Archives for April 2023

Ralph Davy How, a resident of Blue Springs, MO., passed away peacefully Sunday, April 30, 2023, at the age of 78 with his loving family by his side. Ralph was born January 12, 1945 in Kansas City, MO to Ralph and Mary Bernice (Davy) How.

He graduated from Northeast Senior High School in 1962. On August 31, 1968, he married Beverly Ann Howie. They were married for nearly 29 years before her passing in 1996.

He was a caring and devoted father, grandfather, brother, and uncle who loved spending time with his family and friends. He spent many wonderful years with his later love, Sharon Ryan.

Ralph worked primarily in the concrete industry with Fordyce Concrete, later with LaFarge Concrete, ultimately retiring from Belger Cartage.

Fireworks – Ralph’s interest in fireworks began when he was just ten years old. His mother owned a fireworks stand in the Fairmount area of Independence, MO during his youth. He was her “official fireworks tester.” When Ralph joined the Sunset Optimist Club of Blue Springs in 1990, he suggested a fireworks tent fundraiser. Ever since, the annual fireworks tent has been the club’s biggest fundraiser each year.

This has had enormous impact for area youth over the past 33 years, enabling many new youth programs and scholarships. Ralph served as Optimist Club past president, bingo chairman, fishing derby organizer, and in the West Missouri Optimist District with the Missouri Leadership Seminar for youth and as Lt. Governor. He also volunteered at many Parks and Rec activities and was nominated as Blue Springs Citizen of the Year. Ralph never knew a stranger and was always eager to help others.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph Frederick How and Mary Bernice (Davy) and wife Beverly Ann (Howie) How. Ralph is survived by his son, Richard A. How of Blue Springs, MO, grandson, Evan A. How of Kansas City, MO, and his granddaughter Moon.

His family will receive friends and family from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 4, 2023 at Meyers Funeral Chapel, 1600 W. Main St, Blue Springs, MO.  Burial will follow at Mt. Moriah Cemetery in Kansas City.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Meyers Funeral Chapel in Blue Springs, MO.  Memories of Ralph and words of comfort for his family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com

Steven Ray Davis, 68, a resident of Blue Springs, Missouri passed away peacefully Saturday, April 30, 2023 surrounded by his loved ones.  He was born January 4, 1955 to David and Marion (Smotherman) Davis in Willow Springs, MO.

Steven graduated from North Kansas City High School in 1973.  He worked as a welder for Prestige Dock Service in Blue Springs.  Steven enjoyed watching the Kansas City Chiefs, the Royals, and his Grandchildren’s sporting events. He also loved to do wood working, fishing, listening to loud oldies music, bowling, and playing pool.  He could fix anything and loved a good challenge. Steven cherished spending time with his family the most.

Survived by his daughter, Shelby Lyle and husband Kristopher of Overland Park, KS; sons, Christopher Davis and wife Kayla Preston-Davis of Raytown, MO, Shawn Davis of Independence, MO; grandchildren, Tiye Davis, Lily Lyle, Avery Banks, Liam Davis, Jace York, his princess, Luna Lyle; 4 siblings.  Steven is preceded in death by his parents, and 1 sibling.

Steven will be cremated per his wishes.  His family will gather to celebrate his life at a later time.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Meyers Funeral Chapel in Blue Springs.  Memories of Steven and words of comfort for his family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com

Anthony Lee Forbes, infant son of Emilee Mountjoy and Clinton Forbes passed away peacefully April 29, 2023 at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, MO.  He was born April 21, 2023 in Kansas City, MO.

Anthony will be deeply missed as although our time we had with him was not long enough we are blessed for what we were given.  His wings were ready but our hearts were not.

Survived by his mother, Emilee Mountjoy of Blue Springs, MO; father, Clinton Forbes of Blue Springs, MO; brother, Noah Forbes of Blue Springs, MO; maternal grandparents, Toby and Kerri Wilborn of Blue Springs, MO; aunt, Brittany Mountjoy of Blue Springs, MO; uncle, Hunter Wilborn and aunt, Candace Mead both of Blue Springs, MO.

Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at Meyers Funeral Chapel, 1600 W. Main St, Blue Springs, MO.  Burial will follow at the Blue Springs Cemetery.  Words of comfort for Anthony’s family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com

Thomas “Bill” William Lowry, 92, a long-time resident of Blue Springs, MO passed away Thursday, April 27, 2023 at his home.  He was born July 11, 1930 to Clarence and Mabel (Weinstein) Lowry in Golden City, MO.

Bill was a 1950 graduate of Lee’s Summit High School.  He was united in marriage to Barbara Ann Ziegler on March 21, 1950 in Clinton, MO.  They were married 65 years.  Bill owned and operated the Mobil service station on 7 Highway in Blue Springs and was at that location from 1972 – 1982.  When Mobil left the area Bill started Lowry’s Auto Service on Main Street downtown Blue Springs from 1982-1998, when he retired.  At that time he moved to Golden City, MO and opened his third service station, Lowry’s Auto Service in downtown Golden City.

Bill was an avid Kansas City Chiefs and Royals fan and loved watching all of the games on t.v.  He enjoyed fishing, camping, playing cards, and traveling in his motorhome or on his Goldwing throughout the United States and Canada with his wife Barbara.

Bill was a wonderful humanitarian and a Paul Harris Fellow with Blue Springs Rotary Club.  After retirement he moved back to Golden City and was very active with the Golden City Lions Club where he served as president along with other offices through the Lions Club.  He was in charge of many fund raisers, fish fries, the Christmas parade and decorating Christmas trees around downtown Golden City.  He moved back to Blue Springs after the death of his wife, to be close to his girls and grandchildren.

Lowry’s Mobil and Lowry’s Auto Service sponsored numerous youth and adult baseball and softball teams for his children and grandchildren.  Bill was always in the stands supporting his family.

Survived by his daughters, Lynn Costigan of Blue Springs, MO, Deboraha Hudnall and husband Paul of Blue Springs, MO, Brenda Stanton and husband Randy of Napoleon, MO, Bobbie Jo Marble and husband Steve of Oak Grove, MO; 10 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; brothers, Charles Lowry and wife Beverly of Schertz TX, Norman Lowry and wife Cindy of Warsaw, MO.  Bill is preceded in death by his wife Barbara Lowry; parents, Clarence and Mabel Lowry; sisters, Dorothy Stout, Irene Slaughter, Darlene Burk.

Bill will be cremated per his wishes and buried next to his wife in Golden City, MO.  His family and friends will gather to celebrate his life from 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 19, 2023 at the Grain Valley Community Center, 713 N. Main St, Grain Valley, MO.  A short service will begin at 6:30 p.m. including an open mic sharing of memories.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Meyers Funeral Chapel in Blue Springs.  Memories of Bill and words of comfort for his family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com