In Remembrance Of

Cory Wohlford

Jon Corington “Cory” Wohlford, 60, of Smithville, MO passed away, May 10, 2023, at his home in Smithville.

He was born on May 1, 1963, to Jonathan and Rebecca Jane (Lowman) Wohlford in St. Joseph, MO. Cory grew up in Trimble, MO and in 1981 graduated from Plattsburg High School. During high school he participated in football, basketball and track where he was a 2 year all state defensive back and was the quarterback of the 1979 State Championship Football Team.  Cory is a 1,000 point scorer for the basketball team and his relay team still holds the record for the 4×800 relay at the high school. Cory later received his Bachelors of Science Degree in Education from William Jewell College where he played football and baseball for 4 years and basketball for 1 year. Cory was inducted into the William Jewell Athletic Hall of Fame with both his baseball and football teams.

Cory coached football for Smithville High School for 35 years. He was a member of the Paradise United Methodist Church. Cory was an avid KC Royals, KC Chiefs and MU Tigers fan and was the ultimate Warrior fan. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Jon and Rebecca Wohlford. 

Cory is survived by his twin brother Chris (Michelle) Wohlford; his brother Steve (Bonnie) Wohlford; his sisters Nicki (Phil) Edwards and Geri Cook-Lenahan; his girlfriend Brenda Norton; nieces and nephews Chase, Mahlee, Peyton, Josh (Sara), Crystal (Zach), Brent, Brandi, and Ryan (Candace); great-nieces and nephews Caiden, Harlee, Jaxton, Baylie, Sterling , Kyan, Grey and Ellie; other relatives and many friends.

Visitation: 5:00-8:00 p.m. Monday, May 15th at Grace Community Church in Smithville 

Celebration of Life Service: 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 16th at Grace Community Church in Smithville.

Donations may be made to the Smithville R-2 Foundation (for the Cory Wohlford Scholarship) or to the Paradise United Methodist Church.

Arrangements, Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Smithville.

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Comments & condolences

40 comments

  • Don Hesson

    This one’s roar rings forever!

  • Frank Bowers

    I am so sorry to hear of Cory’s passing. I have such good memories of playing baseball with and against Cory and Chris in the 80’s. Attending William Jewell with all three brothers was such a good time. Hanging out and Playing baseball at Jewell with Cory and Chris are great memories! Chris, Steve and the Wohlford family I am sorry for your loss.

  • Tracy Corley-Flores

    My heart goes out to Cory’s family. I remember watching the Wohlford brothers at PHS.
    God’s blessings and Peace be with you.

  • Carolyn ozburn

    I remember him always smiling anytime I came over to visit with his mother (Becky) and he was so fun to chat with. He loved my chicken broccoli dish I’d bring over to their home and three of would share together. RIP Corey, I will never forget your family and your wonderful girlfriend, Brenda.

  • April Lewis

    I am truly heartbroken over hearing of Cory’s passing. To Chris and Michelle, Steve and Bonnie, and the entire Wohlford Family I offer my condolences and prayers. I cared and loved your brother. I have many special memories with him that I will cherish. God Bless
    April Lewis

  • Susan McGarity

    The Wohlford family (including Brenda) are near and dear to my heart–every one of them, including their wonderful spouses. Cory was a phenomenal person, one that will always remain in my heart. Condolences to the Wohlford family and please know that I love each and every one of you!

  • wilma Butler

    So sorry, my heart is hurting. He was a great friend, we spent many hours talking and watching TV. RIP dear friend.

  • Thurman Hoskins

    I’m very Sorry for your Loss!! Unfortunately I couldn’t make it to the Celebration of Cory’s life as I had Eye Surgery yesterday. I just want you all to know that the Memories we Share throughout our lives will always be in my heart !! I’m honored to have known and been a part of Cory’s life. May God comfort the Family during this difficult time and please know that you will always be in my prayers and Thoughts . Sincerely, Thurman Hoskins

  • Jason & Jennie Phipps

    We are so sorry to hear of Cory’s passing. The entire family is in our prayers.

  • Hobert GABRIEL

    So sorry for your loss Corey was a inspiration to everyone who new him

  • Russell Wohlford

    So very sorry for your loss, I’ll never forget playing paper football with you all at Christmas

  • Kellee Herman

    Cory was an amazing, kind, and strong man. He will be deeply missed. He is running free now.

  • Richard Cox

    Thoughts and prayers for your loss.

  • Elyane lynch, lpn

    Very sweet man. Bless you all.

  • Pisechko Kimberly

    Best Bonus Big Brother ever!! You always had a smile and laugh that could change the outlook of the day! You lived a successful life that showed others how to be brave and to never give up on their dreams!! Give Big Jon and sweet Becky hugs!!

  • Vicki Vitek

    There are no words to describe the loss.

  • Jude Sylva

    My sympathy goes out to the family, Cory was a great guy, he will always be remembered, as one of the good ones. RIP

  • Terry Banks

    My sincere condolences to the family. Cory was a great guy. His part in this world will be missed.

  • Bill and Carolyn Forsyth and Barry Forsyth

    Sorry for your loss

  • Gail Rodgers

    What a great man he was! And one of the toughest!

  • Scott Phillips

    I was so saddened to hear about the passing of Cory. Ken Fortney, former basketball coach at Plattsburg, telephoned me this morning with the news. I was a Physical Education teacher and coach at Plattsburg from 1973-1977, and had Cory, Chris and Steve in my gym classes each day. They were all such wonderful boys to get to know and watch as they matured in sports as well as in their lives.

    My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Cory. I am so glad I purchased and read Cory’s book that was published in 2010, “Never Surrender.” It is a treasured book that will be on my bookshelf forever — filled with stories and names from the four short years I spent in Plattsburg.

    Sincerely,
    Scott Phillips

  • The Baker Clan: Pat & Jim, Mark, Bill, Andy and Scott

    WE are part of your distant past but yet it is like yesterday you are still part of our household on our farm in Gower, MO . Years have past but in the last few years our lives brought us together with challenging years for you and Jim. Somehow we had a lot more to share besides, sports. Life had more meaning; even though sports were very much part of our lives, we knew the meaning of our precious loved ones. Chris being you Twin has suffered right along with you and perhaps that was meant to be, that a patient needs help with their suffering. Our heartfelt love goes out to the entire family. Then there was this beautiful angel, Brenda who stood by you all those years and then filled in those hours being vigilant. Your funeral will be a reflection of WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU LEAVE BEHIND FOR US. JESUS HAS BEEN WAITING FOR YOU WITH OPEN ARMS.

  • Rhonda Wohlford Fry

    So sorry for your loss.

  • Susan Shoate Black

    Condolences to his many friends and family. I knew Corey was admired by many. But his achievements will live in history. Rest in piece, young man.

  • Susan Shoate Black

    My condolences to Corey’s many friends and family. I know he was admired by many but his achievements will live forever in history. Rest in peace, young man.

  • Jane Johnston

    Chris and Michelle, how blessed we were to know Cory and witness how he handled adversity. Ed and I love you and your family and are praying for you.

  • Linda Goodwin

    Your kindness of others will always be remembered.

  • Rachel & GEORGE CHRISMAN

    Cory is free at last

  • Jill Helton Byers

    The kindest person ever!

  • Randy Dothage & Maggie Shaver

    You are a true Warrior through and through.you have shown so many people how to grow & stay strong. You will always live on in our memories.

  • Ron & Pam Romine

    Dear Steve, Bonnie and families.
    Our hearts go out to you for your loss. He accomplished a lot in his 60 years. Something to be very proud of.
    Sincerely,
    Ron & Pam

  • dawn braswell

    You meant so very much to so many. My prayer for you is to enjoy your reuniting with my very good friend Rebecca Wohlford. I can just see you all dancing.

  • Linda Stout

    So very sorry for your loss..Sending lots of hugs love and Prayers.

  • Karen Farris Craddock

    May the Peace of Christ be with Cory’s family and friends.

  • Chris McKay

    My prayers are with the family

  • Eric and Belinda Buchanan

    We are so sorry to hear of Cory’s passing. What a great man and role model. He made such an impact in this world.

  • Bill & Linda Maus

    There’s angels among us.

  • Gwen Smith

    Steve, Bonnie and families so sorry for you loss..
    Sincerely, Gwen

  • Kelly Anhorn Quebedeaux

    I would like to offer prayers of comfort and peace to the family. It’s been a long time since I saw Cory but remember what a sweet friend he was. RIP old friend.

  • Jeanne (Schroeder) Epperson

    So sorry to hear this news. He will be so missed.

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