Jewell E. “Buck” Hamilton, Jr.
Jewell E. “Buck” Hamilton, Jr., 85, Johnson City, TN. passed away, joining his Savior, Jesus, on Sunday, August 28, 2022, at Johnson City Medical Center.
Buck was born in Deepwater, MO to the late Nonna Alice and Jewell Hamilton, Sr.
He is survived by: his wife of 64 years, Betty F. Hamilton; children, Roy and Sherry Hamilton, of Johnson City, TN, Bonnie and Michael Rogers, of Linwood, NC, Will and Sandy Hamilton, of Clinton, MO, and Teresa and Brad Grecco, of Ft. Collins, CO; grandchildren, Rebecca Whitaker, Geoffrey Hamilton and his wife Julia, Bethany Rogers, Alex Hamilton and his wife Jodee, Andy Hamilton, Phillip Hamilton and his wife Nicholle, Brianna Rogers, Allison Hamilton and Reagan Grecco; great grandchildren, Izabella Valdez, Kylie Hamilton, Danielle Hamilton, Braydon Rogers, Benjamin Hamilton, Ellie Hamilton, Lilly Hamilton, Piper Hamilton, Leland Hamilton, Carolyn Hamilton, Willow Hamilton and Saylor Hamilton.
Buck began working in the family coal pit at age eight. He continued to work in rock, quarry, drilling and heavy equipment until his retirement at age 72.
In his younger years, he enjoyed bowling. He always supported the Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs.
Buck’s faith was a central part of his life. He was ordained a Deacon of the Deepwater Baptist Church on November 13, 1972. He served in the prison ministry, as a Sunday School teacher, and in any capacity as needed. He was ordained as a minister at Park Chapel Baptist Church in Clinton, MO on April 13, 1976. He not only served as pastor, but also as a lay minister for rural churches.
Buck and Betty moved to Johnson City in November of 2013. He and Betty transferred their membership to Oakland Avenue Baptist Church in 2014. Buck and Betty are thankful for all the friends and support in Johnson City and Missouri.
The family of Buck Hamilton will eceived friends from 5-6 PM Friday, September 2, 2022, at Oakland Avenue Baptist Church. A memorial service followed at 6 PM.
In lieu of flowers, a charitable contribution may be made to Oakland Avenue Baptist Church Youth Group, 2823 E. Oakland Ave., Johnson City, TN 37601.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the Hamilton family via www.morrisbaker.com. Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 E. Oakland Ave., Johnson City, is serving the Hamilton family. (423) 282-1521
James Lewis Daugherty
James Lewis Daugherty, age 97, of Clinton, Missouri passed away on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at Clinton Healthcare and Rehab. Center in Clinton, Missouri.
James Lewis Daugherty was born on January 31, 1925 in Creighton, Missouri. He was the 4th child born to Margaret Alene Crawford Daugherty and James Daniel Daugherty. Lew left high school to join the United States Navy and he proudly served his country in World War II on the USS Colorado battleship. He was wounded while serving and was awarded a Purple Heart. After Discharge from the Navy, he lived in California for a short period of time and then returned home to Clinton, Missouri where he went to work at Unitog Manufacturing. It was during this time that he met and married Donna Bernard on March 22, 1952. After Unitog, Lew worked for a short time at Bernard’s Glass & Radiator and then at the Clinton Post Office, which is where he retired from.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Donna, along with their two children, Mitch (Kim) Daugherty and Marla (Steve) Jones. Lew leaves behind three grandchildren, Kristi (Jason) Austin, Jason (Megan) Daugherty and Jordan Daugherty, along with 5 great grandchildren, Kenadie Austin, Keller, Maren, Cora and Sofia Daugherty.
Lew was a member of and past Exalted Ruler for Clinton Elks Lodge #1034, a member of VFW Post 1894 and American Legion Post 14. He was a lifelong blood donor for the American Red Cross.
When his grandkids were growing up and active in sports, Lew could be found at all their Little League and Babe Ruth baseball games cheering them on. After retirement, Lew’s daily routine included riding around town in his truck, with his boxer grand-dog Maddie hanging her head out his passenger window. Lew loved to garden and for years shared the fruits of his labor with his friends and family.
Funeral services were held August 18, 2022 at the Vansant-Mills Chapel, Clinton with Sam Gibbons officiating. Special music included “Rock of Ages and How Great Thou Art.” The casket bearers were Ronnie Williams, Kenny Kaiser, Jason Daugherty, Jordan Daugherty, Jason Austin and Steve Cummings. Interment followed in Englewood Cemetery, Clinton, Missouri.
Services were under the direction of Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, MO.
Carol Ann (Barnes) Parsons
Carol Ann (Barnes) Parsons of Clinton, Missouri passed away peacefully on Friday, August 26, 2022 at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri.
Carol was born in Camdenton, Missouri to James and Lucille (Martin) Barnes on September 23, 1939. She grew up on a farm in Quincy, MO. She graduated from Weaubleau High School in 1957. Carol loved life on the farm with her five siblings and parents. They enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening and most of all fishing. They made so many wonderful memories as a family.
Carol married James Earl Parsons on December 10, 1960 in LaDue, Missouri. Carol and Jim lived in Illinois, Michigan, Nebraska and Wisconsin until they returned to their home state of Missouri to settle in Clinton. Married for sixty-two years, Carol and Jim shared a love of fishing, traveling the world and most of all raising their two children, Kimberly and Michael. Once her children were well into school, Carol joined the Clinton School District as a paraprofessional. Carol loved children and enjoyed making a difference in their lives.
Together Carol and Jim went to over twenty countries and numerous states. They traveled through Europe, Asia and South America and even crossed the Panama Canal. They loved to go on cruises all over the world. Many trips involved fishing, with Carol once catching a 240 lb. halibut in Alaska. Of all the places in the world they went to, their favorite trip was always to go fishing at The Fisheries Resort on Rainey Lake in Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada. They made this annual trip for over forty-five years.
Carol was a devoted wife and mother. She was a stay at home mom raising her children, Kimberly and Michael. She adored taking care of them and teaching them everything she could. She was always happy to be the “room mom”, the Camp Fire Counselor, or Cub Scout Leader. It was important to Carol that her children took piano lessons and she learned with them. Carol and Jim loved dogs, especially poodles and passed this on to their children. Carol wanted the world for her children and was happy to give it to them. Kimberly and Michael were the center of her world. Later as grandmother of three, Carol took great joy in the role. Her grandchildren were the light of her life. Carol was also a devoted sister to her five siblings and parents. She cared equally for Jim’s side of the family. Carol was always ready to lend a hand in any way she could to family and friends.
Carol was a member of the Christian Church in Clinton, Missouri. Carol served as deaconess and a member of the Christian Women’s Fellowship. Carol served on many committees and board positions throughout her life in the church. She also enjoyed being a volunteer at GVMH and the Clinton Samaritan Center. Carol enjoyed politics and was an Election Judge for Henry County.
Carol loved to raise flowers, cook delicious meals (her homemade noodles were everyone’s favorite), read, fish, walk at the Benson Center and play cards with friends. Each spring, Carol enjoyed long drives in the Ozarks to admire the dogwood blooms and going fishing with her sister and girlfriends at Bennett Springs. Carol was truly blessed to have so many wonderful, devoted friends.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Lucille, in-laws Everett and Dorothy Parsons; sisters Shirley Oviatt, Mary Temple and Patricia Frankenfield; sister-and brother-in-law Mary Ann and Wyatt Mellen, brother-in-law Joe Brown; niece Karen Yoss, nephews Donnie Hughes and Tom Glass. She is survived by her husband Jim of the home; daughter Kimberly and husband Paul Slater of Dallas, TX, son Michael Parsons of Saint Mary’s, KS; grandchildren Johnathon and Nicholas Slater, and Kaitlynn Parsons; sister Sharon and husband Don Minich, brother Jim and wife Judy Barnes, brother-in-law John Frankenfield, sister-in-law JoAnn Brown, and many loving nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at the Clinton Christian Church with Pastor Tim Wessley officiating. Special music included “How Great Thou Art , In the Garden and Go Rest High.” The casket bearers were Paul Slater, Nicholas Slater, Jimmy Barnes, Johnathon Slater, Boyd Hughes and Chad Parks. Interment followed in Englewood Cemetery, Clinton, Missouri.
Services were under the direction of Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, Missouri.
Logan Eugene Gray
Logan Eugene Gray, age 75, passed away on Monday, August 22, 2022 at his home in Clinton, Missouri.
Logan Eugene Gray was born on November 5, 1946 in Clinton, Missouri and was the only child to Logan Thomas Gray and Mary Louise (Lindstrom) Gray. On June 14, 1975 he married Pamala Sue Lynch at First Christian Church, Clinton, Missouri.
Gene graduated from Clinton High School in 1964 and from there entered the National Guards from 1964-1970. Gene spent 25 years with Safeway Groceries and from there worked with the Clinton School District for 5 years until he found a new passion being an Auctioneer for over 20 years.
Gene and Pam are active members of the First Presbyterian Church and Gene was an Elder of the church. Gene was also a former Sunrise Optimist member, Volunteer for the Red Cross Blood Drive, was an Assistant Scout Manager for Troop 430, and a Little League Coach.
Gene loved to fish and quail hunt and upon retirement you would find him doing one or both, after his morning coffee with his friends. Besides auctioneering, Gene found interest in antiquing but mostly enjoyed spending time with his two children (Chris and Jeff) and their families. Most every weekend you would find Gene on the sidelines of a soccer, baseball, basketball, volleyball or swim meet cheering on his two grandchildren Hudson and Ella.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Logan Thomas Gray and Mary Louise Gray and his grandparents, Well and Chloe Gray and Bert and Elizabeth Lindstrom.
Survivors include his wife Pam Gray of the home, his two sons, Christopher David Gray, wife Ally Gray and two grandchildren Hudson (11) and Ella (14) Gray who reside in Leawood, Kansas, and Jeffrey Thomas Gray who resides in Overland Park, Kansas, along with other cousins and nephews.
Memorial services were held August 25, 2022 at the First Presbyterian Church, Clinton with Rev. Nancy Gillard officiating. Special music included “In the Garden.” Inurnment followed in Englewood Cemetery, Clinton, MO.
Services were under the direction of Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, MO.
Gary Allen Miller
Gary Allen Miller, age 80, a resident of Chillicothe, Missouri, passed away Monday, August 29, 2022, at his residence after a prolonged confinement due to lung disease.
Gary was born the son of Allen and Edna Mae (Hull) Miller on December 11, 1941, in Clinton, Missouri. He was a Richmond High School graduate, and continued his education at William Jewell College, in Liberty, Missouri, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. He served his country proudly as a member of the 325th Base Post Office Army Reserve Unit. Although his unit had been told they would deploy to Vietnam, that day never came. When Gary eventually did travel to Saigon, it was his choice to visit.
On September 27, 1980, he was united in marriage to Judy Harvey in Liberty, Missouri. Gary and Judy moved to Chillicothe, Missouri, in 1983, where they were co-owners of Chillicothe Ford Lincoln Mercury. He was Vice President with banking and financial manager duties during his twenty year tenure at Chillicothe FLM. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Chillicothe, Missouri, where he served as Treasurer for a few years, and was a choir member.
Community involvement was very important to him and he was a member of several organizations including Chillicothe Rotary Club, where he served as President; Chillicothe Fine Arts Council, where he served as President and many years as Treasurer; the Chillicothe Housing Authority where he served as Treasurer; and he served as Chairman of Hope Haven Industries.
Gary and Judy were world travelers who loved meeting locals and experiencing their culture. Cooking, gardening and photography were favorite hobbies, and after retirement he became Miller Family Chef. Many were blessed with his strawberry pie and cheesy potato casserole.
Gary is survived by his wife, Judy, of the home; one daughter , Jennifer Gleason of Kansas City, Missouri; two sons, Michael Miller and wife, Jami, of Liberty, Missouri and J. Gary Miller of Blue Springs, Missouri; three grandchildren, Wesley Miller of Liberty, Missouri, Keira Miller of Liberty, Missouri and T. J. Gleason of Kansas City, Missouri; three brothers, Ronald Miller of Kansas City, Missouri, Jerrold (Jerry) Miller and wife, Debbie of Atlanta, Georgia and Ricky Miller of Anacortes, Washington; four sisters-in-law and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and one son-in-law, Dwain Gleason.
Funeral Services will be held at the First Baptist Church, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Friday, September 9, 2022, 11:00 a.m. A scheduled visitation will be held at the First Baptist Church, Chillicothe, Missouri, at 10:00 a.m., one hour prior to service. Graveside service will be held at Fairview Cemetery, Liberty, Missouri, on Friday, September 9, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. Friends may call at the Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Thursday, September 8, 2022, from 12:00 noon until 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Chillicothe and/or The Baptist Home Benevolent Fund and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri, 64601. Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.
Gerald Lee
Duensing
Gerald Lee Duensing age 84, of rural Clinton, Missouri, passed away, Saturday, August 27th, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family.
Gerald (known to some as “Curly”) was born to Frederick and Ruby Duensing in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma on May 4, 1938. Peabody Coal Company brought Fred, Ruby, and their three boys to Clinton, Missouri in 1952 at the start of Gerald’s freshman year. On his 17th birthday, May 4, 1955, he took June Plemmons to their junior prom. A little over a year later, on June 23, 1956, Gerald and June were married and made their home outside of Clinton. Gerald then joined his father and uncles working for Peabody Coal where he would remain for 30 years until the Montrose mine closed. He finished out his working days at Tracker Marine in Clinton.
Gerald’s love of cars began at a young age, having overhauled his first engine by the time he was 14. He also loved John Deere tractors, Chief’s football, NASCAR, and classic country music. Gerald was active in his church, Trinity Lutheran of Clinton, where he served as head usher for many years.
Gerald is survived by his wife of 66 years, June Duensing; daughters Christen (Danny) Wyatt of Oroville, California; Cara (Chris) Magalis of Baltimore, Maryland; and Courtney Duensing of Clinton, Missouri; five grandchildren: Amanda Dudley of Florida, Cole Duensing of Clinton, Missouri; Jessica (Michael) Cavanagh of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; Jennifer (Matt) Huett of Sweetwater, Texas; and Curtis Callahan of Clinton, Missouri; and seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Ruby Duensing, brothers Frederick Duensing, Jr. and Charles Henry Duensing, and by his son, Craig Curtis Duensing.
Funeral services were held August 30, 2022 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Clinton with Pastor Erik Rottmann officiating. Special music included “Chief of Sinners Though I Be, How Great Thou Art and Amazing Grace.” The casket bearers were Cole Duensing, Chuck Kock, Alvin Mueller, Kenneth Harrison, Brian Loman and Chris Magalis. Interment followed in Calhoun Cemetery, Calhoun, Missouri. Military honors were under the direction of VFW Post 1894 and the US Army.
Services were under the direction of Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, Missouri.
Waneta Ruth (Wallace) Smith
Waneta Ruth (Wallace) Smith, born on February 2, 1923 in Clinton, Missouri to Floyd R. and Clara (Sherman) Wallace, slipped peacefully into God’s hands at Golden Valley Memorial Hospital in Clinton at the age of 99 on Sunday, August 14, 2022.
She had one older brother, Herschel, and two younger brothers, Howard and Wayne. She attended Franklin Elementary and Clinton Senior High School where she was a founding member of the Clinton High School band. She was a very talented musician who sang in the Rotary Minstrel shows and received a I Rating on French horn at the National Music Contest at St. Paul Minnesota (which she chose to attend instead of her high school graduation). She also studied piano with Miss Ruth Lobaugh.
On October 11, 1942 Waneta married C. Shobe Smith and they enjoyed 66 wonderful years together. She was a life-long resident of Clinton, a homemaker, and gave private piano lessons to children until her retirement at the age of 94! Once her children were grown she worked outside the home at clothing stores Mode O’ Day and The Carousel. She and Shobe also owned the Spirit of America ice cream shop and she enjoyed working at Dunning Furniture with her brother, Wayne Wallace, and her son, Mark Smith.
Shobe and Waneta were members of the United Methodist Church and later the First Presbyterian Church of Clinton. Shobe and Waneta were also members of the Saturday Night Card Club where they enjoyed cards and fellowship with friends for almost 40 years. Waneta played the piano for school and church music programs and sang faithfully in the church choir until the arrival of Covid-19 in 2020. She was an avid writer and loved to write stories and send cards to friends and family. Waneta also enjoyed playing golf and attended Tai Chi until last week.
Waneta’s greatest joy in life was her family. She could always be found at the numerous events of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her playroom was always open and the refrigerator was always stocked. Many marches, skits, musical performances and parties happened in her living room. She also loved to sew and crochet and made numerous outfits, costumes, dolls, stuffed animals and soft books for her family. She was a caring and loving mother figure and a wonderful Christian role model to her family and all fortunate enough to know her.
Survivors include a son, Mark A. Smith and his wife Gay, Clinton, MO; a daughter-in-law, Barbara Smith, Lee’s Summit, MO; eight grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; one soon-to-arrive great-great grandchild; and several nieces and nephews. Waneta was preceded in death by her husband, C. Shobe Smith in 2009, son Lowell Douglas Smith in 2006, daughter Connie Lyn (Smith) Mize in 2013, her parents, and three brothers.
Funeral services will be at 3:00 p.m. Friday, August 19, 2022 at the First Presbyterian Church in Clinton. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. just prior to the funeral service. Interment will be in the Englewood Cemetery. Friends may pay their respects and sign the register book from noon to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at the Bradley & Hadley Funeral Home, Clinton. The family suggests memorial contributions to the First Presbyterian Church Choir, and these donations may be left in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left online at www.bradleyhadley.com.
Myrna Beck
Wetzel
Myrna Beck Wetzel, age 86, a loving mother and grandmother, quietly passed into the arms of Jesus on August 23, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. Myrna was born on February 27, 1936 in Columbus, Ohio to Myrwood “Red” and Cora Naomi Beck. She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, David Allen Beck; son, Clarence “Tres” Kemper; and husband, Dr. Carroll Wetzel. Surviving Myrna are her children Lorna Kemper McAlpine; Bill Kemper and wife Susan; and stepchildren John Wetzel and wife Lisa; C. Rob Wetzel, M.D. and wife Allison; and Patty Schaaf and husband Kendall. She was also blessed with 12 grandchildren: Samantha, Roger, Zak, Camryn, Andrew, Nathan, Sam, Christopher, Asa, Casey, Janie, Camille and 5 great-grandchildren: Sutton, Hans, Emry, Lana, and Harriet.
Myrna strongly proclaimed her Christian faith. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church and later worshipped with her family in the Methodist Church. After high school she ventured to Columbia, MO and attended Columbia College. Having a desire for the skies and travel she went on to work as a flight attendant with Continental Airlines. Later, she even earned her private pilot’s license.
She was an avid swimmer and loved being around water. In the late 70’s and early 80’s Myrna shared her love of the water by running the American Red Cross swimming program in Clinton where she taught countless children and adults to swim. Also, dear to her heart was helping to save the precious lives of youth. In honor of her son, Tres, she helped bring the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention program to Henry County. For her work, she received the Emme Award from The Auxiliary to the American Osteopathic Association in 2002.
Myrna was active on the Clinton Arts Council, P.E.O., Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare Auxiliary, as well as the Auxiliary of Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians & Surgeons. Her love of helping others extended to her time in Arizona as well, where she was active in the Fountain Hills Women’s Club.
Memorial services will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 9, 2022 at the Clinton United Methodist Church, 601 South 4th Street, Clinton, Mo. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., prior to the service. Private family interment will follow the memorial service at Englewood Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Golden Valley Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship Fund or the Clinton Arts Council. Services are under the direction of the Bradley & Hadley Funeral Home, Clinton. Condolences may be left online at www.bradleyhadley.com.
