The Lawson Review

03/16/2025

Eliza Margaret French, 94, passed away on March 13, 2025.
She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Margaret was born on May 14, 1930, to Francis and Grace McKinney in Rayville, Missouri. She was one of seven children, graduated from Richmond High School, and married Leo French in 1950.
The couple raised four children while traveling around the world while Leo served in the U.S. Military. Margaret worked numerous jobs while taking care of her family, eventually retiring from Gates in Excelsior Springs.
But more than anything, Margaret was devoted to her family and loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, great and great-great-grandchildren. Whether they were playing sports, singing, dancing or performing, raising children or having careers, she was always their biggest fan. “Grandma’s so proud of you,” was one of her favorite sayings.
In her free time, Margaret enjoyed spending time with her numerous friends, bebopping around town with Sandy, playing cards and winning BINGO. She was always up for a trip to the boat with her daughters and game nights with the grandkids.
Over the past 50 years, she was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church, where she served in the kitchen and helped teach Bible School.
She is survived by her children, Sandra French, Lee (and Maureen) French, Cheryl (and Douglas) Stolz and Tammy (and John) Henson; her grandchildren, Cherry (and Chris) Steinkuehler, Jesse French, Duane French, Cherryh (and Ryan) Cansler, Christen (and Victor)
Everett, Ethan Stolz, Jordan Henson and Jamie (and Chris) Buchanan and numerous great and great-great grandchildren.
A visitation will be 12-2 p.m., March 18, at the Hidden Valley Funeral Home of Excelsior Springs, 5951 MO-10, Ex. Springs, Mo. The Funeral will follow from 2 to 3 p.m.
Burial will follow at the Sanderson Cemetery in Rayville, Mo.

03/16/2025

Richard Lee “Dick” Elliott, 74 years old, of Wood Heights, MO, passed away on March 10, 2025. He passed peacefully, at his home, with his loving wife, Diane, of 39 years by his side.

Dick was born on June 28, 1950 in Chillicothe, MO, to Robert and Betty (Dillinger) Elliott. Dick was united in marriage to Maria (Diane) Elliott (Phillips) on July 5, 1986.

He is survived by his wife, Diane; son, Jeremy (Stacey) Elliott of Eaton, OH; son, Adam (Julie) Phillips of Elgin, OK; daughter, Megan (Kaley) Elliott of Excelsior Springs, MO; 10 grandchildren, Elizabeth Bair, Jazlynn Elliott, Kiera Elliott, Laina Elliott, Kylie Elliott, Allissa Phillips, Chloe Phillips, Elsie Phillips, Jackson Slaughter, and Brandon Elliott; two great-grandchildren; brother, Jim (Amy) Elliott of Brookfield, MO; brother, Jeff (Lori) Elliott of Brookfield, MO; and multiple nieces and nephews.

Dick graduated from Brookfield High School in 1968. He graduated from Northeast Missouri State University (Kirksville, MO) in 1973, with a B.S. in Engineering. Professionally he spent many years as a drafting engineer. He then moved into IT work, as computers became more integrated into business and manufacturing. He retired as a database administrator.

Dick’s fondest memories and enjoyment were centered around his entire family. His time with his brothers was especially enjoyable for him. He enjoyed camping and any family gathering.

His other passion was music. He played music with his brother, mother and countless lifelong friends. Listening to, creating and playing music with his brothers and all of his band mates over the years were of special importance to him.

He was a handyman, like his father; a musician, like his mother; a loving and supportive father, like both of his parents were to him. He was a devoted and loving spouse as his parents were to each other.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to First Christian Church of Brookfield, MO.

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03/16/2025

Gail Anne (Carr) Brown, 80, passed on March 11, 2025, at The Parkway Senior Living facility in Blue Springs, Missouri. She was born on January 1, 1945.

Gail was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Viola Carr; siblings, Bud Carr and Jackie Collins; and husband of 53 years, Nile Brown.

She is survived by son, Aaron Brown, daughter-in-law, Karla Brown, daughter, Amy McCubbin, son-in-law, Ron McCubbin; brother-in-law, Sam Brown (Cindy) ; grandchildren, Alec (Amanda) Brown, Tyler Brown, Shelby Brown, Abigail McCubbin, Jacob (Bailey) McCubbin; and great-grandchildren, Piper and Baylor Brown.

Gail and Nile were married in 1966 and were members of St. Ann Catholic Church. Gail taught English in the Excelsior Springs school district for 34 years.

Gail’s family extends heartfelt thanks for the care and quality of life The Parkway Senior Living Memory Care facility extended to Gail in the last two years of her life. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be held from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs, with a 10:00 a.m. funeral Mass at St. Ann Catholic Church with burial at Hillcrest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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03/16/2025

Robert Shemwell, age 92, passed away surrounded by family on March 13, 2025.

He was a podiatrist for 66 years in Excelsior Springs and surrounding towns, with his most famous patient being President Harry S. Truman. He truly loved his profession. He graduated from Southeast High School in 1951. Graduated from Baker University in 1955 and was a Kappa Sig. Illinois College of Chiropody in Chicago is where he got his podiatry degree. He was on the Excelsior Springs hospital board. He finished his podiatry career at the Lake of the Ozarks where he enjoyed his beautiful lake house with family and friends for many years.

He loved flying airplanes and vacationing at his Arizona home. He had a generous spirit and always gave to anyone in need. His philosophy for life was when you give, you will always get ten times in return. He believed in hard work from an early age. Shoveling snow for the neighbors as a teenager and peeling potatoes and selling blue suede shoes to support his schooling. He was proud to earn his eagle scout and felt it helped build his character.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Patricia; daughter, Sheryl; and brother, Gary.

He leaves behind his sister, Susie Foley, California; daughter, Denise Cates (David), Illinois; son, Bobby Shemwell, Liberty; daughter, Susan Franklin (Brent), Kansas City; 11 grandchildren; and six great grandchildren.

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03/16/2025

Missourians who register for the buyback with a photo of a cut-down Callery pear tree from their property will receive a free replacement native tree.

03/14/2025

Planned Roadwork for Northwest Missouri, March 17-23

St. Joseph, Mo. – The following is a list of general highway maintenance and construction work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northwest Missouri region for the week of March 17-23.

There also may be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below. Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work. Check the MoDOT Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org, or download the app for updated information.

MoDOT asks drivers to work with us by buckling up, putting your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones.

Buchanan County

Route 116 – Resurfacing from U.S. Route 59 near Rushville to U.S. Route 169 through September 2025. (Contractor: Herzog Contracting Corp.).

Route DD – CLOSED at the Jenkins Creek Bridge near Gower for a bridge deck replacement project through mid-May. (Contractor: Capital Paving & Construction, LLC). https://www.modot.org/projects/route-b-route-dd-and-route-h-bridge-rehabilitation-andrew-and-buchanan.

Caldwell County

Route D – CLOSED for a bridge replacement project at the Shoal Creek Bridge through early August 2025 (Contractor: Cale Seymour Construction, LLC). https://www.modot.org/route-d-bridge-replacement-caldwell.

Clinton County

Route 116 – Resurfacing from U.S. Route 59 near Rushville to U.S. Route 169 through September 2025. (Contractor: Herzog Contracting Corp.).

I-35 – Drainage work northbound from mile marker 32.6 to mile marker 33.6, March 19, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The northbound driving lane will be closed, exit ramps will remain open.

U.S. Route 69 – Pavement repair from I-35 to Route 116, March 18-21.

Route PP – Drainage work at the bridge over I-35, March 20-21.

03/14/2025

Pavement repair on Route 69 in Clinton County to begin March 18
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Crews from the Missouri Department of Transportation will repair pavement on U.S. Route 69 in Clinton County between Interstate 35 and Missouri Route 116. The work is scheduled for Tuesday, March 18 through Friday, March 21.
Traffic impacts: During the pavement repairs, traffic will be reduced to one lane with flaggers guiding motorists through the work zone. Motorists should expect delays.
crews will be working from 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. each day. The repairs are scheduled to be completed by Friday, March 21.
All work is weather-permitting, and schedules are subject to change.
MoDOT asks drivers to work with us by always buckling up, keeping your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones. Know before you go and check what work zones you might encounter at traveler.modot.org.
While at modot.org, sign up online for work zone updates. Information is also available 24/7 at 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or by visiting www.modot.org/northwest.

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03/14/2025

Iletta Faye (Swartz) Pulley, of Lawson, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday March 11, 2025, from natural causes. Iletta was born on Saturday April 25, 1936 in Amity, Missouri, the daughter of the late Harry and Mollie (Hines) Swartz.

After graduating from Clarksdale High School in 1954 she then attended Platte Business College in St. Joseph, Missouri from which she graduated in 1956. She then went to work at Dannon Mills where she worked until 1961. Later she would also work in Scotland County Collector's office in Memphis, Missouri. She would then go on to work in the banking industry for 20 years, from 1979 to 1999, in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, starting as an accountant, she would work her way up to the position of loan officer.

On October 15, 1961, she married Phil Pulley of Union Star, Missouri, whom she had known since childhood. Iletta and Phil went on to have three children: Glenn, Mark, and Deanne. Iletta was always very active in church. Whether she was playing the piano or organ, directing the choir or teaching bible school, she happily donated her time and effort to the service of others.

After retiring Iletta and Phil traveled extensively, both in the United States and throughout the world. Iletta derived so much joy from her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Iletta was preceded in death by her parents: Harry and Mollie Swartz; her sisters, Bernetta (Swartz) Buhman and Irma (Swartz) Willis and her husband Phil Pulley.

She is survived by her children their spouses and grandchildren and great grandchildren: Glenn (Joyce) Pulley (son), Timothy Pulley (grandson), Brittany (Jake) Freitas 9 granddaughter), Keiree and Jett Freitas (great grandchildren); Mark Pulley (son); Deanne (James) Weber (daughter), Janelle Weber (granddaughter).

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03/13/2025

RAY COUNTY, Mo - The Missouri Department of Transportation will be performing resurfacing work on Missouri Routes T and F in Ray County in the coming weeks.

During the work crews will conduct a series of pilot car operations from March 24th to April 13. This covers Route T from Missouri Highway 10 to Missouri Highway 210, as well as Route F at the intersection of Missouri Route B. Work will be conducted from 7 am to 7 pm daily.

Motorists should expect delays during construction. All work is weather permitting.

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03/13/2025

Nancy Lee Brummall, 96, of Richmond, MO passed away Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at Oak Ridge Assisted Living Center in Richmond.
Nancy was born on January 24, 1929, in Moberly, MO the daughter of Clare and Margaret (Hogan) Thomas. She was united in marriage to Joseph Donald Brummall on April 7, 1951. He preceded her in death on March 6, 1997.
Survivors include: two daughters, Harriet (David) Minnick of Richmond and Laura DeYarman of Medford, OR; three grandchildren: Megan Minnick of St. Louis, Amanda (Chris) Amdur of St. Louis, and Nicholas DeYarman of Medford, OR; and two great-grandchildren, Dylan Amdur and Kennedy Amdur.
Nancy was preceded in death by her husband and her son-in-law, Kent DeYarman.
Nancy was raised and educated in Moberly, MO. She earned her associate degree from William Woods University in Fulton and later received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Truman State University in Kirksville. Nancy was an active member of her community, dedicating her time to organizations such as, Chapter CO P.E.O., Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Ray County Hospital Auxiliary. She was also a devoted member of the Richmond United Methodist Church, where she found faith and fellowship.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Humane Society of Ray County. They can be left or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.
A private family graveside service will be held on Monday, March 17, 2025, at Wakenda Cemetery, Hardin. Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond is in charge of arrangements

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03/13/2025

Damaged in the City Park!
Pictured is a table with cost a $1100, which has been damaged by kids / teenagers. The third picture is where the restrooms for the park were located. Again kids/ teenagers vandalizing city property. Broken sinks, broken stools, plugged stools, ect. There are several reasons why the restrooms were taken down, but vandalism was a big one. There will now be porta potties instead, and we all love those!
Light bulbs broken or taken from the stage.
My question is WHY!

(photos by The Lawson Review)

03/13/2025

03/13/2025

CLAY COUNTY - The Missouri Department of Transportation Kansas City (MoDOT KC) will hold an open house style meeting to discuss intersection improvements at the intersection of Missouri Route D and U.S. Route 69 in Lawson, Missouri. DETAILS: https://www.modot.org/node/63657 The City of Lawson, Missouri

03/13/2025

Congratulation Scott

03/13/2025

Congratulations Coach Crow!
Missouri Wrestling Assoc. Boys Class 1 District 4 Coach Of The Year

03/13/2025

As the temperatures rise, so does outdoor activity! More motorcycles, pedestrians, and vehicles will be sharing the road, making it important to stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
𝘓𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘛𝘸𝘪𝘤𝘦 ▪️ 𝘗𝘢𝘺 𝘈𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 ▪️ 𝘉𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘭𝘦 𝘜𝘱 ▪️ 𝘖𝘣𝘦𝘺 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤 𝘓𝘢𝘸𝘴 ▪️ 𝘋𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦/𝘙𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘚𝘰𝘣𝘦𝘳

03/13/2025

Missouri 4-H is looking for teen leaders and we know there are some great Ray County members who should consider applying!

Applications are due April 1st and can be found on the Missouri 4-H Website.
State Council
https://extension.missouri.edu/programs/missouri-4-h/get-involved-with-4-h/state-4-h-council

Civic Engagement Ambassadors https://extension.missouri.edu/programs/missouri-4-h/get-involved-with-4-h/civic-engagement-ambassadors

Truman wants YOU to consider applying!