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Campbell - Cast Funeral Home, 407 South Pine, Holden, MO (2026)

06/01/2026

Brendan Patrick Howell, age 54, of Holden, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, May 31, 2026.
Brendan was born on Monday, January 24, 1972, in Nashville, Tennessee, the son of Michael Howell and Clare (Tomlinson) Howell.
He spent his early years in Twin Falls, Idaho, where he graduated from high school and lived until the age of twenty-one. After leaving Idaho, Brendan lived in several places across the United States before eventually making his home in Holden, Missouri.
Brendan was a simple man who found joy in life’s everyday moments. He was a devoted Notre Dame football fan and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing golf. Above all, he treasured the time he spent with his family and loved ones. He shared fifteen wonderful years with his life partner, Sandra Moore, whose companionship meant the world to him.
Brendan was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Clare Howell, and his older brother, Michael Howell.
He is survived by his life partner, Sandra Moore of the home; and his two sisters, Marti Howell and Willie Howell.
No services are planned at this time. A celebration of Brendan’s life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are under the care of Campbell-Cast Funeral Home, a Stewart Family Company. Online condolences may be shared on their website.

05/25/2026

James Leslie Gregg, age 68, of Garden City, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, May 21, 2026.
James was born on Thursday, June 20, 1957, in Harrisonville, Missouri, the son of Kenneth Leroy Gregg and Willa Rose (Kagarice) Gregg of Gunn City, Missouri.
Jim was a talented and hardworking man who enjoyed painting and building anything he could with his hands. He had a special love for fast cars, especially restoring classic cars himself. Known as a man of many talents, Jim took great pride in his work and the things he created throughout his life.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Willa Gregg; his oldest brother, Glen Gregg; his nephew, Mitchell; and many other beloved relatives.
He leaves behind his life partner, Janet Brady of the home; his son, Dustin Gregg and wife Rosie of Harrisonville, Missouri; two daughters, Andrea Robertson and husband Donnie of Kingsville, Missouri, and Leslie Williams of Sedalia, Missouri; his stepson, Chris Mood of Raytown, Missouri; seven cherished grandchildren; three sisters; one brother; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will deeply miss him.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Parker Cemetery, 401 N. 3rd Street, Creighton, Missouri. A Celebration of Life and Jim’s birthday dinner will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Jim and Janet’s home, located at 1915 SW State Route 2, Garden City, Missouri 64747. Family and friends are invited to bring a side dish and join in honoring Jim’s life and memory.
Arrangements are under the care of Campbell-Cast Funeral Home, a Stewart Family Company. Online condolences may be shared on their website

05/16/2026

Francis Leroy Brillhart, age 91, of Holden, Missouri, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, May 14, 2026, in Holden, Missouri.
Francis was born on Thursday, January 03, 1935, in Belleville, Kansas, the son of Earl and Blanche (Stewart) Brillhart. He was one of three sons born to the family. At the age of five, Francis moved with his family from Belleville to Grain Valley, Missouri, in 1939, and then to Holden in 1940, where he would spend the remainder of his life building deep roots within the community he loved. He graduated from Holden High School and later married the love of his life, Loretta (Clapper) Brillhart who passed away in February 1990, together they raised three sons, Phillip, Forrest, Darrin Brillhart and one daughter, Cindy (Brillhart) Connell.. After Loretta’s passing Francis married Carolyn McQeen and were married twenty years before her passing.
Francis dedicated 31 years of service to Bendix Corporation before retiring, but retirement never slowed his passion for serving others and remaining active in the Holden community. He was a man whose life was defined by service, generosity, music, and friendship.
Throughout the years, Francis held numerous leadership and volunteer roles within the community. He proudly served as Mayor of Holden for over 11 years and was actively involved with the Whiteman Community Council, the Emergency Management Committee, the Johnson County Community Health Board for 26 years, the Holden Chamber of Commerce, and several local churches. His dedication and commitment to the people of Holden left a lasting impact that will not soon be forgotten.
In 1960, Francis opened Brillhart Music Store in downtown Holden, a place that became far more than just a business. For more than 66 years, the music store served as a gathering place where friendships were formed, stories were shared, and countless musicians were encouraged. Francis had a remarkable gift for helping others. He donated more than 100 guitars to benefit local causes, gave music lessons to children, repaired instruments and amplifiers, and installed intercom systems in area churches. He especially loved working with his hands and could almost always be found tinkering on a project inside the music store. More than anything, he enjoyed the people who stopped by simply to visit.
Francis will be remembered as a kind-hearted, knowledgeable, and deeply devoted man whose generosity touched countless lives throughout the community.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Loretta Brillhart; second wife, Carolyn Brillhart his parents, Earl and Blanche Brillhart; his sons, Phillip, Forrest, and Darrin Brillhart; and his brothers, Russell and Virgil Brillhart; grandson, Charlie Brillhart.
Survivors include his daughter, Cindy Connell and husband Jim of Holden, Missouri; daughter in-laws, Kathy Brillhart wife of Forrest, Karen Parks wife of Phillip and Julie Brillhart wife of Darrin; grandchildren, Robert Brillhart, Theresa Knox, Chris Connell and wife Amy, Jacob Brillhart, Mackenzie Tyson and husband Dylan, and Frank Brillhart; great grandchildren, Payton Turner and husband Cameron, Tristen Connell, Addie Brillhart, Coulson Turner, Javon Knox and Delaney Tyson along with many extended family members, dear friends, and members of the community who will greatly miss him.
A visitation and memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Holden United Methodist Church, 605 E. 10th Street, Holden, Missouri. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with the memorial service immediately following at the church.
The family suggests memorial contributions
be made to the Holden R-III School District in memory of Francis Brillhart. Please put music program in memo of check.

Arrangements are under the care of Campbell-Cast Funeral Home, a Stewart Family Company. Online condolences may be shared at www.castfuneralhome.com.

05/08/2026

Jewell Mae (Goodwin) Shockley was born May 16, 1922, in Calhoun, Mo to the parents of Sam Edward Goodwin and Netty Mae Goodwin. Sam and Netty had a total of six children, two boys and four girls, and Jewell was their last surviving child.
Jewell did not always attend school as she was taught at home. But when she did attend school, she went to school in Windsor, Mo.
Mother Jewell loved motorcycles and dancing. Her hobbies were sewing, baking and going to “the club” in Clinton, Mo almost every weekend to dance. Jewell really loved to dance, and it was while she was attending a club in Clinton, Mo that she caught the eye of Ralph Shockley Sr.
Jewell and Ralph Shockley Sr. were united in marriage on December 5, 1943, and they were blessed with four children: Peggy, Joe, Ralph Jr. and Sharon. They resided in Calhoun Mo, and Magnolia Mo until Ralph Sr.’s passing in 1960. After his passing, Jewell moved her family to Holden, Mo because it was more convenient for her to live in town. Mother Jewell held various jobs during her lifetime. She worked for Wilma Arnold for many years at the Holden Sundry, McQuitty Café, Holden Post Office and finally at the college in Warrensburg, Mo.
Mother Jewell loved the Lord and the first church she ever attended was The Sanctified Church of God in Christ in Centerview, Mo under the leadership of Pastor Thelma Shockley. She later attended St. John's Christian Church of Holden Mo under the leadership of Pastor Daniel Frazier where she was a faithful member.
Mother Jewell credited her longevity to her mother Netty Mae who lived until she was 87 years old, and her father Sam who lived until he was 95 years old and to God. She strived daily to treat others the way she would want to be treated.
Jewell will be remembered for her soft-spokenness, her strengthen, her beautiful smile and her Raisin Pie. Couldn’t nobody make a Raisin Pie like Mother Jewell.
Jewell was called home on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the beautiful age of 103. She was proceeded in death by her husband, Ralph Shockley Sr., her parents Sam and Netty Mae Goodwin, her daughter Sharon Taylor, and her son Ralph Shockley Jr., and her siblings: Raymond, Johnny, Alice, Anna, and Dorothy.
She leaves to cherish her memory, daughter Peggy Scott of Oklahoma and son Joseph Shockley of Holden, MO, 13 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, 13 great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Covenant Church of Holden 298 MO 131, Holden, MO. from 1:00 PM- 2:00 PM with the funeral service to follow at the church. Interment will be at the Holden Cemetery.

05/06/2026

Kathleen Elizabeth (Weinel) Hite, age 63 passed away peacefully at her home in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, on Monday, April 27, 2026. Kathy, as she was lovingly known, was born on Wednesday, May 9, 1962, in Indiana, Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late William and Harriet (Simpson) Weinel.

In the early 1970s, Kathy moved with her family to Junction City, Kansas, where she attended school and graduated from Junction City High School in 1980. She later became the proud mother of three sons: Matthew, Ryan, and Christopher.

Kathy devoted much of her career to the banking industry and also worked for the Internal Revenue Service. She eventually made her home in Raytown, Missouri, where she lived for more than twenty years before later residing in Lee’s Summit.

Kathy found great joy in cooking and baking, often sharing her creations with family and friends. She loved hosting gatherings and creating a welcoming space for those she cared about. A devoted listener of 98.9 The Rock, her family fondly described her as “obsessed” with the station. She also had a deep appreciation for Elvis Presley’s music. Above all, Kathy cherished her family and treasured every moment spent with them. She especially enjoyed decorating for the holidays—Christmas being her favorite—taking care to make everything just right.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, William and Harriet Weinel; her brother, Tom Weinel; and her sister, Kris Weinel and her beloved grand dog Cooper.

She is survived by her sons: Matthew Hite his wife, Faulane, and her
granddaughter, Anastasia Hite of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; Ryan Hite of Independence, Missouri; and Christopher Lewis-Hite and his husband, Jackson, of Neosho, Missouri. She is also survived by her brothers, David, James, Michael, and Tony; her sisters, Francine, Patricia, and Theresa; and her beloved three grand dogs.

Kathy’s presence will be deeply missed, and the void she leaves will be felt by all who knew and loved her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 11:00am – 2:00pm at The Meadows at John Knox Village 1800 NW O’Brien Rd. Lee’s Summit, Mo 64081. Please Park in the south parking lot. Flowers may be sent on the day of the service from 8: 30am – 2:00pm to the address listed above.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family: C/O Christopher Hite 715 S. Lincoln St. Neosho, MO 64850.

Arrangements are under the care of Campbell-Cast Funeral Home, a Stewart Family Company. Online condolences may be shared at www.castfuneralhome.com.

04/22/2026

James Lee Buskirk, 87, of Independence, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. He was born on Thursday, August 11, 1938, in Holden, Missouri, to Russell and Virginia (Barnett) Buskirk. James was raised in Holden until the eighth grade, when his family moved to Sedalia, Missouri, to be closer to his father’s employment with the Missouri Pacific Railroad. While in Sedalia, he graduated from Smith-Cotton High School in 1956. Following graduation, he proudly served two years in the United States Army.
After his military service, James lived in Warrensburg, Missouri, where he worked while earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business. He shared a close bond with his mother, Virginia, often styling her hair. At her encouragement, he pursued training at the House of Heavilin Beauty College. Combining his business knowledge with his cosmetology license, James opened “James’ Salon.” Over the years, he successfully owned and operated three salons in the Independence and Raytown areas.
James was known for his calm and gentle demeanor, forming meaningful connections with both clients and employees. In 1990, he met Jeffrey Elliot, who became his business partner and lifelong friend. Together, they owned and operated businesses in Independence, Missouri.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Virginia Buskirk and his sister, Linda Castillo.
James is survived by his niece, Caroline Castillo-Jolly and her husband, Steve Jolly; great-nephews, James and Ian; his nephew, Victor Castillo and his wife, Teddi; and his cousin, Mike Roberts, whom he fondly remembered from his childhood in Holden.
James also cherished friendships across the country, including in New York and San Francisco, formed through his frequent travels. Throughout her life, he took his mother, Virginia, on many trips, including journeys to Egypt, Spain, Mexico, and beyond. He cared for her devotedly as she aged and remained by her side through her passing. James will be remembered as a loyal son, a dedicated businessman, and a true friend.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 27, 2026, at Holden Cemetery 1369 SW 400th Rd. Holden MO 64040.

04/17/2026

Martha “Coleen” Huggins, age 96, of Holden, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Holden Manor in Holden, Missouri, surrounded by her loving family.
Coleen was born on March 6, 1930, in Elmer, Missouri, the daughter of Jimmie and Sarah (Bell) Allen. She graduated from La Plata High School in 1948.
In 1957, her family moved from Elmer to Holden, Missouri. While working at Solo Cup Company in Grandview, Missouri, she met the love of her life, James Huggins. They were united in marriage on February 15, 1964, in Belton, Missouri, and shared 31 wonderful years together until his passing in July of 1995.
Coleen worked for several years as an administrative assistant at Solo Cup Company. Her faith was a guiding force in her life, and she was a devoted member of First Baptist Church in Holden. She cherished time spent with friends, especially playing cards at the senior center. Coleen also enjoyed traveling, decorating for the holidays, and tending to her flowers, where she could often be found outdoors. Above all, family meant everything to her. She lovingly carried on a tradition of hosting Sunday dinners, bringing her family together week after week.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Huggins; her parents, Jimmie and Sarah Allen; and her brothers, Norman Allen, Virgil Allen, Clifford Allen, Junior Allen, and Bob Allen; sisters, Hazel Allen and Opal Agee.
Coleen is survived by her sons, Alan Calhoun and Beth of Holden, Missouri, Donnie Calhoun and wife Patsy of Holden, Missouri; her daughter, Karen Kluz and husband Chip of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, with one great-great-grandchild expected in November; as well as many nieces and nephews. Her passing will leave a huge void in those who loved her.
A visitation will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Campbell-Cast Funeral Home. Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home, with Pastor Michael Wakeman officiating. Interment will follow at Holden Cemetery in Holden, Missouri.
Pallbearers will be Harold Moore, Mike Williams, Jeremy Calhoun, Grant Williams, Matt Gouveia, and Ian Stookey. Honorary pallbearers are Chip Kluz, Danny Meads, Brady Stout, Evan Williams, Alex Moore, Phil Cowick, Graysen Cowick, Nolan Stookey, Knox Stookey, Stephen Neuenschwander and Tim Haberstroh.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Holden Senior Center/Care Connection, 605 E. 10th St., Holden, MO 64040.
Arrangements are under the care of Campbell-Cast Funeral Home, a Stewart Family Company. Online condolences may be shared at www.castfuneralhome.com.

04/15/2026

Richard “Rick” Wayne McQueary, age 72, of Holden, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Lee’s Summit Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family.
Rick was born on Friday, February 26, 1954, in Peoria, Illinois, the son of Shelva and Delia (Hildebrand) McQueary. He grew up in Peoria and graduated from Dunlap High School. Following graduation, Rick proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of Sergeant and serving for four years.
While stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base in K**b Noster, Missouri, Rick met the love of his life, Marcia. The couple was united in marriage on May 30, 1976, in Peoria, Illinois. They made their home there for three years, during which time Rick worked for Caterpillar Inc. In 1979, they moved to Peculiar, Missouri, where Rick worked as a machinist by day while attending Electronic Technical School in the evenings.
In 1986, Rick and Marcia moved to Holden, Missouri, where he opened his own machine shop, manufacturing medical equipment. In 2010, Rick began working for Stahl Specialty Company as an internal systems auditor, a position he held for three years before retiring.
Rick cherished time spent with his family, who meant everything to him. He was a dedicated and hardworking man who always put his family first. He had a strong interest in computers and was very knowledgeable in technology. Rick also enjoyed history, target shooting, reloading ammunition, and spending time outdoors mowing and caring for his yard.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Shelva and Delia McQueary; his brother, Dennis McQueary; and his granddaughter, Kate McQueary.
Rick is survived by his beloved wife of the home, Marcia McQueary of Holden, Missouri; his son, Clint McQueary and wife Sarah of Holden, Missouri; his daughter, Jennifer Gray and husband Dustin of Palmyra, Missouri; his brother, Robert McQueary and wife Christy of Eureka, Illinois; his sisters, Judy Peak of San Antonio, Texas, and Jan McMillian of Tennessee; his cousin, Jo Gentry of Peoria, Illinois; and his grandchildren, Connor McQueary, Ryan McQueary, Isabella McQueary, Dalton Gray, and Jacob Gray, all of whom will cherish his memory.
A visitation will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Campbell-Cast Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Michael Wakeman officiating. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery in Holden, Missouri.

Arrangements are under the care of Campbell-Cast Funeral Home, a Stewart Family Company. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.castfuneralhome.com

04/06/2026

Alexander “Alex” James Croy, age 30, of Independence, Missouri, passed away peacefully at St. Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City on Friday, April 3, 2026. Alex was born on Saturday, October 21, 1995, in Kansas City, Missouri, the only son of Harvey and Marla (Strang) Croy.
Alex was a special-needs young man whose life was filled with simple joys and the love of those around him. He attended the Children’s Center Campus until the age of five, and later attended Phillis Wheatley Elementary School in Kansas City, Missouri until he was ten. He completed his education at Lakeview Woods State School in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.
Alex had a great love for music and enjoyed playing with his toys. He especially liked attending events such as Monster Jam, the circus, carnivals, and concerts. Alex also loved spending time outdoors, swinging on his swing, visiting zoos and parks, and going on family vacations. His gentle spirit and the happiness he found in life’s little moments brought joy to those who knew and loved him.
Alex was preceded in death by his mother, Marla Croy.
He is survived by his father, Harvey Croy of Independence, Missouri; his paternal grandmother, Wilma Croy of Independence, Missouri; as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family members who will cherish his memory.
A visitation will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Campbell-Cast Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Michael Wakeman officiating. Interment will take place at Holden Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Jimmy Saunders, Mark Colburn, Landon Murray, Kenny Richardson, Paul Scofield

Arrangements are under the care of Campbell-Cast Funeral Home, a Stewart Family Company. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.castfuneralhome.com

04/02/2026

Bertha “Louise” Sechrest, 91, of Kingsville, Missouri, passed away peacefully in Holden, Missouri, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
Louise was born on Saturday, December 15, 1934, in Pittsville, Missouri, the daughter of the late Burney and Minnie (Haines) Smith. She grew up in Holden and graduated from Holden High School in 1953.
On January 26, 1954, she married the love of her life, Earl Sechrest in Holden, Missouri. After their marriage, the couple made their home in Kingsville, Missouri.
Louise devoted her life to caring for her family while also working alongside her husband on the farm. She was a hardworking woman who helped with every aspect of farm life, feeding cattle, baling hay, and tending the land. After Earl’s passing in March of 2001, Louise and her son Danny continued to operate the farm and care for the cattle. In later years, her grandson Lucas also stepped in to help with the farm and cattle, a reflection of Louise’s strength, determination, and deep commitment to the life they had built together.
Louise was a proud member of the Gideons International and a woman of strong and unwavering faith. As part of the Auxiliary Gideons, they participate in pinning the UCM nursing graduates with their Registered Nurse lapel pin. One of Louise's proudest memories of being a part of this great organization is pinning her granddaughter Brooke with her RN lapel pin.
She was a devoted member of Forest Grove Baptist Church in Pleasant Hill, Missouri, where she was actively involved in church and community activities. Family meant everything to Louise. She was a dedicated supporter of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She faithfully attended their sporting events and activities. Louise’s love for her family was immeasurable, and her passing leaves a tremendous void in the lives of those who loved her. She will be dearly missed.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Sechrest; her parents, Burney and Minnie Smith; her son, Danny Sechrest; her great-grandchild, Noelle Huisman; three brothers; and one sister.
She is survived by her son, Darrell (Patricia) Sechrest of Papillion, Nebraska; her brother, Larry Smith of Florida; her sister, Mary McConville of Holden, Missouri; daughter in-law, Janet Sechrest of Kingsville, Missouri; grandchildren, Brooke (Russell) Poe of Kingsville, Missouri, Lucas Sechrest of Kingsville, Abigail (Christian) Moeller of Harrisonville, Missouri, Stephen Sechrest of Omaha, Nebraska, Beth (Josh) Kujath of Omaha, Nebraska, and Jamie (Tyler) Huisman of Fremont, Nebraska. She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren and one great-grandchild on the way.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Campbell-Cast Funeral Home, 407 S. Pine St. Holden, Missouri. The funeral service will begin immediately following the visitation at the funeral home, with Pastor Michael Wakeman officiating. Interment will follow in Kingsville Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Stephen Sechrest, Lucas Sechrest, Russell Poe, Josh Kujath, Christian Moeller, and Tyler Huisman.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Forest Grove Baptist Church, 16100 S. Hadsell Rd. Pleasant Hill, MO 64080, or Ascend Hospice, 783 NE Anderson Lane Lee’s Summit, MO 64064.

Arrangements are entrusted to Campbell-Cast Funeral Home, a Stewart Family Company. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.castfuneralhome.com

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