Missouri, U.S., Marriage Records, 1805-2002
Norma Kelly
Norma J. Kelly, 80, Richmond, Mo. passed away Saturday, March 15, 2007 at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Richmond, Mo. Norma was born on December 28, 1927 in Kansas City, Kans., the daughter of Hollis and Anna (Lorting) Howard. On October 11, 1947 in Kansas City, Kans., she married Richard William Kelly who preceded her in death on January 19, 1975. She was a longtime employee of the Clay County Juvenile Office. Survivors include three sons Chris Kelly, Maryland, Richard Andy Kelly, Liberty, Mo., and Patrick Kelly, New Mexico; seven grandchildren, two great grandchildren and a longtime friend, Bill Hurst, Richmond, Mo. Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Susan Ann Kelly, on December 2, 2000.
Private services will be at a later date. Cremation. Arrangements through Polley Funeral Home, Richmond, Mo.
Novella Fox
Novelle Fox, 79, Lawson, Mo., passed away Sunday, November 25, 2007 at the Lawson Manor and Rehab. Mrs. Fox was born on December 2, 1927 in Collinsville, Ala., the daughter of Edgar J. Stone Sr. and Edna Earl Rice Stone. She married Charles Wayne Fox and he preceded her in death on March 22, 1991. Mrs. Fox was a member of the Liberty United Methodist Church and the American Legion Women's Aux. Sugar Creek, Mo. Survivors include five step children, Marlys Clevenger and her husband, Jerry, Lawson, Mo., Kay Wright and her husband, Denver, Smithville, Mo., Dave Fox and his wife, Marylena, Cameron, Mo., C.J. Fox, Newton,Iowa, and Tom Fox and his wife, Bobbie, Galva, Ill.; one brother, Albert Stone, Rome, Ga.; one sister-in-law, Martha Stone, Flintstone, Ga.; five grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and numerous friends. Besides her parents and husband she was preceded in death by one brother, E. J. Stone. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, November 30, 2007, with the family receiving friends two hours prior at the Lang Funeral Home, Rossville, Ga. Burial will be in the National Cemetery Chattanooga, Tenn. Local arrangements under the direction of Polley Funeral Home, Lawson, Mo.
Mike Davis
Michael Edward "Mike" Davis, 64, of Kansas City, formerly of Richmond, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, February 16, 2008 at North Kansas City Hospital. Born July 21, 1943 in Galesburg, Ill., he was the son of Riley R. and Margaret M. (Scott) Davis. On September 19, 1982 in Richmond, he was married to Betty Lou Carmichael who survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Tresa Meis and husband, Tim, Richmond; a step-son, Dwayne Price and wife, Dana, Afton, Iowa; a step-daughter, Carolyn Price and husband, Dennis, Warsaw; his mother, Margaret Davis, Snohomish, Wash.; three brothers, Jim Davis, Snohomish, Wash., Bob Davis, Kansas City, Kans., and Loren Scott, Gilson, Ill.; one sister, June Likes and husband, Bill, Glennrock, Wyo.; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father; a son and daughter-in-law, Michael Scott Davis and wife, Angela Davis, and three sisters, Linda Davis, Phyllis Evans and Helen Canacari. Mr. Davis was employed by Parvin Estates in Kansas City for the past 18 years and prior to that had been employed by Shirkey Leisure Acres for nine years. He was known by family and friends as "Mr. Fix-It". He also enjoyed bowling and collecting Eagle memorabilia and especially spending time with his family. His greatest love was playing Santa Claus, which he did for his family, at nursing homes and at the apartment complex, and he loved the happiness and joy that it brought to others. In accordance with his wishes, arrangements are private under the direction of the Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials to the Mike Davis Memorial Fund, in care of Polley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 271, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024.
Russell "Bull" Crawford
Rubin Russell "Bull" Crawford, age 96, of Excelsior Springs, Mo., passed away Monday, December 17, 2007 at Valley Manor. Born November 4, 1911 in Clay County, Mo., he was the son of Pearl and Janette (Barr) Crawford. He was first married in 1952 to Velma Fowler and she preceded him in death in 1988. On August 14, 1989 he married Anna Marie Barnes, who survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Barbara Inman, Rogers, Ark.; five grandchildren, Mark Crawford, Rusty Crawford, Stuart Inman, Lisa Hixon and Pam Inman; four great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; nine step-grandchildren; seven step-great-grandchildren; five step-great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews including Wanda Elliott and Sara Gillihan. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, William Ellis Crawford; two step-daughters, Billie Thompson and Darlene Durbin; one step-son, Johnny Houghton; three brothers, two sisters and his first wife. Bull was a life-long resident of Excelsior Springs. He attended the Washington School. He worked on the pipeline in Kansas City as a heavy equipment operator and worked several years in construction. He also owned a grocery store, the Oaks Hotel Restaurant and in later years owned and operated the Palace Bar before retiring. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the United States Navy. Mr. Crawford was a member of the First Baptist Church, the Elks Lodge, the Vets Club, VFW, Life Member and Past Commander of the American Legion, honorary member of the Deputy Sheriff's Department in Liberty and the Clay-Ray Field Dog Club. His hobbies included golf, fishing, hunting and woodworking. Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 20, 2007 at 11 a.m., at the Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs. Burial with military rites will be in Crown Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday after 2:30 p.m. at the funeral home with the family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. with an Elk's Lodge service at 7:30 p.m.
Robert Davenport
Robert H. Davenport, Sr., Moreno Valley, Calif., formerly of Excelsior Springs, Mo., left this life for his Heavenly home he so much looked forward to on January 20, 2008. He was 86 years of age. Born to William and Allie Davenport, July 25,1921 in Brailey, Mo., he was one of 15 children. He married the love of his life, Evelyn B. Wiseman in December of 1941 at Canton, Mo. They enjoyed a long, loving and wonderful life together for 56 years. Evelyn went on to her Heavenly home September of 1997. Robert (Bob to most who knew him) had a quiet, personable character and an unwavering faith in Jesus Christ that led him through his long and remarkable life. No one was a stranger to him, he was a man of few faults and many, many strengths that became an anchor point and inspiration to so many that knew him. He had been a resident of Moreno Valley for the last eight years, member of New Life Christian Fellowship Church in Moreno Valley and a long time resident of Riverside since 1959. Robert had a long and satisfying career in the sheetmetal/heating and air conditioning trade and later, after retirement, as a volunteer chaplain for numerous hospitals in the Kansas City and Excelsior Springs, Mo. area. Caring and ministering to those suffering and in spiritual need was his passion. It was the part of his life -- he was so very much suited and capable of doing for all the many people that came into his life. Robert is survived by two sons, Robert H. Davenport, Jr. (daughter-in-law Wilma) of Riverside, and Terry Davenport, Moreno Valley, Calif.; granddaughters, Diana Belcher, Licking, Mo., Sherri Rankin Marysville, Calif.; sisters, Roberta O'Dell and Zannie Davenport, Excelsior Springs, Mo., Doris Butts, League City, Texas; and many, many nieces, nephews and long time friends, all of whom he cherished greatly. Robert and his caring spirit will be greatly missed by us all. Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 31, 2008 at 5 p.m. Visitation to follow at Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs, Mo. Burial will be on Friday at 1 p.m. in the Durham Cemetery, Durham, Mo. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Disabled Veterans.
Ronald Duncan
Ronald Loren Duncan, 79, Excelsior Springs, Mo., passed away Saturday, March 15, 2008 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Ronald was born on June 24, 1928 in Ray County, Mo., the son of Franklin and Sarah (O'Dell) Duncan. On July 20, 1947 he married Gladys Louise Jackson. He was a member and Deacon of the Old New Garden Church. He retired from the Excelsior Springs Post Office as the Post Master after 30 years of service. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Gladys Louise Jackson; children, Donnie Duncan, Carolyn Bethards, Betty Williams, Mary Lancaster, Barry Duncan, and Richie Duncan; sisters, Ruth Robb and Norma Ellerman; 12 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Besides his parents, Ronald was preceded in death by two brothers, William and Thomas Duncan, and three sisters, Opal Werle, Frances Werle, and Velma Matthews. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at the Old New Garden Primitive Baptist Church, Excelsior Springs, Mo. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at the Church. Burial will be in the Old New Garden Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be given to the Old New Garden Church Cemetery Fund, Excelsior Springs, Mo. Arrangements are through Polley Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs, Mo.
Randall Elliott
Randall V. Elliott, 77, lifelong Lawson area resident, passed away Saturday, March 22, 2008 at the Liberty Hospital. Randall was born on January 12, 1931 in Lawson, Mo., the son of Thomas Vern and Nellie Lena (Mayes) Elliott. He was married to Jolene Sweatman on June 4, 1949 in Gallatin, Mo. He was a member of the Vibbard Christian Union Church where he was an Elder. He served on the Lawson Housing Authority board and the Ray County Transportation Board for several years. Randall was a home builder and worked in plant maintenance for TWA, retiring after 23 years. For the past six years he ran a office for Blue Highway Transportation. Survivors include his wife, Jolene Elliott, of the home; son, Fred Elliott and his wife, Anne, of Miami, Fla.; his sister, Ethenell McKee and her husband, Paul, Rayville, Mo.; one brother, Lowell "Buck" Elliott and his wife, Sharon, Lawson; and a sister, Darlene O'Dell and her husband, Ralph, Excelsior Springs, Mo.; grandchildren, Christopher Elliott and wife, Jennifer, Brandy Cooper and husband, Spence; step grandchildren, Adrianne Johnson, Tim Johnson and his wife, Marji; and three great grandchildren, Sean and Elizabeth Elliott and Lynnlee Johnson, along with several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at the Vibbard Christian Union Church Vibbard, Mo. Burial will be in the Lawson Cemetery, Lawson, Mo. There is no scheduled family visitation, however, friends may call anytime after 2 p.m. on Monday, March 26 at the Polley Funeral Home Lawson, Mo. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Vibbard Christian Union Church.
Robert Hartman, Sr.
Robert W. Hartman, Sr., 72, of Lawson, Mo., died January 28, 2008 at Lawson Manor. Robert was born December 2, 1935 in Lawson, Mo., the son of Theodore Hartman and Edna (Green) Hartman. He married Charlotte M. Melling June 15, 1958, and she survives of the home. Robert had farmed and was a dairyman for years. He also worked for Atkins Implement and later worked for Precise Technology for twenty years before retiring. He was a member of the Union Baptist Church and had also attended Canaan Hill Church of the Nazarene. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Wayne Hartman, Jr. and daughter-in-law, Debbie (Pettz) Hartman, and a daughter, Vikki L. (Hartman) Newman, all of Lawson; five grandchildren, Seth, Hannah, Shannon, Tyler and Tucker; numerous cousins and his extended family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Angela Mae Hartman, who died at birth. Funeral services will be held Friday, February 1, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. at the Canaan Hill Church of the Nazarene in Lawson. Burial will be in the Lawson Cemetery. After noon Thursday, the body will be at the Polley Funeral Home in Lawson and the family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorials may be given to the ALS or the Alzheimer's Foundation.
Robert J. Leiter
Robert J. Leiter, 82, of Excelsior Springs, passed away Tuesday, December 18, 2007 at the Excelsior Springs Convalescent Center. Born September 11, 1925 in Sedalia, Mo., he was the son of Alonzo J. and Elsie Ruth (Lamar) Leiter. On May 14, 1948 at Richmond, he married Ursal Marie Currier, who survives. Also surviving are three children, Robert J. Leiter and wife, Theresa, Wichita, Kans., Cynthia M. Hecker and husband, John, Lenexa, Kans., and Kenneth Lee Leiter, Sedalia; two grandchildren, Mindy Kepfield and husband, Sam, Hutchinson, Kans., and Derek J. Leiter, Phoenix, Ariz.; and two great-grandchildren, Valerie Kepfield and Sabrina Kepfield, both of Hutchinson, Kans. He was preceded in death by his parents. Mr. Leiter was a Veteran of WWII and the Korean War. He received his B.S. in Business Administration from Fort Hays State University. In 1948 he went to work for Union Pacific Railroad until his retirement in 1985. He was a member of the American Legion and the First United Methodist Church. Music and cars were two of his passions. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, December 21, 2007 at Crown Hill Cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the Excelsior Springs Convalescent Center or Excelsior Springs Hospice.
Rollin Lightfield
Rollin LeRoy Lightfield was born on May 11, 1936 to Roy and Lillian Ames Lightfield in Eldora, Iowa. He entered into eternal rest on January 6, 2008 at Excelsior Springs Medical Center in Excelsior Springs, Mo. He graduated from Eldora High School in Eldora, Iowa in 1954. He served honorably in the U.S. Air Force, and after discharge, married Belma Jane Thorne of Sheldahl, Iowa in 1958. He attended NIACC in Mason City, Iowa, graduating with an LPN degree in 1966. He worked for a short time as a nurse, then turned to truck driving for several years until his early retirement in 1977 for health reasons. He and Jane resided in Eldora until retiring to Missouri in 1992. He is a lifetime member of the American Legion and served as past commander of the American Legion Post 237 in Richmond, Mo. He is survived by his children, Toni and Jerry Sorensen, Polo, Mo., Toby Lightfield, Polo, Mo., Tami and Ed Goligoski, Richmond, Mo. He is also survived by five granddaughters, Cassie, Jennie, and Kaylee Sorensen, Abby Lightfield and Brett Goligoski, along with many friends and relatives. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jane, his parents and several close friends. A committal service will be held Friday, January 11, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the Missouri State Veteran's Cemetery in Higginsville, Mo., with military honors. Cremation. No public visitation is planned. Arrangements entrusted to Polley Funeral Home, Richmond, Mo.
Richard Pigoni
Richard Frank Pigoni, 62, Excelsior Springs, Mo., passed away Tuesday, January 8, 2008 at his home. Richard was born on April 21, 1945 in Kenosha, Wis., the son of Geno and Elizabeth (Paulmann) Pigoni. He served in the U.S. Army during both the Korean War and during Vietnam. On September 17, 1966 he married his wife of over 41 years, Ruth (Waldron) Pigoni. He had worked as a Chemical Engineer for Proctor and Gamble. He was a member or the Church of the Nazarene, Excelsior Springs, Mo., and served on the church board. Survivors include his wife, Ruth, of the home; daughter, Suzanne Toms, Liberty, Mo.; son, Robert Pigoni, LaMesa, Calif.; daughter, Kara Pagoni, of the home; two aunts, Norma and Eleanor, Chicago, Ill.; and three grandchildren. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Fiday, January 11, 2008 at the Church of the Nazarene, Excelsior Springs, Mo. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the church. Burial will be in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Higginsville, Mo. Services are under the direction of Polley Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs, Mo.
