Wilma J. McFail

Wilma Jean McFail, 90, of Houstonia, passed away Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Western Missouri Medical Center in Warrensburg.

She was born April 21, 1935, in Houstonia, the daughter of Harry Parker Charles and Mary Rachel (Mullins) Charles.

On July 3, 1965, she married John McFail, Jr. at Houstonia United Methodist Church. He preceded her in death on February 14, 2024.

Wilma was a lifelong resident of the Houstonia community. She served as Houstonia City Clerk for 18 years, retiring in 2004. She also owned and operated JWK Trucking Co. with her son, Ken.

Faith was an important part of Wilma’s life. She was an active and devoted member of El Dorado United Methodist Church and loved attending church. She enjoyed camping, working in her yard, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Wilma was known for encouraging others and will be remembered for loving deeply, caring with her whole heart, and making sure the people in her life knew it.

Survivors include her son, Kenneth Parker Vickrey (Roberta), of Knob Noster; her daughter, Connie Jean Kleinschmidt (J.R.), of La Monte; seven grandchildren, Rachel Rayburn, Keith Kleinschmidt, Adam Kleinschmidt, Matt Vickrey, Elizabeth Caldwell, Steven Bell, and Travis Bell; and 16 great-grandchildren, Trevor, Ethan, Aidan, Everett, Alina, Audric, Anabel, Parker, Sarah, Elsie, Hannah, McKinley, Charlie, Cara, Bobby, and Dirck.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Carl William Vickrey (Marsha), and a daughter, Carla Jo Bell (Randy); a grandson, Russ Vickrey; a great-grandson, Jeremiah Kleinschmidt; a brother, Raymond Charles; and a sister, Mary Catherine Salmons.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Heckart Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at the funeral home.

Casket bearers will be Steven Bell, Travis Bell, Keith Kleinschmidt, Adam Kleinschmidt, Matt Vickrey and Grant Caldwell.

Burial will be in Houstonia Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to El Dorado United Methodist Church.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Poem for Wilma on Her 90th Birthday

Ninety years of grace and light,

Of walking by faith and doing what's right.

A heart so loyal, a spirit so true—Wilma, today we honor you.

To John, you gave your heart and soul,

Together you built a love made whole.

Through seasons of laughter, sorrow, and song,

You stood by his side, steadfast and strong.

To your family, you're a sheltering tree,

Roots of wisdom, branches free.

A mother, a grandma—always near,

With gentle hands and a listening ear.

To me, dear friend, you're rare and kind,

A constant light when days unwind.

You don’t just speak—you lift, you guide,

With words that warm, and arms open wide.

You love out loud, with bold delight,

A joyful blaze, not just a light.

You live your faith with quiet power,

Showing Christ in every hour.

In pew and prayer, you’ve stood so firm,

Through every season, every term.

Your church, your home, your steady grace—

A faithful servant in every place.

Camping trips beneath the sky,

And pulling weeds as days go by—

Even the dirt feels blessed, I swear,

When Wilma’s hands are working there.

City clerk, with careful pen,

You served your neighbors again and again.

Not for the praise, nor to be seen—But because that’s who you’ve always been.

So here’s to you, your ninety years,

With grateful hearts and happy tears.

To honor a life so rich and true—We thank the Lord, Wilma, for you.