Category Archives: Obituary

Obituary

Obituary of Marilyn Barker

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Marilyn Margaret Barker, age 76, went to be with the Lord on Friday, March 26, 2021. She was born on January 17, 1945 in Parsons, KS to Roy Emil Tarvin and Alice “Evaleen” Duffield Tarvin.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, Melvin Eugene Barker of Fort Scott, KS; two sons and one daughter, Mark Eugene Barker and wife Renea of Johnston, IA, Paul Leroy Barker and wife Tammy of Peculiar, MO, and Ruthanne Renee Arace and husband Mike of Kansas City, KS; two sisters, Edwina Brennon of Erie, KS and Jackie Cross and husband George of Parsons, KS; four grandchildren, Ethan William Barker, Ellie Elizabeth Barker, Tessa Margaret Barker, and Isaac Eugene Barker, and numerous nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Betty Jo Collins and Carolyn Evel, brother David Tarvin, two brothers-in-law, Dale Evel and Jim Sexton; and two sisters-in-law, Gwen Tarvin and Mary Allen.

Marilyn was devoted to her earthly home and her faith. She combined her love of Jesus and children in owning and operating the Sunbeam Christian Preschool for over 30 years. In addition, she worked with children and youth in church. She was a member of First Sothern Baptist Church. During her walk on earth, Marilyn modeled living her life for the Lord with devotion and love to her family who look forward to being reunited with her in heaven.

Matt Hamilton will conduct the Celebration of Life service at 11:30 AM Friday, April 9th, at First Sothern Baptist Church, Fort Scott. Private burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:30 AM until service time at the church. Memorials are suggested to First Southern Baptist Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701. With respect to the families wishes please wear a mask or face covering if attending and refrain from attending if you are experiencing any COVID symptoms. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary

Obituary of Rosa Buras

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Rosa Marie Buras, age 86, a resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, March 27, 2021, at the Medicalodge of Fort Scott.

She was born November 27, 1935, in Liberal, Missouri, the daughter of George Garrison and Ruth Arline Harper Garrison.

She graduated from Fort Scott High School.

Rosa married George Anthony Buras III, on July 28, 1990 in Fort Scott.

She worked at White Grill and later as a nurse’s aid at Fort Scott Manor.

She was a member of the V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary, and the Cherry Grove Baptist Church.

Rosa enjoyed flowers, gardening, and loved to travel.

She is survived by her sister, Marilyn Gerhardt, and husband Jerald Sr., of Miami, Oklahoma, and four nephews; she is preceded in death by her husband, George, her parents, three brothers, Melvin, Claude, and Roy Garrison, and two sisters, Lucy Taylor and Alta Kramer.

Rev. Ken Ansell will conduct graveside services Monday, April 5, 2021 at the U.S. National Cemetery.

Memorial are suggested to the Cherry Grove Baptist Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary

Obituary of John Henry Bower

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John Henry Bower, age 84, a resident of rural Deerfield, Missouri, passed away Friday, March 26, 2021, at his home.  He was born May 3, 1936, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the son of Jesse Bower and June Dunbar Bower.

He had served with the United States Army.

John married Amelia E. Jones on July 17, 1964, at Miami, Oklahoma.

John had worked for several years as a truck driver.

He enjoyed spending time with his family and exploring the outdoors with his grandchildren.

He also liked to garden and watch western movies.

Survivors include his wife, Amelia, of the home; and children, Rick Jones, of Ft. Scott, Jill Love and husband, Ron, Tony Bower, and Jason Bower and wife, Thabena, all of Deerfield; twelve grandchildren, Dustin Jones, Kendria Brown, Josh Jones, Haley Jones, and Garrett, Alyson Love, Quentin Love, Gavin Love, Evan Love, Jessica Bower, and fiancé, Jacob, Rebecca Bower, Micala Bower and Preslee Bower and ten great-grandchildren, Elijah, Hannah, Faith, Glory, Silas, Jordan, Romey, Madison, Taylor and David.  Also surviving are two sisters, Mable Green, of Colorado and Roberta Rickman, of Girard, Kansas and two brothers, Perry Bower and wife, Helen and Chet Bower and wife, Linda, all of Ft. Scott, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his son, Doug Bower, three brothers, Jay, Floyd and Leroy Bower and a sister, Margaret Rhodes.

There was cremation and no services will be held at this time.

Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary

Obituary of William Carl Jowers

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William Carl Jowers

William Carl Jowers, 69, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, died Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri after a battle with COVID 19.

Mr. Jowers was born on December 2, 1951 to the late Betty Sarah Harden Jowers, of Fitzgerald, GA and Carl Edison Jowers, of Rhine, GA. William is a graduate of Fitzgerald Highschool Class of 1969. William is survived by his former wife Leonida Arboleda Jowers, Calapacuan, Subic Zambales Philippines who he married in 1974 and their three children Lars Michael Jowers (Alicia), Justin Leif Jowers, and Sarah Ashley Jowers. He also leaves behind grandchildren Elijah Jordan Jowers, Preston David Jowers, Zoë Isabella Jowers, Lily Leonida Jowers, Sophia Rose Jowers, and William Cardell Norton.

In 1995 he married Myra Barco Jowers of Jacksonville, Florida they have four furry babies Miller, Kahlua, Rebel and Ebony. William leaves behind two stepchildren Kevin Pickett (Pamela) their children, and Jennifer Johnson (Michael) and their children.

Carl was a Veteran Petty Officer First Class of the United States Navy (1970-1991) of the Vietnam War Era. He earned many decorations such as Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Navy Achievement Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Fifth Good Conduct Award, Second Meritorious Unit Commendation, Second Battle E Award, Fourth Overseas Service Ribbon, and Second National Defense Service Medal.

Carl began his post graduate education while in the Navy, attending a variety of colleges in California and Florida. He earned his master’s degree from Jacksonville University. Following his retiring from the United States Navy Carl was employed by Florida State College at Jacksonville (formerly FJC, FCCJ) as Manager of Testing and Assessments (1991-2013) and intermittently teaching GED classes before retiring again.

Carl was an avid genealogist who was able to connect to ancestors, through his tireless research, who provided him eligibility for his expressing pride of his Southern heritage by joining the Sons of Confederate Veterans Forest’s Escort Camp 1239 in Villa Rica, GA. He and his wife, Myra then purchased a trike so that he could become a member of the Mechanized Cavalry. Following their move to Fort Scott, KS he transferred to the Thomas J Key Camp1854 in Kansas City, KS. With his servant’s heart he spent most of his retired life giving back to Veterans.

Carl was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Olson-Frary Burkhart Post 1165 in Ft. Scott, KS and was currently serving as Commander of the American Legion Thompson – Harkey Post 25 in Ft. Scott as well as Kansas District 2 Adjutant. Carl had the unique ability to join all four components of the American Legion family, The Sons of the American Legion, The Legion Riders and the American Legion Auxiliary which was formerly only open to female spouses of Legionnaires but recently opened their membership to ”spouses” of veterans who are Legionnaires. He earned his eligibility through his wife, Myra, being an Air Force veteran and Legionnaire.

Carl will be dearly missed by his wife of 25 years, family, friends, brother and sisters in arms, and his pets.

Memorial services will be held in Fort Scott, KS at the Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel, 201 S Main St. on Sat, April 3, 2021 at 1:00 PM and later in his hometown, Fitzgerald GA, at Prospect Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Legion Thompson – Harkey Post 25; PO Box 25, Fort Scott, KS 66701 or His home church, First Southern Baptist Church, Building Fund 1818 S Main St, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Donations can be sent to Cheney Witt for distribution. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Carl Jowers please visit our Tribute Store.
Obituary

Obituary of Frank Crystal

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Frank Richard Crystal, age 83, a resident of Devon, Kansas, passed away Friday, March 26, 2021, at his home.

He was born December 19, 1937.  Frank was born and raised in the Pawnee/Cato area.

Frank enjoyed Friday nights with his family, fishing and taking care of his cows on the farm.  You could always find Frank on Wednesday nights playing cards with the guys or on Saturdays at the Sale Barn or attending a farm auction.

Frank married Patricia Sue Krull in November of 1959.  Frank and Pat together had five boys; Mark and wife, Trish, Marty and wife, Jolene, Mickey and wife Theresa, Matt and Mitch Crystal.

Frank later met Yvonne Beck and her daughter, Susie, and they became part of the family.  Frank got to handpick his daughter, Susie, and later got a son-in-law, Chris Arvidson.

Yvonne Beck survives of the home along with his five boys and his daughter.

Also surviving are his grandchildren, Matthew, Jordin, Brooke, Devann, John, Jackie, Raylene, Kaylyn, Callie, Dyllian, Tate, Garrett, Cord, and Cody, and great-grandchildren, Evan, Neva, Josie, Finnley, Olivia, Kannon, and Kennedy his sister, Carolyn Crystal, and several nieces and nephews.

Frank was preceded in death by his father, Joe Crystal, his mother, Elva and step-father, Lester Hunt, and infant sister, Darlene Crystal, a brother, James Crystal and sister, Wilda Insley as well as a great-grandson, Thomas “TJ” Burton, Jr.

The family would like to give a special thank you to all his doctor’s and nurses that have cared for Frank over the years and a special thanks to his dialysis nurses Patti and Nancy.

Funeral services with Masonic rites will be held at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, April 6th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Following funeral services, there will be cremation and a private family burial will take place later in the Large Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Monday, April 5th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Xenia Masonic Lodge and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary

Death Notice of William Carl Jowers

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William Carl Jowers, age 69, formerly of Ft. Scott, KS, recently of Joplin, MO, died Wednesday, March 24, 2021, at Mercy Hospital, Joplin, MO.  Memorial services for Carl Jowers will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, April 3rd, at the First Southern Baptist Church.  Cheney Witt Chapel will publish a full obituary in the next edition.

Obituary

Death Notice of Marilyn Barker

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Marilyn M. Barker, age 76, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Friday, March 26, 2021, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, KS.

Funeral services for Marilyn Barker will be held at 11:30 AM Friday, April 2nd, at the First Baptist Church.

The family will receive friends from 10:30 until service time at the church.

The family committal will take place in the U. S. National Cemetery.

Cheney Witt Chapel will publish a full obituary in the next edition.

 

 

 

Obituary

Obituary of Lisa Heenan

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Lisa Marie Heenan, age 52, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, March 24, 2021, at the Via Christi Emergency Room in Ft. Scott.

She was born June 22, 1968, in Bakersfield, California, the daughter of Larry Heenan and Sandra Criswell Heenan.

Lisa was a devoted mother to her children. She occasionally worked as a waitress in area restaurants. She enjoyed crocheting, coloring and doing crafts.

In earlier years, she had attended the Bethel Community Church.

Survivors include her children, Anthony Heenan, of Ottawa, Kansas, Tamra McReynolds, of Ft. Scott, Tiffany Heenan, of Nixa, Missouri, Ally Heenan of Columbus, Kansas and Wayne Shaffer also of Ft. Scott and seven grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers, Robert Heenan of Ft. Scott and Adam Heenan of Ottawa, Kansas and a sister Robyn Heenan also of Ottawa.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Russell Heenan.

Services are pending and will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Obituary

Obituary of Linda Zornes

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Linda Lou Zornes, age 64, a resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, went to be with the Lord, her Heavenly Father on Monday, March 22, 2021 at the Via Christi Emergency Department in Fort Scott, Kansas.

She was born November 11, 1956 in Iola, Kansas.

Linda graduated from Iola High School with the class of 1974. She had worked as an aide in the home health care field for many years.

Linda enjoyed gardening and tending to her flowers, this was her favorite summertime activity.

She enjoyed putting together puzzles and loved the companionship of her three dogs.

Linda always enjoyed going to garage sales, she stopped at everyone she could. She loved adding to her knick-knack collection as well.

She treasured the time she spent with her grandchildren and family. Her grandchildren were the light of her life.

Linda was a devout Christian and her faith was of the upmost importance to her. She loved sharing her love of Christ with others.

Linda was blessed with a large and loving family. She had eight children who will love her and miss her forever.

 

Linda is survived by her children, Tisha Crump, Mt. Washington, KY, Richard Springston, Melissa Springston, and Kenneth Springston, all of Fort Scott, Sarah Gilpin, Lenexa, KS, Kelsey Lampe, LaHarpe, KS, Sara Burris and Kaci Peres, Iola, KS.; two brothers, Terry Zornes, Iola, KS. and Tracy Zornes, Weatherford, TX., a sister Joyce Vest, Crawfordville, FL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Karen Dible, and a brother, Larry Zornes.

 

There was cremation. A celebration of Life will be held at Fellowship Regional Church in Iola, KS. Friday, March 26th at 11:00 am.

Burial will take place at the Highland Cemetery in Iola. Local arrangements are being handled by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St. Fort Scott, KS. 66701.

Obituary

Obituary of Gary Dixon

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Gary Lee Dixon, 71, formerly of Fort Scott and most recently of Greenbrier, Arkansas, passed away early Thursday morning March 18, 2021, at his home.

He leaves behind his loving wife Debbie A. (Smith) Dixon, of the home; his mother, Ann Chow, of Fort Scott; two daughters, Regina Marie Dixon, and Megan Elizabeth Brown; six siblings; five grandchildren, Savanah and Gavin Dixon, and Xander, Briar, and Reese Brown. He was preceded in death by his step-father, Dr. Stanley Chow, and a sister, Michelle Chow Sauder.

Gary was an amazing husband, father, and Poppy. He was a man of many talents. He was an accomplished singer-songwriter and his stage name was Scott Summer.

He served in Vietnam with the 95th Evac as a Medic, and in civilian life, as an RN.

He leaves behind many friends who truly loved him.

Josh Smith will conduct funeral services 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, 2021, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Burial will follow 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 25, 2021, at the Fort Scott National Cemetery with Military honors provided by the Kansas National Guard Military Funeral Honors Detail.

Per National Cemetery COVID guidelines, graveside services are limited to family only.

The viewing will be Tuesday evening, March 23, 2021, from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Due to COVID restrictions, gatherings are limited to 30 persons and visitors are asked to wear masks and observe social distancing during the visitation and funeral at the funeral home. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Obituary

Obituary of Christopher Paul Osborn

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Christopher Paul Osborn was born June 26, 1991. He passed away March 15, 2021, at his home at the age of 29 ¾ years.

To his paintball friends, he was better known as “Ducky”. He was loved by many and will be sorely missed by his friends from paintball, Wasted Youth Car Club and by his co-workers from Wal-Mart and McDonalds, and by his many other family and friends.

Chris donated his body to the University of Kansas Medical Center for research purposes as he died from a rare form of sarcoma known as ASPS.

He touched many lives, was a hard worker, an avid environmentalist, a paintball ambassador and an avid reader. Chris loved to restore old tractors, raise bunnies, rescue turtles and take care of his mom and dad.

Survivors include his parents, Paul Osborn and Elaine Gray Osborn. He is also survived by his three sisters, Dyalah Gadberry (James), Amelia Black (Stephen) and Meghan Ford (Davey) and a brother, Franklin Osborn (Erin) and six nephews and one niece.

He was preceded in death by a nephew, Aiden.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Care to Share, Integrity Hospice or the charity of the donor’s choice and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary

Obituary of Jim Spencer “Sandy” Mertz

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Jim Spencer “Sandy” Mertz, age 68, a resident of rural Ft. Scott, Kansas passed away Monday, March 15, 2021, at the Via Christi Emergency Room in Ft. Scott.  He was born August 20, 1952, in Ft. Scott, the son of Jim I. Mertz and Maybelle L. Spencer Mertz.  Sandy graduated from the Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 1971.  He had served with the Kansas Army National Guard.  Sandy was a cattleman and maintained his own cow/calf operation and also owned his own lime hauling company.  In addition, he also kept a sizeable heard of donkeys.  Sandy was always willing to help others and volunteered his time for several area organizations including the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta, the Cato Historical Preservation Association and the Bourbon County Fair Association.  Sandy often sponsored youth softball and baseball teams.  He liked watching the Food Network and enjoyed recreating the cuisine.  He was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

 

Survivors include his mother, Maybelle Mertz, of Ft. Scott; his sister, Melessa Demo and husband, Brad, of Kansas City, Missouri, a nephew, Jim “J.T.” Symons and wife, Angie, a niece, Mandy Symons and a great-nephew, Hunter Symons.  Also surviving are extended family, Richard and Deanna Cullison and Sydney Cullison who have helped and cared for Sandy in innumerable ways.

 

Sandy was preceded in death by his father, Jim Mertz.

 

Rev. Steve Cole will conduct funeral services at 11:00 A.M Friday, March 19th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Thursday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Cato HPA and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.