Robert “Bob” Dean McBride, 79, of Fort Scott, passed away Wednesday evening, March 25, 2026, at his home. He was born April 8, 1946, in Mapleton, Kansas, the son of Charles LaWayne McBride and Dorothy Louise (Killion) McBride. He married Linda Ann Large on August 22,1969, in Devon, Kansas, and she preceded him in death on February 16, 2016.

Bob graduated from Uniontown High School. He served his country in the U.S. Army from October 23, 1967, until November 8, 1971. He was a member of the Devon Masonic Lodge & Shriners Mounted Patrol. He enjoyed trail riding & camping on a regular basis with close friends, hunting & fishing. He played in a pool league for numerous years.

Bob is survived by three daughters, Jimmie Hughes and husband Rod, of Archie, Missouri, Bridget Wright and husband John, of Stockton, Missouri, and Tina Jones and husband Rick, of Nevada, Missouri and a son, David McBride and Ashlea, of Fort Scott; a sister-in-law, Arlene Boswell & their children Tim & Annette; eight grandkids, Tiffany Ogle (Clayton), Caleb Franklin (Nichole), Cody Franklin (Tim), Jessica Norwood (Aaron), Megan Demster (Kevin), Zach Simhiser (Hannah), Dalton Jones (Bri), Charlie Wright, & eight great-grandkids. In addition to his wife Linda, Bob was also preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Gary Wayne McBride.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Monday, March 30, 2026, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home with burial immediately following at the Centerville Cemetery. The family will receive friends for a visitation at the funeral home Sunday evening, March 29, 2026, from 4:00-5:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Care to Share, 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.

Miles W. Thompson, age 97, a resident of Manhattan Beach, California, passed away Monday, March 16, 2026.  He was born August 25, 1928, in Ft. Scott, Kanas, the son of William M. Thompson and Eva Ruth Shannon Thompson.  He served with the Signal Corps in United States Army from 1951 to 1953.  He used the skills he learned in the military to further his education and became an electrical engineer.  He worked for many years at Rockwell International.  His hobbies included old cars, model airplane, amateur radio and high-fidelity sound equipment.

Survivors include his three children, Miles Joseph Thompson and his wife, Brenda, Robert Thompson and Patricia Thompson; six grandsons and twelve great-grandchildren.  Miles was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Fritz Thompson.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, April 1^st at the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas where military honors will be provided by the U. S. Army Honor Guard.  Family and friends may meet at the Cheney Witt Chapel prior to leaving for the cemetery at 9:45 A.M. on Wednesday.  Arrangements are under the direction 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.

Wanda L. Woolsey (McPherson), 72, passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of March 20, 2026, at Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri.

Wanda was born on August 29, 1953, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Richard and Ella Marie Olson. She was the second oldest of six children, one brother and four sisters—and the bond they shared was truly unmatched. In their family, “if it happens to one, it happens to all,” and they lived that out in the way they loved and supported each other. Her siblings would all tell you that Wanda was the ornery one, always ready to drag you into an adventure and just as ready to blame you if it didn’t go as planned.

Wanda loved God and her family above all else, and she lived her life rooted in both. She carried a strong and steady work ethic, following in her mother’s footsteps to become a histologist. She spent much of her career working in pathology at Upshire Labs in Kansas City and Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott, where her dedication and care made a lasting impact.

Wanda had a deep love for life’s simple joys. She enjoyed gardening, bowling, camping, reading, boating, Bible study, and most recently, creating diamond art paintings—she was constantly working on them and gifting them to those she loved, friends and family alike. She had a special love for animals, especially her dogs, who she treated like her own children. In her later years, her beloved dorkie, Jasmine (“Jazzy”), was her constant companion, going everywhere with her—from running errands and attending doctor’s appointments to visit her daughter Jessie and playing alongside the grandkids. Wherever Wanda went, Jazzy was sure to be right there with her.

Her greatest joy, however, was her family, especially her grandchildren. Her entire face would light up at the sight or sound of them. She could be found cheering in the stands at her grandson’s
sporting events, attending her granddaughters’ choir concerts, and showing up for countless other activities—always beaming with love and pride. Her granddaughter Addison lovingly gave her the name “Gammy,” a name that stuck and was even adopted by many of the nurses who cared for her in her final weeks, as she made them feel like family.

Wanda would often say, “Oh, it’s granddaughters galore today,” whenever Addison and Alice surprised her with a visit—though truthfully, she usually already knew they were on their way, as
she liked to follow their comings and goings on Life360. She loved keeping up with her family and made sure they always knew they were cherished.

Wanda also loved garage sales and antiquing with anyone she could convince to come along. She never met a knick-knack she didn’t “need.”

She is survived by her daughters, Jessie (Zachary) Malson of Pomona, Kansas, and Michelle Callahan of Ohio; her grandchildren, Addison, Thomas, Ronan Malson, and Alice Callahan (Nathan Pardee), Katelynn Greer, and Curtis Callahan.

She is also survived by her siblings: Nancy Daum of Paola, Kansas; Marjene (Ron) Locke of Pueblo, Colorado; Loretta (Dan) Spotts of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Carl (Malinda) Olson of Paola, Kansas; and Janice (Randy) Menefee of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; along with two nieces, eight nephews, and countless great-nieces and great-nephews (and their spouses), all of whom she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Richard and Ella Marie Olson; the love of her life, Thomas McPherson; her sister-in-law, Debbie Olson; her nephew and his wife, James (Kandi) Locke; her nephew and great-nephew, Kurt (Tristian) Daum; and her second husband, David Woolsey.

Wanda will be remembered for her sharp wit, her strong spirit, her unwavering faith, and the deep love she had for her family. As she often said, “it will all come out in the wash.” Today, we rest in the peace of knowing she is free from pain and held in the arms of the Lord.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”
— Revelation 21:4

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, March 28th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Cremation will follow. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until service time Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Wanda Woolsey Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Corey Jene Knight, age 24, a resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, joined Jesus Friday, March 20, 2026, at the University of Kansas Medical Center surrounded by his loved ones. Corey was finally freed from his wheelchair-bound life and walked through Heaven’s gates.

Corey leaves behind his loving mother, Kimberly Rose and stepfather, Jerry Rose of Fort Scott; his father, Kyle Knight and stepmother Shayla Knight of Uniontown, Kansas. Corey has three sisters, a stepsister, six brothers and a stepbrother. His big sister, Tricia Vargas of Fort Scott and two younger sisters, Kylee and Paisley of Uniontown and stepsister, Amy VanBecelare of Pittsburg. Two older brothers, Garrett and Dayton Knight of Fort Scott and four younger brothers Mathew, Reese, Cooper and Kaden of Uniontown and stepbrother, Jason Wilson of Fort Scott. Corey also leaves behind twelve nephews and a niece. Aiden, Leilan, Isaac, Benjamin, Jordan, Jax, Olivia, Trippton, Oliver, Ari, Opie, Roe and Castiel. Corey was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Earl and Billy Jene Graham and paternal grandparents, Virgil and Nadja Knight.

For twenty-four years, Corey defied the odds stacked against him. From his diagnosis before birth the outlook was bleak. Corey fought hard for twenty-four years, not being defined by statistics. Corey brought so much joy and happiness to everyone he met. His infectious smile and laugh would light up the room. Corey enjoyed musicals, concerts – particularly Members Only, ice cream, bubbles, balloons and most of all his love for his family and cuddles with his mama. Corey gets to walk into Heaven with Jesus and do all the things his earthly body couldn’t do.

Pastor Paul Martin will conduct a celebration of Corey’s life at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, March 26th at the Community Christian Church. Burial will follow in the Dayton Cemetery. The family asks that guests wear blue to honor Corey. Memorials are suggested to Families for Hope, Inc 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.

William George Province, 77, of Fort Scott, passed away at his home on March 16, 2026. He was born April 1, 1948, in Carthage, Missouri, the son of George and Barbara Province. He graduated from Fort Scott High School with the class of 1966. He married Penelope “Pennie” Sue Hudson on December 18, 1971, in Fort Scott, and she preceded him in death in 2014.

Bill was a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Conflict.

Bill is survived by a son, Ryan and wife, Stacie Province of Shawnee, Kansas; a daughter, Brooke and husband, Mike Sebbert, of Olathe, Kansas; and 2 grandsons, Cael and Ian Province. In addition to his wife, Pennie, he was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Cheryl Butler.

Bill will be buried in the Fort Scott National Cemetery with his wife Pennie. A private graveside service will be held for family. The family would like to offer a special thank you to the wonderful staff of Caring Hearts Home Health and Harry Hynes Hospice who provided kind and compassionate care to Bill in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 3 Medical Center Circle, Pittsburg, KS 66762. Memorial contributions may also 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.

Robert A. “Skip” Thomas, age 78, resident of Fort Scott, KS, passed away Thursday, March 12, 2026, the University of Kansas Hospital, Olathe KS. He was born on November 23, 1947, in Oakland, CA. the son of Frank Thomas and Esther Marzolf Thomas. He attended Walla Walla High School and graduated with the class of 1965. Skip worked as a Court Services Officer for Bourbon County for many years. He married Anita Hurst on December 7, 1969, in Dayton, Washington.

Survivors include his wife Anita of the home, his children, Shawn Thomas (Christy), Mound City, KS. Stephanie Kinsley, Baldwin City, KS., five grandchildren, Ryan Thomas (Sierra), Collin Thomas (Ella), Allie Thomas, Quentin Kinsley, and Rylee Kinsley, one great-granddaughter, Braxton Thomas. He was preceded in death by his parents.

There was cremation Father Yancey Burgess will conduct a funeral Mass at 2:00 P.M., Thursday, March 19, 2026 at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Burial will take place at a later date at the U.S. National Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society (Hope Lodge) and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Haley Dawn Merriman, age 42, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by family on March 11, 2026, in Fort Scott, KS.

Haley was born in Fort Scott, KS on July 18, 1983, to Don and Terri Shelton.  She was raised in the Fort Scott and Uniontown area.  Haley was best described as energetic and fun.  She was voted “most mischievous” in the 3^rd grade.  Haley always saw fun in even the smallest things.  She was given the nickname “Hula Hopper” by her dad when she was very young, due to her high energy and enthusiasm.  She was lovingly called “MacGyver, Jr.” by some family members because of her ingenuity and ability to problem solve, while others lovingly called her “Halo.”  Haley was the life of the party and could light up any event with her laughter and fun-loving spirit.  She graduated from Fort Scott High School in 2001.  She graduated from Fort Scott Community College Nursing Program in 2004.

Haley was married to her teenage sweetheart, Timothy Merriman.  Haley married Tim on March 22, 2011, in Portland, TX.  Haley and Tim also repeated their marriage vows on January 25, 2026.  Haley loved traveling with Tim and her family, exploring new places and enjoying hiking whenever possible.  She loved camping, canoeing, cookouts, and hiking.  She also became a certified scuba diver.  Haley loved trying out new recipes that she could cook for her family.  She loved animals.  She had many pets throughout her life, but she especially loved her Great Danes, Loki and Pig.

Haley was a supervisor at First Source Insurance for over 10 years.  She was employed at Kansas Renewal Institute at the time of her passing.

Survivors in the home include her husband Tim Merriman, a son, Kolton Merriman, and her daughter, Kylea Merriman.  Also surviving are her son Kaidon Shelton of Fort Scott, bonus daughter Krista Spurgeon of Salt Lake, UT, bonus son Jayce Stewart of Fort Scott, parents Don and Terri Shelton of Fort Scott, brother, Heath Shelton (Ashley) Uniontown, KS, sister Shanon Byrnes (Tony) of Melissa TX, nephews Brayden and Jacob Byrnes of Melissa, TX, Gage Shelton of Springfield, MO, Jaxon Shelton of Uniontown, KS, one niece Alyssa Shelton also of Uniontown, two grandchildren, Paxton and Parker of Salt Lake, UT, father and mother-in-law, Kenny and Liz Merriman, and brother -in-law Josh Merriman, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.  She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Leroy and Shirley Harris, John Shelton, uncle, John Kruger, and mother-in-law Beverly Merriman.

Rev. Virgil Peck will conduct funeral services at 11:00 AM Monday, March 16^th, at Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.  Cremation will follow.  The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until service time Monday at the Church.  Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

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.