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.

Thomas "Tommy" Edward Hedges,64, of Odessa, Missouri, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2026, in Odessa, Missouri at h...
03/16/2026

Thomas "Tommy" Edward Hedges,64, of Odessa, Missouri, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2026, in Odessa, Missouri at his home. A man of strength and warmth, Thomas led a life enriched by dedication, passion, and an unyielding love for his family.

Family has chosen cremation and private services at a later date. Memories of Thomas 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.

Thomas was born July 16, 1961, in Kansas City, Missouri to Henley & Terry Hedges. A proud high school graduate from Odessa, Missouri, Thomas devoted many years of his working life to his career as a machinist, contributing his skill and expertise across various businesses.

Thomas was more than his profession; he was a man who genuinely treasured the moments spent with those he loved most. His proudest accomplishment was the time devoted to his family. One treasured memory he held dear was a family trip to Branson and the lake during the boys’ youth, a joyful chapter that brought laughter, adventure, and togetherness.

His commitment to service extended beyond his family. Volunteering at the VFW, Thomas gave back to the community. Outside of work and service, he found joy in simple pleasures: golfing, fishing, and bowling.

He was preceded in death by his dear parents, Henley and Terry Hedges, whose influence shaped the man he became.

Thomas is survived by his beloved sons, Tony Hedges and Thomas "TJ" Hedges, who carry forward his legacy of strength and kindness. His grandchildren—Kayla, Michaela, Eric, Aaron, Thomas, Tyler, and Dylan. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Jocelyn Hedges.
Thomas’s life was a testament to the power of passion, family, and service. Those who loved him will forever cherish his spirit, his laughter, and the enduring legacy of a man who gave so much to those around him.

03/16/2026

Have you ever wondered what happens during an arrangement conference for a funeral? This article shares a few tips on wh...
03/13/2026

Have you ever wondered what happens during an arrangement conference for a funeral? This article shares a few tips on what to expect and how you can prepare ahead of time.

Do you know what to expect at a funeral arrangement conference? Read over these tips so you can prepare for the conversation ahead of time.

Carolyn Ann (Williams) Lancaster, 77, of Odessa, Missouri passed away Wednesday, March 4, 2026, in Carrollton, Missouri....
03/13/2026

Carolyn Ann (Williams) Lancaster, 77, of Odessa, Missouri passed away Wednesday, March 4, 2026, in Carrollton, Missouri.

Family has chosen cremation with no service at this time. Memorials are suggested to the family in care of Richard Lancaster. Memories of Carolyn 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, in Odessa, MO, 816-633-5524.

Carolyn was born on October 15, 1948, in Ceder, Missouri. Carolyn and Richard Lancaster was married in August 2003 in Odessa, Missouri. Carolyn dedicated her life to be a devoted mother/wife, she cherished spending time with her friends and family creating lifelong memories.

Carolyn is survived by her loving husband, Richard Allen Lancaster of Carrollton, MO; five children, Wallace Malone, Patricia Lurket, Rhonda Killgore, Adam Clark, and Jennifer Ford; and stepchildren Richard, Joe, Travis, and Steven Lancaster; 7 grandchildren; and 5 great grandchildren

Carolyn was preceded in death by both parents Goldie and Charles, and her son Eddie

Happy Funeral Directors Day to our favorite gang Austin, Jennifer and Megan!
03/11/2026

Happy Funeral Directors Day to our favorite gang Austin, Jennifer and Megan!

Today, as we honor our funeral care colleagues around the country on National Funeral Director & Mortician Recognition D...
03/11/2026

Today, as we honor our funeral care colleagues around the country on National Funeral Director & Mortician Recognition Day, we want to say "thank you" for stepping into difficult situations, for offering kindness and compassion, and for going the extra mile for families in grief. Today is about you and making sure you know just how valuable you are to the community!

Time is precious, and most of us often take it for granted. But what if we stopped worrying about our sources of stress ...
03/10/2026

Time is precious, and most of us often take it for granted. But what if we stopped worrying about our sources of stress and decided to focus on the things that truly matter? What if we started living life to the fullest?

Choose today to be the day that you begin to spend time on what's really important in your life — like your family! Take a family drive with the windows down. Go on a walk with your spouse. Watch your kids' favorite movie with them. Make every moment you have with your family count!

Time goes by fast, so make memories that will last forever in the hearts of your family.

Someday, we may not have to reset our clocks, but until then, make sure to spring forward tonight!
03/07/2026

Someday, we may not have to reset our clocks, but until then, make sure to spring forward tonight!

Did you know that mortuary cosmetology is an essential part of many funerals? This informative article provides helpful ...
03/06/2026

Did you know that mortuary cosmetology is an essential part of many funerals? This informative article provides helpful insight into the job, how it benefits grieving families, and the pathway to becoming a certified mortuary cosmetologist. Read to learn more about this crucial career!

What is a mortuary cosmetologist? What do they do? Read the article to learn more about the profession and how it can be a fulfilling career.

Kimberly “Kim” Jane (Murphy) Berry, 61, of Oak Grove Missouri, passed away March 5, 2026, peacefully with her family by ...
03/06/2026

Kimberly “Kim” Jane (Murphy) Berry, 61, of Oak Grove Missouri, passed away March 5, 2026, peacefully with her family by her side.

Kimberly Jane Murphy was born on September 23rd, 1964, in Warrensburg, MO to Alice Jane and Auther Murphy. She was the second of 3 children. Kim graduated from Warrensburg High School in 1982 and worked as a tech at the Johnson County Memorial Hospital. She also worked at Warrensburg Optical and Pearl Vision, aiding others in seeing the world more clearly. In later years she cared for multiple children in her home while raising her own family. She spent many years doing what she did best, helping others.

On March 1st, 1986, she married the love of her life Darren Berry. During their 40 years together, they welcomed four children: Kaylee, Abby, Max, and Emily. When not spending time with her family, Kim enjoyed crafting, reading, and watching all things true crime. She was a constant in all the lives around her.

Kim is survived by her husband Darren, children Kaylee (Jamie) Max, (Alaina) and Emily (Justin), granddaughters Sidney and Elliot, brothers Dean (Diane) and Jim, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her mother Jane and father Art, as well as her daughter Abby.
Her presence will be missed by many, but her memory will be kept alive by the joy and love she
supplied each of us with.
A memorial service will be held on March 17, 2026, at 2pm at the Ralph O. Jones funeral home, 306 S. Second St,, Odessa, Missouri. Memories of Kim 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.
A gathering will be held immediately following the service at the Mount Hope Masonic Lodge in Odessa, Missouri. We ask that in place of flowers, that any donations are sent to the Kansas City Hospice House in her honor.

Happy Birthday Austin! Congrats on surviving another year with all of us! You've never looked younger!
03/05/2026

Happy Birthday Austin! Congrats on surviving another year with all of us! You've never looked younger!

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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