Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home

10/20/2025

Barbara Jean Rutherford (Lichte), 77 of Higginsville, Missouri passed away on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Meyer Care Center in Higginsville. Barbara was born on Friday, October 15, 1948, in Lexington, Missouri, to Herman Lichte and Constance (Windmoeller) Lichte. She was a graduate of Lexington High School and later attended CMSU in Warrensburg. On December 11, 1970, she married Virgil "Lynn" Rutherford and together they shared 48 wonderful years.
Barbara began her working career at the Higginsville Garment Factory before joining the USDA, where she dedicated more than 30 years of service until her retirement in 2012. She took great pride in her work, helping countless local farmers throughout the years. Barbara and Lynn made their home on a farm in Aullville, Missouri, where she was not just a farm wife but Lynn’s helping “hired hand.” She could often be found driving the grain cart or lending a hand wherever it was needed.
She was an avid motorcycle enthusiast with Lynn and enjoyed riding with many local groups, making lifelong friendships along the way. Barbara and Virgil loved spending their winters as snowbirds in Florida, escaping the Missouri cold and soaking up the sunshine together.
A devoted Kansas City Chiefs fan, Barbara never missed a game and cheered them on with passion. Above all else, she loved her family, especially her grandchildren who were the light of her life. Barbara’s kindness, laughter, and love for life will be remembered by all who knew her. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and community.
Surviving are one daughter, Cindy (Adam) Hemme of Higginsville; two grandchildren, Morgan (Dale) Colborn, Logan (Madison) Hemme; and one great-grandchild, Rowan Colborn. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lynn Rutherford; one daughter, Jennifer Rutherford; and one brother, Chris Lichte.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home, 1600 Main St. Higginsville, Missouri.
Private inurnment with just family will be held in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery. A lunch social will be held after the visitation at Cindy's - 19886 Grange Rd. Higginsville, MO 64037. Memorials may be made to Three Rivers Hospice or Johns Knox Village - Memories Matter Walk to end Alzheimer’s. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.stewarthoeferfuneralhome.com

10/19/2025

Marvin Lawrence Stark, 90 of Lexington, Missouri met his Savior on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at his home in Lexington. He was born Wednesday, August 21, 1935 in Cole Camp, Missouri, to William Stark and Pauline (Kullmann) Stark. He grew up in the Waverly, MO area and graduated from Santa Fe High School in Grand Pass, MO in 1952. Marvin enlisted in the United States Army in 1958 and proudly served until 1960.
On January 1, 1977, Marvin married the love of his life, Sandra (Aufemkanp) Stark. Together they shared 48 wonderful years filled with hard work, laughter, and countless memories. Marvin built his career with ARMCO Steel, where he served as a foreman in the wire coating division. His skills and dedication led him to contribute ideas that became part of multiple company patents related to galvanizing and manufacturing barbed wire as well as other wiring techniques. His intellect led to more company patents with machines to manufacture these products more efficiently and cost effectively.
In addition to his industrial work, Marvin was a devoted farmer, tending to his land in Lexington with the same care and pride that defined every part of his life. A man of many interests and boundless energy, Marvin also opened his heart and home to others, hosting two foreign exchange students, Bettina Harms in 1982 and Jochen Harms in 1996, both of whom became part of their family. He was deeply involved in his church, and in 2007 until 2017, he oversaw the restoration of the church’s remodeling projects as well as the bell tower. He located, restored and reinstalled the original bell so its familiar sound could once again fill the community.
Marvin enjoyed fishing, woodworking, and when he could step away from his many projects, taking trips to Branson, Missouri, where he and Sandra made fond memories together. Above all, he was a man who believed in doing things the right way, caring deeply for his family, friends, and faith. He will be remembered for his steady hands, his generous heart, and the legacy of love and integrity he leaves behind.
Surviving are his wife, Sandra Stark of the home; two sons, Bruce Stark of New York, Steven (Maria) Stark of Virginia Beach, VA; two daughters, Kimberly (Brian) Zimmerman of Excelsior Springs, MO and Kathy (Claudus) Mallot of Lexington; fifteen grandchildren, Jessica (Brandon) Hembree, Brittanie (Jacob) McGee, Breanna Mallot (Anthony Jose), Austin (Lexie) Zimmerman, Kaitlyn (Alex) Jackson, Skylar Stark, Reagan Stark, Kyle (Ashley) Cowherd, Samantha Sierck, Adam Cowherd, Cody Burton, Joseph Mallot, Vincint Mallot, Maica Stark, Michael Davis; one brother-in-law, Norman Weedin of Waverly, MO; and many great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Kevin (Sherry) Cowherd, two brothers, Ralph Stark and Carl Stark; and one sister, Marie Weedin.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home, 1600 Main St. Higginsville, Missouri.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, October 24, 2025 at Immanuel Lutheran Church located at 1501 Lipper St. Higginsville, Missouri 64037. Burial with military honors will follow in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Higginsville, MO. Casket bearers: Brian Zimmerman, Austin Zimmerman, Claudus Mallot, Steven Stark, Skylar Stark, Nathan Oglesby. Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.stewarthoeferfuneralhome.com

10/09/2025

Dennis Arthur Schmalz, 73 of Alma, Missouri passed away on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at his home in Columbia.
Dennis Schmalz was born on Monday, January 14, 1952, in Wheeling, West Virginia, to Richard Schmalz and Agnes (Bezko) Schmalz. He graduated from Wheeling High School and went on to serve his country proudly in the United States Air Force, enlisting in 1972.
After his military service, Dennis being a true jack-of-all-trades, wore many hats throughout his life: welder, crane operator, ironworker, coal miner, and mechanic before finding interest in nursing. He worked as a traveling registered nurse and settled in Columbia, Missouri in 1989. There, he continued his career in healthcare at the University of Missouri, where he worked until his retirement in 2004.
On August 25, 1990, Dennis married Patricia (Corder) Schmalz. Together, they shared 35 years of love, laughter, and companionship. He was a musician who loved playing the guitar but loved building guitars even more. He built 65 guitars by hand throughout his retirement. Dennis was a fisherman as well and enjoyed the quiet moments by the water. He was a passionate man who enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Surviving are his wife, Patricia Schmalz of the home; two sons, Ezekiel Schmalz of Alma, MO and Thomas Schmalz of Alma; three daughters, Sara Schmalz of Columbia, MO, Katrina (Josh) Hyde of Wheeling, WV and Aimee Schmalz of Wheeling, WV; one sister, Ruth Ann Schmalz of WV; three grandchildren, Lucus Schmalz, Arbor and Irie Hyde. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Richard Schmalz and Butch Schmalz.
The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home, 1600 Main St. Higginsville, Missouri. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM at the funeral home and burial with military honors will be held at 2:00 PM in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery located at 20109 Bus. MO-13 Higginsville, Missouri 64037. Casket bearers: Kelly Clay, Mel Fetter, Leigh Johnson, Jimmy Perrin, Kent Tieman, Mark Wooden. Honorary bearers: Ted Haling and Jeff Wallace.
Memorials may be made to (CDCE) - VA's Center for Development and Civic Engagement, for helping veterans with food, clothes and other resources. Donate online at www.cdceportal.va.gov or mailing to 915 Grand Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63106. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.stewarthoeferfuneralhome.com

09/29/2025

James Clifton "Jim" Fann, 100, of Higginsville, died on Saturday, September 27 at the Lafayette Regional Health Center in Lexington.
Jim was born in Belton, Missouri, on August 15, 1925, to the late Raymond R. Fann and late Nellie F. (Taylor) Fann. Jim’s mother died when he was only five and with his father at work, he was raised largely by his older sister and nearby relatives. He dropped out of school early and never attended high school.
Jim joined the army in 1943, qualified as a sharpshooter, and served with the 1395th Engineer Construction Battalion as a truck driver in the Pacific Islands. He often said the army saved him by giving him discipline. He also joked that he spent so much time on kitchen duty that he was promoted to sergeant of the mess hall. He received a medal for good conduct at his discharge from the army in 1946.
Jim married Bessie Goring (deceased) of Higginsville, August 19, 1946. Their marriage produced two sons, James and Raymond. Jim and Bessie were members of the Faith Baptist Church in Higginsville where Jim led singing, taught Sunday school, and served in a variety of offices, including deacon.
Jim worked as an auto assemblyman for the Ford Motor Company until he retired in 1985. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, singing, and playing the guitar.
He is survived by son, James (Holly) Fann of Burnsville, MN; three grandchildren, Christopher, Jamie, and Ray, and two great-grandsons, Jack and Luke. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Bessie; one son, Raymond; three brothers, Pete, Bud and Joe; and a sister, Cora.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, October 2, 2025 in the City Cemetery with Rev. Jeremy Herbert and Rev. Clif Swanson officiating. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.stewarthoeferfuneralhome.com

09/15/2025

Linda Darlene Tracy (Lowe), 79 of Odessa, Missouri passed away on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at her home. She was born on Monday, May 13, 1946, to Robert Lowe and Betty (Hastings) Lowe.
She married Richard “Dick” Tracy on December 23, 1971. They shared 50 wonderful years together before his passing on August 29, 2021. Throughout their marriage, Linda and Dick made their home in Corder, Wellington, and Lexington. After Dick’s passing, Linda moved to Odessa to be closer to her family.
Linda worked in retail for 20 years with Walmart, where she was known for her kind heart and friendly smile. She had a creative spirit and loved crafting, going to garage sales, and collecting antiques. Above all, she cherished time spent with her grandchildren and her family, who meant the world to her. Linda was also a devoted and active member of Living Waters Family Worship Center in Buckner, Missouri.
She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Surviving are two daughters, Genny (Brad) Kleoppel of Odessa, MO and Tammy Umphreys of Blue Springs, MO; two brothers, Robert (Eva) Lowe, Jr. of Archie, MO and Danny (Rita) Lowe of Adrian, MO; five grandchildren, Spencer (Danielle) Kleoppel, Corbin (Bailey) Kleoppel, Noble Kleoppel, Jesse (Paradise) Umphreys, Anthony (Sierra) Weber; nine great-grandchildren, Brycen, Isabella, Avery, Mya, Bradley, and Chandler Kleoppel, Abel Umphreys, Ethan and Stella Weber. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dick Tracy; one brother, Lawrence Lowe; and a son-in-law, Donn Umphreys, Jr.
A visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home located at 1600 Main St. Higginsville, Missouri 64037. Interment will follow in the Calvary Cemetery, Corder, MO.
Memorials may be made out to Living Waters Family Worship Center 211 S. Osage St. Buckner, MO 64016. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.stewarthoeferfuneralhome.com

09/05/2025

Darrell Everett DeLap, 79 of Grain Valley, Missouri passed away on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at the VA Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. He was born on Sunday, February 10, 1946, in Kansas City, to Andrew DeLap and Dora (Skinner) DeLap. In 1965, he proudly joined the United States Air Force, serving his country with pride and dedication.
Darrell worked as a truck driver for PepsiCo, a career that reflected his strong work ethic and commitment. After retirement, Darrell continued to deliver for Blue Springs Hyvee as a truck driver. Beyond work, he was an active member of the Blue Springs American Legion and was very proud to be part of the Honor Guard. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge, contributing to the Youth Committee.
He had a love for the outdoors and recreation. He enjoyed spending time at the gun range, casting a line while fishing, and enjoying a good book. He especially loved family gatherings, traveling, and any opportunity to be surrounded by the people he loved. Above all else, his greatest joy was his family, whom he treasured deeply.
He will be remembered for his devotion, his laughter, and the countless ways he showed his love to those around him. Surviving are his wife, Susan DeLap of the home; four sons, Darrell DeLap, Jr. Ross DeLap, Brett (Ashley) Cox, Nicholas (Tara) Cox; one daughter, Kimberly Purtle; one sister, Sondra Montasmith; sixteen grandchildren, Mariah (Brandon) Mosby, Mitchell Purtle, Kiera Delap, Dillion Cox, Carter (Lillian) Cox, Ryley Kuhns, Harper Cox, Mackenzie Cox, Jadyen Cox, Alexis Cox, Tristin Cox, Brayden Cox, Ethan Cox, Camden Cox, Adalyn Cox, Anistyn Cox; four great-grandchildren, Violet Campbell, Colter Mosby, Charlotte Mosby, and Octavia Cox.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home, 1600 Main St. Higginsville, MO 64037. A graveside service with military honors will follow at 12:00 PM in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery located at 20109 Bus. MO-13 Higginsville, Missouri 64037. A lunch social will follow the graveside at the Blue Springs American Legion from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM, located at 499 MO-7 Blue Springs, MO 64015.
Memorials may be made out to Tunnels to Towers Foundation - (victims of 9/11 tribute.) at www.t2t.org/donate/ or 2361 Hylan Blvd. Staten Island, NY 10306.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home and online condolences may be made to the family at www.stewarthoeferfuneralhome.com

08/27/2025

https://youtu.be/4mmIIGZdW9g
Elke Goodin's funeral tribute video.

Elke Christa Anni Heidi Goodin (Pechmann), 69 of Higginsville, Missouri passed away on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at her home in Higginsville. She was born Tu...

08/27/2025

🍂🍻 Get ready, Higginsville! 🍻🍂

The Higgtoberfest Beer Garden is less than a month away! Saturday, September 20, 2025, Fairground Park 4-H Barn! 🎉 From 6PM–12AM, join us for a night of great food, cold drinks, and live music.

Huge THANK YOU to our amazing sponsors ‼️

✨ What to Expect:
🍖 Delicious eats from Blue Smoke BBQ - Odessa,MO &
The Munch Box
🍺 Ice-cold beer & seltzers from The Looney Bin Bar and Grill
🎶 Live music by Skid & The Mojos
🚗 Safe ride options thanks to Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home

🎟 $15 per person | Ages 21 & Over
📍 810 W. 29th St., Higginsville, MO

Don’t miss this night of hometown fun with friends, food, and music.

👉 Tag your crew and mark your calendars — this is one you don’t want to miss

08/20/2025

https://youtu.be/w_OFD8UZhvQ

Sergeant Major Eduard Wickman, 88, of Independence, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Monterey Park Rehab & Health in Independence.Eduar...

08/18/2025

https://youtu.be/FTrTPqHbbw0?si=J6wZYZpmsxRV2AwX

Patricia Irene McCoy (Miller), 77 of Higginsville, Missouri passed away on Friday, August 8, 2025, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, Mississippi...

08/11/2025

Sergeant Major Eduard Wickman, 88, of Independence, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Monterey Park Rehab & Health in Independence.
Eduard was born on April 15, 1937, in Wense, Schedlitz, Poland. In 1951, he immigrated to the United States with his brother, Rudolph and was sponsored by their uncle, Edward Zittlow from Smithland, IA. In 1956, he proudly enlisted in the United States Army, beginning a distinguished 27-year military career that spanned the entire globe.
In 1959, Eduard married the love of his life, Ruth (Hanel) Wickman, who survives him. He became a U.S. citizen on November 16, 1960, in Bowling Green, Kentucky, an achievement he cherished deeply. Throughout his career, Eduard served as a paratrooper, drill sergeant, and Army commander, completing two tours in Vietnam. He also shared his expertise as an ROTC instructor at the University of Central Missouri. His military education included SidPers (1975) and ROTC Office (1979).
He was the recipient of numerous awards and decorations, including the National Defense Medal, Paratrooper Badge, Drill Sergeant Badge, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Commander Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Bronze Star Medal, Expert Infantry Badge, four Overseas Service Bars, and the Meritorious Service Medal, among many others.
After retiring from the Army in 1983, Eduard enjoyed the quiet satisfaction of working in his yard and spending time with his family. Eduard’s legacy of service, love, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Ruth, of the home; one son, Edward (Jeanette) Wickman of Independence; three daughters, Steffi (Bernd) Kirchner of Germany, C. “Lucy” (Butch) LaFountaine of North Carolina, and Nicole (Brian) Curtin of Odessa, Missouri; five grandchildren, Heather (Daniel) Craig, Weston Wickman, Dawson (Abigail) Curtin, Dylan Curtin, and Desiree Curtin; and three great-grandchildren, Krew Curtin, Kamdyn Curtin and Jane Craig. Eduard was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Rudolph Wickman; and two sons, Jimmy Wickman and Troy Wickman.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, August 18, 2025 at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 20109 Bus. MO-13, Higginsville, Missouri.
Casket bearers: military. Honorary casket bearers: Daniel Craig, Dawson Curtin, Dylan Curtin, Weston Wickman. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.stewarthoeferfuneralhome.com

08/11/2025

Patricia Irene McCoy (Miller), 77 of Higginsville, Missouri passed away on Friday, August 8, 2025, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, Mississippi. She was born on Saturday, May 1, 1948, in Higginsville, Missouri, to Elmer Miller and Virgie Miller (Jordan). On October 5, 1991, she married Arnold McCoy on June 6, 1966, and he preceded her in death on May 22, 2012.
Pat graduated from Lafayette County C-1. She worked for EnerSys for about eight years and as a CMT/CNA before dedicating her life to caregiving and babysitting. She lovingly cared for generations of children in her family, treating each as her own. She babysat grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many others throughout the community. Family and caregiving were her greatest priority.
In 2008, she was diagnosed with cancer and with remarkable strength, went on to beat cancer nine times in total. When she wasn't caring for others, she was an avid reader. Pat especially loved her Bible, which she read every day. She was also a talented seamstress, sewing many of her own school clothes when she was younger. Pat enjoyed painting, drawing, wood crafts, puzzles, and countless games with the kids. Her creativity, kindness, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Surviving are two sons, David (Renee) McCoy of Sedalia, MO, Scotty (Ashlyn) McCoy of Corder, MO; three daughters, Samantha (LaTone) McBride of Amory, MS, Mary Elliott of Higginsville, Vickie (Rick) McCoy of Corder; one brother, Michael Miller of Higginsville; one sister, Martha Williams of Higginsville; fifteen grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren and many children of the community she viewed as family that she cared for. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Arnold McCoy; two brothers, Bernard Miller and Ralph Miller.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home, 1600 Main St. Higginsville, Missouri.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at Grace United Methodist Church located at 16 W. 15th St. Higginsville, Missouri 64037. Interment will follow in the Higginsville City Cemetery. Casket bearers: Chris Elliott, Dilon Elliott, James Elliott Jr, James Elliott Sr, Owinn Elliott, Rylan Elliott, Zach Elliott, Aston McBride, David McCoy, Luke McCoy. Honorary casket bearer: Adrien McBride. Memorials may be made to Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home for the family, assisting with medical and funeral expenses. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.stewarthoeferfuneralhome.com