As 2013 comes to a close, we remember some of the local public figures who died this year. This list is by no means exhaustive, but recognizes some of the most prominent people who were lost in the philanthropic, arts and media communities of the Kansas City region.
As always, share your comments (or additions to the list) below.
Marion Bloch
Bloch was the wife of H&R Block co-founder, Henry W. Bloch. She died Sept. 24 at the age of 83. Bloch was born in Kansas City, Mo. and attended Southwest High School and the University of Missouri. You can read more about the life of Marion Bloch here.
Walt Bodine
Bodine was a longtime Kansas City journalist, author and KCUR talk show host. He died March 24 at the age of 92. Deemed 'The Voice of Kansas City," Bodine graced the airwaves in the city from the 1940s until his death. Learn more about Bodine here.
Jim Brothers
Brothers was a Lawrence, Kan., based sculptor. He died Aug. 20 at 72 after a bout with cancer. Brothers grew up in Eureka, Kan., in the Flint Hills, and once said he was "the only kid in that little school who drew." His work is part of the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Va., and the Korean War Memorial in Washington, D.C. Locally, he has work at the VFW national headquarters in midtown Kansas City.
Byron Cohen
Cohen was an avid art collector and owner of the Byron C. Cohen Gallery for Contemporary Art in Kansas City's Crossroads District, which closed in 2010. He died May 10 at the age of 72. Cohen was a native of Kansas City and graduate of Pembroke Hill School.
Megan Cramer
Cramer was an employee at JJ's restaurant when a gas leak caused a massive explosion inside the restaurant on Feb. 20. Cramer, 46, was unable to escape, and her remains were found in the rubble. She was the only fatality.
E. Grey Dimond
Dimond was a cardiologist and the founder of the UMKC School of Medicine. Diamond was the former chair of the University of Kansas Department of Medicine and was recruited to start the UMKC program in 1971. At his insistence, UMKC created a six year medical program, straying from the traditional eight year programs widely available.
John MarkEberhart
Eberhart was a poet, former book review editor for The Kansas City Star, and regular "Book Doctor" on KCUR. He died March 19 after a bout with cancer. He was 52. Eberhart was born in St. Joseph, Mo., and a graduate of the University of Missouri, Colombia and UMKC.
Adele Hall
Hall was a Kansas City civic leader and wife of Hallmark Cards chairman, Donald J. Hall. She died in January at the age of 81. Hall was the first woman to hold the titled of Kansas Citian of the Year in 1990. She served as board chairman of Children's Mercy Hospitals and the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation.
Ike Skelton
Skelton was a 17-term Congressman from Missouri's 4th District. He died of complications from pneumonia on October 28. He was 81. Skelton, a Democrat, was known for his bipartisanship and commitment to the American military.
