Walker-Nadler-Fuller Funeral Home

02/03/2026

Charles LeRoy Ray, Sr., 71, of Lexington, Missouri passed away Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at his home.

Charles was born on May 12, 1954, in Rich Hill, Missouri to Orville Elvin Ray and Mary Jane (Wheeler) Bybee. Charles dedicated many years of his life as a trash truck driver for Heartland Waste, where he was known for his strong work ethic and sense of humor. He was united in marriage to Laura Etta (Asbury) Ray, who preceded him in death on March 2, 2006. Together, they built a loving family that Charles cherished deeply. An avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, Charles enjoyed expressing his team spirit and celebrating every game day. He found joy in spending quality time with his family, as well as indulging in hobbies such as fishing, reading, and watching the Hallmark channel.

Charles is survived by three children, Linda (Eddie) Burkhart, Keith Ray, and Jennifer (Josiah) Ray; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Along with both his parents and wife, Charles was preceded in death by one child, Charles, Ray, Jr.; one great-grandchild, Chloe Laine Ray; two sisters, Mary Briener and Sharon Schieber; five brothers, Thomas Ray, Carl Ray, Gene Ray, John Ray, and Lonnie Ray.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Monday, February 9, 2026, at Lexington United Methodist Church, 1211 S. Highway 13, Lexington, MO, 64067. A Celebration of Life will follow at 12:00 p.m., at the church. Memories of Charles and condolences for his family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our page. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Walker-Nadler-Fuller Funeral Home, 1720 South St., Lexington, MO, 64067, 660-259-2245

02/02/2026

With it being Groundhog Day, it seems like a good idea to learn more about groundhogs. Did you know that they are vegetarians, native to North America, create impressive underground burrows with multiple "rooms," and can sometimes hibernate up to six months? As long as Punxsutawney Phil predicts a short winter, we'll all be happy!

02/01/2026

You can’t celebrate African American Heritage Month without talking about music. Michael Jackson, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, Sammy Davis Jr., Aretha Franklin, Prince, Stevie Wonder, and so many others have truly shaped our musical culture. Which African American musician has had the greatest impact on your life and why?

01/30/2026

When a loved one passes away, you'll have to consider what to do with their house and possessions. If hosting an estate sale on your own sounds complicated, consider hiring a company to do it. Check out these 8 tips for hiring a professional estate sale company!

If you're considering hiring an estate sale company, look at these 8 tips for hiring a professional and trustworthy company.

01/27/2026

Happy Birthday Kelly! Hope you have a fantastic day!

01/27/2026

Curtis Lee Dieckmann, 68, of Sibley, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2026.
Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the First Baptist Church of Grain Valley, 207 W. Walnut St., Grain Valley, MO 64029. A funeral service will follow at 12:30 p.m. at the church. Interment will take place at St. Paul Cemetery in Napoleon, Missouri. Memorial contributions are suggested to the First Baptist Church of Grain Valley Vacation Bible School. Memories of Curtis and condolences for his family may be shared at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on the funeral home’s page. Arrangements have been entrusted to Walker-Nadler-Fuller Funeral Home, Lexington, Missouri.
Curtis was born on February 7, 1957, in Lexington, Missouri, to Theodor Henry Edward and Bertha Clara (Beckmann) Dieckmann. He was raised with strong values of faith, hard work, and family—principles that guided him throughout his life. Curtis graduated from Wellington-Napoleon R-9 High School in 1975 and went on to work at the Levasy Elevator, which his family had purchased in the 1950s.
On August 1, 1980, Curtis married the love of his life, Ardith Ann Haase, at St. Paul Church in Napoleon, Missouri. Together they built a life rooted in devotion, perseverance, and deep love, sharing 45 wonderful years side by side.
After leaving the elevator, Curtis spent his career in the oil industry beginning as a truck driver with Clark-Timmons Oil Company before moving to Sinclair Oil in Kansas City, Kansas (now H.F. Sinclair Midstream). With nearly 30 years of service at Sinclair, Curtis worked as a truck driver and eventually Terminal Supervisor, earning the respect of coworkers through his steady leadership, strong work ethic, and genuine character.
Outside of work, Curtis enjoyed time on the farm. He loved farming row crops, being close to the land, and living a meaningful life. Most of all he enjoyed helping others. He was an electrician, mechanic, and a carpenter when needed. A man of faith, he attended First Baptist Church of Grain Valley. Above all else, Curtis cherished his family. Time spent with his wife, children, and especially his granddaughters brought him his greatest joy. He made it a priority to attend every dance competition, soccer game, volleyball match, and gymnastics competition. His quiet strength, kindness, and unwavering love will be remembered always.
Curtis is survived by his beloved wife, Ardith Dieckmann of Sibley, Missouri; his children, Kyle Aron (Davae) Dieckmann of Olathe, Kansas, and Kristin Ann (Nathan) Haussmann of Grain Valley, Missouri; his four treasured granddaughters, Brooklyn and Maddyn Haussmann, and Arianna and Kayley Dieckmann; his brother, Kenny (Esther) Dieckmann of Higginsville, Missouri; his sister, Leona (Larry) Oberhelman of Wellington, Missouri;; his sister-in-law, Colette Rodenberg of Lexington, Missouri; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who will forever hold him in their hearts.
Curtis was preceded in death by his parents; a sister and brother-in-law, Ina (Jim) Betka; two brothers-in-law, Brian Haase and John Rodenberg; and a brother who died in infancy.

01/26/2026

Robert ‘Jean’ Beyer, 94, of Lexington, MO, passed away at Shirkey Hospice and Palliative Care in Richmond, MO on January 23, 2026.

Jean was born December 11, 1931, in Gordon, Nebraska, son of Alfred Beyer and Mildred Stukenholtz Beyer.

Visitation on January 30, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm and a Celebration of Life immediately following Visitation at:
United Methodist Church, 1211 S. Highway 13, Lexington, MO 64067

Arrangements by Walker, Nadler, Fuller Funeral Home in Lexington, MO

Jean grew up in Kansas City, MO, and graduated from Southeast High School in 1949. He attended the Kansas City, MO Junior College, Columbia College, and the University of Missouri-Columbia, graduating in 1954. Jean earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business - Columbia College, Bachelor of Science and Masters in Education from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He taught on the faculties of the University of Missouri-Columbia, Stephens College, Columbia College, University of Maryland, City College of Los Angeles, Northeast High School, and Southwest High School in Kansas City.

Jean spent 44 years wearing the uniform of his country. He received a regular army commission through the Army ROTC program at the University of Missouri-Columbia. He served at various posts in the United States, Germany, Alaska, Korea, and Vietnam. During a six year break in active duty, he managed several restaurants in Kansas City, including the Golden Ox. Jean retired from the Army in 1980 as a Major, and then joined the Kansas City Missouri School District as Senior Army Instructor, at Northeast and Southwest High Schools, retiring in 1996.

In 1951, Jean married Sylvia Withers, and three children were born of this union. In 1961, Jean married Marilyn Simmons, who preceded him in death in 1999. A daughter, Lisa, was born of this union in 1967. On September 30, 2000, Jean married Janis Buchanan. He and Jan loved working together, being with family and friends, traveling, and enjoyed spending the winter months in Destin, Florida, for many years.


From childhood until death, Jean lived in 41 different houses in five countries, and spent extended time in eight other nations. Jean found his permanent home in Lexington, MO, where he made many friends, was active in community affairs, and was proud to call Lexington, his home.

Jean was post commander, and life member of American Legion Post 60.
During his tenure as commander, he established and organized the Lexington Freedom Walk in 2008, which continues annually on Patriot Day. Jean was also a life member of VFW Post 4052, and Disabled American Veterans. In 2014, Jean was presented the Veterans Service Award by Lt. Governor Peter Kinder, and was named Patriot of the Month by the Missouri State Society Daughters of the American Revolution.

Jean was a past member of the Board of Directors of the Lexington Chamber of Commerce, and Lexington Community Betterment Association. Jean also held memberships in the Lexington Elk’s Lodge, Lexington Rotary Club, Lexington Historical Association, Lexington Tourism, Shirkey Golf Club, was a patron of Live in Lexington, and served on the Lexington Planning and Zoning Committee. From 2013 until 2021 Jean wrote a weekly column for the Lexington News entitled ‘The Way I See It’, which is chronicled into a 3-volume set available on Amazon.

Survivors include his wife Jan of the home, a son, Steve Beyer, and wife Charlet, St Peters, MO; daughters, Rev. Lisa Graves and husband Rev. Chip Graves, Manchester, N.J.; Kimberly Kelly and husband Jan, St. Louis, MO; and Jennifer Barry, and husband Michael, St. Louis MO; stepsons Randy Simmons, Gladstone, MO; Martin Simmons, Cameron, MO; David Mitchell, Blue Springs, MO; stepdaughter Kathy Peterson, St. Louis MO; 10 grandchildren, 8 step-grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, 2 sisters, Sandy Wirth, Raymore Peculiar, MO; Charlene Marchesini, Temecula,CA. Jean was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Paula Greenlee.

Jean would like to be remembered as a good husband, and a good father, but mostly, as a soldier who served his country with honor, dignity, and pride. He was most proud of the “Ranger” tab he wore on his left shoulder.

Private Family Burial at Machpelah Cemetery in Lexington, with full military rites. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Lexington 4 Life Center, 181D Hwy 13, Lexington, MO 64067.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Walker-Nadler-Fuller Funeral Home, 1720 South Street, Lexington, MO 64067, 660-259-2245.

01/26/2026

01/25/2026

Saying what you don’t mean is the theme - enjoy Opposite Day!

01/23/2026

Most funeral homes are staffed by people who care and want to go the extra mile for you and your family. But how do you know if a funeral home doesn't have your best interests at heart? This article shares 7 warning signs to look out for, so you can ensure that you and your family receive the best funeral care and service available in your area!

When you need help planning a funeral, you want to work with the best. To make sure you do, review these warning signs to look out for!

01/22/2026

Happy Birthday Steven! Hope you have a great day!!!

01/19/2026

Martin Luther King Jr. was a powerful voice for social justice and equality in our nation. Today, as we remember his life and legacy, let's celebrate the progress we've made but also commit to continuing his work toward a more united, more equitable United States of America. Thank you, Dr. King - you made a positive difference and the ripples of your impact are still going today.