Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home

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Higginsville, MO
Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home

We serve families with funeral, burial, affordable cremation, and monument needs. Financing if needed. All major credit cards accepted.

We offer preplanning as well. We'll travel to you for arrangements if needed.

02/10/2026

Norris was born in Humphrey, Missouri, to Luther and Elgeva (McCalley) Waller on May 11, 1937. He lived his life in Humphrey and graduated from Trenton High School in 1955 where he especially enjoyed playing his trombone in the band. While attending what was then Trenton Junior College he met the love of his life, Fran Warren. That alphabetical seating chart put Waller and Warren in close proximity!
After deciding school could wait a bit, Norris went to Denver to work and live with his older brother, Noel. But he maintained a relationship with that Warren girl and she said, “Yes!” Norris and Fran were married on a hot June 5, 1958, at the Edinburg Baptist Church. Their honeymoon was a trip returning to Denver to stay and work. They decided to return to Kansas City where Norris worked while Fran finished her college degree.
They moved to Cameron, Missouri, where Norris worked for Cameron Mutual Insurance. He moved to work as a Claims Adjuster and the family moved to Higginsville in 1966, where he and Fran still live today. After leaving the insurance industry, Norris earned his teaching degree from Central Missouri State University and began teaching Industrial Arts/Shop until his retirement in 1990.
Norris enjoyed “raising” a variety of animals on their hobby farm—rabbits, Nubian goats, Boer goats, and cattle. He particularly enjoyed raising and showing red Simmental cattle. He was very proud of his Missouri State Fair Grand Champion bull, Truck! One daughter remarked that Truck’s bull shed had better siding than her own house!
Norris’s later years have been spent restoring antique tractors, especially Farmalls. He has shown and driven these tractors in parades and Fall Festivals. Norris was a member of Grace United Methodist Church of Higginsville. He has been a Methodist all his life and even converted a strong Baptist girl to join him when they married. The Masonic Lodge was a very important part of his life. He rose through the ranks to Worshipful Master and was recently honored with his 60-year member pin.
Down through the years Norris touched and impacted many lives. Through his activities, but most importantly by his teaching the kids who came through his shop classes, including both of his daughters. Rarely an entire week went by that he didn’t have “one of my kids” stop and talk with him as he ate his breakfast and had coffee at McDonalds! Mr. Waller taught a lot of life skills to a bunch of kids - Measure twice; Cut once.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Fran (Warren), two daughters, Melody LaPreze and Amy (Kent) Tieman. Four grandchildren: Abigail (Jeremy) Morris of Lake Saint Louis; Emily (Drew) Pfyl of Lee’s Summit; Ross (Raschel) and Chad (Haley) Tieman all of Alma, Missouri. Eight great-grandchildren: Annabelle and Caleb Morris; Avery Pfyl; Rhen, Ripp, and Reese Tieman; and Henry and Hazel Tieman. Niece Nancy Waller Carter and her family, and numerous other nieces and nephews.
Norris is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Noel and Robert Leon and their spouses.
Dad, you will be greatly missed. You left us behind with much wisdom. If a job is worth doing, it’s worth doing it right. You did a good job - you lived this life right!
A visitation is scheduled on Thursday, February 12, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home, with a Masonic Service starting at 5:30 PM. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, February 13, 2026 at Grace United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Grace United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.stewarthoeferfuneralhome.com

02/06/2026

Irvin Dewayne "DJ" Fields Jr., 42, of Higginsville, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Lafayette Regional Health Center in Lexington, Missouri.
He was born on Sunday, January 1, 1984, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Irvin and Karen Fields Sr.
DJ grew up in Richmond, Missouri and moved to Higginsville in the early 2000's. He worked as a handyman before beginning a career in construction on the railyard. DJ loved his children and family deeply. He had a gift for making people laugh and was full of life. He was a true jokester who brought joy and smiles wherever he went. Being a father was the highlight of his life, and he will be deeply missed by the many who knew and loved him.
Surviving are his sons, Peyten Fields of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, Rylan Fields of Buckner, Missouri, and D’Andre Cahill of Higginsville; three brothers, Cavan Fairbrass (Krystal McGowin), Zachary Fields (Mariah Elmore), and Colby Fields; three sisters, Amber Fairbrass, Brooke Fairbrass (Robert Koenig), and Kelsey Fields; many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home, located at 1600 Main Street, Higginsville, Missouri 64037.
Memorials may be made to Irvin Fields 307B W. 30th St. Higginsville, MO 64037. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.stewarthoeferfuneralhome.com

01/30/2026

Lorene Clara (Fischer) Reyna has gone home to our dear Lord, on Monday, January 26, 2026. She was born, the youngest of four children, (Martin, Kate, and Mickey) in a rural Missouri farmhouse in Dover, Missouri on December 24, 1927. She, together with her siblings, attended school in a one room schoolhouse. She eventually left the farm to attend Nurses Training in Kansas City, Missouri. It was there she met her husband of 35 years, Bill Reyna, MD. After starting their family in Kansas City, they relocated to Corpus Christi, Texas, and raised their five children, Robert Reyna of Round Rock, TX, Mary Margaret Lynch and the late (Michael) of AK, Karen Schaefer-Mills (Jim) of Corpus Christi, TX, Michael Reyna (Karen) of Pflugerville, TX, and Ronald Reyna (Kathy) of Elk Grove, CA. Lorene lived a kind, generous, and loving life. Her hobbies included traveling the US and abroad, reading, playing cards, and doing puzzles.
She will be deeply missed, and will not be forgotten by her loving family, friends, and especially her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. May God's eternal light shine brightly upon her soul as she rests forever in peace. Services will be held at a later date. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home and online condolences may be made to the family at www.stewarthoeferfuneralhome.com

01/25/2026

Leland C. Buckler passed away on January 23, 2026 at Meyer Care Center in Higginsville, MO. Leland was born May 17, 1937 to Jodie C. Buckler and Willie Mary (Stidham) Buckler. He was born on the family farm near Harrisburg, MO. He lived there until he was married and moved to Columbia. He graduated from Sturgeon High School and received a B.S. degree from the University of Missouri College of Agriculture in 1959. He married Mary Lou Clawson in 1957 and they shared 68 years of marriage. They were parents of two sons, Michael and Scott.
After graduating from college, he managed several elevators and fertilizer facilities in mid-Missouri. He moved his family to Higginsville in 1971 where he worked and managed Higginsville Fertilizer until his retirement. He spent a few years after retiring as a part-time driver at John Knox Village East in Higginsville.
Leland and Mary Lou were very active with the community over the years; they built a new home in Higginsville and lived there until they moved to John Knox Village East where they enjoyed meeting new friends and all the activities during their final years. Leland was a member of Central Christian Church and served as an Elder, Board Chairman, and Treasurer. He was a member of the local Rotary Club with a perfect attendance for over 30 years. He was a member of the High School Booster Club and the local Chamber of Commerce. Leland and Mary Lou followed the local sports teams as well as the University of Central MO. They enjoyed spending their winters in Gulf Shores, Alabama for about 10 years. Leland enjoyed life and his presence will be missed, leaving a void in his loved one's hearts.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Buckler of the home; two sons, Michael and wife, Mary, of St. Joseph, MO, Scott and wife, Lisa, of Odessa, MO; three grandsons, five great-granddaughters and two great-grandsons; and one sister-in-law as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Granville and Wendall Buckler; two sisters, Edith Sims and Louise Murray.
A service and celebration of Leland's life will be held at Central Christian Church in Higginsville on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 2:00 pm. He will be buried in the Higginsville City Cemetery after the service, but because of the weather, the family will stay back at the church to greet guests as the funeral home lays him to rest. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Central Christian Church. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home and online condolences may be made to the family at www.stewarthoeferfuneralhome.com

01/22/2026

Carl J Goodman Jr., 83, of Higginsville, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. He was born February 10, 1942, in Mount Pulaski, Illinois, to Carl Goodman Sr. and Olive (Pope) Goodman.
Carl spent much of his career as a grain elevator manager before becoming an over-the-road truck driver, a role he enjoyed for many years. No matter where the road took him, his true passion was sharing his faith in Jesus Christ. He was devoted to spreading the Word and encouraging others in their walk with the Lord, leaving a lasting spiritual impact on everyone he met.
Carl grew up in Mount Pulaski, surrounded by the love of family and small-town values that shaped the man he became. Known for his kindness, integrity, and warm smile, he touched the lives of many through his generosity and friendship.
Carl is survived by his sisters: Violet Beck, Esther Gill and Susan Roberts, his daughters: Tina (Jeff) Myrick and Carla (Mike) Looney; grandchildren: Amanda (Geoff) Fisher, Nicole (Jake) Shelton, Megan (Brian) Goodman, and Brandon (Courtney) Goins; and great-grandchildren Silas and Norah Fisher, Lexi (Skylar) Russell, Savannah and Sayer Skelton, Addison Goins and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sons James and Vincent Goodman, as well as four brothers and three sisters: Gerald. Bobby, Denny and Donnie Goodman, Alice Geriets, Margie Polk and Linda Goodman.
A celebration of Carl’s life will be held at First Baptist Church, 1907 Peach Street, Higginsville, Missouri on Monday, January 26 at 10:00 with service to follow at 11:00. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Higginsville.
Carl will be remembered as a devoted family man, a loyal friend, and a man of unwavering faith. His love, laughter, and steadfast belief in God will be deeply missed and forever treasured.

01/22/2026

Services for Monica Lynn Contreras (Hannon) have been postponed until 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home due to weather conditions.

01/16/2026

* DUE TO WEATHER, THE FAMILY HAS RESCHEDULED TO SATURDAY, JANUARY 31*

Monica Lynn Contreras (Hannon), 51, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. She was born Wednesday, July 31, 1974, in Lexington, Missouri and graduated from Lafayette County C-1 High School - class of 1992. She married Nicholas Contreras on April 26, 2024.
Monica worked in the insurance industry most of her life. Outside of work, she found joy in crafting, restoring furniture, and spending time browsing flea markets, always seeing beauty and potential where others might not. She also loved attending concerts and creating memories with friends and family.
Above all else, Monica treasured her family and friends. She had a generous heart, a caring spirit, and a way of making those around her feel truly loved. Her presence brought comfort, laughter, and warmth, and her absence leaves a profound emptiness. Monica leaves a very large hole in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know and love her.
Surviving are her parents, Sandra Carder and step-dad Finnus Johnson of Higginsville, MO; her husband, Nicholas Contreras of Kansas City, MO; two sons, Keanen Johnson of Independence, MO and Jayden Williams of Kansas City, MO; one brother, Daniel (Renee) Spencer of Slater, MO; two sisters, Judi Potts (Scott) of Cameron, MO, and Paula Turner (Craig) of Higginsville; one step-brother, Robert Johnson (Melissa) of Savannah, MO; one step-sister, Phylshawn Johnson (Violet) of Columbia, MO; two grandchildren, AJ Williams and Myah Williams; good friend and as close to a daughter as you can get, Ariel Golden; one aunt, Sue Stringer of Odessa, MO; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home, located at 1600 Main St. Higginsville, Missouri 64037. Repast will follow the service at Benton Hall, located at 1806 Walnut Higginsville, MO.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.stewarthoeferfuneralhome.com

01/13/2026

Marjorie Jean Plute (Lucas), 86, of Warrensburg, Missouri, passed away Friday, January 9, 2026, at Western Missouri Medical Center in Warrensburg, Missouri.
She was born Monday, January 8, 1940, in Clinton, Missouri, to Wilbur Lucas and Opal (Puckett) Lucas. Marjorie attended Clinton High School in Clinton, Missouri. She was united in marriage to Raymond Plute on December 20, 1956. He preceded her in death on June 17, 2025, following 69 years of marriage.
Marjorie spent most of her life in Warrensburg, Missouri, where she lovingly operated a daycare from her home for over 20 years. She also worked alongside Raymond helping run Plaza Bowl Bowling Alley. Marjorie enjoyed golfing, fishing, and bowling, and especially loved traveling to Branson a couple of times each year. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Survivors include two sons, Gary (Connie) Plute of K**b Noster, Missouri, and Danny Plute of Clarksville, Tennessee; six grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Plute; three brothers, Billy Lucas, Donald Lucas, and Wilbur Lucas.
A graveside service with burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 16, 2026, at Oak Grove Cemetery south of Higginsville. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home and online condolences may be made to the family at www.stewarthoeferfuneralhome.com

01/04/2026

Victor Lee Gerken, 74 of Corder, Missouri passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at his home in Corder. A celebration of life social will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at the Corder VFW.
He was born Wednesday, June 20, 1951 in Higginsville, Missouri, to William Gerken and Esther (Oetting) Gerken. He was a graduate of Lafayette County C-1 High School and spent a period of time living in Columbia after high school before returning to Higginsville to raise their children closer to their parents. On June 24, 1977, he married Jean (Kisner) Gerken, and together they shared 48 years of marriage, building a life filled with love and memories.
Vic was employed with Wincup in Higginsville for many years. He had a deep appreciation for music and enjoyed attending concerts and music festivals with Jean whenever he could. He found peace in stargazing through his telescope, kayaking, and spending time immersed in nature. Vic was also known for his quick wit and unforgettable sense of humor. He loved making others laugh and brought joy wherever he went. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Surviving are his wife, Jean Gerken of the home; three sons, Kevin Gerken of Blue Springs, MO, Chris Gerken and Brian Gerken, both of Higginsville; one sister, Irma (George) "Dub" Rider of Odessa, MO. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Sharon Adams.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home and online condolences may be made to the family at www.stewarthoeferfuneralhome.com

01/02/2026

Mattie Frances McAlister, 92 of Mayview, Missouri, passed away on Monday, December 29, 2025, at Shirkey Hospice in Richmond, Missouri. She was born Wednesday, September 13, 1933 in Shelby, North Carolina to Joseph Ledford and Veola (Panther) Ledford. She was the wife of Henry "Carol" McAlister and he preceded her in death.
She lived her entire life in North Carolina until 2020, when she moved to Missouri to be closer to her family. She was a dedicated and hardworking woman. She earned her cosmetology license and proudly worked as a hairdresser for 25 years, building lasting relationships with her clients and community. Frances also spent 10 years employed in manufacturing and 5 years working for Jackson’s Cafeteria.
Frances enjoyed the simple pleasures in life; spending time fishing and cherishing every moment with her beloved grandchildren.
Surviving are one daughter, Debbie (John) Hayward of Mayview, MO; five grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and close friend of the family, Cheryl Weeks. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Henry McAlisters; one son, Charles "Chuck" McAlister; and one grandchild.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM on Sunday, January 11, 2026 at Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home located at 1600 Main St. Higginsville, MO 64037. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 PM. Memorials may be made out to Shirkey Hospice. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.stewarthoeferfuneralhome.com

12/08/2025

Jason Stuart Johnson, 60 of Higginsville, Missouri passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at his home in Higginsville, Missouri. He was born Tuesday, February 9, 1965, in Higginsville, to Charles Wilson and Anglano Johnson. He was a graduate of Lafayette County C-1 High School in Higginsville.
Surviving are three sisters, Cynthia Johnson, Gail Johnson, Virginia Weston; four brothers, Charles Johnson Jr., Prince Johnson, Leonard Johnson, Keith Bass.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Simone Johnson.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 11:00 AM, at the Assembly of God church in Higginsville.

12/01/2025

Frank David Eldien, (86) of Warrensburg, MO died on November 26, 2025. Frank was born in Cloquet, MN to Raymond and Margaret Eldien on September 24, 1939. He graduated from Cloquet High School in 1957. He was an Eagle Scout. He served in the United States Air Force from 1957 to 1977, retiring as a Senior Master Sergeant. After his military career, he worked for Minnesota Power in Duluth, MN retiring in 1991. Frank was a member of the Bethel Baptist Church of Warrensburg, MO.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Ray Eldien; and his daughter, Dana. Surviving are his wife, Monica; sons, David Eldien (Melissa Bridges) of San Antonio, TX, Terry (Michelle) Eldien of Fergus Falls, MN, Erik (Rene’) Johnson of Sparks, NV, and Steven (Jolene) Eldien of Warrensburg, MO; daughters, Sherry Matthews of Cloquet, MN and Gena Jensen of Casper, WY; sisters, Susan (Dennis) Chamberlin of Mill City, OR, and Margaret (John) Talcott of Madison, WI; grandchildren, Ashley Battaglia, Tony Eldien, Janice Nelson, Jamie Matthews, Hunter and Anika Eldien, Wyatt Jensen, Ethan, Aiden and Dylan Eldien; great-grandchildren, Carley, Liam, Paxton, Haizley, Kinley; and Frank’s dog, Walter.
A military graveside service will be held in the spring at Maple Grove Cemetery in Cloquet, MN. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home and online condolences may be made to the family at www.stewarthoeferfuneralhome.com

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1600 N. Main Street
Higginsville, MO
64037

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http://hoeferfuneralhome.com/

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Marshall and Lia Stewart

Marshall and Lia both grew up in Higginsville and attended Lafayette Co. C-1. Marshall achieved an Applied Science degree in Mortuary Science and is a state licensed funeral director and embalmer. He completed his practicum studies with the Amos Family Funeral Home and his apprenticeship under the direction of Sevier Hoefer and Hoefer Funeral Home. Marshall is the son of Julie Stewart, Dennis & Geri Stewart, all of Higginsville. Lia is the daughter of Peggy Price of Higginsville & Larry Price of Monett, MO. Marshall and Lia purchased the firm from Sevier in 2019. Sevier still consults and assists the firm part-time when needed.

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Marshall and Lia Stewart