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AUTHENTIC REPRODUCTION SABER DRAWING TO BENEFIT FORT SCOTT NHS
If you are from Southeast Kansas, chances are you have visited Fort Scott National Historic Site and learned about the elite fighting force, known as the Dragoons. One of the essential tools in the Dragoon’s arsenal was the saber. Measuring 39 inches long and weighing nearly 2 pounds, Dragoons were trained to use them to fight on foot as well as on horseback.
You may become the proud owner of one of these impressive historic weapons, as the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site are offering chances to win an authentic reproduction of a 1833 Dragoon saber. Tickets are $10 each or $25 for 3 tickets. Funds raised will be used to benefit programs and operations at Fort Scott National Historic Site.
Chances will be sold throughout the summer at the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce during their operating hours or from any Friends of FSNHS board member. The drawing will take place on September 8, 2025, at the Friends of FSNHS annual meeting. Don’t miss this opportunity to own a piece of history!
The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site is a non-profit organization established in partnership with the National Park Service to support and promote the preservation and interpretation of FSNHS.
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Trivia Fundraiser is Sept. 6
Notice of Services for Nicholas R. Payne
Nicholas R. Payne, age 34, passed away July 4, 2025. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 P.M. Saturday, August 2nd at the Pittsburg Adventist Church, 430 E. 21st St., Pittsburg, Kansas. Private burial will take place at a later date in the Clarksburg Cemetery near Garland, Kansas. Memorials are suggested to the Nicholas Payne Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.
Obituary of Jo Ann Thomas
Jo Ann Thomas, 83, of Fort Scott, passed away peacefully on the morning of July 27, 2025, surrounded by family.
Jo Ann was born on May 4, 1942, in Ft Scott, KS to Oscar and Jimmie Sapp. As a young girl, a serious bicycle accident with her sister led her to Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott for recovery. It was there she first felt called to become a nurse—a decision that would define much of her life.
She attended the Mercy School of Nursing, living in the convent with the sisters. After briefly parting ways with her boyfriend at the time, Hubert, the sisters themselves summoned Hubert and encouraged a reunion as her grades were being impacted. Those same sisters would later be present for the births of their children.
Jo Ann’s passion for nursing guided a remarkable career. After earning her bachelor’s degree from Pittsburg State University, she went on to receive her master’s from the University of Kansas and later graduated with the first class of Nurse Practitioners at KU. She began her career as a supervisor at Mercy Hospital before moving with her husband, Hubert, to Germany, where they worked at the same hospital. Hubert often joked that the Army had made him a medic just so Jo Ann could serve as a civilian nurse at the Army Hospital.
When they returned to Kansas, Jo Ann resumed her work at Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott, eventually serving in multiple leadership roles, including Chief Nursing Officer. She later founded Executive Rural Nurses, a consulting group dedicated to helping rural hospitals move from operating “in the red back into the black”. Her success in that role led to her appointment at Allen County Hospital as Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Operating Officer, where she achieved financial stability for the hospital after years of losses.
Even in retirement, Jo Ann continued to give back, accepting the role of Director of the School of Nursing at Fort Scott Community College to ensure a local pathway for future nurses. During these years, she was also elected by her peers to the Kansas State Board of Nursing, where she served for several years as President, leaving an enduring mark on the profession she loved so deeply.
Jo Ann’s Catholic faith was a constant source of strength and meaning throughout her life. She gave generously of her time to Saint Mary’s Catholic Church and School, where she was a familiar and devoted presence. While she cherished her faith deeply, she also delighted in life’s simple joys—music, sunshine, and long afternoons at Thomas Lake, floating in the water and making sure her hair stayed perfectly dry.
Jo Ann and Hubert, whom she lovingly called Tommy, built a life together that was full of kindness, patience, and unwavering love. They raised three children—Gregory Owen, Elizabeth Ann, and Natalie Sue—and their home was later filled with the laughter and love of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Some of the family’s fondest memories are of the many trips Jo Ann and Hubert took their grandchildren on in their motor home. Adventures that were always filled with joy and togetherness. Passing only months apart, Hubert and Jo Ann leave their family with the peace of knowing their love story continues beyond this life.
She is survived by her three children Gregory Thomas, Elizabeth (Joe) Wright, Natalie (John) Snyder, her seven grandchildren, Bart (Nicole) Wright, Nicholas (Chelsea) Thomas, Drew (Hannah) Wright, Zachary (Stevie) Snyder, Lucas Snyder, Ella Snyder, Thanya Brown-Thomas, and four great grandchildren, Raelynn Wright, Sofia Thomas, Brooks Wright, and Ellison Thomas. One sister Bobbi Kemna.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Hubert Owen Thomas, and her parents Oscar & Gladys “Jimmie” Sapp, grandsons Nathanial Wright, Hunter Thomas and soon to be daughter-in-law Nong Brown.
A Funeral Mass will be held on August 1st at 10am at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, with burial to follow at Clarksburg Cemetery. A Rosary will be held at Cheney Witt Funeral Home on Thursday, July 31 at 5:00 PM with Visitation to follow at 5:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jo Ann Thomas Memorial Nursing Scholarship in care of Cheney Witt. Donations may also be dropped off at City State Bank, Ft. Scott, KS.
Jo Ann will be remembered for her compassion, her unwavering love, and her devotion to both her family and her profession. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched.
Obituary of Julie Ann Elbrader
Julie Ann Elbrader, 79, passed away tragically on July 8, 2025, in a fire at her lifelong home. She was born on July 7, 1946, to Levi Albert Thompson and Elnora Josephine (Lewis) Thompson. Julie was the second youngest of six siblings, all of whom have passed away: Mary, Marjorie, George, Doug, and Levi. On August 14, 1964, Julie married Robert Elbrader, who preceded her in death after 60 years of marriage.
Julie’s life was marked by selflessness and quiet strength. She opened her heart and home to those in need, especially children, and was a steady and loving presence. Julie was an unofficial historian, the keeper of her family’s stories, memories, and photographs. Her gentle spirit, unwavering generosity, and deep love for her family leave a lasting legacy.
A devoted mother of five, Julie is survived by her children Ricky (Archie) Thompson of Colorado Springs, CO; Marty (Dena) Thompson of Ft. Scott, KS; Ambrosia (James Greene) Shapiro of Richmond, CA; Tara (Jason) Peters of Puyallup, WA; and Jessica (Matt Bower) Shapiro of Iola, KS. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, including Natasha Thompson of Fort Scott, KS and great-great niece Claire Bower, of the home.
Following cremation, graveside services will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, August 1, 2025, at the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Clair Bower fund and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS, 66701. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.
Obituary of Peggy Ann Lowery “Hill”
Peggy Ann Lowry “Hill”, walked through the gates of Heaven on Monday, July 28th, 2025. Peggy was born on October 12, 1955, to Donald Eugene and Rosetta Mae (Proctor) Lowry. Peggy had two children, Jennifer Rose Lowry and James Robert Lucas.
Peggy loved to cook and everything she made was amazing, from her special Hawaiian Chicken to fried chicken and baking was her way of showing love. If she found a new recipe that she liked, she would write it down on whatever she could find. Peggy will be remembered for her famous Black Walnut Banana Bread. Peggy worked as a waitress in Fort Scott, Kansas at the Flamingo, Flanner’s Owl Roost, and the Colonial restaurants. Peggy also worked as a CNA in Arma Kansas and in Nevada, Missouri (where she lived for many years).
Peggy graduated in 2016 with her diploma from Chanute High School in Chanute, Kansas. Peggy had a quick smile and an infectious laugh. Peggy loved dancing and listening to music, her favorite artists being Elvis Presley, the Oak Ridge Boys, and Gary Allen. Peggy enjoyed driving in the country, listening to music and spending time with her friends. She loved day trips to wherever the road took them. Peggy was a bright spot in this world that will continue to shine in the hearts and minds of all that knew her.
Peggy is survived by a daughter, Jennifer Arnold (Troy) of Fort Scott, Kansas; a son, James Lucas, Fort Scott; and a brother, Bobby Proctor of Wichita, Kansas.
Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, Donald Eugene and Rosetta Mae Lowry; two brothers, Donald “Donnie” Eugene Lowry and Jeffrey “Jeff” Roe Lowry; one of her best friends/sister-in-law Debra Sue (Long) Lowry; and many aunts and uncles.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, July 31st, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM Thursday until service time at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.
Fort Scott Awarded $1.5 Million for Hwy. 54 Improvements
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports July 29
Wayman Chapel AME Church Commemorative Park to Receive Display Signs Installation
The Gordon Parks Museum is pleased to announce the installation of
informational display signs and a welcome sign at the Wayman Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (AME)
Church Commemorative Park, located at 301 S. Lowman Street in Fort Scott.
Installation is scheduled for Tuesday, July 29, 2025.
“They are hoping to arrive mid-morning around 10:30 am or so,” said the museum director, Kirk Sharp. “The sign vendor is Lark Label, in Wichita, KS.”
AME Church
Gordon Parks, 1950.
Photo Courtesy of and Copyright by The Gordon Parks Foundation. Submitted photo.
This historic site, once home to the oldest Black church in Fort Scott. The property land of the Wayman Chapel
AME Church, was donated to the Gordon Parks Museum by Fort Scott resident Josh Jones, through the Fort
Scott Community College Foundation. The church was regularly attended by Gordon Parks and his family and
was even featured in a scene from Parks’ acclaimed film, The Learning Tree.
The property has since been transformed into a commemorative, low-maintenance park honoring the legacy of
the church.
The new display signage includes four large storyboard panels (76” x 27”) featuring photos,
graphics, and text that highlight the church’s rich history and its vital role in the local Black community. These
panels will be installed on a concrete slab beneath an already completed pergola structure (12’ x 20’). In
addition, a large 4’ x 3’ welcome sign will greet visitors at the park entrance.
“We are very excited about this park, which pays tribute to the historic Wayman Chapel AME Church,
established in 1866 by the grandparents of Professor E. J. Hawkins,” said Gordon Parks Museum Executive
Director Kirk Sharp. “We are incredibly grateful to all of the sponsors who helped make this commemorative
park a reality, especially Josh Jones and the Foundation. This Park ensures that this important chapter of Fort
Scott’s history continues to be honored and shared. It also sits along our Learning Tree Film Sign Trail, adding
even more depth to its significance
“The commemorative project has been made possible with generous support from: Bourbon County Historical
Association, City of Fort Scott, Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, Fort Scott Community College
Foundation, The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s Local Health Equity Action Team (LHEAT), Josh
Jones, Rick Mayhew, My One Stop, Marbery Concrete, Inc., and Kansas Tourism.
Wayman Chapel AME Church, originally established in 1866, moved to its final location at the corner of Third
and Lowman in 1885. For more than 115 years, it served as a spiritual and cultural hub for Fort Scott’s Black
community. Due to declining membership and unsafe building conditions, the church was eventually
condemned and razed in the early 2000s.
Today, its legacy lives on. A stained-glass window and two original
pews from the church are on permanent exhibit at the Gordon Parks Museum.
The AME church was Fort Scott’s first and oldest black church with Shiloh Baptist being the second.
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The Artificers Newsletter For August
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Obituary of Larry Ballou, Sr.
With heavy hearts and deep love, we announce the passing of Larry Ballou Sr., who left this world on July 26, 2025, in Joplin, Missouri of the age of 84. Born on February 4, 1941, to Charlie and Delores (Monroe) Ballou in Fort Scott, Kansas. Larry’s journey through life was nothing short of remarkable. He passed peacefully, surrounded by family and friends he loved so dearly.
Larry grew up in the heart of Kansas, where he attended Fort Scott Schools, laying the foundation for a life characterized by hard work and dedication. His first job was at Comstock’s Texico Filling Station, where even at a modest .25 an hour, he learned the value of earning one’s keep. Larry’s career later took him to the Mid America Welding Supply and, most notably, his 30-year tenure with the Painters Union District Council No.3 Local #9, where he left a lasting impact through his commitment and craftsmanship.
A man of many interests, Larry was most passionate about dirt track racing, a pursuit he enjoyed from the 1960s to the 1980s. His love for the sport was matched only by his enthusiasm for coon hunting and fishing—activities that not only reflected his adventurous spirit but also his appreciation for nature’s simple pleasures. Mornings for Larry were a sacred time to indulge in his favorite cookies and coffee, a ritual he cherished deeply.
Larry met the love of his life, Johnna Kay Davis at Lowe’s Skating Rink on National Ave. From their very first meeting, it was clear their love story would be one to remember. When Johnna’s mother would not allow her to ride in Larry’s car, he walked her all the way home to little street- an act that marked the beginning of a lifelong devotion. One year later, they were married on Easter Sunday, March 29th, 1959. Together, they built a life full of love, laughter and unwavering commitment, celebrating 66 beautiful years of marriage.
A devoted husband, father, unk, grandfather, and friend, Larry’s greatest pride and purpose was his family. He was the kind of man who showed up- cheering from the sideline, fixing what was broken or simply sitting and listening with a cup of coffee in hand. He lived with a quiet strength, a servant’s heart, and a sense of humor that left lasting impressions.
Larry’s greatest joy, however, was his family. He is survived by his brothers, Charley Ballou (Diana), and Paul Ballou (Cheryl); his children, Susan Davis (Rick), Pam Cowan (Billy), and Larry Ballou Jr. (Brenda). His legacy continues through his favorite grandchildren, Joshua Cowan (Chrystal), Stacey Atkins (Brandon), Ashley Valentine (Tyler), Jenni Simhiser, Dana Midkff (Corey) and Kelli (John), Smith and his 18 great-grandchildren, who will carry forward the stories and lessons he imparted. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Those who knew Larry will fondly remember a man who was the epitome of loving, funny, and adventurous. He had a way of lighting up a room with his sense of humor and had a knack for making everyone feel special—especially his children, whom he loved dearly. Larry’s absence will be felt deeply by all who had the pleasure of knowing him, but his memory will live on, a testament to a life well-lived and a man deeply loved.
Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Delores Ballou, and his precious granddaughter Amanda Kay Cowan.
In honor of his life long love of Dirt Track Racing, guests are encouraged to wear their favorite racing shirt. Though our hearts ache, we find peace in knowing Larry’s race has been faithfully ran- and the checkered flag has now waved him home.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P .M. Thursday, July31st at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Fort Scott, Kansas. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. at the Cheney Witt Chapel. 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.