Obituary: Robert ‘Butch’ Matz

Robert “Butch” Matz

Born March 4, 1952, in Kansas City, Kansas, Robert “Butch” Matz died on March 6, 2022.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Sue Pierson Matz, son Joshua, granddaughter Marlie, brother Fred Matz (Ann), sister Mary Cobb (Bill), and many beloved nephews, nieces, in-laws and friends. He thought of Josh’s friend Cody Canseco as his second son.

Preceding him in death were his parents Fred and Kathryn Matz, brothers Jack Steele, Bobbie Steele and Gilbert Matz, sister Shirley Bennett, nephews Tommy Burns, Billy Bennett, David Steele and Shawn Steele and great-nephew, Kyle Trambley.

Matz, 70, was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Grandview, Missouri, and demonstrated his faith by always helping others. He was very hard-working, dedicated to his family and home, and was very proud of the man Josh had become. Butch “Papa” adored Marlie and showed his orneriness by teaching her many pranks. He was known to visit hardware stores on a daily basis. He was a fun-loving guy and an avid fan of the Kansas Jayhawks and Kansas City Chiefs and loved anything to do with airplanes. He had wanted to join the Air Force as a young man, but physical injuries prevented service.

He was a 1970 graduate of Argentine High School, where he was very active on the football and track teams. He later played softball on the church league team.

Arrangements are at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Grandview, Missouri, on Saturday, March 26, with visitation at 10 a.m., service at 11 a.m., and a reception and meal following the service.

The family suggests donations to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, or to a church or charity of the donor’s choice.

Obituary: D. Deane Couch

D. Deane Couch

1938-2021

D. Deane Couch, 83, Bonner Springs, Kansas, passed away Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021.

She was born Sept. 3, 1938, in Gentry, Missouri, to Hobart and Esther (Corll) Thomas.

Deane married David Fredrick Couch Aug. 11, 1957. He preceded her in death Dec. 25, 2019.

She was a member of Elm Grove Baptist Church in Basehor, Kansas.

Deane enjoyed watching the birds, her pets, playing catch with her great-great grandson and spending time with her family.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Barbara and Donna.

Survivors include children, Debi Baker (Jim), Ken Couch (Dana); grandchildren, Jenifer (Jeremy), Kendil (David), Brian (Melissa), Deanie (Major), Sarah (Clint), Shanna (Brandon), Amanda, Kenny; great-grandchildren, Lylea (Jacob), Jeremiah (Brittany), Grace, Zach, Asya, Ben, Nick, Isaac, Ethan, Major, Baylee, Edward, Kylie, Jessie, Faith, Ava, Coralie, Cecilia; great-great grandson, Titus; numerous nieces and nephews.

Deane was a member of the Kansas Cremation Service.

Online guestbook and obituary at www.kansascremation.com.

Memorial services scheduled for Alvin Sykes

Services for Alvin Sykes, a human rights activist who died Friday, March 19, have been scheduled.

Viewing will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. April 1, followed by services at 11 a.m. April 1 at Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, 2301 E. Linwood Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri.

A Go Fund Me page has been established to help with the cost of Alvin Sykes’ memorial service, at https://www.gofundme.com/f/alvin-sykes-memorial-fund?member=9501212&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer.

For more information, visit https://wyandotteonline.com/remembering-alvin-sykes-human-rights-activist/.