OBITUARY: Jimmy Cobb

JIMMY COBB

Jimmy Cobb, 45, retired Kansas City, Kansas Police Officer after 15 years of service, passed away March 23, 2015.

He is survived by his wife Danette Cobb, four children Zachary and Joshua Cobb, Alexandra Pierce and Kaitlyn Burnam. A Celebration of Life will be held at Shawnee Mission Park, Shelter 12 on April 12, 2015 between 4pm and 8pm.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.CremationCenterKC.com

Arrangements: Cremation Center of Kansas City in Kansas City; 913-384-5566

OBITUARY: Harold E. Brune

HAROLD E. BRUNE

Dr. Harold E. Brune, 81, passed away peacefully at home on February 9, 2015. A Mass of Christian burial will be at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Ankeny on Friday, February 13 at 10:30 AM.

Visitation will be held at 9:30 prior to the service. Burial will be at a later date at Chapel Hill Cemetery in Kansas City, KS.

Harold was born on April 25, 1933 in Kansas City, KS to Harold and Mary Brune.

He attended Washington High School. In 1958, he graduated from Kansas State University with BS and DVM degrees. In 1957, he married Mary Ann Moynagh in Hiawatha, KS. Dr. Brune worked as a stockyard Veterinarian in Omaha, NE and Kansas City, MO.

In 1969, he joined the faculty at Kansas State University, where he taught in the department of Infectious Diseases. In 1971, he received an MS degree in pathology from Kansas State University.

In 1972, he moved to Ankeny, IA where he was employed by the USDA Regional Office for Meat and Poultry Inspection. He retired in 1991. Dr. Brune belonged to Phi Kappa Phi National Scholastic Society, OLIH Church, Kansas Veterinary Medical Association, and was a lifetime member of the Kansas State University Veterinary Medical Alumni Association.

Harold is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Ann; his son Mike (Carolyn) Brune of Mundelein, IL; his daughters Mary (Lee) Longnecker of Ankeny, IA, and Patricia Williamson of Ankeny, IA; his grandchildren Austin Longnecker of Ames, IA, Alex Longnecker of Odebolt, IA, Alyssa Williamson of Ankeny, IA, Nate Brune of Mundelein, IL, and Nick Brune of Mundelein, IL; and his sister Mary Lou Erwin of Kansas City, KS. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church or to the American Cancer Society in Harold’s name at (https://donate.cancer.org/index).
Online condolences and thoughtful memories may be shared on Harold’s page at www.ankenyfuneralhome.com.

OBITUARY: Cleona S. Helms

Cleona S. Helms

Cleona S. Helms, 73, of Edwardsville, Kansas, passed away February 4, 2015.

She was born October 20, 1941 in Overbrook, KS, daughter of Frank and Hattie Norton.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman Helms, her parents, and her sister Shirley Norton.

Cleona is survived by her daughters, Christine and Denise (John) and son, Jimmie (Paula), seven grandchildren Troy, Darren (Jennifer), David, Trever, Melissa (Eric), Justin (Grace) and Austin, seven great-grandchildren, brother Frank (Peggy) Norton, sisters Delia (Norman) Maier, Joanne (Bob) Savner, Nancy (Norman) Williams and several nieces and nephews.

Private family services are planned.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.CremationCenterKC.com

Arrangements:  Cremation Center of Kansas City; 9123-384-5566

OBITUARY: Mary L. Gabel

MARY L. GABEL

Mary L. Gabel, 97, of Kansas City, Kansas, passed away January 14, 2015.

She was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. She was employed with Colgate for 29 years. Mary is survived by her sister, Teresa L. Pemberton of Overland Park, KS, eight nephews and six nieces. Mary was preceded in death by her mother, Margaret H. Gabel, her father, John H., her brothers, Daniel, Henry,and John Gabel, her sisters Rosetta and Ann Gabel.

Mary enjoyed horses and cars. She was a devoted caregiver to her parents and sisters.

A Memorial Mass was held at 10:30 AM, January 27, 2015. at St. Patrick's Church, 94th & State, KCKS with visitation beginning at 10:00. Burial immediately following at St. Patrick's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Patrick's Catholic Church or Providence Place Nursing Home, 8909 Parallel Parkway, KCKS 66112.. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.CremationCenterKC.com

Arrangements: Cremation Center of Kansas City, 913-384-5566.

OBITUARY: John E. Blake, Jr.,

JOHN E. BLAKE, JR.,

John E. Blake, Jr., passed away January 7, 2015 at St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City, Kan. John was born in Kansas City, Kan., on July 26, 1935, to John Emerson and Esther Lucille Blake.

John graduated from Argentine High School in Kansas City, Kan. and Kansas University Law School.  He lived in Overland Park and practiced law in Kansas City.  In 2010 he moved to Garden City.  John enjoyed latch-hooking rugs and being with his Grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his Parents, Wife & 1 Son- John E. Blake III.

He was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Garden City.

He will be buried in Highland Park Cemetery in KCK. There will be no local services. Condolences can be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.

Survivors:           

1 Son  

• Dail and Renee Blake                            Prairie Village

2 Daughters  

• Stephanie and Matthew Knewtson   Kalamazoo, Michigan
• Lara and Carl Bors Garden City

1 Sister  

• Barbara Bath, Denver, Colorado

10 Grandchildren
3 Great-Grandchildren

OBITUARY: Donna Elaine Brown

Donna Elaine Brown

Donna Elaine Brown, departed this life December 29, 2014.  Donna was born to William R. and Lena DeGraftenreed Brown on October 8th,1942 in Kansas City, Kansas. Both parents preceded her in death.  Also preceded her in death are sisters, Delores Turner, Valiece Wilkins, and Janice V. Sims, one brother, Harvey Brown, and great grandson, Steven Tyler Brown.

Donna received her education from Douglass Elementary, Northeast Junior High and Sumner High School, in Kansas City, Kansas. She accepted the Lord in the Church of God in Christ at a early age.  She was a member at New Hope Church of God in Christ, under Pastor Gerry Roland where she loved to hear him preach.  She loved the Lord and had a great sense of humor.

Donna loved to laugh and cook, and was especially proud of her sweet potato pies.  She enjoyed babysitting her nieces and nephews and looked forward to spending time with her family. Donna had a beautiful voice and loved to sing for anyone at anytime.

Donna leaves to cherish her memory, one son, Steven Craig Brown (Natalie),  three sisters Dorothy Chappell, Ella Zachary, Alvia Evelyn Fuller, all of Kansas City, Kansas, Three brothers, Elder Russell Brown (Elizabeth) of Pueblo, Colorado;  William Brown of Kansas City, Kansas; Darrell Brown (Roberta) of Muskogee, Oklahoma.  Grandchildren,  Sharita Bruce, Andreane Hopkins, Steven Brown Jr. (Ester); Great Grandchildren Tariq,Taniana, Payton, Keith and Laela, and a host of nieces & nephews and many friends.

Memorial Services will be held Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Young’s Memorial Church of God in Christ, 2401 North 9th Street, Kansas City, Kansas 66101.

OBITUARY: Melvin Lewis English

MELVIN LEWIS ENGLISH

Melvin Lewis English Sr., 56, departed this life September 29, 2014 surrounded by his family. Melvin was born September 11, 1958, the third child of five born to Alonzo and Freddie (White) English in Kansas City, Kansas.

His parents preceded him in death. Melvin matriculated through the Kansas City, Kansas School district including McKinley Elementary School and Wyandotte High School from which he graduated in 1976.  Melvin completed apprentice glazier training earning his certification as a Journeyman Glazier. He attended Kansas City Kansas Community College completing his HVAC certification.

Melvin love to tell jokes and his smile captures the hearts of all that knew him

Melvin had his own business landscaping and manicuring lawns. He enjoyed working hard,cooking and eating (especially spaghetti), landscaping,  and spending time with his family and friends. Melvin was a member of Canaan Worship Center where he served on the Usher Board.

Melvin is survived by five siblings; Marguerite Durham; Linda Kay Sullivan (Meredith); Michael English (Theresa) of Kansas City, Kansas; David English of Kansas City, Missouri and Millie Belcher of Kansas City, KS.  Three children:  Melvin L. English ll of Lawrence, Kansas; Marcus EnglishOverland Park, Kansas; and Tracy English of Kansas City, Kansas,five  grandchildren, aunts, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Memorial Services be held Saturday, October 4, 2014 at 11 a.m. at Canaan Worship Center, 5333 Bannister Road; Kansas City Missouri 64137.

OBITUARY: Gwenn M Cochran (Leahy)

Gwenn M Cochran (Leahy)

Gwenn M. Cochran (Leahy), 55, of Kansas City, Kan. passed away September 25, 2014.  Funeral services on October 3, 2014 at 1:00PM with visitation from 12-1:00pm at Cedar Crest Memorial Chapel, 32665 Lexington Ave., De Soto, KS. 

Gwenn was born on December 18, 1958 in Kansas City, MO.  She went to school in De Soto, KS  and then went to Cosmetology School.  She was married to Paul Oswalt and then Dan Cochran.  Gwenn raised her daughter Crystal in De Soto. 

She was a loving mother and a proud Munmey (grandma).  She is preceded in death by: father Pat Leahy and mother Jane (Davenport) Steinberger; brothers Pat Leahy, Buck (Michael) Leahy and Larry Leahy. 

Survivors include: daughter Crystal Oswalt of Kansas City, MO; sister Pam Spears of VA; brother Tim Leahy of De Soto, KS; companion Dan Cochran of Leavenworth, KS; 3 grandchildren Sierra, Taja and Joshua Shaw and many nieces and nephews.

In charge of services: Cedar Crest Memorial Chapel 913-583-1002

OBITUARY: Patricia Ann Walker Kearns

Patricia Ann Walker Kearns, 83, passed away on Aug. 15, 2014 at KC Hospice House. Patricia was born Aug. 20, 1930 to Edna Juette and John Hart Walker and was the oldest of three children. She married John Stephen Kearns on Aug. 19, 1950 in Hannibal, MO and they had five children. Patricia grew up in Blessed Sacrament Parish in Hannibal, MO. She was a long term parishioner of St. Agnes and later Church of the Nativity.

In 2008 she joined the Santa Marta community where she was currently residing. She enjoyed traveling and was an avid bridge player participating in several bridge groups. She was a member of DAR and enjoyed genealogy. She loved socializing with various groups such as the Red Hat Society, the LNO (ladies night out) group, the Monday club, and the Junior League of Johnson and Wyandotte County. She was known for her fashionable style, positive attitude, and being kind-hearted. She was a devout Catholic and attended daily Mass for many of her 83 years. She will be missed and remembered by her friends and family.

She is survived by four of her five children, seventeen grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Daughter  Susan Harris (Jim), Sarah Harris Nyp (Mike) and Abby, Matthew and Allison Nyp, David and Kelly Harris; daughter Therese McKechnie, Molly Jury (Jerrad), and Scott McKechnie; daughter Sally Keating (John), Lee Redlingshafer, Annie Burndrett (TJ), Johnathan, Paul, and Mark (Bubba) Redlingshafer; son  Steve’s children, John, Ryan, Katie and Daniel  Kearns;  and son Bryan Kearns (& girlfriend  Elaine Thomas), Lindsey, Nick and Ian Kearns. Her surviving siblings are Jack Walker, Hannibal, MO, and Carol Buck (Brian), Coco, FL.

She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Ellen McCarthy and her brother-in-law, Rev. Thomas Kearns, both of Kansas City and many nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death are her parents, her husband, John, and her son, Steve, her brother-in-law, Robert P. McCarthy, and sister-in-law, Joyce Walker. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to Villa St. Francis Nursing Home, Olathe, KS.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Church of the Nativity at 11:00 AM (3800 W 119th, Leawood, KS) on Monday, Aug.  18, 2014.

Visitation at the church, 10:00 AM.  Patricia’s cremated remains will be interred in a private ceremony with family at the Mausoleum at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, KS. (Arr: Cremation Society of KS & MO 913-383-9888).

OBITUARY: Clarence Celestial Everett

Clarence Celestial Everett

Clarence Celestial Everett, a Kansas City Kansas native passed away on July 9, 2014.  Clarence was born February 25, 1924 to Clossie Edward and Helen Banks Everett. 

At a young age, Clarence attended Welborn Elementary and Washington High School in Kansas City, Kansas.

He was laid to rest at the Interment Quindaro Cemetery on July 15, 2014.

Clarence worked some years as a taxi driver, but was also an avid mechanic and workman serving many years on the janitorial staff at Southeast High School in Kansas City, Missouri.

His other siblings who have since left this life to meet with Jesus are Edna Mae, Betty Jean, Claude, Joanne, Earl Thomas, and Barbara.  One living sibling, Murildine Everett Smith, lives in Kansas City, Kansas.

During his lifetime, he married three beautiful and ambitious women.  Clarence’s first marriage was to Kansas native, Alice Marie Rush.  Later he married Julia Halcrombe DeBuyzer who gave birth to his first children, Rhonda and Pamela all who live in Denver, CO.   Shirley Dean gave birth to his son Clarence Wayne.  Though they never married Jewell Perry gave birth to his other son, Herbert.

Left to mourn his departure but at the same time feeling comfort that he accepted Jesus as his Savior are his many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends.  May all be at peace and forgiving for only God can deliver it to us unconditionally.

OBITUARY: Charles C. Ruth

CHARLES C. RUTH

Charles Conrado Ruth, 54, of Kansas City, KS, passed away June 22, 2014.  A Prayer Service will begin at 10:30 am Friday, June 27, 2014 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 3014 N 53rd St, KCKS 66104.  A time for greeting will take place in Davern Hall after the service. 

Private Graveside services at Gardner Cemetery, Gardner, KS.  Arrangements:  Bruce Funeral Home, Gardner, KS 913-856-7111.  Memorial Contributions may be made to Christ the King Catholic Church.  Condolences may be left at www.brucefuneralhome.com.

Charles was born April 23, 1960 in Harlingen, TX to Alicia “Alice” Galvan and Charles Fredrick Ruth.  He grew up in Kansas City, KS and was a 1979 graduate of Schlagle High School.  Chuck was a certified welder and a plastic fabricator who worked for Bendix for 10 years.  

He was a member of Christ the King Church in KCKS.  Chuck liked to ride motorcycles.  He enjoyed tinkering on many projects and helping others.  He was a big hearted and very caring person.  The family wants to thank the KCKS Police Department and friends for their time and expertise in searching for Chuck.

He was preceded in death by his father.  Chuck is survived by his mother Alice Ruth of KCKS; siblings Joseph Ruth and Stacy of KCMO, Thomas Ruth of KCKS, Sandy Smith of San Antonio, TX, and Sharon Davis of Houston, TX; nieces Mariah, Alicia and Jordyn Ruth; nephew Zachary Ruth and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews in Texas.