Lytle Emory Arnold, age 80, passed away Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at his home. He was born August 6, 1945, in Leavenworth, Kansas, the son of Oscar “C.R.” Arnold and Effie Lynne Walker Arnold. He was the youngest of five children. Lytle was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Wendell Oliver Arnold and Joseph Lynn Arnold and a sister, Florence May Arnold White. Lytle was a kind and gentle person. He attended elementary and most of high school in Ottawa, Kansas. After graduating high school, he joined the US. Army where he served in Germany. He completed his military service as an E-5. Lytle lived in Dallas, Texas where he worked in construction. He was also a musician and played in different bands. He wrote music and loved playing his guitar.

Survivors include his sister, Rosalyn Good of Ft. Scott, Kansas, nephews, Eric Avery of Albutuch, North Carolina, Brent Avery of Bastrop, Texas and Tab White of Ottawa, Kansas and a niece, Michelle White of Little Elm, Texas.

Graveside services will be held at 12:30 P.M. Friday, March 13th at the U. S. National Cemetery. Family and friends may meet on Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel from 11:30 A.M. until leaving for the cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Medicalodge Activity Fund 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.

PATRICIA  ANN  PRICE

Patricia Ann (Mudd) Price, 94, of Fort Scott passed away Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Creedo Senior Living Center in Fort Scott. She was born in Fort Scott, the daughter of Burton J. and Eunice Louise Shelton Allen. She graduated with the Class of 1949 from Fort Scott High School. She married Carl A. Price on August 26, 1951, in Fort Scott, Kansas, He preceded her in death on September 2, 2006.

She served as Clerk for the Probate and Juvenile Bourbon County Judge for 12 years, and she served as Head Teller for Citizens National Bank for 22 years, retiring on July 1, 1999. She and Carl enjoyed Square Dancing with the Iza Stompers Square Dance Club of Fort Scott for many years. She was a member of the Community Christian Church.

Pat is survived by her daughter, Amy Ann Bass of Joplin, Missouri, a son, Randy Lee Price of Deerwood, Minnesota, six grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and one great great-grandchild. In addition to her husband, Carl, Pat was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Mary Beth Price, a son, Terry Allen Price, a daughter-in-law, Melissa Price, and a granddaughter, Megan (Price) Werner.

Pastor Tim Woodring will officiate funeral service for Pat on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. The Family will receive friends from 1:00 pm Wednesday until 2:00 pm. The funeral will begin at 2:00 pm Wednesday. Private burial will be in the Memory Gardens of Bourbon County Cemetery.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, donations may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 West Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701.  Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.

Dr. George Phillip Barker, PhD, affectionately known as Phil to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026, in Ft. Scott, Kansas. Born on April 3, 1941, in Atlanta, Georgia, Phil’s journey through life was marked by his insatiable curiosity, his love for learning, and his dedication to sharing his knowledge with others.

Phil was predeceased by his mother, Nellie Mae Latham, his father, George Scott Barker, and his step-father, Clarence Cullen Wofford. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Janice, his cherished step-children, and adored step-grandchildren, who will forever remember his gentle guidance and unwavering support.

Phil’s academic journey began at Tulane University in New Orleans, where he received his Bachelor of Science in 1963. His passion for mathematics led him to the University of Wisconsin, where he earned a Master of Science in Mathematics in 1964, and later, a Doctor of Philosophy in 1969. His pursuit of excellence in mathematics was recognized by his induction as a charter member of the Pi Mu Epsilon Fraternity Louisiana Gamma and his association with the Sigma Xi Wisconsin Chapter in 1969.

For over three decades, Dr. Barker served as a professor at the University of Missouri UMKC, where he inspired countless students with his love for mathematics. His commitment to education was paralleled by his sense of civic duty, as he also served the community as a reserve officer for the Miami County Kansas Sheriff’s Department in Paola.

Phil’s interests extended far beyond the classroom. He was an avid traveler, embarking on educational trips to China, Turkey, Ireland, Germany, and Mexico, where he visited his graduate students and participated in mathematics conferences. His intellectual pursuits were complemented by his passion for history and his role as a registered gun collector, a hobby that allowed him to connect with fellow enthusiasts and preserve pieces of history.

Those who knew Phil would describe him as loving, kind, and intelligent—a man who approached every situation with a warm heart and a sharp mind. His legacy is one of dedication to his family, his students, and his community.

Dr. Barker’s life was a tapestry woven with the threads of academia, service, and personal interests, creating a rich and vibrant legacy. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him, yet his spirit will continue to inspire those who walk the path he once did.

Phil’s life story is a testament to the impact one individual can have on the lives of many. His memory will be cherished and his contributions to the world of mathematics and to the hearts of his loved ones will endure. Dr. George Phillip Barker’s life was a beacon of knowledge and kindness, illuminating the way for future generations. Rest in peace, Phil, knowing that your journey was meaningful, your presence valued, and your memory everlasting.

At Phil’s request, there was cremation and no formal services will be held at this time.  Arrangements were under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.