to Paul Francis and Bertha Maxine Warren Castle in Fort Scott, Kansas.

Diana is survived by three sisters, Vickie Wackerman and husband Jim of Butler, Missouri, Paula Reed and husband Mike of Adrian, Missouri, and Amy Schulz of Belton, Missouri; a nephew, Brandon Wackerman and wife Jenny of Blue Springs, Missouri; and a niece, Brooke Asbury and husband Seth of San Antonio, Texas.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Wayne Lovelady.

Eva Nichole Long(Nikki), age 50 of Drexel, MO passed away on Friday, March 24th, 2023 in the comfort of her home surrounded by her loving family.  A visitation will be held Saturday, April 1, 2023 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel (816-657-4400).  Funeral services will follow at 3:00 pm Saturday, also at the chapel.  Burial will take place in Jingo Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.  Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com

Nikki was born September 10th, 1972 in Harrisonville, MO. The daughter of Billy Nichols, and Mary Charleen (Wilson) Nichols. She moved to Drexel when she was 3 months old and went on to graduate from Drexel in 1991. Nikki was united in marriage to John(Chuck) Long on September 8th, 1990.

Nikki worked as a cook and also worked grooming and taking care of animals for many years with some dear friends. Nikki enjoyed spending her time with family and friends, especially her grandchildren. She was a beloved Mimi and was so happy to have that title. She was an avid collector of everything Mickey Mouse and she loved working outside with her flowers.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents; Father Ward, Eva Ward and Jim Wilson and Homer and Wanetta Nichols, as well as her nephew Coty Nichols. Nikki was survived by her husband, Chuck Long, her two sons Nicholas and wife Courtney Long, Aaron and wife Keisha Long. Her grandchildren lit up her world. She had two grandsons Logan Hatch and John Long. She is also survived by her brother Jimmy Nichols and wife Judy, along with many nieces and nephews as well as extended family.

The love Nikki gave will never let her be forgotten.

Funeral services for Elmer Epperson of Butler, Missouri will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri.  Visitation prior to services 1 – 2 p.m. at the Schowengerdt Chapel.  Burial in Adam Howell Cemetery, Amoret, Missouri.  Contributions to Happy Hill Church of God or to the family.  Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Elmer LeRoy Epperson, age 81 of Butler, Missouri died Saturday, March 25, 2023 at the Butler Center.  He was born July 29, 1941 to James Olin and Effie Grace Sutton Epperson in Akron, Indiana. 

Elmer is survived by his wife, Beulah Mae Epperson of Butler, Missouri; three children, Debra Epperson,  Russell Epperson and wife Vickie and Kenny Epperson and wife Tracy all of Butler, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Jacob, Albert and wife Christina, Tyler and wife Savannah, Justin and wife Kayla, Sharron, Katie and husband Trent, and Dalton and fiancé Jillian; 15 great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Leroy Welch of Butler, Missouri; and a sister-in-law, Kay Epperson of Butler, Missouri.  He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Loretta Welch; and a brother, Joe Epperson.