John Hughes, who captured the zeitgeist of 1980s teen life as writer-director of "The Breakfast Club" and "Sixteen Candles" and produced and scripted family hits such as "Home Alone," died Thursday of a heart attack in Manhattan while taking a walk. He was 59. After an impressive string of hits — "Home Alone" is one…

Verda Marie Aurig, 88, of Pilot Grove, MO entered into eternal rest Thursday, August 6, 2009 at Katy Manor in Pilot Grove. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 10, 2009 at Pilot Grove Community Church with the Rev. Wayne Colflesh officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at…

Joe Seth Gunter, 84, of Kansas died Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009, at his home in Leawood, Kan.  A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, at St. Michael and All Angels Church. Interment will be at Columbia Cemetery.  Born June 15, 1925, in Dallas, he attended Sunset High School, Southern Methodist University and…

Patricia Ann Gottardi of Overland Park, Kansas, was born November 8, 1945 in Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late Peter A. and Elizabeth A. Gottardi and went to be with God on August 6, 2009 after a brief illness. Pat graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, taught for many years in the Binghamton, NY schools, and moved…

Gertrude Paul, 94, Independence, MO passed away August 5, 2009.  She was born January 1, 1915 in Independence, MO to THeodore and Pearl Lippert.  Cremation will take place.  Services have not been planned at this time.

Eve Killeen, 98, Overland Park, KS, passed away August 1, 2009 at the Kansas City Hospice House. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 AM on Thursday August 6, 2009 at Church of the Ascension 9510 W. 127th Street, Overland Park, KS 66213. A visitation will be held one hour prior to…

Robert Leroy Speakes, 64, of Williamsburg, passed away August 1, 2009.  Robert was born on May 1, 1945 in Valley Park, MO to Elmer and Dorothy (Jeffries) Speakes.  He is survived by his loving wife, Amy, and many other relatives and friends. 

Loren Julius See, 80, Olathe, Kan., passed away Wednesday July 29, 2009, at his home. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at Terrace Lake United Methodist Church, 4500 Red Bridge Rd., Kansas City, Mo. Visitation will be held 1 to 2 p.m. prior to the funeral at the church. Interment…

Sherri L. LeGrand, 42, McClouth, KS passed July 28, 2009 at her home. Memorial services will be held at Haven Baptist Church, 3430 Hutton, Kansas City, KS, 66109. Memorial contributions may be made to Haven Baptist Church. Sherrie was born July 25, 1967 in Bethany, MO. She was a loving parent and wife. Sherrie was…

Leslie Wilson Wrinkle, 62, of Columbia passed from this life Monday, July 27, 2009 at his home with his family by his side. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Leslie was born August 2, 1946 to the late L.R. and Nita (Pugh) Wrinkle. He grew up in Columbia and graduated…