6/11/1949 – 04/08/2024

Darrell C. McIntire (Clay) was born on June 11, 1949 and departed this earth peacefully on April 8, 2024, in order to dwell in his Eternal resting place and to be with our Lord. He was home with those he loved and who loved him.

Darrell was born in Opa Locha, Florida, where he discovered as a young boy how to nurture his adventurous spirit and passion for life. He was always an avid outdoorsman and loved skydiving, snorkeling, sailing, hiking, camping, water-skiing, cycling, skating and ice skating.

Darrell had a passion for life and nature and enjoyed the simple things. Quiet drives on backroads, admiring falling leaves from trees, inspired by the promise of what would be reborn from a season of rest.

He moved to the Midwest and developed an interest in spelunking and explored beautiful caverns in and around the Southern Missouri area. He was owner/operator of one of the first Skydiving clubs in the midwest, where he was instructor to many students over the years. He was asked to be one of the main attractions during the opening of “The Arrowhead Football Stadium” and of “Worlds of Fun,” both located in Kansas City, MO. He executed an amazing skydiving exhibit and show into the venues on their opening days and it was truly one of the highlights of his life.

He was a light to those who knew him and was always full of fun, laughs and love. His life revolved around a commitment to others and what he could do to help those who were in need. He gave of himself much more than he took for himself and all who knew him, knew this. He never knew a stranger and relished in chats with new friends he made everywhere he went. He lived, loved, laughed and was loyal to the end and when he left this world, he left it a better place because of his spirit of kindness.

After relocating to Independence, MO, he met his wife, Lesa Monette McIntire (Harmon.) They were married for 47 years and always believed that they had been blessed to have found their soul-mate in each other. Darrell owned his business for many years as a designer and developer for dentist office expansions as well as, a dental equipment technician and salesman. He was blessed with the gift of being able to do almost anything. If he didn’t know how to do something, he could always “hands on” figure it out. His mother-in-law would tell everyone that “He was as handy as a pocket on a shirt.” He was also a strong supporter and partner in his wife’s music business. He had as much passion for the music industry as she did and was always a very strong and positive influence in her teaching studio and production shows. They made the perfect team in most everything they shared as husband and wife.

Darrell was preceded in death by his father, Orville James McIntire; mother, Elsie Lorraine Van Hoose McIntire; sister, Joy Yvonne Lingenfelser; father-in-law, Rex Harmon; and mother-in-law, Wanda Harmon.

He is survived by his wife, Lesa Monette McIntire of Kearney, MO; daughter, Carolyn Rae McIntire of Doha, Qatar; son, Moriah Clay McIntire of Independence, MO; grandson, Orville James McIntire of Independence, MO; and granddaughter, Venus Christina McIntire of Lees Summit, MO. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Alexis Lynn Martin of Liberty, MO, and Deiadra Dean Fisher of Kearney, MO, who he loved dearly and considered his sisters as well. More survivors include his nephews and nieces, Shelley Martin, Butch Haberman, Jeremy Sila, Amber Hessenflow, Aaron Pederson, Ryan Pederson, Lindsey Pederson, Erik Mewes, Mike Mewes, Dwight Mewes, Kelly Mewes and Shelly Houchens Mewes, many of whom spent years living with Clay and Lesa and he loved them as his own.

Darrell, who many called “Clay” will be missed terribly, but we know he is in a much better place and is no longer suffering from Alzheimer’s, which robbed him of so much of his physical body and mind, but could not touch his beautiful spirit and those things which belonged to our God.

He chose to be cremated and the family will also be respecting his wishes to not have funeral or memorial services, but rather to give all of his family and friends the message that “he truly did love each of you.”

My husband was a special man, a special husband, a special father, a special family member, friend and human being. I was so blessed to have had him as my husband for so many years and I look forward to the day that I will see him and embrace him again. He is whole, he is healed, he is no longer suffering and he is with Jesus in his Kingdom.

Soar with the Eagles My Love. Thank you for loving me and I will love you forever, “My Clay.”

Arrangements in care of Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Kearney, MO.

Janet Elizabeth (Bennier) Petersen passed away peacefully on April 7, 2024, at the age of 82. Janet was born on February 17, 1942 in Halbur, Iowa, the daughter of Marcella and Al Bennier. She was the 6th
child of 11.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Kenneth Lee; her parents; her brothers, Paul, James, Robert, Kenneth; and her sisters, Mary and Carol.

We were blessed to have a wonderful Mom, Grandma and Great Grandma. She was always there for us and was very involved in our lives and was the best Mom the five of us could ask for. She taught us how to love God, love others and follow Jesus.

Mom had a servanthood heart and served us well, she always wanted to be a Momma and she practiced being one when her youngest sister was born. Mom said it was like she had a live doll and would dress Gayle and feed her and play with her and hold her. When she became a Mother, she stayed home and raised her five babies and didn’t start working until Theresa went to Kindergarten. I can remember walking home from elementary school and smelling the warm chocolate chip cookies Mom had made for our after school snack. She was always baking, she makes the best pies, chocolate, butterscotch, French
apple, and cherry, to name a few.

We grew up listening to the laughter of my Mom and Dad playing cards with their best friends while us kids would go crazy upstairs playing ghost or flying down the stairs on our tummies. We had pizza night on Friday nights and Saturday mornings Dad would make us breakfast and let Mom sleep in and Sunday nights we would have popcorn or nachos.

Mom was so helpful when we had babies and helped us out with our sweet new born babies. She also loved watching her Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren and talked about them often. If you showed up to her house, the grands always wanted waffles or pancakes and some bacon to go along with it. It did not matter what time you showed up, she would make you your favorite kind. Mom opened her home to every family party, and loved to fill our tummies with roast and potatoes, pot pies, angel food cake, fried chicken, butterscotch, apple and cherry pies.

When we grew up and moved out, Christmas Eve was always spent with my Mom and Dad and when Mom moved down to LS we continued the tradition of Christmas Eve with a twist, we always opened presents in the basement and we all played games together, Amber would think of new games each year and the last couple, we play Bingo, Henry was the caller and Mom had a gift room, that we can go in and get a present after we won a Bingo.

With her friends in Lee’s Summit, Mom was a busy lady. She had Game nights, Bunko groups, Red Hats, Sunday Cards, Saturday Card making Class, and Tuesday Bingo online with fountains. She also volunteered at church with the summer lunch program, funeral dinners and was Eucharistic Minister.

During the last week, we had a full house. Many friends helped us out the last couple of weeks, we are so grateful to them. We ended our week with four generations together, living, loving and laughing. All five of her children were under the same roof, all thanks to Mom. It was a testament to the amazing love she instilled in all of us. Thankful for all the things our Mom/Grandma/Great Grandma taught us and the love and joy that fills us all. She gave us a beautiful legacy to continue.

Janet is survived by her five children, Diane (Terry) Hedrick, Mark Petersen, Beth (Clark) Stratton, Rose (Byekwaso) Gilbert, Theresa (Steve) Matzeder; her eight grandchildren, Amber (Scott) Seimsen, Henry (Anna) Stratton, Elizabeth (Tanner) Butler, Maggie Stratton, Katherine (Clifford Scott), Mary Matzeder, Kenny and Kolten Gilbert; nine great grandchildren, Otto, Abby, Stephan, Shawn, Sheya, Niq, Octavia Seimsen, J Stratton, and Hayes Butler; her siblings, Evie Bennier, Nancy (Ward) Greene, John (Linda) Bennier, Steve Bennier, Gayle (Larry) Royal; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 1800 MO 150 highway, Lee’s Summit, MO, on Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 9 to 11 a.m., Mass at 11 a.m., and luncheon at noon. Everyone is invited, all will be at Holy Spirit.

To make a memorial contribution online, please visit fosteradopt.org/fac-donations/, and under Location select “Give Joy” to designate it to our holiday program. The holiday program provides presents at Christmas and our Mom participated in this each year. Please make checks payable to FosterAdopt Connect and send to 18600 E 37th Terrace S, Independence, MO 64057 attn: Give Joy and designate it as a memorial in the memo.

Arrangements in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.

Joseph B. Green, 74, of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, passed away Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Excelsior Springs.

Mr. Green was born May 24, 1949, in Carrolton, Missouri. He is survived by his wife, Linda; sons, Billy Green and Brian Green; brother, Bill Seek; and grandchildren, Kailey Green, Kameron Green, and Cooper Green.

A visitation will be held from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 21, 2024 at Cresent Lake Christian Center with a celebration of life to follow.

Arrangements in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.

Jewel Arlene Wisecup, 65, of Kearney, Missouri, went home to Heaven April 5, 2024.

Arlene was born October 22, 1958 to David and Vera Fern Dagley. She loved to spend her time crafting and was amazingly creative and filled with talent. She was an avid collector of antique head vases and enjoyed hunting to add new ones to her collection. She was an exceptional gardener, filling her perfectly manicured yard with beautiful flowers. She also enjoyed traveling with her daughter and her family and enjoyed many vacations and road trips over the years.

Arlene married her husband, Jody Wisecup, in 1984 and was blessed to spend 34 years building a beautiful life and home with him. She loved her family fiercely and her grandchildren were the light of her life. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and sweet dog Jolene, but we take comfort in knowing she is reunited with Jody.

Arlene is survived by her daughter, Jessica Cantrell and her husband Tony, and her beloved grandchildren, Madison Scott and Atticus Lee; her brothers, Roger Dagley and wife Pat, Dean Dagley and wife Susie, and Tommy Dagley; sister-in-law, Rita Kelly and husband Tom; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cherished friends. She also leaves behind two young women she loved as her own, Christina McElwee and Pamela Balash.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jody; her parents, David and Fern; brother, Donald Dagley; and brother-in-law, Jeff Wisecup.

Visitation will be at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, 208 S. Jefferson, Kearney, MO 64060, on Thursday, April 18, 2024, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., followed by a service from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Donations can be made in Arlene’s honor to the University of Kansas Health System’s Palliative Care team.

Timothy W. Bowles, 68, of Richmond, Missouri, passed away April 2, 2024.

He is survived by wife, Lisa Bowles; son, Trevor Bowles; and grandson, Chris Bowles.

A celebration of life will be held from 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the VFW in Excelsior Springs, Missouri.

Arrangements in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.

It is with deep love and comfort that we announce the passing of Richard “Dick” Dale Specker, beloved husband, father and grandfather. Dick passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by those he loved on Monday, April 1, 2024 at the age 85.

Born to Jeff and Erma (Hook) Specker on May 3, 1938, Dick spent his younger years learning to nurture the land alongside his parents and his sister, Sharon. He then cultivated his love of the outdoors with his uncle, C.W. Hook. His passion for the outdoors could be seen through his attentiveness to gardening, his love of fishing, and his thrill of hunting.

Dick attended Higginsville High School, Class of ’56, where he met his future wife, Carole Oetting. After graduation, he went on to attend the University of Missouri-Rolla. During his time in Rolla, he was a member of Delta Sigma Phi and ROTC. He graduated from the University in 1961 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Dick fulfilled his military obligation with the Army Reserves in Fort Knox, Kentucky after which he began his lifelong career with General Motors.

In January of 1962, Dick married Carole and their family soon started to grow. Together, they raised their family with fierce love and devotion, teaching them the importance of hard work and a loving family.

After retiring from General Motors, he spent his time exploring the passions of his youth. He loved spending time at his family farm gardening, teaching his grandchildren to fish, and hunting the land. Whether it be the sweet smell of freshly baked bread, the cheery tune of his singing, or the warmth of his belly laugh; Dick filled his home with an overwhelming amount of love.

He will be remembered for his fierce devotion to family, his ability to challenge even the strongest minds, and his ever-present grin stretching from ear to ear. Though we are saddened by our loss, we know that he is flying free.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his loyal lab Murphy.

Dick is survived by his loving wife, Carole; three children, Laurie, Bryan and Sara (Neal Hull); and his sister, Sharon (Ron Brizendine). He was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren to whom he devoted his life’s wisdom, Megan Lukehart, Cara Yockey (Travis), Jefferson Specker (Miranda), Jackson Specker, Kendall Hull, Berghyn Hull and Jarrett Hull. He was devoted to his five great-grandchildren to whom he gifted laughter to fill their years. Dick also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held in honor of Dick, and his love of nature, on Sunday, April 28, 2024 at our family farm. The open house will be held from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. with light refreshments and lil nibblies. 15376 Varner Rd | Mayview, MO 64071

In lieu of flowers, any donations can be made to the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation, the non-profit organization that supports the Missouri Department of Conservation. Donations can be made online, by visiting https://mochf.org/donate-online/. Select “Bennet Springs Hatchery” from the designation drop down menu, then check “Tribute Gift” and enter Richard Specker. Call 573-643-2080 with any questions or about additional donation options.

Arrangements in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.

Lloyd Keith Hammer, born June 21, 1936, died March 30, 2024 at home after a short illness. Keith was born and grew up in Independence, Missouri, graduated from William Chrisman High School, and attended college at Kansas City Art Institute and University of Illinois at Champaign. He married Roberta Schindler 62 years ago. They resided in Excelsior Springs for the past 47 years.

Keith worked as a landscape designer, but painting was his life’s pursuit and satisfaction. His paintings received many awards and prizes. Spending time in the Colorado and Wyoming Rocky Mountains was inspirational and very important to him. He enjoyed his Excelsior Springs home next to the Fishing River, watching birds on the deck, and vulture dances in the sky.

Keith was preceded in death by daughters, Ann in 2014 and Molly in 2020.

He is survived by his wife, Roberta; son, Aaron Hammer (Bonnie); daughters, Rachel Jeffries (Nathan) and Nora Hammer (Tyler Lasche); and by grandchildren, Tyler Hammer, Lyndsi Williams, Miriya Stiles, Misti Stiles, Finn Jeffries, and Henry Lasche. There are three great grandchildren, Asher, Jade, and Madix.

Cremation. A Celebration of Life Art Show will be held on April 28, 2024 at The Montgomery Venue.

Arrangements in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.

Randy Blankenship, 70, passed away Friday, March 22, 2024 at his home in Rayville, MO. Randy grew up in Independence, MO, and was a graduate of Raytown High School. Randy was a proud Marine veteran and a retired employee of Owens Corning Fiberglass. Randy loved the outdoors and spending time with his kids and grandkids.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents, Mather and JoAnn Blankenship.

Randy will be sadly missed by his brother, Joe Blankenship of Orrick; children, Clayton Blankenship of Rayville, Misty (Bob) Jones of Excelsior Springs, and Suni Frese of Excelsior Springs; grandchildren, Mitchell Blankenship, Brooke (Ricky) Baird, Molly Jones, Natalie Frese and Addison Frese; and one great grandson, Callum Baird.

In respect of Randy’s wishes, there will be no service.

Arrangements in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.

Melissa Suzan Biermann (nee Franklin), age 44, of Excelsior Springs, MO, passed away suddenly but peacefully on March 19, 2024, in her home. She was born on June 10, 1979, in Harrisonville, MO, the daughter of parents Dale and Sandy Franklin and the late Jill Franklin (nee Baker).

Melissa spent her formative years in the Harrisonville, MO, school system, graduating in 1997. Her early years were filled with Girl Scouts, cheerleading for the Wildcat Youth Football team, the Rainbow Girls through the Masonic Lodge, and attended Connie White School of Dance for gymnastics. Through Junior High and High school, many weekends were spent camping with our family, and we also enjoyed the experiences of Cliff Springs Church Camp through the summer months. After graduating from Harrisonville High School, she attended Northwest Missouri State and earned her teaching degree.

She began her teaching career in 2002 in Savannah, MO, and in 2005, she began teaching at Excelsior Springs Middle School in Excelsior Springs, MO.

Melissa wore many hats, but being a devoted mother was her favorite. She loved Jadyn and Landon with every fiber of her being and raised two incredible people. She loved watching Jadyn cheer on the football sidelines and riding a golf cart to watch Landon golf. Her life was devoted to her two children.

Melissa had the biggest heart and a beautiful smile. She was fearless and independent. Her students loved the energy and excitement she brought into her classroom daily. She left a lasting impression on every student who walked into her room.

Melissa loved reading, traveling with her children, hanging out with friends, TikTok, and watching documentaries.

While her life would seem too short to many, those who were blessed to be touched by her understand that her existence and the imprint she left on our hearts exceed the quantity of time she stayed here. Melissa will be desperately missed by all those she’s left behind. Our hearts are so broken by this unexpected loss. She was one of a kind, and to be loved by her was to be truly blessed.

She is survived by children, Jadyn Biermann and Landon Biermann; siblings, Nicholaus Franklin (Brittany), Nathan Franklin (Marilyn), Chris McNaughton, and Dustin (Amy) McNaughton; Aunt Meri Drapp; cousins, Angela Jackson (Quintin) and Bradley Drapp; nieces and nephews, Baker, Jillian, Mason, Miles, Abby and Zeke. She also leaves behind numerous friends and beloved ESMS school family.

A visitation will be held on April 9, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs, MO. The family is asking you to wear your Tiger Gear since Melissa was a huge supporter of Excelsior Springs Tigers.

Instead of flowers, we are asking for donations to a scholarship fund in her name for students graduating from Excelsior Springs High School with a learning disability. Excelsior Springs Educational Foundation:

Carrie L. Aldrich, 96, Excelsior Springs, MO, passed away March 19, 2024. Carrie was born on December 25, 1927 in Lawson, MO, to Kelly L. King and Elise (Clark) King. She was a member of the Union Baptist Church, Orrick, MO, where she taught Bible School for many years.

Carrie married Andrew Junior Aldrich on June 1, 1947. She worked at Newberry’s Store, the Elms Hotel, and kept the books for the Greenwood School for many years. Carrie became a full time homemaker after the children came.

Carrie was preceded in death by her loving husband, Junior; as well as her parents; two brothers, Eldin King and Willis King; three sisters, Eva Coursen, Mildred Smith, and Annastacia Roberts; and two grandchildren, Christopher Hyatt and Kari Johnson.

Carrie is survived by her four children, Connie (Gary) Clevenger, Excelsior Springs, Linda (R.D.) Price, Hollister, MO, Donna (Glenn) Strong, St. Joseph, MO, and Randy Ben (Janet) Aldrich, Excelsior Springs; brother, Ernest King of Lawson, MO; 11 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren.

Services will be held Friday, March 22, 2024 at Union Baptist Church, Orrick, MO. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. with memorial service to follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be in the Union Cemetery, Orrick, MO.

Carrie’s family would like to thank each member of the staff at Aspire Nursing Home and the Cross Roads Hospice for their care and compassion.

Memorial donations may be made to the Union Baptist Church, c/o Emily Wright, 1705 Lynn Rd., Excelsior Springs, MO 64024.

Cheryl Lynn Lindsay of Holt, Mo., passed away Sunday, March 17, 2024. Cheryl was born on October 30, 1945.

Cheryl was very active and full of life. She enjoyed being outside where she could spend time with her horses and tend to the yard. She disliked cold weather because it kept her indoors. In the winter she always made sure to keep the bird feeders full to watch the birds. She loved her family, Tom whom she was married to for 47 years, her daughter Michelle, and son Marshall very much. Cheryl was generous and always put others’ well being before her own. She will be greatly missed by her family and many friends, but never forgotten.

Cheryl was proceeded in death by her father, William Hale; mother, Frances Hale; and grandson, Marshall Sprague III.

She is survived by husband, Tom Lindsay; daughter, Michelle; son, Marshall; and siblings, Beverly Smith, Herbert Hale, and Jerry Hale.

A celebration of her life will be held on March 25, 2024 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, 208 S. Jefferson St., Kearney, MO 64060.

The family would like to request in lieu of flowers and in honor of her passion for the outdoors, you plant a tree or some flowers, or hang a birdhouse.

We want to recognize and thank the amazing staff at the NKCH Hospice House for their kindness and loving care of not just Cheryl but her entire family.

Alva Deloyd Spidle, 86, of Excelsior Springs, Mo., passed away on March 17, 2024, at the Northland Hospice House of North Kansas City Hospital.

He was born on December 30, 1937, in Polo, Mo., to Alva Raymond Spidle and Lila Margaret Louise Guffey. Alva was one of nine children. He spent most of his childhood in Kansas City, Mo. At age 15 he moved to San Fernando, Calif., where he met his wife, Patricia Mae Hart. They had one daughter, Katherine Louise.

Alva worked as a mechanic for most of his adult life, until he was able to retire at age 62. At this point in his life, he took to gardening and other odd jobs to fill his time. He was known to sell his fruits and vegetables at local stands in Clinton, Mo. Alva did not know a stranger. He was always willing to help anyone that asked. He was the kindest and most generous man you could have known.

If he was not in the garden or in a garage fixing a car, you could find him on Truman Lake fishing. His most favorite moments were sitting around the campfire with his family sharing stories and jokes. He also enjoyed traveling. He was always up for a good road trip. A couple of his favorites were when him and two of his sisters took a trip to the Redwoods. The other notable trip was a 3-week road trip to Alaska with his daughter and her husband and granddaughter. He also liked to go on cruises with the family.
Some of his best memories towards the end of his life were rebuilding a race car with his great grandson Skyler or working on the family farm. He was always dreaming up the next best idea. His favorite saying was “if you aren’t dreaming you aren’t living.”

He is proceeded in death by his parents; his sisters, Ida, Edith, Carol, and Wyvon; brother, Harlen; and two infant siblings.

He is survived by his sister, Julia of Bolivar; daughter, Katherine (Mark) Palmer of Excelsior Springs; grandchildren, Kelly (Steven) Dailey of Branson, Stephanie Lindner of Branson, Emily (Noah Talton) Palmer of Kansas City, Tyler Palmer of Springfield, and Justin (Nicolette) Mallott of Lee’s Summit; six great grandchildren; and many other close friends and family.

There will be a celebration of life for Alva Spidle at Sparrowfoot Campground in Clinton, Mo. This will be held on Saturday May 18, 2024. Please refer to Misguided misfits Facebook page for up-to-date info on this event. Email Kpal041759@yahoo.com for more information.

Arrangements is care of Bross &  Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.