Bernie Newton Fairchild Jr.

Bernie Newton Fairchild, Jr., 90, originally of Lexington, MO, currently of Odessa, MO passed away at his residence on Saturday, June 30, 2018.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, July 5, 2018 at the Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 S. 2nd St., Odessa, MO, 64076, 816-633-5524. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, July 6, 2018 at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Ebenezer Church Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association. Memories of Bernie and condolences for his family may be left at www.ralphojones.com or on our Facebook Page.

Bernie was born on January 4, 1928 in Lexington, MO to Bernie Newton Fairchild, Sr. and Clara (Jaspering) Fairchild, the third oldest of eleven children. He is survived by his wife, Betty Fairchild of the home; three brothers; Bob Fairchild, Elmer Fairchild, and Don Fairchild; three sisters; Helen Draisey, Carol Soendker, and Shirley Smith. One daughter, Kathleen (Fairchild) Kajander and husband Gary; two stepdaughters, Donna (Smith) Oberhelman and husband Dennis; Anita (Smith) Heman and husband Ronnie; one stepson, Greg Haile. Eight step-grandchildren; eight step-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Bernie was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, two sisters, one stepdaughter, and one step-granddaughter.

Bernie enlisted in the Navy and after his tour returned home to Lexington, MO where he finished his education. Bernie was very proud to be a veteran. He worked 36 years at Lake City Ammunition Plant, where he became the foreman over the outside electrical crew.

Bernie served for many years in the Wellington, MO Lions Club, holding several local offices, and also served at the state level. He was an active member of the Wellington Booster Club and had been seen at many games rooting on the Tigers. Bernie enjoyed raising Registered Polled Herefords, going on fishing trips with family and friends, and couldn’t wait to get home for the fish fry. He liked to trap shoot and was always ready for hunting season and loved to play cards when family and friends dropped in. He became interested in crafts, designing and many different items where he participated in local fairs. Bernie had a green thumb when it came to gardening, flowers, and especially growing roses, where he won his fair share of ribbons at the local fair. He also auctioned many years with Ray Fizer.