Eugene L. Farmer (91) was born in the family farmhouse near Devon, Kansas, on January 5, 1930. He passed peacefully May 19, 2021, at Presbyterian Village in Fort Scott. He was the second child of Alfred and Rowena (McCrum) Farmer.

He, his older sister, Colleen, and younger brother, Don, all attended a one room country school for the first eight years. Later he graduated from Ft. Scott High School. In high school Gene excelled in both football and track. In January of 1949 he married Betty Jane Martin. On their first anniversary in January of 1950 he proudly brought home his wife and first child, Cindy. Cindy was followed by Rod in 1951, Kathy in 1952 and Marty in 1957.

Always a hard worker, he gained plumbing and heating experience from working for his father-in-law, C.C Martin of Martin Plumbing and Heating. Gene then began working in construction. Some of the buildings of which he helped build were the National Guard Armory, Mercy Hospital, and the KG&E company. He worked morning and night often milking both his father’s and his own cows, as well as sometimes farming in the moonlight.

In 1956, Gene began a new occupation as fireman, brakeman, and conductor for the Frisco railroad working between Kansas City and Fort Scott. At that point he was able to purchase his own farm just north of Bethel School and Church. He and his family moved to Overland Park in May of 1968.

In 1983 Gene married Ruth Milam Williams, a teacher and coach in the Olathe School District. After 35 years of service, Gene retired from the Burlington Northern Railroad in January 1992. Upon retirement, with his strong work ethic, Gene followed his first love and purchased a farm, built their dream home, and began farming outside of Ft. Scott.

Gene and Ruth joined the First Presbyterian Church in Ft. Scott where they were quite active. Gene served as a deacon and Ruth served on many committees. Gene moved his Shriners’ membership to Mirza Temple of Bourbon County. He particularly enjoyed activities that benefited the crippled children. Having season tickets for many years they attended KU basketball and football home games and enjoyed many vacations with the Flying Jayhawks Alumni Association. Always a farmer, he loved to plant large gardens each spring and both enjoyed giving away much of the harvest to church, family, and friends. He loved training bird dogs (mostly setters) and took pride in being one of the most passionate quail hunters in Bourbon County. In addition to a love for the outdoors, which included farming, hunting, and fishing, he also pitched fast pitch softball for the Devon Hay Bailers.

A tractor purchased by Gene’s dad, Alfred, was a 1955 Minneapolis Moline ZB. Gene had it restored and enjoyed driving it in Ft. Scott parades. He won several awards including driving the featured tractor that appeared on the collector button for the 2008 Pioneer Harvest Fiesta. Gene’s grandson (Josh) later purchased the tractor which may be seen in future Turner Day parades. Both Gene and Ruth felt honored in receiving the 2009 Bankers Conservation Award for Bourbon County.

Gene is survived by three children Cynthia Huyett, Rod (Kris) Farmer, Marty (Sandy) Farmer, a brother, Don (Paula) Farmer, two sisters-in-law, Janice (Lee) Sprinkle and Margaret (Rob) Ferriman, thirteen grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by Kathleen Bailey Oatman (daughter), Jane Martin Farmer (wife of 28 years), Ruth Milam Farmer (second wife of 37 years) and Colleen Kelley (sister).

A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, June 10, First Presbyterian Church of Fort Scott at 308 S. Crawford under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 1-2 pm with the service beginning at 2 pm. Interment will follow at the Centerville Cemetery.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made either to the Shriners Hospitals for Children or First Presbyterian Church and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Bonnie Gean Troll (nee Beasley) died peacefully at home on June 2, 2021. She was 85 years old. Waiting for her in heaven was her beloved husband, Red. They are finally reunited after 65 years of marriage.

Bonnie was born on January 16, 1936 in Dyersburg, Tennesee. She was the second of her four siblings, born to Belva and Doyle Beasley. She was a graduate of Cardwell High School and worked for many years as a nurse. She married her soulmate, Eugene (Red) Troll on September 15, 1956. They were the very proud parents of Karolyn McEntee (Jerry) and Gerald Troll.

Bonnie and Red raised their children in San Diego, California. She was a hard-working nurse, a dedicated mother, and a cherished friend to countless people. After their children were grown, they retired to Nevada, Missouri, where they lived on their farm, gardening, growing, and loving each other and their families.

Bonnie was well known in her community as an avid and gifted quilter. She was a gardener with the greenest of thumbs, and could make anything grow. In addition to quilting and canning, she was an extremely dedicated and active member of the Church of Christ.

Bonnie was so many things to so many people. She was a mother, a grandmother, an aunt, a friend, and a confidante. She dedicated her life to helping people in any way she could. She loved deeply, and was so very loved by everyone lucky enough to meet her. She had a way of making friends everywhere she went, a trait proudly carried on by her family and network of friends.

She is remembered by her sisters, Patsy and Renee, and her brother Bill. She joined her mother, father, and husband in heaven.

Her legacy of faith, love, and service will live on in her children, grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Her family extends far beyond that, and we all are honored to have had her in our lives.

Deepest appreciation to Compassus for their care and attention during this challenging time.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, June 4^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.