Local Holden attorney Karl Timmerman got a special present he wasn’t expecting this holiday season as he received notification of being named the Missouri’s 2007 Lawyer of the Year by the Missouri Lawyers Weekly.

According to the publication, Timmerman was chosen for “his leadership as an outspoken solo practitioner.  He helped solo and small-firm lawyers find their voices on the Small firm Internet Group, transforming it into one of the more influential entities in the Missouri legal community.”

With his selection, Timmerman joins many high-profile attorneys from the State of Missouri such as last year’s Lawyer of the Year, Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael A. Wolff.

“Honestly, I was absolutely stunned,” he said.  “I didn’t do anything special - all I do is represent my clients.”

Graduating from the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Law in 1982 and practicing  in Holden for more than 20 years, Timmerman said that “all my life, all I wanted to be is a small town lawyer representing real people with real problems.”

He added that he decided to become a lawyer after seeing the movie, “To Kill A Mockingbird.”  “I wanted to be just like Atticus Finch.”

Fiercely proud of his alignment with the solo or small-firm lawyer ranks, Timmerman said that every case affirming the Bill of Rights by the Supreme Court has been brought by a solo or small-firm lawyer.

“We are the foot soldiers of the judicial branch,” he stated.

In his explanation of Timmerman’s selection in the Missouri Lawyers Weekly, editor Richard Jackoway stated, “Karl Timmerman has never won a million-dollar verdict.  He’s appeared before the state Supreme Court, but never graced a short list to sit on the dais.  His office has no board room, no secretary and no blue blood roster of clients.

“So why is Karl Timmerman our 2007 Lawyer of the Year?  He was selected from an esteemed slate of nominees because, as a small-town lawyer with a big mouth and an oversized sense of justice, Timmerman has helped at long last to organize the state’s solo attorneys into a formidable lobbying force within the state bar.  We say helped because, as he would be quick to insist, Timmerman is but one persistent voice among 600 members of the Solo and Small Firm Internet Group.  That listserv has helped propel concerns about pro bono forms, vacation rights for attorneys and other issues to the top of the bar’s agenda.”

The editor also said that Timmerman was chosen because he is emblematic of so many Missouri attorneys whose work on behalf of the state’s legal community goes largely ignored.

“He may spend his time in Holden, population 2,500, but the impact of his words and the organization he represents are profound,” Jackoway concluded.

By Steve Sullins
Editor


A former Holden resident and nationally-known author and speaker has been chosen to headline activities at the annual Chamber of Commerce banquet to be held January 28 at the Community Activity Center at 5:45 p.m.

Will Bowen, author of “A Complaint Free World,” and lead minister at Christ Church Unity in Kansas City, MO, will share his ideas with those gathered at the annual event.  Seating for dinner will begin at 5:45 p.m. and serving will commence at 6 p.m.  The food will be catered by Tiger Jack’s.

Tickets, which cost $20, are available at the Holden Image, Holden Package, Heiman’s, F&C Bank and Bank of Holden.  According to chamber president Dennis Mason, “We hope everyone will get their tickets early so we will have a good count to give to the caterer.”

Pastor Bowen developed his life-changing “complaint-free world plan” based on the simple idea that good things will happen in abundance if people can leave their grumbling behind.  In his book, he teaches what constitutes a complaint, why we complain, what benefits are derived from complaining, how complaining is destructive to our lives and how we can get others around us to stop complaining.

The book also teaches the steps to eradicating this “poisonous form of expression” from lives.

“In your hands, you hold the secret to transforming your life,” says Bowen.  “Big words?  Yes, but this is a plan that has already proven itself with millions of people around the world.”

In July 2006, Bowen suggested his congregation use purple bracelets to monitor their success at eradicating complaining from their lives.  His idea exploded around the world and 4.6 million purple complaint-free bracelets were shipped to more than 80 countries.

He has been featured on Oprah, The Today Show, Fox News Channel and in dozens of TV and radio interviews.  Stories about him and the movement he created have been written about in more than 100 newspapers, People Magazine and Chicken Soup for the Soul.  His book, “A Complaint Free World,” is published by Doubleday and the audio book by Random House Audio.  It is being published in more than a dozen foreign countries.

Prior to entering the  ministry, Bowen spent more than 20 year in sales and marketing.  While selling Yellow Page advertising for Verizon Yellow Pages, he won the President’s Award for being the top salesperson in the Southeast and, that same year, he won the ZEAM Award (zero errors and misunderstandings).  He credits his success to clearly communicating with his clients and helping manage their expectations.

As an entrepreneur, he began and ran two successful companies.

“It is really going to be exciting to hear this former Holden resident and renowned speaker and author,” explained Mason.  “We would really like to have a big crowd and this year’s banquet.  I also ask that everyone get their tickets as early as possible.”


The first event in a year-long celebration of Holden’s Sesquicentennial will be a fashion show featuring fashions from 1858-2008 to be held January 19 at 7 p.m. at the Holden High School Gymnasium.

Skits of notorious persons of Holden will be performed by the Holden High School drama class of Linda Schnakenberg.

They are asking the community if they have any vintage clothing they could borrow for the event.  If so, please contact Schnakenberg at Holden High School.

Other events planned for the year are:

February 9 - Valentine Dance and Pie Box Supper - Hallar Building

March 15 - St. Patrick’s parade, hat contest, Knights of Columbus corned beef dinner

April - Red Bud Tree Festival

May 3-4 - Civil War Reenactment, Holden City Lake

June 1-3 - old time tent revival and picnic

July - 4th of July celebration

August 23 - Antique farm show

September 11-13 - Holden Sesquicentennial Fair, downtown Holden

October 25 - Sadie Hawkins Dance

November 15 - Vintage USO salute to veterans, Holden High School

December 7 - Christmas Home Tour - step back in time and see these older homes in the Holden area.

   Nicki Kephart of Holden and Luke McKiddy of Kingsville recently were awarded the 2007 Good Citizen Award which was presented by Carolyn Kephart, chairman of the Good Citizen Award Committee, on behalf of the Elizabeth Randolph Chapter of DAR.

The pair received the awards on December 21 at the Holden VFW building.

The DAR Good Citizen Award is presented each year to the high school senior students who have demonstrated the qualities of dependability, service, leadership and patriotism to an outstanding degree.

Kephart and McKiddy each had to write an essay on “American Heritage and Our Responsibility for Preserving It.”  They both read their winning essays at the meeting.

Carolyn said, “These kids are both responsible and they both did a really good job.”

Guests at the meeting were Kathleen Kephart, Lorie and Taylor McKiddy and Holden High School counselor Jerry Krouse.

Nicki is the daughter of Rusty and Kathleen Kephart of Holden and Luke is the son of Tim and Lorie McKiddy of Kingsville.

By Dana Neubert
News Staff


OBITUARIES

DONALD A. ADAMS
Donald A. Adams, 80, of Lone Jack, MO, passed away December 21, 2007 at his home. 

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Thursday, December 27, 2007 at D.W. Newcomer’s Sons Floral Hills Chapel; burial in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens.

Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, December 26, 2007, at the chapel. 

Donald was preceded in death by his wife, Agnes Adams.

Survivors include his children: Duane Adams of Lone Jack, Mo, Donna Larman of Holden, MO, and Darren Adams of Harrisonville, MO; a brother, Dale Adams; and a sister, Cathryn Driskell; six grandchildren; and his companion, Mary Emmett.

The family suggests contributions to hospice.

Fond memories and condolences for the family may be left at www.dwnewcomers.com. Arrangements were under the direction of D.W. Newcomer’s Sons Floral Hills Chapel, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd. KCMO 64133, 816-353-1218.

ROBERT ERNEST ALEXANDER
Robert Ernest Alexander, age 74, Edwards, MO, passed away Friday, December 21, 2007, at Beverly Living Center Westwood in Clinton, MO.

He was born April 29, 1933 in Windsor, Missouri, the son of Ernest and Jessie (Jenkins) Alexander.  From age nine through high school, he lived with his aunt and uncle, Gladys and Chester Brown and attended Hope Dale School in rural Pettis County.  He graduated from Windsor High School in 1952 and attended two years of business college.

Robert was a Navy veteran of the Korean War.  He was a truck driver for Yellow Freight and a member of Teamsters Union Local 41 in Kansas City, Missouri. 

On October 5, 1973 he married Mable Frances Barker in Kansas City, Missouri.  She preceded him in death July 10, 1997.  He married Victoria Josephine (Stockdall) Barker in January, 1999.  She passed away August 18, 2004.  He had lived in Kansas City most of his life and in Edwards since 1995.

Surviving his passing are eight step-sons: Harold Couch and wife Kelly Pleasant Hill, MO, Boyd Couch and wife Mary Jane, Belton, MO, George Couch and wife Arla, Belton, MO, Donnie Lee Barker and wife Debbie, Mills River, NC, Billy Joe Barker and wife Lenna, Fulton, MO, Robert Barker, Fulton, MO, Cecil Barker and wife Mary, Holden, MO, and Kenny Barker and wife Bunny, Laramie,WY; many step-grandchildren; and step-great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by a cousin and caretaker, Carol Connor, Windsor, MO.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, December 27, 2007 at Ben Cast &  Son - Wood Funeral Home, Holden, MO with the Reverend Joseph Hall officiating.  Music played at the service was “Amazing Grace” and “Rock of Ages.”

The family received friends from 1-2 p.m. Thursday, at the funeral home.

Interment was in Kingsville Cemetery, Kingsville, MO with military honors by Holden American Legion and VFW Posts.


DENNIS GENE MITCHELL
Dennis Gene Mitchell, 51, of Centerview, MO was called home to be with the Lord on Christmas Day at St. Luke’s East Hospital in Lee’s Summit.

Dennis was born in Kansas City, MO on March 17, 1956, to Ruth E. and William A. Mitchell.  He graduated from Ruskin High School in 1974.

He married the  love of his life and high school sweetheart, Lyn Sydney on April 8, 1978.  Dennis was a third generation telephone man, and retired from AT&T with 30 years of service in October, 2007.  Dennis and Lyn achieved their life-long dream in 2000, when they moved to Centerview, MO and started Clover Ridge Farms, a registered Black Angus cattle operation.  Dennis was also a long time member of the Knights of Columbus and earned fourth-degree honors.

Dennis said his proudest accomplishment was his family, which he always put first.  Not only was Dennis a wonderful husband, father, and pappy, he was also a teacher, coach, and inspiration to the many lives he touched.  He earned his nickname “Coach” after coaching his children’s baseball  (Harrisonville Yankees boys) and basketball (Our Lady of Lourdes girls) teams while they were growing up, but also because he was a leader both on and off the field.  Even after he was diagnosed with ALS in May, 2006, he continued to encourage others to “have the best day ever.”

Dennis was preceded in death by his father, William A. Mitchell and brother, William A. Mitchell, II.

He is survived by his beloved wife Lyn; son, Matthew and wife Lisa of Pleasant Hill; daughter, Crystal and husband Jason Gatewood of Lee’s Summit; grandchildren, Mason and Madison; mother, Ruth of Laurie; brothers, Steve of Leawood, KS and Kevin of Laurie; sister, Teresa and husband Richard Hernandez of Independence, nieces, Kimmie, Mandi, Sarah and husband Tim Wilson; and nephews, Richard and Joey.

A funeral Mass was held Saturday, December 29, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Holden with Father Joe Cisetti of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Kansas City officiating.  Interment was at 1 p.m. Saturday at Mt. Moriah Cemetery in Kansas City, MO under the direction of  Williams Funeral Chapel, Holden.

Pallbearers were Matthew Mitchell, Jason Gatewood, Richard Hernandez, Joe Hernandez, Nick Earnest, Steve Mitchell, Steve Knott and Mark Ryan.

Memorial contributions may be left to ALS Association - Keith Worthington Chapter.

Online condolences may be left at www.williamsfuneralchapel.net.

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