Francis "Shorty" Warren Alumbaugh

Francis Warren (Shorty) Alumbaugh

Francis (Shorty) Alumbaugh of Odessa was born March 8, 1929, to Homer and Irene Alumbaugh in his parents’ home of rural Odessa and passed on Feb. 7^th, 2024, surrounded by his family. 

Shorty began working on the family farm with plow horses. By the time he was 10 years old he started his first job as a custodian at Walnut Row school where Shorty would load coal into the furnace and sweep the floor of the school.  By the time he was 13 he began working for Varner Butcher in Odessa where he learned to butcher beef and hogs for $8.00 per month.

Shorty graduated from Odessa High School in 1948. He played football and was active in FFA into his adult life. On August 6, 1950, Shorty married the love of his live Bonnie (Barker) Alumbaugh. In December of 1950 Shorty was drafted in the U.S. Army to serve in the Korean Conflict. He delivered ammunition to the front lines. Shorty was honorably discharged in 1953. He then began working for Wilson Foods as a truck driver driving from Kansas City to New Orleans. 

In 1961 Shory started working for the City of Odessa in the water and wastewater department. He was instrumental in the approval and building of the city water tower. In 1980 Shorty was named the municipal superintendent for Odessa water. In 1985 he won the award for the ‘Best surface water supply operator”. Shorty retired in 1992 as the self-proclaimed fecal engineer (water department superintendent).

In 1969 Shorty and Bonnie adopted Kellee who was the twinkle of his eye. Together they would raise sheep, coon hunt, fish, and trap muskrats. After retirement, Shorty and Bonnie moved to Warsaw where they could pursue their dreams of buying, selling antiques and fishing. Shorty loved refurbishing antiques and furniture. 

Shorty loved woodworking, was an avid fisherman and gardener. He loved his flower and vegetable gardens. Shorty always had produce to give to family, friends, and neighbors. He looked forward to his annual fishing trip with his grandchildren to Minnesota. Shorty enjoyed raising his coon hounds, beagles, and animals.

Shorty is survived by his loving wife of 73 years Bonnie Alumbaugh (Barker), Daughter Kellee Flynn (Clinton) of Odessa.   Grandchildren, Bryan Friend (Dena) of Peculiar, Nacoal Friend (Brad) of Fern Park Fl, and Noah Friend of Grain Valley. His sister-in-laws Martha Alumbaugh of Odessa and Darlene Barker of Marshfield Mo. And one brother-in-law Bob Barker of Pleasant Hill. Along with many nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved. 

Shorty was preceded in death by his parents Homer and Irene Alumbaugh, sisters Kathleen Klontz, Jean Bishop, Mary Cobb and JoAnn Dyer and brother Ed Alumbaugh and brother and law Vernon Barker. 

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at the Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 S. 2^nd St., Odessa, MO, 64076, 816-633-5524.  A Celebration of Life will follow at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at the funeral home.  Inurnment will be in Mt. Tabor Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Mt Tabor Cemetery.  Memories of Shorty and condolences for his family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our Facebook Page.