JOE LANGFORD

Joe W. Langford Sr., 78, of Chicago, Ill., was born on September 16, 1944 to Josh M. Langford of Texarkana, Ark., and Christine Johnson of Chicago, Ill., whom preceded him in death.

He graduated from Central High School class of 1962; and after went on to serve in Vietnam for two years, as a soldier in the United States Army. With A successful military career under his belt, Joe returned home to begin working as a Kansas City Firefighter. After dedicating 25 years of service to his community, he retired from the Fire Department leaving behind a legacy to be remembered forever.

He was married on September 16, 1976, to Emmer J. Langford of Wheatley, Ark. Joe and Emmer raised a family of nine children; seven whom he leaves behind in life: Augusta VanReed “Al”, Standley VanReed, La’Jon VanReed, Jacson VanReed, Vanessa VanReed “Nett”, Adrine VanReed Seward, Jackie Seward and Re-Nisha VanReed Vazquez.

Preceding him in death is his daughter, Merylin J. VanReed and his son, Joel W. Langford Jr. He also leaves behind a sister-in-law, Cheryl Kyle “Diane”; favorite nephew, Anthony Kyle; mother in-law, Alma Kyle; aunt, Maxine Cobb; and many grand and great-grandchildren.

Joe was a man of honesty, integrity and above all else, love. He loved his family and took pride in being an amazing husband, father, and role model to all who were gifted with his presence.

He will be greatly missed as he touched the lives of so many through his words of wisdom, laughs, lives saved, and memories made. Joe died on March 17, 2023, leaving behind in life his sweetheart and soul mate of 51 years, Emmer J. Langford.

Services for Langford will be on Monday, March 27, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the E.S. Eley chapel.

Burial, Leavenworth

W.D. Roby was born on August 15, 1950, in Sallis, Miss., to the union of Oliver G. and Myrtle McClavrin Roby. He was the baby boy and tenth child of 11 brothers and sisters. Affectionately called “Baby Ray” by his mother and known to many as “Dubb” and “Boone” died on March 3, 2023.

He was rooted in Christ and baptized at an early age at the Center Ridge church in Sallis, Miss.

He attended Elementary school in Mississippi before moving to Saginaw, Mich., with his family. His journey took him to Kansas City, Mo., where he completed high school graduating from Central High school deemed “Most Carefree” by his graduating class in 1969. He was an accomplished basketball player in high school, aiding Central to victories on the court which earned him a basketball scholarship to Xavier university of Louisiana.

Life took him to the copper mines of Tucson, Ariz., until his return to Kansas City where he studied computer programming and worked for Research hospital as a Computer Analyst. In his later years he enjoyed traveling the highways where he rested his head between three family homes in Michigan, Missouri, and Mississippi. He enjoyed music and could be found often times playing a tune or two on his keyboards.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Myrtle Roby; sisters, Laura Ballard and Shirley Riley; and brothers, Clyde Roby and MacArthur Roby.

He leaves to cherish and honor his memory three children, Tonya Crompton (Anthony), Tiara White, and Quentin Yancey of Kansas City, Mo.; four grandchildren and two step grandchildren; Brendon Tota, Darrian Tota, Erriel Tota, Lyric Crompton, Logan Crompton and Noble Crompton; one great grandson, Zion Richie; brother, Claude Roby; four sisters, Charlene Snow, Billie Howard, Betty Dulaney, and Mary Evylen RobyThorne; two sistersin-law; Freddie Roby and Rachel Roby; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Memorial Service will be held on Saturday,

“Lil Miss” Catalena M. Wallace, 8, of Kansas City, Mo., died on February, 27, 2023, at Children’s Mercy hospital. She was born on August 31, 2014, to proud parents, Dominique Blake and Christopher Wallace.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother; Angela Ruiz, paternal great grandma; Carla Wallace.;

She attended preschool at Barry school and Maple Woods from kindergarten through second grade in North Kansas City, Mo.

As an only child she spent her life being completely loved and spoiled by her family, she loved watching movies, listening to music, hearing children cry, being outside and long car rides.

In the eight years of life she showed everyone how to live like every day was your last. She was a beautiful little girl with a big personality and a beautiful smile that brightened any room, along with her laugh that melted one’s heart.

She was stronger than anyone knew and overcame any obstacles put in her way, no matter what the doctors said she always pushed through and came out on top… smiling through it all.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving parents, Christopher Wallace and Domonique Blake; grandparents, Kentarsha and Tim Sorey; grandfathers, Christopher Wallace Sr., and Mark Blake; one great-great grandmother, Annie Davis; four great grandmas, two great grandpas, 10 aunts, six uncles, a host of great aunts, great uncles and cousins along with other family members.

Services were held on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at the Immanuel Lutheran church, 4205 Tracy Ave., Kansas City, Mo. Pastor JahVelle Rhone officiated. Private Disposition. Services entrusted to Hardy’s Eternal Rest Funeral home,