U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Philip Kenton Lee
Philip Kenton Lee was, above all, a man of God. And to some who knew him, he was right up there with God, said Mary Ann Steyaert, his companion of 18 years.
Mr. Lee of Columbia died Wednesday, March 6, 2002. He was 66.
Mr. Lee was born July 30, 1935, in Frankfort, Ind., to Harvey George and Adeline Mae Robison Lee.
Steyaert said religion played an important part in Mr. Lee's life.
"It was because of his upbringing-his whole family is that way. Religion was part of his roots, and he had a very strong foundation in religious faith," Steyaert said.
Mr. Lee's devotion to religion kept him active as an elder in Trinity Presbyterian Church, where he was a member for 33 years.
Along with his religious faith came Mr. Lee's love and concern for others.
"If you needed anything, or if you were down and out, he was right there," Steyaert said. "He was just a wonderful human being."
Mr. Lee gave much of his time to other people through Cosmos, Boy Scouts and 4-H. In addition, he was the director of health physics at MU from 1968 to 1994. He taught classes there for 26 years.
"He had a great sense of humor, and he just enjoyed being with people," Norman Lee, his brother, said.
Mr. Lee also enjoyed simple pleasures, including sports. He played basketball in high school, and he held season tickets to MU basketball and football games for many years.
"His first love was Missouri basketball and football," Steyaert said.
Mr. Lee also found joy in gardening.
"He loved to putter around in the yard and put out flowers," said Norman Lee. "We had a tradition where we would go to the cemetery every Memorial Day and put flowers out."
This tradition was an extension of the close relationship Mr. Lee and Norman Lee had as brothers. They were college roommates, and Norman Lee said that in high school people used to confuse them with one another.
"We got into the usual scrapes and fusses together, but we were rather well-behaved. He was a little more daring than I would have been, but he's the younger brother, so maybe that's why," Norman Lee said.
Mr. Lee married Martha Oliver in Indianapolis in September 1957. He received his bachelor's degree from Hanover College, a master's degree from Vanderbilt University and a doctoral degree from Purdue University. Mr. Lee worked at Los Alamos National Laboratories from 1959 to 1963.
Visitation for Mr. Lee will be from 7 to 9 p.m. today at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 1600 W. Rollins Road. Services, conducted by the Rev. Raymond Massey, will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the church. Burial will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Geetingsville Cemetery in Geetingsville, Ind.
Mr. Lee is survived by his son, John K. Lee of Columbia; his daughter, Kathy Reineking of Atlanta; his brother, Norman Lee of Ridgeville, Ind.; and his companion, Mary Ann Steyaert of Columbia.
His parents died earlier.
Memorials may be sent to Trinity Presbyterian Church, 1600 W. Rollins Road, Columbia, Mo. 65201.
Warren F. Sanford
Warren F. Sanford, formerly of Columbia, died Friday, March 1, 2002, at his home in Independence. He was 80.
Mr. Sanford's wife Juanita L. Sanford said her husband was a giver all his life.
"He is gone but he'll never be forgotten," Juanita Sanford said.
Mr. Sanford was born March 27, 1921, in Carrollton to Arthur and Oletha Mitchell Sanford. He graduated from Douglass High School and attended MU for three and a half years. He later served in the U.S. Army for four years and was honorably discharged.
Mr. Sanford was hired by the Columbia Public Works Department in 1953. He was later employed with the Lake City Ammunition Plant and the McCune Boys Home. He retired after 28 years.
He was a member of the Second Baptist Church before moving to Independence.
Visitation for Mr. Sanford will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Second Baptist Church, 116 East White Oak St. in Independence. Services will follow at 1 p.m. at the church.
Mr. Sanford is survived by his wife, Juanita Sanford; three sons, Owen Tucker of Jefferson City, Jerome Donato of Grandview and Eugene Tucker of Phoenix; six daughters, Clareese Collins of Phoenix, Mattaline Jefferys of Oklahoma City, Pauletta Chrisman of Kansas City, Cynthia Tucker of Independence, Anita Price of Kansas City and Kymberly Tucker of Independence; and 25 grandchildren.
The body has been cremated.
James E. Smith Jr.
James E. Smith Jr. of Columbia died Tuesday, March 5, 2002. He was 90.
Mr. Smith was born Oct. 2, 1911, in Urbana, Ill., to James E. and Frances Louise McClelland Smith.
He married Grace Jones on June 17, 1936, in Plainfield, Ill. He received a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois and a master's degree from Purdue University.
In 1939, he became a professor of floriculture in MU's horticulture department. He was a member of First Christian Church for 62 years, and he was a member of Kiwanis Club for 55 years.
Visitation for Mr. Smith will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. today at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 West. Services, conducted by the Rev. John Yonker, will be 2 p.m. Friday at First Christian Church, 101 N. Tenth St. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Mr. Smith is survived by his wife; four daughters, Gracie Berlin of Stillwater, Okla., Jeannie Sanchez of Lincoln, Neb., Peggi Diaz of Kansas City and Barbara Owen of Columbia; a brother, Harold W. Smith of Jonesport, Maine; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
A daughter, Mary Kay Owen; a brother, C. Prentiss Smith; a sister, Katherine Jansson; and a grandson, Blake Dobbe, died earlier.
Memorials may be sent to First Christian Church, 101 N. Tenth St., Columbia, Mo., 65201.
Delores Fay Greening Sanders
When Delores Fay Greening Sanders showed up for family get-togethers, relatives knew they were in for lots of fun.
"In any gathering she was the highlight, she was the organizer," said her sister Dorothy Baker. Mrs. Sanders was especially enamored of her 19 nieces and nephews, family members said.
"She was a very special aunt," Baker said.
Mrs. Sanders died of leukemia Monday, March 4, 2002, at Boone Hospital Center. She was 35.
In family circles, Mrs. Sanders was notorious for her practical jokes. Baker said she remembers several examples of her sister's talent for making the people around her laugh. Once, when Mrs. Sanders got invited to a friend's party, she asked what she should bring. Although her friend told her she didn't have to bring anything, Mrs. Sanders bought a very special gift: a bottle of pickled pigs' feet.
"After that the pigs' feet were just passed back and forward when they made visits. They even got a new set of pig's feet-maybe the old one was misplaced," Baker said.
When Mrs. Sanders took a trip to St. Louis with Baker and another sister, Kay Steward, she secretly put a sign on Steward's back saying "Honk for my 40th Birthday." Honks and comments were plentiful, Baker said.
Mrs. Sanders shared her love for travel and computers with her husband, Scott Sanders. Mrs. Sanders was "a world traveler" and loved to fill her home with souvenirs from places like France or Hawaii, family members said. Two years ago she made her dream of a wedding in an exotic place come true and married Scott Sanders in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
"She brought home Jamaican money as souvenirs for her nieces and nephews," Baker said.
When Mrs. Sanders was diagnosed with leukemia five years ago, she didn't give up.
"Without her courage and determination, she wouldn't have lived for five more years," Baker said. "Whenever a diagnosis was bad, she would ask the doctor, 'What do we have to do to fix it?' She had this strong will. She just fought, fought, fought."
Mrs. Sanders worked for the Missouri Leukemia Society as a contact person and supporter for people diagnosed with the disease. She received an award from the society for her contributions and her generosity toward other people with leukemia, family members said.
She was born to Don and Betty Cleeton Greening Sept. 29, 1966, in Columbia. She married Scott Sanders in April 1999. She was an administrative assistant for Faircom Corp., a local computer software company and was a member of the Columbia Baptist Temple.
Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Nilson Funeral Home, 5611 St. Charles Road. Services, conducted by the Rev. Bob Stanford, will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Nilson Funeral Home. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Centralia.
Mrs. Sanders is survived by her husband, Scott Sanders of Columbia; her parents, Don and Betty Greening of Hallsville; three brothers, Ray and Dan Greening, both of Hallsville, and Mark Greening of Monroe City; five sisters, Kay Steward and Diana Baker, both of Harrisburg, Dorothy Baker of Columbia, Debbie Greening of Boonville and Darla Ardrey of Hallsville.
Memorials may be sent to the Leukemia Society Gateway Chapter, 77 Westport Plaza, Suite 101, St. Louis, Mo. 63146.
James Wilson Stone
James Wilson "Stoney" Stone of Columbia died Monday, March 4, 2002. He was 64.
Mr. Stone was born Feb. 13, 1938, in Boone County to Bryan Wilson and Mary Emma Schmidt Stone.
He married Barbara Jean Taylor in March 1956, and she later died. He was married to Dorothy Louise Stone from 1976 to 1985.
Mr. Stone served in the Navy and worked for Kraft Foods for many years. He was also a member of Wilkes Boulevard Methodist Church, Elks Lodge and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 280.
Visitation for Mr. Stone will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W. Services, conducted by the Rev. Charles A. Parker, will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Memorial Funeral Home. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.
Mr. Stone is survived by his mother, Mary Stone of Columbia; seven children, Debbie Lynn Calvert, Roger Wilson Stone, Randall Gene Stone and Tammie Lee Palmer, all of Columbia, Darrell Euel Stone of the state of California, Robert Eugene Stone and Rebecca Louise Stone, both of Sturgeon; a sister, Beverly Ann Boyt of Venice, Fla.; a brother, Alvin Gene Stone of Plano, Texas; 14 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
His father and one son died earlier.
Memorials may be sent to the James W. Stone Memorial Fund to benefit his grandchildren, c/o Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W., Columbia, Mo. 65202.
Carl Raymond Noren
Carl Raymond Noren dedicated his career to preserving Missouri's natural resources and his lifetime to developing a better environment for generations to come.
Mr. Noren of Columbia died Saturday, March 2, 2002, at Boone Hospital Center. He was 88.
Mr. Noren was born Jan. 11, 1914, in Providence, R.I., to Carl and Anna Nelson Noren. He married Ann McCalla on Dec. 11, 1945, in Chillicothe, Ohio. She survives.
While attending Maplewood High School in St. Louis, he wrote to Aldo Leopold, an internationally respected scientist and conservationist, and asked about the course he should take in life. Leopold replied to the 15-year-old and recommended he go to MU to study zoology under renowned naturalist Rudolph Bennett. Mr. Noren took Leopold's advice and received his bachelor's degree from MU in 1936 and his master's degree in 1941.
Mr. Noren joined the Missouri Department of Conservation in 1940 as a field biologist and project leader. The department had taken note of his master's thesis, which it ultimately used as the basis for its wildlife management policies.
Mr. Noren was dedicated to preserving Missouri's natural resources and wildlife.
"He was the most amazing, pragmatic idealist I've ever seen," said daughter Wendy Noren. "... His ideal was to improve the environment for his children and grandchildren, to leave to us something better."
But shortly after his career with the conservation department began, Mr. Noren's path was sidetracked. In November 1941, he was drafted by the U.S. Army and served in the Pacific, European and African theaters during World War II. He attained the rank of captain.
Mr. Noren returned to Missouri in 1946. He rejoined the Department of Conservation as coordinator of water resource policy, and in 1949 he designed a plan to preserve Missouri streams and rivers. Mr. Noren's work and research were fundamental in the development of the National Scenic Riverways Act and led to the designation of the Ozark Scenic Riverways.
In 1966, Mr. Noren became the third director of the Missouri Conservation Department. He retired in 1979 and moved to Athens, Ga. He returned to central Missouri in 2001.
Mr. Noren received numerous professional awards during his career, including Conservationist of the Year from the Conservation Foundation of Missouri. He was designated a master conservationist by the department, and in 2000, the Missouri River access in Jefferson City was dedicated in his honor.
Mac Johnson, a colleague, became acquainted with Mr. Noren in 1961 while they worked for the conservation department. Although they often good naturedly disagreed, Johnson said, Mr. Noren always carried himself with a gentle, intelligent demeanor.
"Carl used to tell everyone, 'I don't care what time to get your work done, as long as you get it done,'" Johnson said. "Of course, he never came to work in the morning until he felt the need to, so that created a stir of appreciation among co-workers."
Mr. Noren was also loved not only by his family, but also by the friends of his children.
"Growing up, all of our friends just adored my father," Wendy Noren said. "On some level, they also feel like they've lost a father."
Mr. Noren is survived by his wife; four daughters, Jane Noren Davis of Brussels, Belgium, Carol Lockman of Athens, Ga., and Wendy Noren and Laura Noren, both of Columbia; one son, David Noren of Gaston, Ore.; and nine grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today at the Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St., Jefferson City. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Freeman Chapel. Private graveside services and interment will follow at Riverview Cemetery, 2600 W. Main St.
Memorials may be sent to The Nature Conservancy, 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, Va., 22203, or to The Conservation Foundation of Missouri Charitable Trust through the Missouri Conservation Federation, 728 W. Main St., Jefferson City, Mo.
Opal McKane
Opal Bernice McKane of Columbia died Sunday, March 3, 2002, at Columbia Regional Hospital. She was 81.
Mrs. McKane was born Nov. 30, 1920 in Mexico, Mo., to Guy Burnett and Elva Tanner Burnett.
She married Herbert D. McKane on Aug. 20, 1939, in Centralia, and he survives.
Mr. McKane said he married her when she was only 18 and that she was a "hard-headed girl."
Mrs. McKane was a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Boonville. She worked for 25 years at a government office for agriculture in Clayton.
The McKanes had lived in Columbia since 1989, Herbert McKane said.
Visitation for Mrs. McKane will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Nilson Funeral Home, 5611 St. Charles Road. Services, conducted by the Rev. Rick McKane III, will be held Wednesday at the Community of Christ Church, on Radio Hill Road, Boonville.
The burial will be in Bevier.
Mrs. McKane is survived by three daughters, Rebecca S. Stumpf of Columbia, Mary Elizabeth McKane of Washington, Mo., and Melissa Ruth McClain of North Liberty, Iowa; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Memorials can be sent to the Golden K. Kiwanis Foundation, c/o Myron Bennett, 2870 Mill Creek Terrace, Columbia, Mo., 65203-8260 or Masonic Home of Missouri, 3314 Lemone Industrial Blvd., Columbia, Mo., 65201.
Kenneth Craig "K.C." Thompson
Kenneth Craig "K.C." Thompson was happiest fly-fishing in Colorado or Montana or hunting quail with his dogs Sam, a pointer, and Petey, a German shorthair.
After returning from hunting or fishing, he would eat his favorite meal of barbecued pork steak, which he would sometimes overcook.
"He would almost burn those puppies," said his wife, Debi Thompson of Columbia. "He would say that the barbecue sauce got crispy, even if the meat turned to charcoal."
Mr. Thompson of Columbia died Thursday, Feb. 28, 2002, at his home. He was 50.
Mr. Thompson was born Oct. 21, 1951, in Goodland, Kan., to Kenneth Thompson and Bernadine Ingram Thompson. He married Debi Davis on June 15, 1990 in Lee's Summit.
He was the owner of Thompson Custom Home Inc., an Air Force veteran, a member of Boy Scouts of America, Tribe of Mic-o-say, and worked with Habitat for Humanity. He attended University Baptist Church.
When Mr. Thompson was diagnosed with cancer in April, he gave his dog Sam to a friend so he could continue hunting without him, Mr. Thompson's wife said.
Mr. Thompson is survived by his wife; his parents, Kenneth and Bernadine Thompson of Lee's Summit; a son, Kenneth Barrett Thompson of Columbia; a daughter, Cassandra Thompson of Columbia; two stepsons, Brennan Scanlon of Fayette and Blair Scanlon of Columbia; three sisters, Karen Yoakum of Milwaukee, Ore., and Brenda Finnegan and Jennifer Ward, both of Lee's Summit; and five nieces and nephews.
His brother died earlier.
Services, conducted by the Rev. Jeff Benson, will be at 11 a.m. today at University Baptist Church, 4275 E. Route WW.
Memorials can be sent to the Voluntary Action Center, 800 N. Providence Road, Columbia, Mo., 65203; the American Cancer Society, 33 E. Broadway, Suite 100, Columbia, Mo., 65203; or Missouri River Hospice, 3210 Bluff Creek Dr., Columbia, Mo., 65201.
Dennis J. Gross
Dennis J. "Turk" Gross of Columbia died Thursday, Feb. 28, 2002, at University Hospital. He was 58.
Mr. Gross was born March 13, 1943, in Fulton to Calvin Turner and Leomia Gross.
He was a graduate of Malcolm X Community College in Chicago and a former employee of Textran Automotive and Phoenix House and Advent Enterprise.
Mr. Gross married Valerie Simms on June 1, 1996.
Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Warren Funeral Chapel, 12 E. Ash St.
Services, conducted by the Rev. Larry Warren, will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 204 E. Ash St., where he was a member. Burial will be at Columbia Cemetery, 30 E. Broadway.
Mr. Gross is survived by his wife; sons Dennis T. Gross of Chicago and Kevin Gross, Davron Gross, Richard Mozee and Brian Mozee, all of Columbia; daughters Denise Gross, Linda Gross and Glenda Gross of Chicago and Pauline Williams of Columbia; brothers James R. Gross of Columbia and Eddie B. Gross of San Diego; and 16 grandchildren.
His parents died earlier.
Laura H. Harper
Laura Hazel Harper, known to all of her friends as Hazel, is remembered for her lifetime service as a teacher and her participation in volunteer services.
Mrs. Harper, of Columbia, died Thursday, Feb. 28, 2002. She was 92.
Mrs. Harper was born Oct. 27, 1909, in Fordyce, Ark. She received a bachelor's degree in education from MU and began her career as an elementary teacher in Arkansas. She continued as a shorthand teacher in Chillicothe Business College in Chillicothe. Near Mexico, she taught grades one through eight in a one-room schoolhouse. She finished her teaching career in New Franklin, retiring in 1975.
She met her husband, Harry Harper, while teaching at Chillicothe Business College. They married on July 1, 1938, and over the course of 55 years lived in Jefferson City, Mexico and Columbia.
Mrs. Harper enjoyed her work with the Boy and Girl Scouts. Known as the "nature lady," she was passionate about crafts, making beautiful creations from most any natural item she could find. She was featured in numerous publications for her hand-crocheted snowflakes, pheasant gather flowers and collections of fans, butterflies and rocks.
Sports were also important to her throughout her life. During high school and college, she participated in basketball and women's track. After school, she played both singles and doubles in tennis.
After her husband's death on March 5, 1993, Mrs. Harper joined the Widow-Widower Group at the Senior Center and was the program leader for many years. Mrs. Harper was also honored as a J.C. Penney senior volunteer for service to her community.
Music energized her, and she continued to dance with the Promenaders Square-dance group in Columbia at the senior center until last November.
Mrs. Harper lived the last four years of her life at Tiger Columns in Columbia. Her daughter, Nancy Hewitt, remembers her as loving to make young and old alike smile with her jokes and stories.
A memorial life celebration service will be held April 6.
Mrs. Harper is survived by her son, Harry Harper of League City, Texas; two daughters, Jacky Draffen of Boonville and Nancy Hewitt of Canyon Lake, Texas; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
A sister died earlier.
The family asks for donations to be made to the Columbia Area Senior Center in Hazel Harper's name in lieu of flowers.
Beverly J. Toliver
Beverly Jo Toliver of Columbia died Friday, March 1, 2002, at Boone Hospital Center. She was 72.
Mrs. Toliver was born March 22, 1929, in Clay Center, Kan., to Clifford and Dorothy Oberg Van Slyke.
She graduated from Concordia (Kan.) High School in 1947, and married Harry Toliver in 1949. She worked at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan., with student publications.
Services, conducted by the Rev. Edward Moynihan, will be held at 10 a.m. Monday in the Chaput-Buoy Funeral Chapel, 325 W. 6th St., Concordia, Kan. She will be buried in Pleasant Hill Cemetery there.
Mrs. Toliver is survived by her husband; one son, Gary Toliver of Columbia; one daughter, Shelly Wittwer of Dallas; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Her parents died earlier.
Memorials may be sent to Show-Me Christian Youth Home, 24302 Mahin Rd., P.O. Box 6, La Monte, Mo., 65337.
