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Eva Jean Sanderson was placed at the feet of Jesus, surrounded by her children and loving family on July 30, 2026 in Blue Springs, Mo. Born on October 6, 1936 in Vardaman, Ms, to Huge Gaston Hamilton and Ruby Leola Hardin, Jean was raised in Mississippi with 10 Brothers and sisters where she came from humble beginnings, but she never lacked for love or drive. Playing basketball in school was something that she loved to do and even though she was 5 foot nothing she was dynamite on the basketball court, fearless some would say. Jean met her loving husband of 67 years when she was very young in school and he knew from the moment he saw her he was going to marry her. They eloped their senior year of high school and started a wonderful life, and journey together. Her entire life was wrapped up into three beautiful categories. God, her family and her faith. You didn’t meet Jean without having the inevitable question being asked to you, “Do you know Jesus?” Plan, simple, straight to the point. That was her in a nut shell. You can’t put into words how to describe her because her vibrant, caring, loving, and devoted personality was unlike any person that I had ever met. Her love for Jesus was known to the entire world. She wanted the world to know the love that she found in Jesus Christ. Her kindness stretched far and wide, and her love ran so deep with her family. Her laughter would fill any room she was in, and touch your heart, I’m sure you can hear that laugh even now. To know her was to know the love of Christ. To be near her was to feel the grace of Jesus. I talk with her was to understand the steadiness of The Lord. Jean really was the best mother and grandma on this planet. I know everyone can say that about their moms and grandma‘s, but really, she was the best. Bringing home six children, their house was always full of love, laughter, and of course, Jesus. If you ever wanted to know where Jean was all you needed to do was go to her kitchen, she was always there. Singing away as she made fudge, rolling out dough for biscuits or getting ALL of the food together for Sunday afternoon lunch for 30+ people. She was relentless with her love for her family and having them around was her number one priority. Through those six children, she had 16 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren and one on the way. Though we cry tears on this planet, we know beyond a shadow of doubt she is dancing on the streets of Gold, singing at the feet of Jesus and gathering every single reward that was stored up in heaven for her. We celebrate her life, we cry for her death, but we are overjoyed for her eternity. Jean is survived by 4 sisters. Caroline Hensen, Gloria Gillis, Gwen Pace and June Edington. 5 Children Lynne Collums (Dudly), Shane Sanderson, Jason Sanderson, Leslie Menchetti. And countless grandkids and great grandkids. She was proceeded in death by her husband Joe Carl Sanderson, Daughter Lisa Smothers, Granddaughters Jessica Koehler, Janessa Russel. Parents Hugh Gaston And Ruby Hamilton. Siblings: Ruth Cole, Billy Burt Hamilton, Peggy Hodge, Hugh Anderson Hamilton, Skeet Shelba Willis. Great Grandson Ricky Durell Johnson 

Obituary submitted by the family 

Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Grain Valley, MO

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Ricky Eugene Kennicutt, 67, of Lebanon, Missouri, formerly of the Wellington/Napoleon area passed away June 29, 2026, surrounded by his family. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. 

Rick loved fishing, R.C. racing, and spending time with those he loved. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Robert E. Kennicutt and Alma L. Kincaid.  

Rick is survived by his sister, brother-in-law, 3 children, 9 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. 

Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, MO

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John Joseph Leibrecht, 81, of Independence, Missouri, passed away peacefully Friday,

July 24, 2026. Services will be held at Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home in Independence, Missouri, on Thursday, July 30, 2026, with visitation at 1:00 p.m. and funeral at 2:00 p.m., followed by burial in Oak Ridge Memory Garden, Independence, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37839. Boone, IA 50037-0839.

John was born on May 4, 1945, in Pueblo, Colorado, to John Jr. and Opal (West)

Leibrecht. He married Carolyn Sue Westwood in 1963. They were married 49 years before her death in 2012. They loved going to the lake, fishing, their dogs, and one another’s company. He loved the Royals and the Chiefs. He worked as a machine mechanic throughout his career, taking great pride in his trade. In his free time, he enjoyed trying his luck with lottery tickets and gambling and was especially known for making outstanding barbecued hamburgers for family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carolyn “Susie”; son, Jerry D.

Gross; sister, Marcia Burks; brother, James Leibrecht; and many other family members.

John is survived by 2 children: Kimberly Harden (Joe) of Sibley, MO and John G.

Leibrecht III (Christina) of Independence, MO; 11 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.

Arrangements by Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home in Independence, Missouri

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Stephan Anderson Hardin (Bishop) of Independence, MO passed away July 23, 2026 at Centerpoint Medical Center, surrounded by love from family and friends. Visitation will be held at 4pm for family and 5pm to 6pm for the public, services will follow at 6pm on July 29, 2026 at Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home located at 1823 N. Blue Mills RD, Independence, MO 64058.

He was born 7/16/1978 in Kansas City, Kansas. He was married to Jessica Hardin on 4/18/2002. Together there they have 9 children. He worked as a Level One Med Aide in assisted living facilities. He was working towards getting his CNA license. As a young adult he enjoyed gaming, practicing martial arts with his friends. As an adult he enjoyed cooking, going to the movies, gaming, his job, and most importantly family time. He was very energetic, outgoing, and was always trying to make someone laugh. He was loved by everyone who came in contact with him. He knew exactly how to bring cheer and laughter to anyone.

He was preceded in death by his mother Vera Hardin, father David Hardin, brother Gale Hardin, sister Aunea, and sister Audrey Hardin Vaughn.

He is survived by his wife of 24 yrs Jessica Hardin, 9 children, Stephen Jr, Lekel, Cj, Samuel, Deyja, Abby, Stephan, Niqulez, and Phillip. Two sisters, Stephanie Berry, and Angie Hardin. Three brothers, Kevin Hardin, Kenneth Hardin, and David Hardin, mother-in-law Waneta Capell, father-in-law Gregory Capell (Aline). As well as several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Obituary submitted by the family.

Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home ~ Independence, MO (816) 796-8600

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E. (Ernest) “Dwayne” Burks, age 81, of Blue Springs, MO passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2026, at Jefferson Healthcare of Lee’s Summit, MO.

Dwayne was born on January 6, 1945, in Fordland, MO to Carlos Alek “CA” Burks and Ester “Lorene” (Lair) Burks.  He and wife, Penny Livesay Burks, were married July 5, 1993.

Surviving are his wife of 33 years, Penny Livesay Burks of Blue Springs, MO, his children, son Gregory Burks of Perris, CA, daughter Heather (Jeff) Nelson of Oak Park, IL, stepson Marty O’Shia (Deb Whiteside) of Kansas City, MO, stepson Patrick “PJ” O’Shia (Mitzi) of Calimesa, CA, granddaughter Brittany Burks and great-granddaughter Kayden Blackburn of Yucaipa, CA, grandson Austin Nelson (Jacqueline) of Chicago, IL, grandson Andrew Nelson of Missoula, MT, granddaughter Ruby Nelson of Oak Park, IL, grandson Kody Burks of Perris, CA; grandson Tucker O’Shia (Raven) great-granddaughter Anderson Lou O’Shia of Torrence, CA and great-grandson Patrick Nelson of Chicago, IL; brother Eddie Burks of Fordland, MO, and a host of loving nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Preceded in death by his parents, his brother Donald Burks, sister Kathleen Maddux, and sister-in-law June Burks.

Graduated from Fordland High School in 1962; graduated from College of the School of the Ozarks in 1964 with an Associate of Science degree in Engineering; graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering; graduated from Troy State University in 1978 with a Master of Science degree in Personnel Management, at the same time, also graduated from the United States Air Force Air Command and Staff College.  During and subsequent to above degrees, supplemented education by attending specialized courses at the University of Southern California, New York University, Wright State University, Harvard University, Oklahoma University and the University of California-Sacramento. 

Holder of licenses and certifications:  Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Professional Engineer (PE) and ISO 45001 Certified.  Retired in 2000 from Federal Government Civil Service employment after working for the United States Air Force for 34 years as a Civilian Safety Engineer/Manager.  Following working for the U.S. Air Force, Dwayne worked for Washington Group International at Johnston Atoll in the Pacific Ocean, Interstate Baking Corporation (Wonder bread and Twinkies), Alliant TechSystems (ATK), Orbital ATK, Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, American Marksman, George Butler and Associates and Defense Logistics Corporation. Worked as a Professional Safety Engineer for more than 50 years with final retirement in 2019 at Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, Independence, MO.  After retiring Dwayne spent time playing golf three or four times per week, his favorite hobby.  Member of the Fraternal Order of Elks since 1993.

There were no strangers in Dwayne’s world.  He made everyone feel like a friend.  His quirky sense of humor and generosity to family and friends will be remembered and deeply missed.

Obituary submitted by the family

Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, Missouri

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(August 24, 1951 – July 23, 2026)

Jack E. Enlow, Jr., 74, of Bates City, MO, was born in Salem, Oregon.  He died at home peacefully surrounded by loved ones.  He was a beloved husband, stepfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many.

Jack was preceded in death by Jack E. Enlow, Sr. and Barbara J. Enlow.

Jack is survived by his loving wife, Robbie S. Enlow; stepson, Max Chastain; brother, Wes Enlow; sister, Becky Enlow; sister-in-law, Alesia Enlow; two nephews, Mike Enlow and Shawn Main; a great-nephew, Kai Main; and two nieces, Katie Enlow and Kimberly Main.  

Professionally Jack spent several years serving in the Navy before transitioning to a rewarding career in the automotive industry.  He found joy working on cars, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.   Throughout his life, Jack was known for his kind heart, generous spirit, and his entertaining jokes and stories.  His legacy of love, laughter, and compassion will live on the hearts of all who knew him.

Details regarding his Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

Obituary submitted by the family.

Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, Missouri.

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Judith Lee Frazier, 85, of Independence, Missouri, passed away peacefully Thursday, July 23, 2026. Services will be held at Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home in Independence, Missouri, on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, with visitation at 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and funeral following the next morning, Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

Judy was born on March 7, 1941 in Kansas City, Missouri to Walter and Lois (Frazier) Kelly.  She married love of her life, Robert Frazier, June 5, 1956. She enjoyed living in the area all her life where she made many friends and wonderful memories. She loved her family deeply; they were her #1 priority. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of 59 years, Robert Frazier in 2014; daughter, Diana Frazier; granddaughters, Ashley Frazier and Jamie Frazier; sisters, Jerri, Vicki and Janie.  

Judy is survived by 4 children: Judy Sola (James) of Kansas City, MO, Sandra Frick (Brian) of Independence, MO, Bill Frazier (Paula) of Kearney, MO, and Bob Frazier (Robin) of Independence, MO; 43 grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; sister, Wilma Thomas (Tom) of Lee’s Summit, MO; many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home ~ Independence, MO (816) 796-8600

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Gene Allen Barnes passed away July 22, 2026. A visitation will be held Monday, July 27, 2026, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, Missouri. Following will be a graveside service at Leavenworth National Cemetery, Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. Allen, a deeply devoted husband, loving father, proud veteran, and a man of immense strength and humor, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, laughter, and a life incredibly well-lived. Born on October 21, 1945, Allen was a man who put his heart into everything he did. He lived his life with courage, a quick wit, and an unwavering dedication to his family and community. A Life of Service and Dedication; Allen proudly served his country during the Vietnam era as a Specialist 4 in the Army 501st Military Police, 1st Army Division. His commitment to protecting others continued into his civilian life, where he served as an officer with the Kansas City Police Department. Allen was never afraid of hard work. Early in his life, he spent time working alongside his father-in-law at the family laundromat. Later, he spent 28.5 years delivering liquor as a proud member of the Teamsters, a career where his warm personality and work ethic allowed him to build deep, lifelong friendships. Even in his “retirement,” Allen stayed active, serving as a Marshal at Swope Golf Course for 20 years, where he was a beloved fixture on the greens. Passions, Speed, and the Great Outdoors; Those who knew Allen knew of his great love for life’s adventures. He was an avid golfer who spent countless hours on the course—a passion that was rewarded with the ultimate golfer’s dream: a hole-in-one. For 20 years, Allen was an active member of the local Corvette Club. Alongside his beloved wife, Carol, he raced, worked on cars, and accumulated a proud collection of trophies. More than the awards, however, it was the camaraderie and the lifelong friends he made along the track that meant the most to him. Allen was a natural fixer who loved working with his hands and took immense pride in keeping his home beautiful. He could often be found outdoors, meticulously mowing and taking care of his yard. He also cherished traveling, taking vacations to explore new places, and hitting the road to visit his family across the country. Family and Legacy; Above all, Allen was a family man. He is survived by; his devoted wife of 54 beautiful years, Carol Ann Barnes; His loving daughter, Kathleen (Katie) Barnes; His brother, Charles Barnes; A loving circle of family and friends residing in various states. Allen will be remembered as a very strong, courageous, and funny man who worked tirelessly to provide for those he loved. He had a rare ability to fix what was broken, bring a smile to anyone’s face, and live life at full speed. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of his family, his friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

“A life well-lived is a legacy of love, laughter, and strength.”

Submitted by the Family

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

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Kenneth “Ken” Hazard, age 85, of Grain Valley, Missouri, passed away on July 22, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, hard work, and unforgettable memories. 

After joining the United States Army, Ken met the love of his life, Sandy, in 1963. They shared 65 wonderful years together. Ken owned and operated an automotive sales business in Blue Springs for more than 20 years, a career he truly enjoyed. Outside of work, his greatest passion was racing. Whether on dirt or pavement, Ken loved every kind of motorsport. A devoted husband and loving father, Ken rarely missed one of his daughter Missy’s sporting events and could always be heard cheering from the stands. His love, humor, and spirited personality will be deeply missed.

Ken was preceded in death by his father, Roderick Hazard Sr.; his mother, Naomi Harmon; and his brother, Rod Hazard Jr.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sandra “Sandy” Hazard; his daughter, Melissa ”Missy” Jones (Rodney Jones); his granddaughter, Candace Betts (Ryan Betts); and his great-grandson, Sterling Betts.

Ken will be remembered for his love of family, his passion for racing, and the many lives he touched. We loved him, warts and all, and will miss him forever.

Submitted by the Family

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

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Susan Jane Bilyeu (Dunham), 77, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2026. She was born on July 1, 1949, and will be remembered for the love she shared with her family and all who knew her.

Susan was a devoted mother to Jesse Mapes, Brian Mapes, Kim Mowry, and Shelly Grover. She was a cherished sister to Jean Dunham, Jerry Dunham, Pauline Sexton, Fred Dunham and Hank Dunham. She was also a proud grandmother to Carlie, Deidre, Shon, Jonathon, Cameron, Joey, April, Brian, Devon, and Anastasia, and was blessed with many great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her tremendous joy.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Don & Blanche Dunham.

Susan’s love for her family, her kindness, and the memories she created will live on in the hearts of those who loved her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Graveside service will be held with family and friends on Saturday, August 1st, 2026 at 11:00AM. This will be at Mt. Washington Cemetery 614 S Brookside Ave, Independence, MO 64053. Please ENTER through Truman Road Gates. Then left, up on the hill.

Obituary submitted by the family.

Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Oak Grove, MO 816-690-4441