Preston Lavern Cain, Sr., 83, of Independence, Mo., passed away Tuesday, November 3, 2009, at Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri.
He was born Dec. 12, 1925, in Fulton County, Arkansas, as the only child of Noah and Lennie (Clark) Cain. On May 10, 1946, in Salem, Arkansas, he married his childhood neighbor, Edna Charlene Fuller. After living in western Kansas and Kansas City, Missouri, they moved to Independence in 1955. He worked for Blacks, Sivalls, and Bryson for 22 years, and then operated and managed Topsy’s Popcorn stores for 20 years until retirement. He was always tinkering with and fixing things for all of his family, a “Mr. Fix-it.” Most important in his life was his family, to whom he was wonderfully devoted. The wisdom, guidance, love, and support he provided will be greatly missed, but his love and giving spirit will live on through his family.
Lavern was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Charlene, in May 2008; his parents; and granddaughter, Megan Kelley. He is survived by his children: Preston and Stephanie Cain of Gladstone; Don and Kerry Cain of Kansas City; and Carol Kelley of Independence; sister-in-law Freda Tucker of Gladstone; five grandchildren: Rhonda Cain Atkinson; Brendan and Drew Kelley; Jacob and Whitney Cain; and two great grandchildren Don and Bailey Atkinson. The family wishes to thank the caregivers of Monterey Park Center and Center Point Medical Center.
Visitation will be Thursday, Nov. 5, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Floral Hills Chapel, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, Mo. Funeral services will be Friday, Nov. 6 at 10:00 a.m., with interment to follow at Floral Hills Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Edna Charlene Cain Scholarship Fund, Independence School District Scholarship Foundation, 3225 S. Noland Road, Independence, MO 64055.
Fond memories and condolences for the family may be left at www.dwnewcomers.com (Arrangements: D.W. Newcomer's Sons Floral Hills Chapel, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd., KCMO 64133, 816-353-1218)
Independence, MO —
