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Royer Funeral Home, 101 S. E. 15th Street, Oak Grove, MO (2026)

04/25/2026

Howard “Buzz” Lee Mitchell Jr., 63, of Independence, Missouri, passed away.

Buzz was a man who appreciated the simple things in life and found joy in everyday moments—sharing stories, joking around, and spending time with those he loved. More than anything, he loved his daughters and grandsons deeply. His family was his pride and joy, and he cherished every moment he got to spend with them. He also had a deep love for his loyal dog companions, who were always by his side and brought him comfort, joy, and unconditional companionship throughout his life.

Riding his motorcycle was one of Buzz’s greatest passions. He loved the open road and especially enjoyed traveling through places like Colorado, Arkansas, and the Great Smoky Mountains, where he could take in the beauty of the scenery and experience a true sense of freedom. Being around Buzz meant laughter, lightheartedness, and a reminder not to take life too seriously.

He also had a love for treasure hunting at garage sales and thrift stores, always searching for a great find—especially Hot Wheels cars to add to his collection.

Buzz is survived by his three daughters, Heather (Steve) Richberg, Brandy Mitchell, and Courtney (Joe) Medearis; his grandsons, Steven Richberg Jr., Jaden Richberg, and William Medearis; and a granddaughter on the way.

A visitation will be held at Royer Funeral Home on Thursday, April 30, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., with burial to follow. At the conclusion of the visitation, anyone who would like to share memories or speak in honor of Buzz will be welcome to do so.

Obituary submitted by the family.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Grain Valley, MO 64029 816-847-4441

04/23/2026

Linda Sue McAfee, 75, of Oak Grove, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hospice House in Kansas City, MO. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Contributions may be made to Pawsitive Tails at www.pawsitivetailskc.org/donate/ or just text PTDR to 89871.

Linda was born December 18, 1950, in St. Louis, Missouri, the daughter of James T. and Leona Marie (Yerkes) Allinder. She always held some sort of position in customer service, most recently at Price Chopper. Linda loved doing crafts, watching Big Brother and Survivor, and going to the casino. She also loved traveling, especially on cruises.

Linda is survived by her husband, John McAfee of the home; 5 children: Shari Coleman (Shorty) of Blue Springs, MO, Shelli Davis (Troy) of Holden, MO, Kent McAfee (Amy) of Gardner, KS, Jeff McAfee (Chrissy) of Orrick, MO, and Johnna Kay Perdue (Matt) of Blue Springs, MO; 20 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; her sister, Jamie Lavanga (Chris) of Oak Grove, MO; and several nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, Missouri

04/21/2026

Brenda G. White, 61, of Higginsville, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City, surrounded by family and friends.

Born October 11, 1964, Brenda was the daughter of Donald Sr. and Peggy (Widenhammer) White. She enjoyed fishing and being at the lake. Brenda loved sports and was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan. She also loved watching her grandchildren show cattle.

Brenda’s survivors include four children, Amber Thomas (Bo), Angelica Lamb (Amanda), Craig Homfeld, and Kayla Homfeld; twelve grandchildren; and her brother, Butch White. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Don White Jr., and sister Debra Reider.

Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, Missouri

04/21/2026

Alan J. Armstrong, 61, of Blue Springs, Missouri, passed away in the late afternoon of April 8, 2026. Alan was born in Oliver, British Columbia, Canada, on April 26, 1964, the son of Marilyn Armstrong and the late Ron Armstrong. He was united in marriage to Carol Conrad on May 30, 1991, in St. Louis, Missouri.

Alan graduated with the class of 1985 from British Columbia Institute of Technology, earning a degree in Biomedical Electronics Technology. He went on to build a long and flourishing career in kidney care, touching every avenue of the industry throughout his 42-year career, which concluded with his role as a Senior Water Manager for DaVita at the time of his passing. Work was his passion, and throughout his career Alan became one of the most admired, well-respected, and dedicated individuals across the corporate landscapes he served. Known as an exceptional teammate, a generous mentor, and a compassionate leader, he rose to top performance and earned accolades of the highest esteem. Behind every professional achievement was his steadfast commitment to helping kidney patients receive the support and resources needed to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Beyond his remarkable career, Alan found his greatest joy in family life. In his downtime, he cherished watching his children play soccer, softball, and basketball. He proudly followed his son, Kyle, beyond his playing years and into his soccer officiating career, often attending matches with family simply to ensure the referee had someone there in support. This deep devotion to family continued with his daughter, Sara, as he delighted in her love of fishing and often listened to her stories with pride. Over the years, Alan enjoyed photography and was an avid stamp collector, a hobby he shared with his grandfather from a young age. He also loved playing golf and was a fi****ms enthusiast. His reading interests included career-focused material and novels by Clive Cussler, and he especially enjoyed watching the History and Discovery Channels, with the Expedition series among his favorites. Alan extended this passion into a love of both video games and board games, which he enthusiastically shared with both of his children from an early age, along with his wife.

Alan was preceded in death by his father, Ron Armstrong; his stepfather, Merv Casey; and his father-in-law, Otto J. Conrad. He was also preceded in death by numerous aunts, uncles, and grandparents.

He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Carol. He also leaves behind his son, Kyle Armstrong (Katie) and his daughter, Sara Armstrong (Evie), all of Blue Springs, Missouri.

Alan is survived by his siblings, Stacy Armstrong (Carrie) of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and Tina Janzen (Corbett) of Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada. He is also survived by his mother, Marilyn Armstrong Casey of Coombs, British Columbia, Canada; and his uncle, Jerry Stach of Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada.

Additional survivors include his mother-in-law, Nora Conrad of the home; his sister-in law, Cathy Clark (Bill); and his brother-in-law, Chris Conrad (Kim). He was an uncle to twelve nieces and nephews and five great-nieces and great-nephews.

He will be lovingly remembered by his fur babies, Nala and Shasta.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, April 30th, 2026, from 4:30pm to 8:30pm at The Mill Room inside East 40 Brewing (1201 W. Main St. Blue Springs, MO 64015), with a burial service to follow on May 1 st, 2026 at Blue Springs Cemetery.

Memorial contributions be made to Bridge of Life in honor of Alan’s lifelong dedication to kidney patient care.

Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Grain Valley, MO 64029 816-847-4441

04/21/2026

Long time local resident, Mrs. Elaine Smith, passed into the next life recently, after a months-long battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by a loving husband of more than 40 years and two siblings. She left behind one sibling, and a fine family legacy of four children, their spouses, five grandchildren, their spouses, and three great-grandchildren. She was a faithful member of and pillar in the Odessa congregation of the C of C church. She will be sorely missed. We love you, mom.

Obituary submitted by the family.
Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, Missouri

04/20/2026

Twyla died peacefully on April 10, 2026, at Villages of Jackson Creek, Independence, Missouri, where she resided in Assisted Living, sharing a room with her sister Joan Miles. She grew up in Buckner, Missouri, and graduated from Fort Osage High School. Twyla later graduated from Central Missouri State University, earning a bachelor's degree in education. She taught school for 2 years in Archie, Missouri and 3 years in Braymer, Missouri, and then pursued her first love of nursing, working her way through nursing school, and progressed from a nurse's aide to nursing supervisor at Medical Center of Independence, medically retiring after 20 years. Twyla was the recipient of the first MCI Scholarship for her nursing school. She also wrote and directed a film entitled "My Trip to the Hospital," a movie to help alleviate children's fears of hospitalization.

Twyla loved her family deeply and left special memories of fun, caring times with each. She especially enjoyed her six nephews and extended-family nephews and nieces, creating cherished times with each one. She will be missed but knowing where she now resides - in Glory with her Savior Jesus Christ – she wouldn't come back here, even if she could after the joys she's experiencing right now in His presence! We will see her again, where there will be no sickness, death, or separation ever again.

Twyla was born to Woodrow and Dorthy Jackson, both deceased, and is survived by a brother, Bill Jackson (Terri Jackson) of Blue Springs, Missouri, a sister, Joan Miles (Tom Miles, deceased) of Independence, Missouri, and several nephews and nieces.

Twyla requested no service other than a simple family and friends graveside gathering at Buckner Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 25th.

Obituary submitted by the family.
Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, Missouri

04/17/2026

Renae Lynn McKinney, age 58, of Belton, MO, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 13, 2026 with her husband, Shawn by her side. Renae was born on September 9, 1967 in Antigo, WI to Harold and Carole Knowles of Birnamwood, WI.

Renae was known to all as a vibrant, loving person with a never-failing sense of humor. She dearly loved her family and she loved the Lord. Through the years of her illness, she never complained, and attended every appointment sporting one of her favorite animal print outfits.

Renae is survived by her loving husband, Shawn McKinney; daughters Jehra DePina and Jazanee DePina; stepsons Brandon McKinney and Kadin McKinney; her mother Carole Knowles; brothers Kelly (Kathleen) Knowles and Kip (Kathryn) Knowles; her mother-in-law Cynthia McKinney, and a large extended family and many friends who will greatly miss her sparkling blue eyes and her beautiful smile.

Renae was preceded in death by her father, Harold Knowles and her brother, Craig Knowles.

Memorial services will be held at a later date at the Belton Assembly of God Church in Belton, MO, and in Birnamwood, WI, where she will be laid to rest.

Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, Missouri

04/16/2026

Traci Lynn Baldwin, 62, of Oak Grove, Missouri, passed away at her home on April 15, 2026 surrounded by family.

Born in Independence, Missouri in 1964, Traci was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose greatest joy in life was her family.

She is survived by her daughters, Ashlee Larson and Aubree Morgason; her beloved grandchildren, Bennett Baldwin, Brynlee Larson, and Chance Morgason; her parents, Truman and Martha Smith; her brother, Brad Smith; and many extended family members and friends who will miss her deeply.

Traci loved crafting in her free time and cherished every opportunity to watch her grandchildren in their sports and activities. She was proud of her family and found happiness in supporting the people she loved most.

A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor on Sunday, April 19th with more details to come.

Obituary submitted by the family.
Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, Missouri

04/16/2026

Donald “Pa” Case

Donald Case, affectionately known by many as “Pa,” peacefully passed away on April 14, 2026. He was born on August 28, 1935, in Boonville, Missouri, to James and Helen Case. He was raised in Boonville and graduated from Boonville High School in 1953.

Don honorably served his country as a United States Army Sargeant veteran, spending much of his service stationed in Augsburg, Germany. Following his return home, he began his working life with Hall & Riley Construction, later owning a small business for a time. He ultimately retired after 30 years of dedicated service with Crosby Vending.

Don was a hard worker with a remarkable ability to fix just about anything (except a broken heart), he was widely respected for his work ethic and dependability. Above all, he was a devoted family man and a gentle, generous soul. Wherever he went, he always carried candy in his pocket for anyone he crossed paths with, whether it was neighborhood children getting off the school bus or the medical staff who helped care for him he always wanted to brighten their day. His thoughtfulness and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Don was a great father and grandfather, known for never missing a ball game or activity involving his children or grandchildren. You could always find him on the sideline at any sporting event keeping score on his own notepad.

In July 1960, Don married the love of his life, Carolyn. Their 66 years of marriage was a testament to enduring love, commitment, and partnership. Together, they raised two children: Rusty and Pam.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Frances.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Carolyn, of the home; his son Rusty and wife Marsha; his daughter Pam Kahle and husband Rick; five grandchildren—Dustin, Derek and wife Morgan, Karissa and husband Grant, Taylor, Zach and fiancée Clara; along with three great grandchildren: Camden, Kinley, and Easton. He is also survived by his sister Donna Peck, his sister in law Wanda Hunt, and many dear friends.

In accordance with Don’s wishes, he will be cremated, with a private placing to be held at a later date.

Obituary submitted by the family.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, Missouri

04/14/2026

James Delbert Wilson, 77, of Bates City, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home on April 10, 2026. A graveside service will be held at 3:00 PM on April 24, 2026, at Oak Grove Cemetery in Oak Grove, Missouri.

Jim was born on November 7, 1948, in Independence, Missouri, to Delbert and Louise Wilson. He was raised in Independence and graduated from Van Horn High School in 1967. Later that same year, in November, he proudly joined the Naval Air Reserves. On November 25, 1978, Jim married Anita Candillo, the love of his life. Together they built a life centered on family, hard work, and the quiet joys of country living. Jim dedicated many years of service to Hallmark Cards, Inc., where he worked in various roles, primarily in manufacturing. Through dedication and skill, he advanced into building engineering, ultimately serving as a building engineer specialist until his retirement in 2004. He had a deep appreciation for aviation, hunting, and gunsmithing, and found great contentment in life in the country. Those who knew Jim will remember his steady presence, his craftsmanship, and his love for the simple, meaningful things in life.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Delbert and Louise Wilson.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Anita Wilson of Bates City, Missouri; his daughter, Angela Wilson; his sons, Stephen and Matt Leith; and his cherished grandchildren, Jamison and Quincy Leith.

Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Grain Valley, MO 64029 816-847-4441

04/14/2026

Augustus Lowell Knisely, 92 years old, of Independence, MO passed away at home on April 10, 2026 surrounded by his family. He was known as "Gus" by co-workers but as "Lowell" by his family and friends. Services will be held at Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home in Independence, Missouri, on Thursday, April 16, 2026 with visitation at 10:00 a.m. and funeral at 11:00 a.m., followed by burial in New Salem Cemetery, Independence, Missouri.

Lowell was born on February 13, 1934, in Henry County to Oliver Augustus and Dorothy May (Croley) Knisely. He grew up in Clinton, MO with his younger brother Gary and where the two of them caused a lot of mischief, as boys tend to do. He met the love of his life Nancy Darlene (Pogue) while hanging out with some of Gary's friends.

Lowell was drafted into the Army in 1956 and served 2 years with the majority of it spent in Okinawa, Japan. Just before being shipped off to Okinawa Lowell married Nancy on December 26, 1956. During their 69 ½ year marriage they had 3 children, 9 grandchildren, 8 great- grandchildren and countless adventures.

Lowell worked for the United States Postal Service for 25 years (1967 to 1992) as a letter carrier. Lowell took great pride in his job, getting to know the people on his route. He was one of the few people who actually enjoyed receiving fruit cake as a Christmas gift from his patrons.

Lowell was so much more than a letter carrier, husband, son, brother and father. He was a lover of Mickey Mouse, of all sports (especially baseball), drawing, woodworking, and painting his little wooden baseball men. He was meticulous in keeping sports statistics for both professional teams and every team that anyone of his kids, grandkids or great-grandkids played.

He was a thorough journalist for all vacations and road trips. Documenting the exact departure and arrival times, money spent, restaurants eaten at, hotel stays and all activities. As much as this would drive Nancy, and all other travelers in the group, crazy; it is now something that will be cherished forever by many generations. He was also a baseball coach for several decades in the Independence leagues, impacting numerous children.

Lowell is preceded in death by his father: Oliver Knisely, mother: Dorothy Knisely, and brother: Gary Knisely.

He is lovingly remembered by his children: Darla (Dave) Eames, Kelvin Knisely and Marcus (Natalie) Knisely, all of Independence MO. grandchildren: Dr. Danielle Eames of Las Vegas, NV; Paula Eames of Independence, MO; Kirsten (Brad) Anderson of Vancouver, WA; Derek Knisely of Independence, MO; Holly Estrada of Blue Springs, MO; Heather (Tyler) Austin of Lee's Summit, MO; Hannah Boger of Independence, MO; Brianna Knisely of Jax Beach, FL; and Blake Knisely of Independence, MO. great-grandchildren: Avery and Emery Anderson, Liam Knisely, Oliver and Elliot Estrada, Adalynn & Amelia Austin, Cayden Boger.

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

04/13/2026

Lenora Gean Elliott, 84 of Grandview, MO, formerly of Oak Grove, MO.; passed away at 10:00am on April 10th, 2026, surrounded by family.

Survived by her children Michelle Williams (Bob), Mike, Timothy Blake (Bev), and Lori Hill (Bryan), her grandchildren Cindi, Crystle, Cristi, Beth, Stacey, Darcie, Austin and Kyle, and great grandchildren Caley, Coby, Sienna, Preston, Jaylynn, Owen, Nicolas, Hudson, Kolten, Annabelle, Olivia, Leonardo, Ada, Daisy, and Fabio. As well as all the spouses of her grandkids who loved her as their own and her precious pup, “her baby boy” Brutus who never left her side.

Preceded in death by her husband Donald of 59 years, her parents Eugene (Gene) and Lisbeth, her brothers Donald, Wayne, Logan, Alan, and Jon. Survived by her siblings, Phil Grote, Della Tosspon, and Sue Tolliver.

Lenora was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 27th, 1941 spending her youth in Oak Grove with her parents and siblings. When she was about 9 years old the family home caught fire and the siblings were split amongst family for a short time until they moved to a country farm in the outskirts of Oak Grove. While in that house, they were nearly blown away from a tornado! She loved to go stay the night with her best friend Karen and her family in Holden but never seemed to bring her own clothes; when she was asked what clothes she was gonna wear, she’d tell Karen, “I’m just gonna wear your clothes.”
Later the family moved in downtown Oak Grove where they stayed until she graduated high school in 1959. She met Donald Elliott in 1958 at Teen Town, a dance hall where all the teens of the day hung out. He came up there with his friend who happened to be her old boyfriend, but after she caught his eye, Don made his move. After taking her home on Sundays for the big family fried chicken dinners, Lenora knew he was her match. They married on her birthday in 1959, had twins Michelle and Mike in 1960 and later moved to Grandview in 1961 when Michelle and Mike were nearly 1 year old. They later had Blake and Lori and she remained in the same house until this day. In Grandview, she met two of her soul sisters Georgia and Gaye whom she drank Folgers coffee with many mornings for decades, laughed with ‘til she cried and those three got into mischief any time they could. She worked for several years at A&P Grocers and later Sam’s Club.
When the older six granddaughters were little she and PawPaw took them all on an epic roadtrip to Wyoming and the Dakotas to see Mount Rushmore. On the way the girls had brought some of their favorite cassette tapes when “I Wanna be a Cowboys Sweetheart” from Suzy Bogguss became the theme song of the trip. The girls all sang the song at the top of their lungs over and over and over as Grandma sang along or laughed and filmed them all the while driving Grandpa crazy! It was one of her favorite memories of the kids and she’d still laugh every time she heard that song. Later on a different road trip down to Gulf Shores, they ran into this lady at two different gas stations and Lenora got to talking with her. The next thing you knew, she had hopped in the car with this woman who was heading mostly the same way just so she could smoke in the car! The boys lost their minds that they let her go into a strangers car by herself, but that was Lenora!

Lenora was one of those people who never met a stranger. She’d take in any of her kids friends as her own and still has several who call her mom to this day that aren’t kin by blood but they were to her. She did the same with her grandkids and even great grands. She still kept in touch with friends like Karen who she’d been friends with since 5th grade, 74 years in total, as well as her kids teachers, old co-workers and grandkids old friends from high school and college that she just loved. She was that way with everyone. She’d give the shirt off her back to someone who needed it. She’d invite over anyone who needed family or a good home cooked meal. She was quite the cook and passed it on as much as she could. She loved George Jones and George Strait, loved concerts of any kind, and to travel to see as much as she could all across the country from the Rocky Mountains, to the Great Lakes region, to the Grand Canyon, to the shores of California and the coasts of Massachusetts, South Carolina and Florida. She loved the sunsets at the beach and any beautiful scenery or adventure she could find. She was one of a kind.

The family will hold a private graveside ceremony followed by a short service on Friday April 17th at 3:30pm at the First Baptist Church of Oak Grove; 400 SE 14th St. Oak Grove, MO 64075. Celebration of Life to follow immediately with food provided. Please wear any KC Royals, KC Chiefs or Mizzou clothing as she would have loved to see that. Flowers or plants may be sent to: Royer Funeral Home 101 Southeast 15th St. Pl. Oak Grove, MO 64075. In leu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of her husband Don and best friend Gaye.

Obituary submitted by the family.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, Missouri

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