WILLIAM JACKSON

William Anthony Jackson died on Monday, January 2, 2023, at his residence in Kansas City, Kas. He was born on November 22, 1957, in Kansas City, Mo.

In 1958, he was adopted by Herman and Lula Jackson.

Jackson attended the St. Patrick’s Catholic school in Kansas City, Kas., before transferring into the Kansas City, Kas., Public School system. He received his GED in 1977.

On October 9, 1965, he received the Holy Sacrament of Baptism.

He was always the life of any party or family gathering. He enjoyed hanging out with friends and select family members. He loved listening to music, especially Old School Music.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Lula and Herman Jackson; and his daughter, Tanita Rachelle Jackson.

He is survived by his daughters: Tyesha Jackson, of Kansas City, Kas.; and Tausha Jackson, of Kansas City, Kas.; his sister, Lillie Elder, of Kansas City, Kas.; his nephews: Curtis (Davida) Turner, of Greenwood, Mo., Kevin Watson, of Shawnee, Okla.; and Wendell (Angela) Watson, of Marietta, Ga.; his four granddaughters: TyOnnia Jackson, of Lenexa, Kas.; Tabrea Kelsey; Talia Kelsey; and Skyler Kelsey; and one great grandson.

A private family service was held in honor of William Anthony Jackson.

Interment, Private. Arrangements by the Thatcher’s Funeral Home, Inc.; thatcherfh@sbcglobal.net.

Frank Saunders Neely died on Monday, March 13, 2023. He was born on January 17, 1934, to Freeman and Rowena Neely in Argentine, Kas. After attending schools in Argentine, he transferred to Lincoln High school in Kansas City, Mo. He was a gifted athlete and scholar, earning All City football honors. Due to his advanced academic status, in 1951, he graduated early from high school at age 17.

Soon after high school, he enlisted in the United States Army. He was stationed in Paris, France from 1951-1954. After an honorable discharge, he was employed by the United States Postal Service for 38 years until he retired in 1989. He retired from the postal service as the Station Manager of the Sugar Creek Station. After his retirement, he spent time working as a Bankruptcy Researcher with Boatmen’s Bank before having some health issues.

During his service with the USPS, he married Norma Jean Franklin in 1956. Together they were quite the team. They shared a love of sports, traveling, and hanging out with family. They were die-hard Chiefs fans, and most fall afternoons could be found at Arrowhead Stadium. Frank was an avid outdoorsman. He was known to hunt, raise beagles, build tomato cages, grow tomatoes, and spend a great deal of time outside – his sanctuary.

His parents, his children, Francine and Marcus Neely, and his older sister, Freida Russell, preceded him in death. He is survived by his loving wife, Norma; his sister, Sherrell Howard; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral service was entrusted to Thatcher’s Funeral Home on Monday, March 20, 2023.

Interment, Blue Ridge Lawn Memorial Gardens cemetery.

Richard Allen Booker died on March 16, 2023, the birthday of his mother who had preceded him in death.

He was born on August 27, 1956. at General Hospital #2 in Kansas City Mo., the sixth child of Gladys (Taylor) Booker and Calvin Booker.

He was raised in the greater Kansas City area where he attended Sandford B. Ladd, Martin Luther King Jr., and Central High school. After High school, he attended Mingo Job Corps in Puxico Mo. While a student there, he excelled in his trade and became a Master Welder. From there he accepted employment at Mason Steel in Decatur, Ill.

After returning to Kansas City, he was of service to Kansas City in many capacities. He served as a truck driver for Truman Medical center, a bus driver for Ryder School Bus services and finally Kansas City International Airport until his health began to fail. He also attended New Beginning Fellowship church in Kansas City, Mo.

He was united in marriage to Charlotte Hurt and to this union he welcomed two daughters, Rechieta and Lorraine Booker. At the same time, he became the stepfather to Ursula, Jackie, Robert, Dorothy, Alice and Alison. Richard and Charlotte later divorced but remained friends over the years.

Later, Richard and Sheila Wood welcomed a daughter, Hannah Wood. He came from a very extended family and has stayed in touch with his children’s mothers over the years.

Booker was preceded in death by his parents, Gladys and Calvin Booker Sr.; a brother, Leon Booker; two sisters, Charlene Cason and Sheila Hurt; two grandsons, Xavier Williams and Deshawn Dudley; a stepdaughter, Jackie Woodson; four brothers-in-law: Jesse T. Collins Jr., Damon Pearson, Maurice Cason, Eddie Hurt; and nephew, Calvin Booker.