Alfred “Sonny” Backhus

Alfred Erich “Sonny” Backhus, 83, of Deepwater, MO formerly of Lathrop, MO passed awayThursday, March 2, 2017.

He was born on December 13, 1933 to Freidrick August Henry and Augusta Christina(Nedderman) Backhus in Blaine, KS.  Sonny grew up in Stilwell, KS and graduated from Stillwell High School.  He then served his country in the US Marine Corps during the Korean War.

On October 7, 1961, he was united in marriage to Mary Veronica Kelly.  They lived in Kansas City and in 1973, moved to Lathrop where they made their home. Mary passed away on January 19, 2016.

Sonny was a police officer for Liberty, MO, a firefighter for Kansas City, MO before becoming a mechanic working on airplanes and diesel trucks in the area.  He was a very active member of the Lathrop Community, donating time and materials in building Ingram Memorial Ball Fields.  Sonny also spent many years coaching little league and umpiring ball.   

He enjoyed doing electrical work, building fences, carpentry, farming and working on his John Deere tractors.  Sonny loved fishing, hunting, shooting his black powder rifles, and was an avid coin collector.  He enjoyed playing pinochle and visiting with friends, telling many stories.  Sonny was a loving husband, father and grandfather.   

Sonny was also preceded in death by his parents, son Daniel Erich Backhus, granddaughter Anna Marie Wren; daughter-in-law Lucinda Backhus and sister Erna King.

He is survived by his children Theresa Wren and husband Donald, David Backhus and wife Viki and Rosanna Ristau and husband David; grandchildren, Thomas Wren, Matthew Wren and wife Madalyn, Elyssa Unfred and husband Steven, Jessica Backhus, Samantha Backhus, and Stephanie Backhus; brother Robert Backhus and wife Ellen, Richard Backhus and wife Sharon and Arthur Backhus and wife Shirley; sister Connie McConnell and husband Larry; several nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends. 

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 4^th at First Baptist Church Lathrop, MO with visitation from 10:00-11:00 a.m. prior to the service.

Burial:  Lathrop Cemetery

Donations may be made in his memory c/o the funeral home.

Arrangements by Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Gower.