Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home

Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home Ralph O. The History of Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home

The Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home has been part of Lafayette County for approximately 150 years. and Irene O.
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Jones Funeral Home is a full service family owned funeral home located in Odessa, Missouri serving our surrounding areas in Lafayette, Northern Johnson, and Eastern Jackson counties. First known as Chris Wagner & Sons, it began in the Mount Hope Community, located just south of Odessa, in the mid-1800’s. The family owned business offered a variety of services including milling cabinets, furniture and undertaking. In 1878, the railroad came to Odessa and offered new possibilities for Lafayette County. Later that year, Chris Wagner brought his business, which he still operated with his sons, to Odessa. The small company operated in a building near the new railroad tracks, located at the corner of Mail Street and 2nd. Ben Blincoe and his sons, Clifton and Horace, bought the business from the Wagner family in 1902 and founded Blincoe & Sons. They continued all facets of the company, undertaking, cabinet making and furniture at 101 South Main Street. Shortly there-after, downtown Odessa suffered a large fire and the one-story building burned. However, the Blincoe family re-built, replacing the small building with a large, modern two-story building which became known simply as the “Blincoe Building” to Odessans. Tragedy struck the Blincoe family in 1953 and 1954 when Ben, Horace and Clifton all passed away within months. Jones bought the furniture store and undertaking business from Mrs. Myrtle Blincoe in 1954 and continued operating out of the “Blincoe Building.” On January 2, 1958 they moved the undertaking business and their six small children to the current location of 306 South Second Street. The home already had a rich history, built in 1906 by County Commissioner Judge Tom Gann for his private residence. In 1988, Ralph O. Jones passed away and Mrs. Irene O. Jones sold the business to their son, Larry P. and his wife, Carole. They raised their two small children while remodeling the funeral home in three stages and expanding the parking lots. Stephen Fuller purchased the Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home from Larry P. and Carole J. Jones in August, 2009. Austin Ledford is the Managing Funeral Director and oversees the day to day operations of the funeral home. Austin, his wife Christy and their two children moved to Odessa in October of 2010. Christy is the Managing Pharmacist at the Grain Valley Red Cross Pharmacy. Larry “Harpo” Jones is still an active part-time assistant with the funeral home, assisting with visitations and funerals. Robert Simmons is also a funeral assistant with the funeral home, Robert assist with the funerals, visitations, and many other duties around the funeral home when he is available. The Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home is not just a building. It’s a continuation of a Lafayette County tradition that began approximately 150 years ago. Family owned, family operated and community-centered. We don’t just work here, we live here. This is where our history was and where our future will be.

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11/11/2025
11/11/2025

As we mark Veterans Day, we want to specially remember the courage and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans. We thank you for your courage and selfless sacrifice!

Ernest Lee Kuhlman, 80, of Odessa, Missouri passed away Sunday, November 9, 2025, at his residence surrounded by loving ...
11/10/2025

Ernest Lee Kuhlman, 80, of Odessa, Missouri passed away Sunday, November 9, 2025, at his residence surrounded by loving family.

A family hosted graveside service with military honors will take place when weather warms up at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, Missouria. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society. Memories of Ernest and condolences for his family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our page. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 S. 2nd St., Odessa, MO, 64076, 816-633-5524.

Ernest was born on December 27, 1944, in Stibnite, Idaho to Gilbert and Virginia (Fuller) Kuhlman. Ernest was drafted in the United States Army on May 11, 1966, where he proudly served his country until his honorable discharge on May 11, 1968, achieving the rank of E-5. His dedication to service, much like his commitment to family and farming, defined his character. Ernest married his beloved wife, Shirley “JoAn” (Bunch) Kuhlman, on April 3, 1981, in Camdenton, Missouri. Together, they built a life filled with love and laughter. As a self-employed farmer, Ernest dedicated his life to the land. He found joy in every facet of the outdoors, from fishing and hunting to gardening and nurturing his crops. His passion for the earth and its bounty was evident in every harvest and joyous moment spent outdoors.

Ernest is survived by his loving wife, Shirley “JoAn” Kuhlman of the home, four children, Kimberly (Roger) Kuhlman Mawhiney of Raytown, MO, Theodore (Gena) Kuhlman of Warsaw, MO, Pete Tapia of Odessa, MO, Anthony (Taylor) Tapia of Juno, AK; fifteen grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; one sister, Matha “Marti” Hembree of Warrensburg, MO; one brother, Larry (Barbara) Kuhlman of Shell K**b, MO; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Ernest was preceded in death by his parents.

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Have you met our Advanced Planning Coordinator, Christy?
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Carol Lena (Anderton) Heman, 92, of Napoleon, Missouri passed away Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Ignite Medical Resort ...
11/03/2025

Carol Lena (Anderton) Heman, 92, of Napoleon, Missouri passed away Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Ignite Medical Resort in Blue Springs, Missouri.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 7, 2025, at Ebenezer United Church of Christ, 206 West Old Lexington Rd., Levasy, MO, 64066.
A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 7, 2025, at the church. Interment to follow at Ebenezer Cemetery (Bone Hill Cemetery). Memorial contributions are suggested to the Ebenezer Cemetery Association. Memories of Carol and condolences for her family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our page. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 S. 2nd St., Odessa, MO, 64076, 816-633-5524.

Carol was born on March 8, 1933, in Independence, Missouri to James and Leona (Hughes) Anderton. She was confirmed on March 30, 1947, and became a lifelong member of Ebenezer United Church of Christ in Levasy, MO. May of 1951, she graduated from Hall’s Memorial High School in Buckner, Missouri. On July 29, 1951, Carol was united in marriage to Ralph John Heman at the Ebenezer Evangelical and Reformed Church in Levasy, MO by Pastor E.F. Puhlmann. He preceded her in death on September 22, 1985. Carol spent most of her early married life as a devoted mother and farm wife. Carol was active in the Family Fellowship at Ebenezer United Church of Christ, and as a leader in the Levasy 4-H Club. After her daughters were raised, Carol began selling furniture and chasing grandchildren to many activities and sporting events. She continued to live on the family farm in Buckner, MO until she moved in with her daughter and son-in-law in Napoleon.

Carol is survived by her two daughters, Cindy (Earl) Czeschin of Napoleon, MO and Janet (Dennis) Weaver of Kansas City, MO; four grandchildren, Cassi Weaver, Steven Czeschin, Barbra Wahn, and Drew Weaver; five great-grandchildren, Trinity Gee, Trenton Wahn, Brayden Wahn, Andrew Czeschin, and Payten Czeschin; one sister, Alice Heman of Levasy, MO; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Along with both her parents and husband, Carol was preceded in death by one sister, Helen Tilley; and two brothers, Jimmy Anderton and Tommy Anderton.

Address

306 S 2nd Street
Odessa, MO
64076

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+18166335524

Website

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