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Royer Funeral Home, 101 S. E. 15th Street, Oak Grove, MO (2025)

11/27/2025

Today, we’re thankful for those gathered around our table and grateful for the memory of those who once were. ♥️

From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving.

11/26/2025

Samuel Eugene “Gene” Robinson, 85, of Oak Grove, Missouri passed away on November 15, 2025 at Ignite Medical Resort in Blue Springs, Missouri. Services will be held at Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove on Saturday, December 6th with visitation at 12:30pm followed by memorial service at 2:00pm. Inurnment will be at 11:00am on Monday, December 8th in Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO.

Gene was born May 13, 1940 in Kansas City, Kansas to John R. Robinson and Mary Elise Robinson (Akers). He attended Washington High School in Kansas City, Kansas. He also proudly served in the United States Army.

After his military service, he came back to the Kansas City area and was a long-haul trucker for many years. In his final years, he served as a Bus Driver, Dispatcher, and CDL and Safety Trainer for the Oak Grove School District. It was this job where he found his true passion and love for ALL “his kids”. He even took his German Shepard, co-pilot, Maggie along with him on route.

Gene not only loved all his kids, but he loved his wife Donna deeply. In true Donna and Gene fashion they had a shot-gun wedding on June 6, 2008. Life was full of adventure and they spent many happy years making loving memories.

Gene also had a lifelong love for bowling. He played in many leagues and won many trophies. The trophy he was most proud of was a rare 800 series. Outside of bowling, he loved watching his grandsons play OG Panther football, baseball, and wrestling. He never missed a game or meet. If he wasn’t cheering for his grandkids, he was rooting for all his other panther kids. He especially enjoyed driving the Oak Grove Band to their competitions and hearing the roaring Sound of Panther Pride! Gene also never missed an opportunity to cheer on the Kansas City, Chiefs! In his later years, he became quite the baker and champion fudge maker. All the bus drivers were happy recipients of all his latest recipes.

He is survived by his daughter, Gena Robinson of Warsaw, MO; stepson Brian Smith (Tina) of Oak Grove; grandson Cameron Smith (Hollie) of Blue Springs, MO; grandson Kyle Smith of the home; nephews Matthew and Johnny Robinson; and the apples of his eye, great-grandchildren Lexi, Everly, and Adam.

In lieu of flowers, Gene would want “his kids” to be taken care of. Please consider memorial contributions to the Oak Grove School District to help fund school lunches.

Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, MO

11/26/2025

Ruth Ann “Ruthie” Morgan, 80, passed away on Monday, November 24, 2025, at her home in Lone Jack, MO. Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 1st at Lone Jack Baptist Church, 202 S. Bynum Road, Lone Jack, MO 64070, with visitation at 12:00 p.m. and funeral service at 1:00 p.m., followed by burial in Lone Jack Cemetery.

Ruth Ann was born September 5, 1945, in Macon, Missouri, the daughter of Gail and Louise (Stroppel) Leist. She went to a one room schoolhouse for 8 years in Excello, MO. She then attended Macon High School in Macon, where she graduated in 1963. After high school, Ruth Ann attended cosmetology school in Independence, MO. She married Kenneth Morgan on November 30, 1963, in Minot, ND and was a military wife for 3 years. Ruth Ann was the owner of Ruthie’s Hair and Tanning Salon for over 20 years. She was an avid fan of the KC Chiefs and Royals.

Ruth Ann is survived by her husband, Kenneth Morgan; son, Scott Morgan (Betsy); four grandchildren: Gracelyn, Blayke, Joshua, and Benjamin Morgan; sister, Mary Margaret Nash; and a host of family and friends that loved Ruth Ann dearly. Preceding her in death were her parents; son, Kevin J. Morgan; and brother, Robert Lee Leist.

Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, Missouri

11/26/2025

Giacomo (Jack) J. Crapisi, 62, of Independence, Missouri passed away Friday, November 21, 2025 at St. Lukes Hospice House. At this time, no funeral services will be held.

Jack was born on December 12, 1962, in Kansas City, Missouri. He attended Fort Osage High School and spent much of his working life as a warehouse laborer. He loved being outdoors, listening to music, watching football, and spending time with his family and friends.

Jack fought many battles with strength and courage. He is deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Crapisi; mother, Doris Crapisi and sister, Lolly Beamgard.

Jack is survived by his wife, Deborah; brother Vince Crapisi (Christina); sister, Kathy Fuller (David); children: Jackie, Mia Belle, and Clinton; 11 grandchildren, 4 nephews and 1 niece.

Obituary submitted by the family.
Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home ~ Independence, MO (816) 796-8600

11/25/2025

Curtis Franklin Lander, 83, passed away on Monday, November 24, 2025, at his home in Oak Grove, MO. A Celebration of Life will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 4th at Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the family in care of Royer Funeral Home to help defray funeral expenses. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date at Brown Cemetery, Oak Grove, MO.

Curtis was born January 10, 1942, in Fulton, Missouri, the son of John R. and Alice M. (Stephens) Lander. He was a Navy Veteran and a hard worker, having 2 or 3 jobs at a time most of his life. Curtis owned and operated L&H Auto Body for the last 50+ years and delivered the Kansas City Star for over 40 years. He enjoyed bowling and was in the pit crew for road racing.

Curtis was preceded in death by his parents; son, Douglas Lander; grandson, Aaron Anders; and six siblings: Raymond, Bob, Corky, Little Johnny, Eva, and Mary.

His survivors include his wife, Sharon Lander of the home; four children: Carol Anders (Kelly) of Bates City, MO, Robert Lander of the home, Thomas Lander of Oak Grove, and Travis Lander of Oak Grove; three grandchildren: Dawn Puls (Shawn), Austin Anders (Megan), and Elizabeth Storm (Kyler); eleven great-grandchildren: Kelsey, Sydney, Bently Puls, Cayden, Courtney, Colton, Cannon, Caisley, Chase, Bentley, and Berkley; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, Missouri

11/24/2025

Douglas Wayne Brundage, 64, passed away on Friday, November 21, 2025, at his home in Oak Grove, MO. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 29th at Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. A private inurnment will be held at a later date in Holsapple Cemetery in Collins, MO. Contributions may be made to the Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute, 3889 S Jackson Drive, Independence, MO 64057.

Doug was born December 29, 1960, in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Donald Dwayne and Lucia Fae (Bishop) Brundage. He was a carpenter by trade. Doug enjoyed watching NHRA drag racing and NASCAR racing. He also enjoyed watching the Royals and was an avid fan of the Chiefs. He enjoyed going to rock and roll concerts and was a member of the “baby gangsters”.

Doug’s survivors include his wife, Leslie Brundage of the home; three children: Lana Marie Brundage of Independence, MO, Daniel Dwayne Brundage of Odessa, MO, and Jonathan Douglas Brundage of Oak Grove; step-children: Sarah Ference, Hannah Benson, and Katherine Davis; eight grandchildren: Stacy, Kylee, Camden, Brecken, Lincoln, Abraham, Elisa, and Hayden; his mother, Lucia Brundage of Pleasant Hill, MO; two sisters: Donna Brundage of Independence, MO, and Belinda Gibson (Bruce) of Harrisonville, MO; niece, Kristin Resig (Ryan) of Pleasant Hill, MO; and many other nieces, nephew, and extended family members.

Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, Missouri

11/24/2025

Dona Gann of Independence, Missouri passed away peacefully Friday, November 21, 2025 at Independence Manor Care Center at 7:55 a.m. at the age of 93. Funeral Services will be held Monday, December 1, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. at Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home, Independence, Missouri. The family will receive friends at 3:00 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Burial will follow on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, West Plains, Missouri.

Dona was a loving mother of four children: Katherine (deceased), Debora (deceased), Beverly, and Tammie. She worked for several years in school cafeterias as a baker and was known as a dedicated, hard worker. Dona loved spending time outdoors, especially mowing her yard or shoveling snow, and she took great joy in baking and canning. Time spent with family and friends was always special to her.

She is survived by 2 daughters, Beverly and Tammie; 8 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild and several nieces and nephews.

Dona was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 51 years, Clester Gann; 2 daughters: Katherine Reiter and Debora Gann; and 2 sisters.

Obituary submitted by the family.
Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home ~ Independence, MO (816) 796-8600

11/24/2025

Ronald (Ron) Robert Hoeltge, 74, of Blue Springs, Missouri passed away on November 15, 2025, at his home. Ron was born in St. Louis, Missouri on July 6, 1951, and graduated from Ruskin High School in Kansas City, Missouri in 1969. Soon thereafter he moved to Bartlesville, Oklahoma with his mom before enlisting in the Army in October of 1970. Ron loved to say he wanted out of Oklahoma so badly that he enlisted during a war! Ron was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne and was part of a select group of servicemen that went to Vietnam with Jeep mounted TOW missiles to train troops for use in combat. Ron was so proud of his service in the 82nd Airborne and would tell endless stories about the 300+ jumps he completed. Ron was recognized with a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Parachute Badge, Expert Badge M-16, Sharpshooter Badge Gr***de, Marksman Badge M-60, M-79 and 50 Calibre. He served bravely and valiantly until he was honorably discharged in 1973. Upon returning from Vietnam, Ron was a commercial truck driver, hauling logs and furniture blanks across the United States. He also worked for ARA Vending as a Division Manager in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In Colorado, Ron joined the Army National Guard and served in the 19th Special Forces unit out of Pueblo. Serving in the National Guard reinvigorated his desire to serve his country and he reenlisted in the Army in November of 1981. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion of the 39th Infantry out of Fort Carson, Colorado. He was also stationed in Baumholder Germany at the Rheinland-Pfalz Army Garrison where he served until medically discharged in December 1984. Upon returning from a second round of military service, Ron moved to Warrensburg, MO where he completed a bachelor’s degree. Afterwards, Ron was employed at Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, MO where he was a public relations officer. He also was their newspaper editor and taught photography. In June of 1989, Ron met the love of his life, Kathleen (Kathi) Joyce Craig in Independence, MO. Kathi was a waitress at Po Folks at the time. Ron came back three days in a row, asking to sit in her section. On the third day he asked her for a date and the rest was history. They were married two short months later, true soul mates for the next thirty-six years. Ron worked for BHA Group in Raytown, Missouri as a Marketing Manager from 1989 until the early 2000’s. Over the last twenty-five years Ron did freelance digital marketing for various organizations and photography, while enjoying many adventures with Kathi. Together they traveled extensively across the Western United States and Canada. He especially loved hiking and camping in the Canadian Rockies, Glacier National Park and the national parks of Utah. Ron leaves behind his loving wife Kathi of the home, his stepdaughter Amy Doll (Steve) of Lee’s Summit, MO and a stepson Craig Whitehead of Parkville, MO. He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren, Airborne brothers and many other friends across the country. Ron was no doubt greeted with the open arms of the brothers that passed before him, joyfully taking his seat at Valhalla.

11/24/2025

Ronald Gene Clark, affectionately known as Ronnie, born on August 23, 1959, in McKinney, Texas, passed away on November 17, 2025, in Independence, Missouri. He was 66 years old.

Ronald's life was enriched by his deep love for family, his pets and the outdoors.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Cheryl Clark; his daughter, Heather Clark; and his grandsons, Cuinn Alvarez and Trenton Rogers. His brothers Gary Clark and Chester Clark survive him as well. He will also be fondly remembered by his mother-in-law, Alice Jacobs; brother-in-law, Jeff Jacobs; sister-in-law, Wendy Mackay; and niece, Samantha Mackay. Ronald also held a special place in the lives of Collin Rogers and children Beau and Everleigh.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents, Chelsey and Dorothy Clark; his brother Glen Clark; his father-in-law, Leonard Lee Jacobs Jr; and his brother-in-law, Shane Mackay.

May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and continue to inspire love for his family.

Obituary submitted by the family.
Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home ~ Independence, MO (816) 796-8600

11/24/2025

This week, you’re invited to stop by our Oak Grove or Grain Valley locations to pick up an ornament to decorate in remembrance of someone you love. Add their name, a special message, a favorite color, or anything that feels like them. Every ornament tells a story, and together, they create a tree filled with love and legacy.

As the holidays get closer, many of us feel the absence of the people who shaped our lives the most. Decorating a memorial ornament offers a simple, meaningful way to honor their legacy — to pause, to remember, and to let their light continue to shine.

If you’re gathering for Thanksgiving, this can also become a beautiful new family tradition:
🕯️ Set aside a few minutes for everyone to write a memory, a message, or a prayer on their ornament.
💛 Let each person share who they’re honoring and why.
🌲 Bring your ornaments to the Remembrance Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 3rd at 6pm.

It’s a simple act, but one that brings comfort, connection, and a sense of togetherness in a season that can feel tender.

We hope you’ll join us as we celebrate the legacies that continue to guide us. 💛

11/24/2025

Richard D. Huddleston of Independence, Missouri passed away on November 19th, 2025. He was born on July 27th, 1953 in Independence, Missouri to Walter R. Huddleston and Joyce E. Dorrell.

He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and brother.

Richard is survived by his sons Trevor Huddleston and Adrian Huddleston; granddaughter Emily Huddleston-Johnson; niece Krystle Cerritos (Huddleston) and husband Luis; great-nephew, Andreas Huddleston; and great-niece, Jessenia Cerritos.

Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home ~ Independence, MO (816) 796-8600

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