Obituaries

Ileen O’Brien Downing Wall, 97, of Richmond, passed away on Friday, October 21, 2022, at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond. Ileen was born on April 12, 1925, in Willis, KS, the daughter of Earl A. and Mary Jane (Shupe) O’Brien.  She was first united in marriage to Donald Ray Downing of Horton, KS, on September 11, 1943; he preceded her in death on June 5, 1994.  She was then united in marriage to Lendall Dean Wall of Richmond on August 20, 2017; he preceded her in death on May 10, 2021.

William Tennis “Bill” Seward, Sr., went to meet his Heavenly Father after complications from pneumonia at the North Kansas City Hospice House on October 20, 2022. He was devoted to his faith, his four children, Altha (Sherman) Wright, Bonita (Craig) Miller, William Tennis Jr. (Tennie), and Crystal (Tim) Coats. He was a loving husband to Bonnie (Bost) of 65 years, who preceded him in death in the year 2019. Bill was born to Mary (Vogt) and Carl Seward on November 23, 1931, in Lakeview, MO.

Ishmael Theodore “Ted” Thomas, age 102, of Richmond, died Thursday, October 20, 2022, at Oak Pointe of Kearney. Ted was born on May 18, 1920, in Robbins, OK, the son of John Wesley and Frankie Rosanna (Vandiver) Thomas.  He was united in marriage to Bonnie Lee Watkins of Jasper, AR; she preceded him in death on October 27, 1996.

Vicky Lynn (Edwards) Lang 51, of Excelsior Springs Missouri passed away in her home after a hard-fought battle with lung cancer. Vicky's husband, children and family were by her side. Vicky was born September 28, 1971, in Smithville Mo, to Gene and Shirley (Williams) Edwards. She grew up in Liberty, Mo, graduating from Liberty High in 1990. After the passing of her father from lung cancer in 1988, Vicky was the primary caregiver for her bedridden mother, until her passing in 2002.

Daniel L. Oster, age 88, of Carrollton, Missouri, and former Richmond, Missouri resident, passed away on Wednesday, October 5, 2022, at NorthCare Hospice in North Kansas City, Missouri. 

Daniel was the son of Harold L. and Hazel E. (Bisel) Oster and was born on December 9, 1933 in northwest Carroll County. He married JoAnna Carter on June 10, 1951, at his family home, and to this union they were later blessed with four boys, Laverne D., Lavere C., Leonard L., and Larry A..  

Deanna C. Richardson was born to Lottie Zelle and Howard Harris McCarty in Farmington, St. Francois County, Missouri.  Deanna was a fun loving, if slightly irreverent child who retained her mischievous nature throughout life and never completely settled on being one of the “adults.” After graduating from school, she began working as secretary to a Law Firm and then within the office of a Superintendent of Schools. 

Katherine (Katie) V. Avery, 94, of Richmond passed away peacefully on Sept. 9, 2022, surrounded by family and loved ones at home.  

Katie was born on Aug. 1, 1928, to Will and Jessie Peters of Springfield. 

Katie showed a passion for dance at an early age. She ultimately performed in the USO for the troops during the Korean War at the O’Reilly Military Hospital and Shrine Mosque, Springfield. There, she met her future husband, Marine Sgt. Wilbur (Bud) T. Avery. They were married in 1952.  

Shirley Jean Middleton, 87, of Richmond, passed away peacefully on Monday Sept. 26, 2022, at Oak Ridge Assisted Living in Richmond. 

Shirley was born on Aug. 6, 1935, in Richmond, the daughter of Vane and Willie (Yallaly) Thompson. She was united in marriage to Robert H. “Hoot” Middleton of Richmond on June 28, 1956; he preceded her in death on Dec. 2, 1999.  

Survivors include son, Hal James Middleton of Richmond; and daughter, Carol Kay (Tom) Williamson of Richmond.