Virgil E. Clark, 69, of Richmond, died Friday, July 9, 2021, at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond.
     Virgil was born on September 11, 1951, in Mt. Vernon, OR, the son of Virgil and Lotti Jean Wiley Clark.  He was first united in marriage to Kathy Copenhaver of Odessa in 1970; they later divorced.  He was then united in marriage to Susan J. Hofmann of Kansas City, KS, on July 9, 1983; they later divorced.
    Survivors include: son, Chris Niemeyer of Sacramento, CA; three daughters: Jennifer (Glenn) Gillam of Grain Valley, Julie Houseman of Blue Springs, and Jill (Tim) Welty of Odessa; 9 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends also survive.
     He was preceded in death by his parents.
     Virgil was reared and educated in Odessa, graduating from the Odessa High School.  He loved fishing, hunting, sailing, and boating.  Virgil enjoyed his job as a truck driver.  He loved watching TV and enjoyed devotional listening to Shepard’s Chapel, daily.
     The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Virgil Clark Memorial Fund.  They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.
    Graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, July 24, 2021, in Concord Baptist Cemetery, Bates City.  Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond is in charge of arrangements.  Please remember to share your memories of Virgil with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.
 

     Each semester, students at Missouri State University who attain academic excellence are named to the dean’s list. 
     For undergraduate students, criteria include enrollment in at least six credit hours during the summer semester and at least a 3.50 grade point average (on a 4.00 scale).
     Grain Valley:
     Molly Dixon
 

​     Jesse Frank Long, 94, of Bolivar, Missouri passed away Sunday, November 17, 2019 at his home in Bolivar, Missouri, surrounded by his loving family.
     Jesse was born on April 27, 1925 in Eureka, Kansas to John and Mable Coulter Long, the youngest of nine children. Jesse primarily grew up in Reece, Kansas, also living in Neosho and Burlington, Kansas. At the age of 17, Jesse enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he earned the distinguished title of Navy Frogman. He served his country with honor in the Second World War. Following his time in the military, Jesse moved back to the Midwest, where he joined the Santa Fe Railroad as a mechanic, retiring after 33 years.
     From the age of eight, Jesse was an accomplished harmonica player. It was a talent that he cultivated over years and enjoyed playing until the end. Jesse was also a very gifted storyteller and shared his life with many around him. He could often be found fishing, fixing cars, or playing cards with his friends or family. Jesse was generous to a fault, and loved his country, his family and his God. His example leads the way for those who loved him most to follow.
     Jesse is preceded in death by his loving wife of over 60 years, Marjorie Elizabeth Long.
     He is survived by his wife, Barbara Long of Bolivar, Missouri, as well as his two sons, Lewis Michael Long and Steven Alan Long. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Norma Jean Henry, Michael Anthony Long, Morgan Macrae Dolan, Jessica Ann Long, Robert Alan Long, Justin Wessel, Logan Varner, Lacey Varner, April Doherty, and his great-grandchildren: Lawson James Henry, Tressa Anne Henry, Caleb Delaney Dolan, Roman Ezekiel Harris, Josiah Mason Long, Braelyn Grace Harris, and Sabra Watkins.
     Visitation for Jesse Long will be held Thursday, November 21, 2019 at 1:00pm at the Heritage Baptist Church in Bolivar, MO. Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 21, 2019 at 2:00pm at the Heritage Baptist Church in Bolivar, MO. Burial will be held at Royer Cemetery in Grain Valley, MO on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at 1:00pm.
Memorial contributions can be made in Jesse’s honor to the Heritage Baptist Church in Bolivar, MO.
 

Michael Shane Fisk
​
It is with great sadness that the family of Michael Shane Fisk announce his passing on Wednesday, August 14, 2019 at the age of 45 years. “Shane” was a general contractor. He attended schools in Grain Valley, Stockton, Harrisonville, Butler, Higginsville, and Appleton City, respectively. “Shane” will be lovingly missed by his wife Melena and his children Ember Blaze (18 months) and Stormy Rain (6 months), Branson, first born son Damon Michael Fisk, 26, Kansas, and second son Caleb Fisk, 13, of Branson.
He leaves behind his parents Carl Ray Fisk of Grain Valley and Kathryn Self of Clinton, sister Carla Ball of Leawood, Kansas, brother James E. Cantrell III of Fair Play, two half brothers Danny Fisk and Shawn Fisk, along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 24th at 2:00pm at Bear Creek Methodist Church, 9655 NE 300 Road, south of Osceola. We will meet at Casey’s in Osceola and form a procession line to the church for our celebration of Shane’s life.