LILLIAN S. MURPHY 

Lillian Sunshine Murphy, 90, Independence, died Sunday, Nov. 30, 1997, at Columbia Independence Regional Health Center. 

Ms. Murphy was born Jan. 1, 1908, in Lodge Pole, Neb., and had lived in Guthrie Center, Iowa, for 30 years before moving to Independence 10 years ago. She was a school teacher for 35 years, havingtaught in the Iowa public school system. She was a member of the Metro Church of Kansas City. 

Her survivors are a nephew, the Rev. Jon Wright, Kansas City;a niece, Christine Holladay, Raytown; and a sister-in-law, Helen L. Wright, Independence. 

Graveside services will be 1 p.m. Thursday at Union Cemetery, Guthrie Center, Iowa. The family suggests contributions to the Metro Church of K.C., 4735 N. Brighton, Kansas City, Mo. 64117. Local arrangements are under the direction of George C. Carson & Sons Independence Chapel. 

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DOROTHY A. RINACKE 

Dorothy A. Rinacke, 80, Independence, died Saturday, Nov. 29, 1997, at the Medical Center of Independence. 

Mrs. Rinacke was born Sept. 13, 1917, in ELdon, Mo., and had lived in Independence for most of her life. She was the owner/operator of Rinacke`s Liquor Store in Independence.She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the American Legion Post 499. 

Her survivors include her husband, Eugene Rinacke of the home; a sister, Hazel Guth, Gladstone, Mo.; and a brother, Henry Davidson, Flemington, Mo. 

Services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at George C. Carson & Sons Independence Chapel. Burial will be in Mount Washington Cemetery. Friends may call from noon until service time at the chapel. 

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LEONARD F. SAWYER 

Leonard Franklin Sawyer, 73, Sedalia, Mo., died Sunday, Nov. 30, 1997, at Bothwell Regional Health Center. 

Mr. Sawyer was born March 23, 1924, in Warrensburg, Mo., and had lived most of his life in Warrensburg and Sedalia. He was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church, Red Cross Volunteer at the hospital, Meals on Wheels and Food Pantry. He was an Army veteran of World War II. He worked as a hand compositor for the Sedalia Democrat Newspaper until retiring in 1989. His wife, Bettie Jean Black Sawyer, died July 31, 1993. 

His survivors include a son, Gene Sawyer, Scottsdale, Ariz.; a daughter, Darla Lynn Pummill, Independence; a brother, Homer Sawyer, Warrensburg; five grandchildren and four great- grandchildren. 

Services will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Heckart/Gillespie Colonial Chapel. Burial with military honors will be in Warrensburg Memorial Gardens. Friends may call from 7 to 8:30 tonight at the chapel. The family suggests contributions to the American Heart Association. 

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VIRGINIA M. SHEDD 

Virginia M. Dillon Shedd, 75, Overland Park, Kan., died Saturday, Nov. 29, 1997, at Shawnee Mission Medical Center. 

Mrs. Shedd was born in Newburg, Mo., and had lived in St. Louis,Columbia, Mo., Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, Ga., before moving to Overland Park. She was a veteran of the Navy having served in the WAVES during World WarII. She was co-owner and office manager of the family concrete construction business. She was a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle D. Shedd. 

Her survivors include a son, Michael Shedd, Atlanta; two daughters, Diana Koehler, Warsaw, Ind., and Sara Tubbesing, Overland Park; a sister, Ava Rivas, Atlanta; a brother, Wayne Dillon, Denver; and seven grandchildren. 

Memorial services will be 10 a.m. Saturday at the East 39th Street RLDS Church; cremation. Burial will be in Newburg. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the RLDS Temple Fund. 

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GLADYS V. SHERWOOD 

Gladys V. Stenerson Sherwood, 93, Independence, died Thursday, Nov. 27, 1997, at Rosewood Health Center, where she had lived since 1993. 

Mrs. Sherwood was born Dec. 18, 1903, in Black River Falls, Wis., and had lived in Lee`s Summit in 1944 and later in Independence. She had lived in Rosewood since 1993. She and her husband, Frank C. Sherwood, owned and operated Sherwood Manufacturing Co. and later Sherwood Plastics Co. until retiring and selling the business in 1965. She was an active member of the Gudgell Park Congregation of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Her husband of 64 years, Frank C. Sherwood, died in July 1987. 

Her survivors include various nieces and nephews, including Vivian Burgy, Davis, Calif.; Warren Anderson, Black River Falls, Wis.; Arlene Roach, Kemp, Texas; Alice Coffin, Hopkins, Minn.; Robert Ibinger, Mt. Horeb, Wis.; John Ibinger, Blair,Wis.; Dave Ibinger, Lino Lakes, Minn.; and more than 80 great and great-great-nieces and nephews. 

Memorial services will be 10 a.m. Saturday at the RLDS Gudgell Park Church. Cremation.

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MADGE J. SIMMONS 

Madge J. Simmons, 69, Independence, died Sunday, Nov. 30, 1997, at the Columbia Independence Regional Health Center. 

Mrs. Simmons was born Jan. 29, 1926, in Fairfax, Mo., and had lived in Springfield, Mo., before moving to Independence almost 40 years ago. She had worked several years as a hotel cashier prior to her retirement in 1980 and had spent the last years of her life as a homemaker. 

Her survivors include her husband of 51 years, Ben D. Simmons of the home; two sons, Ben D. Simmons Jr., Blue Springs, and Steven M. Simmons, Lee`s Summit; two daughters, Gayla D. White, Independence, and Sonya L. Everett, Blue Springs; her father, William W. Bayless, Springfield, Mo.; eight grandchildren and two great-grandsons. 

Memorial services will be 7 p.m. Thursday at the Blue Ridge RLDS Church. The body has been donated to the University of Kansas Medical Center. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Kansas City Chapter of The National Multiple Sclerosis Society. 

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ALFRED "SAILOR" THOMPSON 

Alfred "Sailor" Thompson, 79, Independence, died Sunday, Nov. 30, 1997, at the Columbia Independence Regional Health Center. 

Mr. Thompson was born Feb. 20, 1918,in Kansas City, and had lived in Independence for more than 60 years. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He was a member of the Steelworkers Union Local 13 and retired from Armco Steel in 1980 after 38 years in the transportation department. He was a member of the Independence Masonic Lodge 76, past Worthy Patron of Adella Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star and Honorary LOH in DeMolay. He was also a member of the VFW Post 9644 in Colorado and Honorary Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say from Boy Scout Troop 367.He was preceded in death by a daughter, Loretta F. Thompson Smith. 

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Delia J. Thompson, Independence; a daughter, Deanna K. Cross, Independence; two brothers, John Thompson, Kansas City, Kan., and Emery Thompson, Topeka, Kan.; nine grandchildren, Carolyn Foster Brasfield, Mark Johnson, Randy Johnson, Michael Harrelson, Leanna Atterbury, Brenda Coon,Alan Smith Jr., Robert Smith, Jeffrey Smith; four stepgrandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and three stepgreat-grandchildren. 

Services will be 1 p.m. Thursday at D.W. Newcomer`s Noland Road Chapel. Burial will be in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens. Friends may call from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the chapel. The family requests memorial contributions to the Shriner`s Children`s Hospital, in care of Ararat Temple, Kansas City, or to Children`s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City. 

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RICHARD E. FIELDS 

Richard Eugene Fields, 55, Independence, died Thursday, Nov. 27, 1997 at Research Medical Center. 

Mr. Fields was born Oct. 31, 1942 in Cowgill, Mo. and lived most of his life in the Independence area. He was a member of the Carlisle Baptist Church. 

His survivors include his mother, Mildred L. Fields, Independence; two sisters, Janet F. Fields and Frances A. Fields, Independence; three brothers, Leonard A. Fields, Donald E. Fields, and John D. Fields,all of the Independence. 

Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at George C. Carson & Sons Independence Chapel. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Braymer, Mo. Friends may call from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to Carlisle Baptist Church, 812 S. Sterling, Independence. 

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ROSZETTA E. FLYNN 

Roszetta E. Flynn, 52, Independence, died Wednesday, Nov. 26, 1997, at Columbia Independence Regional Health Center. 

Mrs. FLynn was born Dec. 11, 1944 in Independence and lived her life in the area. She was a member of the RLDS Church. 

Survivors include her husband, Ernest J. Flynn, of the home; a son, Ronald L. Flynn, West Germany; a daughter, Pamela F. Corry, Kingsville, Mo.; her parents, Ralph and Wanetta R. Payne, and two brothers, William R.Payne and John K. Payne, all of Independence; three sisters, Lorene L. Engmann, Chantilly, France, Lila Faye Read, Blue Springs and Sandra J. Perez, Independence; and four grandchildren. 

Services will be at 4 p.m. Sunday at Speaks Suburban Chapel. Friends may call from 3 to 4 p.m. Sunday. The body will be cremated. The family suggests no flowers and contributions may be made to the charity of the donor`s choice. 

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LOLA M. GARDNER 

Lola M. Gardner, 86, Blue Springs, died Thursday, Nov. 27, 1997, at her home. 

Mrs. Gardner was born Oct. 6, 1911, in Taylor County, Iowa. She was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by two sons, Elvin Wayne Gardner and Robert Norman Gardner. 

Her survivors include her husband of 68 years, Robert Gardner of the home; three daughters, Loveda Bickley, Independence, Mary Lou Taylor, Wichita, Kan., and Janet Heiple, LoneJack, Mo.; seven grandchildren, Brett Hearn, Susan Elaine Oldham, Wayne Gardner, Gene Gardner, Ed Gardner, Linda Allen and Tom Bickley; and nine great-grandchildren. 

Services will be 10 a.m. Monday at D.W. Newcomer`s Sons Blue Springs Chapel. Burial will be in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens, Kansas City. Friends may call from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday at the chapel. 

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BILLY R. GILMORE 

Billy R. Gilmore, 65, Buckner, died Thursday, Nov. 27, 1997 at Medical Center of Independence. 

Mr. Gilmore was born July 28, 1932 in Marshall, Mo. and was a life long area resident. He was a member of the United Steel Workers and the owner/operator of Phillips Gas Station in Buckner from 1980 to 1994. He was a member of the Catholic faith and an Air Force veteran. 

His survivors include his wife, Lorraine J. Gilmore, of the home; a son, Dennis Gilmore, Buckner; two daughters, Marie R. Turner, Sibley, and Sheryl A. Rudy, Kansas City; two sisters, Donna Gibson, Slater, Mo., and Nathine Ingalsbe, Napoleon, Mo.; a granddaughter and a great-grandchild. 

Services will be at 11 a.m., Monday at Brown Funeral Home in Buckner, Mo. Burial will be in Buckner Hill Cemetery. Friends may call from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home in Buckner. 

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GEORGIA W. HANSON 

Georgia W. Hanson, 77, Independence, died Wednesday, Nov. 26, 1997 at Columbia Independence Regional Hospital. 

Mrs. Hanson was born Jan. 6, 1920 in Knob Noster, Mo. and lived in the area most of her life. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Independence. She was preceded in death by her husband Clifford John Hanson, in 1974. 

Her survivors include a daughter, Nancy Bauchman, of Independence; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. 

Services will be at 7 p.m., Tuesday at George C. Caron & Sons Independence Chapel. The body will be cremated. The family suggests contributions to the American Heart Association or American Diabetes. 

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CHARLES C. HEIMEL 

Charles C. Heimel, 77, Independence, died Wednesday, Nov. 26, 1997, at Columbia Independence Regional Health Center. 

Mr. Heimel was born Sept. 7, 1920, in Galesburg, Ill., and had lived in Independence for 36 years. He was a retired captain with the U.S.Air Force and a veteran of World War II. Following his retirement, he worked for Beltman Van Lines and Federal Van and Storage. He was a member of the American Legion and St. Mark`s Catholic Church, Independence. 

His survivors include his wife, Louise Heimel of the home; a son, Michael Charles Heimel, Houston, Texas; two daughters, Ann Louise Yehle, Kansas City, and Patty Solsberg, Blue Springs; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. 

Services will be 10 a.m. Monday at the church. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Raytown. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements are under the direction of the Speaks Suburban Chapel. 

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MADELINE JOHNSON 

Madeline Johnson, 87, Clinton, Mo., formerly of Blue Springs, died Friday, Nov. 28, 1997, at Westwood Nursing Center in Clinton. 

Mrs. Johnson was born March 31, 1910, in Lawson, Mo., and lived in Kansas City prior to moving to Blue Springs in 1970. She was a supervisor in the Foreign Billing Office at AT&T, retiring in 1975 after 25 years of service, and was a member of the AT&T Pioneers. She was a member of the Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church, The Pilot Club of Blue Springs, Blue Springs Museum Society and volunteered at the Community Services League and the Blue Springs Blood Bank. She won the Heart of Gold award from the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce in 1996. She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, William S. Johnson, Sr., June 26, 1984. 

Her survivors include a son, Stan Johnson, Clinton; two brothers, Paul Ford, Excelsior Springs, Mo., and John Ford, Kansas City; three grandchildren, Mark Johnson, Kim Dixon and Star Anderson; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at D.W. Newcomer`s Sons Blue Springs Chapel. Burial will be in Lawson (Mo.) Cemetery. Friends may call from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday at the Chapel. 

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RONALD F. LION 

Ronald Francis Lion, 37, Hughesville, Mo., formerly of Independence, died Thursday, Nov. 27, 1997, at his home. 

Mr. Lion was born July 13, 1960, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He had been an electrician for the Sylvania Co. in Kansas City. He was a 1978 graduate of Truman High School, a volunteer firefighter for the Hughesville Fire Department, and was in the Army Reserves. He attended the Knob Noster (Mo.) Restoration Branch Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 

His survivors include his wife, Jeanne Steele Lion of the home;a daughter, Heather Lion, Sedalia, Mo.; a son, Wayne Lion of the home; his mother and stepfather, Alma and Ralph Milum, Independence; two sisters, Dianna Thomas, Independence, and Laura Reid, Lee`s Summit; a brother, John F. Lion, and a stepbrother, Ryan Milum, both of Independence. 

Memorial services will be 2p.m. Saturday at the church. The family suggests contributions to the Ronald F. Lion Memorial Fund, in care of Williams Funeral Chapel, Warrensburg, Mo., or mailed to the funeral home, 1400 S. Highway 13, Warrensburg, Mo. 64093. 

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LEO L. McMURRAY 

Leo Leonard McMurray, 75, Kansas City, Kan., died Thursday, Nov.27, 1997, at the Blue Springs Care Center. 

Mr. McMurray was born Jan. 22, 1922, in Kansas City and was a lifelong area resident. He was a painter for the Shawnee Mission School District, retiring in 1984. 

His survivors include six sons, Leo L. McMurray, Jr., Kansas City, Edward H. McMurray, Blue Springs, D. John McMurray, Buckner, Dennis F. McMurray and Keith McMurray, both of Independence, and Kenny McMurray, Norfolk, Va.; two daughters, Helen Jane Milburn, Kansas City, and Tina Paddock, Independence; four brothers, Joesph W. McMurray, Gustine McMurray and Edward McMurray, all of Kansas City, and John W. McMurray, Independence; three sisters, Margaret Webb, Bernice Ryan and Frances Tolan, all of Kansas City; 17 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. 

Services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Park Lawn Chapel, Kansas City. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Raytown. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at the chapel. The family suggests contributions to the American Cancer Society. 

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RAYMOND E. McPHEETERS 

Raymond E. McPheeters, 68, Agency, Mo., died Thursday, Nov. 27, 1997, at a hospital in St. Joseph, Mo. 

Mr. McPheeters was born May 15, 1929, in Peabody, Kan., and had lived in the Agency/St. Joseph area most of his life. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War. He was a member, elder and past board president of the Faucett (Mo.) Christian Church, and a member of the Buchanan County Farm Bureau. 

His survivors include his wife, Shirley L. Isaacs McPheeters of the home; a son, Galen McPheeters, Agency; a daughter, Terre McPheeters, Kansas City; a brother, Charles McPheeters, Lawrence, Kan.; two stepgrandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. 

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Meierhoffer-Fleeman Funeral Home, St. Joseph. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. 

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NEVA M. O`RENICK 

Mrs. Neva M. O`Renick, 87, of Sugar Creek died Wednesday, Nov. 26, 1997, in Liberty, Mo. 

Mrs. O`Renick was born Oct. 15, 1910,in Kensington, Kan., and lived most of her life in Sugar Creek. She was a member of St. Cyril`s Catholic Church and its Altar and Rosary Society and active in many civic projects. She was married to Nick O`Renick, who preceded her in death in 1986. 

Survivors include two sons, Robert O`Renick of Cottage Grove, Ore., and John C. (Jack) O`Renick of Sugar Creek; one sister, Alma Watson of Sugar Creek; 17 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren. 

Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Cyril`s Catholic Church. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at George C. Carson and Sons Chapel in independence. Altar society services are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Sunday and a Rosary service is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery. 

The family suggests contributions to the Liberty Hospice and Liberty Hospital. 

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OLLIEBELLE PARKER 

Ollie Belle ``Granny`` Parker, 83, of Independence, died Thursday, Nov. 27, 1997, at her home. 

Mrs. Parker was born Aug. 4, 1914, in Brunswick, Mo., and had lived most of her life in Independence. Mrs. Parker was preceded in death by two sons, Marvin and Larry Parker, and a great-granddaughter,Melina Edwards. 

Survivors include five sons, Lewis, Paul and Donnie Parker, all of Independence, Melvin Parker of Sibly, and Robert Parker of Kilborn, Ill.; four daughters, Jean and Judy Parker of the home, Opal Burks of Sibly, and Donna Godfrey of Independence; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandson. 

Services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday at Speaks Suburban Chapel with burial in Mt. Washington Cemetery. Friends may call from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday at the chapel. 

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CLARENCE H. SHERMAN SR. 

Clarence H. Sherman Sr., 79, Kansas City, died Thursday, Nov. 27, 1997, at Rosewood Nursing Center, Independence. 

Mr. Sherman was born May 7, 1918, in Rosedale, Kan., and had lived in this area for 32 years. He was a postal worker for more than 21 years, retiring in 1986. He also worked at Broadway Bowl and King Louie bowling alleys, and was an elder in the Norton Heights RLDS Church. He was a veteran of World War II, serving on the USS Jarvis, and was a member of American Legion Post 1000. 

His survivors include his wife, Lois Hargis Sherman of the home; four sons, Clarence Sherman Jr. and Andrew Sherman, both of Kansas City, Bill Hargis, Lee`s Summit, and Todd Hargis, Blue Springs; a daughter, Jenny Brewer, Kansas City; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. 

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at Charter Funerals/Blue Ridge Chapel, Kansas City. Burial will be in Mound Grove Cemetery. Friends may call from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday at the chapel. The family suggests contributions in his memory to the Temple Endowment Fund, in care of Larry Norris, presiding bishop. 

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ORCELIA `JANE` UNDERWOOD 

Orcelia ``Jane`` Underwood, 81, of Belton, Mo., died Friday, Nov. 28, 1997, at St. Joseph Health Center in Kansas City. 

Mrs. Underwood was born Feb. 23, 1916, in Kansas City. She was a member of the Greenwood Baptist Church and the Pithian Sisters Calanthe No. 1. 

Survivors include her husband, Leo ``Fred`` Underwood, of the home; a daughter, Bonnie Camby of Grovesprings, Mo.; two sons, Norman Nowland of Lee`s Summit and Gerald Robert Underwood of Arlington,Texas; two brothers, William Annis of Overland Park, Kan., and Almound Annis of Grain Valley; 11 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren. 

Services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday at Webb-Freer Funeral Home in Blue Springs. Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Blue Springs Cemetery. 

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H. ROGER YARRINGTON 

Hollis Roger Yarrington, 66, Independence, died Tuesday, Nov. 25, 1997, at his home. 

Mr. Yarrington was born in 1931 in Des Moines, Iowa, and lived in Lamoni, Iowa, before moving to Independence. He was a 1951 graduate of Graceland College, Lamoni, and a 1953 graduate of the University of Kansas School of Journalism,Lawrence. After serving in the U.S. Army in Korea, he received a master`s degree from the University of Iowa School of Journalism, and in 1970, he earned a Ph.D. in American studies from the University of Maryland. 

He was an editor at Herald Publishing House for eight years before moving to Washington, D.C., where he was director of publications and then as vice president of the American Association of Community and Junior Colleges from 1963 to 1982. He was associate dean of the College of Journalism at the University of Maryland before returning to Independence in 1985 as assistant to the First Presidency for communications at the world headquarters of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He taught journalism courses in the evenings at KU and at Central Missouri State University, Warrensburg. He retired in 1996. 

He wrote numerous articles on education, journalism and religion as well as several books. His most recent was the textbook, "Community Relations Handbook" (New York: Longman, 1983). In Washington, D.C., he was president of the Educational Press Association. He was president of the Greater Kansas City Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America in 1990 and in 1991 was named its "PR Pro of the Year." In 1992, he was elected to the national PRSA College of Fellows. 

He served as chairman of the city`s Tourism Advisory Board in 1990 and 1991 and was chairman of the board for the Independence Chamber of Commerce in 1993. He served as president of the Independence Rotary Club and was chairman of the coordinating committee of Fast Forward Independence during its first year. He was also chairman of the board of the Comprehensive Mental Health Services Foundation. He was a board member for Park College, Truman Heartland Community Foundation, Kansas City Hospice, and the Greater Kansas City Chapter of the American Red Cross. In 1995, he received the Independence Chamber of Commerce "Distinguished Citizen Award," and this month was honored with the Mental Health Leader Award. He was scheduled to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from Independence Neighborhood Councils. 

His survivors include his wife, Lynda Yarrington of the home; three sons, Byron Peter Yarrington, Silver Spring, Md., Douglas Kent Yarrington, Alamosa, Colo., and Jeffrey Scott Yarrington, Mount Airy, Md.; and four grandchildren. 

Memorial services will be 7 p.m. Tuesday at the RLDS Stone Church, 1012 W. Lexington Ave. The family suggests contributions to the Roger Yarrington Scholarship Fund at the Independence School District Foundation, 1231 S. Windsor, Independence, Mo. 64055. 

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This page was last updated August 17, 2006.