Verne Louis Zugenbuhler

Verne Louis Zugenbuhler, 91 and Diana Carol (Peck) Zugenbuhler, 72, both of Kansas City, Missouri passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024, from an automobile accident.

 Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 10, 2025, at the Walker-Nadler-Fuller Funeral Home, 1720 South St., Lexington, MO, 64067, 660-259-2245. A graveside service with military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 10, 2025, at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 20109 MO, Bus 13, Higginsville, MO, 64037. Memorials are suggested to the Children’s Miracle Network. Memories of Verne and Diana, and condolences for their family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our Facebook Page. 

 Verne was born on July 12, 1933, in Des Moines, IA to Sadie (Defenbaugh) and Arthur Bagby. He graduated in 1951 from Northeast High School in Kansas City, MO. Verne was veteran of the United States Navy. While enlisted he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, United Service Medal, and the Korean Service Medal with two stars. On July 5, 1980, Verne was united in marriage to Diana Carol (Peck) Zugenbuhler in Sedalia, MO. He worked for many years in sales and design for the electronics industry. Verne was a very innovative person and held many patents on various products. He was a member of Toastmasters International and The Dale Carnegie Club. Verne was an avid sportsman; he loved playing golf and spending time with his family and friends. Verne participated in the Senior Olympics and in his youth played semi-pro football. 

 Diana was born on July 19, 1952, in Edina, MO to Cecil Carroll and Mary Jo (Pettit) Peck. She graduated in 1970 from East High School in Kansas City, MO and received her master’s degree in teaching from Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, MO. Diana taught for many years for the Belton School District and later for the Center School District in Kansas City, MO. She is a member of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association. Diana had a love for teaching, including Tai chi. In addition to spending time with her family and friends, Diana enjoyed playing pickleball, tennis, golfing, and traveling. 

 Verne and Diana are survived by four children, Barry Zugenbuhler of Kansas City, MO, Jerilyn Z. Knoche and husband Joseph of Independence, MO, Eric Zugenbuhler and wife Linda of Smithville, MO and Ray McHendry and wife Hayley of Bound Brook, New Jersey; four grandchildren, Brett Fowler and wife Kalie, Aidan McHendry, Delia McHendry, and Owen McHendry; Diana’s sister, Theresa Bromley and husband Dudley of Grain Valley, MO; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. 

 In addition to their parents, Verne was preceded in death by two sisters, Dorothy Hoover and Ellen Rossi; and a brother, Charles Robert Zugenbuhler. Diana was preceded in death by a brother, Charles “Chuck” Peck.