Donald Gene Harper Sr., formerly of Peculiar, MO passed away Sunday, June 28, 2026 at the Freeman Hospital in Fort Scott, KS.

Donald was born November 29, 1937 at the family home in Peculiar. He was the eldest child of Herb and Florence Harper.

He married Sheryl Harper (Garten) on May 18, 1957 at the Harrisonville Baptist Church. They were blessed with six children, Donnie, Jonalin, Sherri, Jeff, John Philip, and Tim.

Donald lived most of his life in and around Peculiar and worked as a heavy machine operator helping build Crown Center and later as an entrepreneur. He was a deacon at the Peculiar First Baptist Church and Pleasant Prairie Baptist Church.

Donald was preceded in death by his beloved wife Sheryl Harper, sons Jeffrey Harper and John Philip, his parents Herb and Florence Harper, and his brother Jerry Harper.

Cherishing his memory are his surviving children Donald Harper, Jr. (Julie) Hutchinson KS, Jonalin Witt (Larry) Raymore MO, Sherri Catron Harrisonville MO, and Timothy Harper (Janet) Fort Scott KS; Jim Harper St. Petersburgh FL, Vicki Coleman Raymore MO; ten grandchildren: Amanda, Matthew, Laura, Ashleigh, Zach, Michael, Katie, Seth, Jonathan, and Shaydon – plus numerous beloved great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, July 11th at 11:00 AM at Wills Cemetery, 21825 S Thorngrove Rd, Peculiar, MO 64078. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Special Olympics, Missouri, online at https://support.specialolympics.org/ or submit check to Special Olympics Missouri, Attn: Memorial Giving, 305 Special Olympics Dr., Jefferson City, MO 65101.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Evelyn Louise Nelson

September 3, 1925 — June 25, 2026 | Age 100

Evelyn Louise Nelson was called home to glory on June 25, 2026, in Fort Scott, Kansas, having lived one hundred years marked by unwavering faith, extraordinary love, and a servant’s heart that never rested. She was born on September 3, 1925, in Ypsilanti, Michigan, to Reverend Gather Roberson and Estella Roberson, and from her earliest days, the foundation of her life was rooted in God.

Evelyn was educated in Ypsilanti, graduating from Ypsilanti High School before going on to nursing school in Traverse City, Michigan, where she served as President of her class. She went on to work as a dedicated nurse in the post-surgery unit at the University of Michigan Hospital, where her compassion and skill touched the lives of countless patients. It was in those hospital halls that she met Robert Nelson, a radiographer who would become her husband, her partner, and her greatest companion.

On October 2, 1965, Evelyn and Robert were united in holy matrimony at Metropolitan Memorial Baptist Church in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Together, they built a life grounded in faith, family, and service. Evelyn later stepped away from her nursing career to care for her beloved mother, who came to live with the family, tending to her with the same gentle devotion she had given her patients. She then poured herself fully into her home, her church, and her community.

Evelyn was a woman of deep and abiding faith. She was raised in the church of her father, Second Baptist Church of Ypsilanti, and later became a devoted member of Metropolitan Memorial Baptist Church under the leadership of her brother, Reverend SL Roberson. When she and Robert relocated to Fort Scott, Kansas in the spring of 1997, she joined United Missionary Baptist Church, where she continued her ministry until the end of her life. Across more than fifty years of faithful service, Evelyn taught Sunday school to the youngest children, sang in the Senior Choir, and served on the Missionary Board, visiting the sick and shut-in with prayer, presence, and care.

Beyond the walls of the church, Evelyn’s generosity flowed freely into her community. She read books to elementary school children in Willow Run and in Fort Scott, Kansas, giving the gift of story and imagination to young minds. And she baked, lovingly and tirelessly, filling the homes of families near and far with cakes, cookies, and pies made with her hands and her heart.

Evelyn is survived by her devoted husband of sixty years, Robert Nelson; her six children, Estella Holbrook-Brown, Robert Craig Nelson (Bob Kruzman), Joyce McKelvy (Al McKelvy), Gloria Nelson Walls (Keith Walls), Ronald Nelson, and William Nelson (Melissa Nelson); her goddaughter, Yvonne Johnson; ten grandchildren, Marlon Johnson, Ondria Horton, Chianti Brown, Mishae Rice, Kevin Johnson, Erica McGowan, William Che Brown, Michael McKelvy, Ashley Johnson, and Kennedy Louise Nelson; and seventeen great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Reverend Gather Roberson and Estella Roberson, and her beloved siblings, Reverend SL Roberson, Reverend Gather Roberson, Walter Roberson, Harold Roberson, and Garthonia Roberson.

Evelyn Louise Nelson lived Proverbs 20:7 in full: “The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.” She set an example not only for her children, but for every life she touched, and the blessing of her legacy will be felt for generations to come.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Scott, Kansas. The family will receive friends from 10:00 A.M. until service time.

Memorials are suggested to the Robert & Evelyn Nelson Scholarship Fund at Fort Scott Community College and may be left in care of Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Charyl Ann Deloney, 81, of Fort Scott, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on December 18, 1944, in Sioux Falls, the daughter of Frank Joseph and Etta Mae Brown Doherty, Charyl lived a life filled with faith and laughter. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gary Deloney, with whom she shared 47 cherished years of marriage.

A woman of deep faith, Charyl was a devoted member of Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church and lived her beliefs openly and sincerely. Through her years running the Diet Center and her work with Birthright, she helped many people with compassion and dedication.

Charyl was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

She is survived by her children, Christl Beitzinger and her husband, Joe, of Pittsburg, Kansas, and Matt Deloney and his wife, Julie, of Fort Scott; two Sisters, Sharon and David Hoover of Joplin, Mo., and Theresa and Darius Adams of Joplin, Mo., and her grandchildren, Emilee Beitzinger, Ashlee James, Aubree Beitzinger, Adam Deloney, Nicholas Deloney, Sam Deloney, Carrissa Bowman, Brady Fink, and Alex Fink. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Brownie Doherty, and a sister, Frances Sanborn.

Charyl embraced life with enthusiasm and joy. She loved spending time with family and friends, often enjoying conversation over a glass of wine. Her wit and steadfast love for her family will be remembered by all who knew her. Though her passing leaves a profound void, her legacy of faith and devotion to her Catholic beliefs will continue to inspire all whose lives she touched.

Following cremation, Father Yancey Burgess will celebrate the funeral mass at 10:00 a.m., on Thursday June 25, 2026, at Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Interment will follow at the Fort Scott National Cemetery. The Rosary will be Wednesday evening, June 24, 20226, at 6:00, and the visitation will take place afterward until 7:00 p.m. at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School in honor of Charyl’s life and her enduring commitment to faith and family. Contributions 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.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him. Romans 8:28.

Karen Ann Endicott-Coyan, 72, passed on Friday morning, June 19, 2026, at Freeman Medical in Fort Scott with family beside her.

Karen was born August 6, 1953, to William Junior and Grace Lorene (Cash) Endicott, the fourth of seven children. She grew up in the Pawnee and Hiattville areas of Bourbon County. She was baptized at the Cherry Grove Baptist Church where she is a member. She learned many life-long skills as a member of 4-H. Karen graduated from Uniontown High School in 1971, and in September of 1971, she married Joel Raines. They had one son, Joseph William Raines, on July 29, 1972. They divorced in January 1973. Karen raised her son by herself while working and completing her education.

Karen graduated from Fort Scott Community College and attended Pittsburg State University majoring in accounting. During her career, she was employed for 5 years by Fort Scott Coca-Cola in accounts receivable; 14 years at Mid-Western Distribution in accounting, with her last position as Accounting Manager; 23.5 years at Mercy Hospital of Fort Scott, focusing on Medicare and Medicaid Reimbursement and Advocacy; and 1 year at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler, Missouri, in Reimbursement, before her cancer diagnosis forced her retirement.

On July 2, 1993, she married the man of her dreams, John A. Coyan, her soul mate and best friend. They enjoyed their life together on the farm and grew closer and more in love as each year passed. Their marriage was truly a blessing from God. Karen’s heart was shattered on July 31, 2019, whe`n her beloved John was called to his eternal home.

Karen enjoyed reading, cooking, especially baking, and working in her flowers, plants, and African Violets, as well as counted cross stitch and spending time with her family. Karen cherished time spent with her grandchildren. When Madelyn and Arminda were young, Karen and John made several trips each year to Pennsylvania. She was an excellent cook and baker, and truly enjoyed hosting get-togethers with family and friends.

Karen was a member of the Cherry Grove Baptist Church. She was a life-member of Bourbon County Fair Association, and former Treasurer; she had served as Pawnee Republican Precinct Committee Woman; Trustee of Pawnee Township; and Treasurer of the Pleasant View Cemetery Association for over 25 years. She served as a 4-H project leader while her son was a member. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for many years. She served as Worthy Matron for 3 years, District Aide, Rand Committee Member, Grand Teller, and Special Page twice.

She is survived by her son, Joe Raines and Sonja Davis of Fort Scott, having moved from Roxboro, NC to be Karen’s care-givers; two granddaughters, Madelyn Raines, of Canton, Ohio, and Arminda Grace Drexler and husband John of Pennsylvania; a brother, Oscar Endicott and wife Ruth; sisters Michele Schick and husband Greg, and Billie Young and husband Steve; and a sister-in-law, Debbie Endicott, all of Fort Scott. She is also survived by a step-daughter, Suzann Audi and husband Ahmad; 3 step-grandchildren, Ali, Jawad, and Layla of Prairie View, IL; 5 nephews, Jim Endicott, Mike Endicott, Tim Endicott, William Schick, and Matthew Schick; and 6 nieces, Leanna Howard, Louella Howard, Stephanie Nimmo, Stacy Davis, Alycia Endicott, and Mary Grace Barfield. In addition to her beloved husband John, she was also preceded in death by her parents, 2 sisters, Joyce Elaine Howard, and Joy Lee (Yodi) Endicott; a brother, Robert Endicott, and a brother-in-law, Dennis A. Howard.

Pastor Mike Bright will officiate a celebration of Karen’s homegoing at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the Cherry Grove Baptist Church, with burial following at the Pleasant View (Large) Cemetery, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. The family will greet friends Thursday evening, June 25, 2026, 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, with O.E.S. Service beginning at 6:00 p.m. Karen requested memorial donations to Care to Share, or Cherry Grove Baptist Church, 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.

Mary Kathleen (Matney) Davis, 83, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her children, on June 17, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas, following complications from surgery.

Mary was born on March 25, 1943, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to William and Vera (Shine) Matney. On June 17, 1961, she married Gerald Joseph Davis, beginning a marriage filled with great memories and family. They would have celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary on the day of her passing.

Mary’s greatest joy was her family. She poured her heart into raising her children and creating a home filled with laughter, and lasting memories. Whether waterskiing, fishing with loved ones, or riding horses, Mary cherished every moment spent with her family. She taught her children the value of hard work, determination, and seeing every task through to completion—lessons that continue to guide them today.

Mary dedicated 25 years of service to Tri-Valley. Beginning her career as the bus driver and rose through the organization to become Director of Operations. Her leadership and commitment earned her numerous awards and the respect of colleagues and friends. After retirement, she continued to serve on the Tri-Valley Board for several years, reflecting on her dedication to helping others.

In her quieter moments, Mary enjoyed reading, watching television, playing pinochle, and challenging family and friends to a game of Scrabble.

Mary is survived by her children: Mark James (Connie) Davis of Gravette, Arkansas; William Edward (Andy Trinh) Davis of Wichita, Kansas; Elizabeth Ann (Ronnie) Swezey of Franklin, Kansas; and Teresa Kathleen (Jerry) Davenport of Fort Scott, Kansas. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Jenni (Brandon) Edge, Jacob (LeAnn) Davis, Mary Swezey, Brianne (Joe) Sheridan, Dehn Davenport, Davis (Courtney) Davenport, and Jeremy (Alex) Swezey. She also leaves behind several beloved great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, and a brother-in-law.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry; her son, Michael; her granddaughter, Amanda Davis; her brothers, Michael and Patrick Matney; her sister, Theresa Shaw; and her parents.

Lenita “Lyn” Ellen Pulliam, 81, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away at home on Saturday, June 13, 2026. She was born on November 19, 1944, to Sergeant Benjamin Earl Pulliam, and Cora Alice and Alvin Vernon Tucker.

After attending Fort Scott High School, Lyn worked at various companies over the years, having spent much of her career at Frito Lay in Dallas, Texas, and Tulsa, Oklahoma, and later returning to Fort Scott and retiring from the State of Kansas Social and Rehabilitation Services Office.

Lyn was a devoted Christian who often found strength in the pages of her Bible. She loved spending time with her family and friends, and was usually full of long talks, loud laughs, and occasional tears. Going to the movies, reading a good book, and margaritas by the pool, were some of her favorite pastimes. Most importantly, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the center of her world and her greatest joy in life. The love, laughter, and endless support she shared with them, will remain her lasting legacy.

Lyn is survived by her daughters, Toni (Rusty) Felt, Lisa (Brent) Neubauer, and Cheryl (Dale) Gates; grandchildren, Jerod (Tracie) Felt, Jordan (Kory) Harding, Nathan Uttinger, Trenton (Jacie) Uttinger, Colton Manley, and Grayson Manley; great-grandchildren, Brady Felt, Karrington Harding, Karoline Harding, Ryan Austin, Mason Uttinger, Tucker Felt, and Adalyn Uttinger; siblings, Sharon Dean, Verna (Phil) Sibona, Frank (Melanie) Tucker, Cindy Breese, and Khris (Jeff) Simpson.

Lyn was preceded in death by her son, Jeffery Dean Uttinger; parents, Earl Pulliam, and Alice and Alvin Tucker; sister, Vivian Tucker.

There was cremation.  Rev. Leon Weece from Miami, Oklahoma, will conduct a memorial service at 10:30am on Thursday, June 18th at Cheney Witt Chapel.  Private burial will take place at the Deerfield Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to the Scott View Apartments (Highrise) 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.

Michael Wayne Meanor, 49, passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at the Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.

Mike was born January 16, 1977, in Niskayuna, New York, to Linda Lee DeLapp Meanor and Martin Wayne Meanor. The family later moved to the Uniontown, Kansas, area where he grew up and graduated from Uniontown High School with the Class of 1996.

On July 30, 1999, Mike married April Dawn Peck, in Fort Scott, Kansas. Together they raised their two children, Bryce and Marissa.

Following high school, Mike attended Butler County Community College, where he earned a degree in Fire Science. He served his community as a firefighter in the Wichita area and later with the Fort Scott Fire Department. Throughout his working years, he was employed by Bourbon County, Dayco, and Mid-Continental Restoration. However, the work he loved most was farming. Mike found great satisfaction working as a farm hand for both G3 and Cloverdale Farms, where he enjoyed being outdoors and caring for the land and livestock.

Daren Ted Lloyd, 62, of Fort Scott, passed away Monday, May 25, 2026. He was born in October of 1963 in Phoenix, Arizona, the son of Janice “Jeri” Rae Vannasdale and Carl Edward Lloyd.

Throughout his life, Daren worked as a cowboy, restaurant entrepreneur, contractor, and a truck driver, taking pride in the hard work and dedication each role required. He also proudly served his country as a member of the United States Air Force Reserve.
Daren spent his early years in Arizona, where he developed a love for rebuilding dirt bikes and dune buggies and riding them through the desert with his family. As a teenager, he moved with his family to Southeast Kansas, where he embraced the outdoors; coon hunting, camping, and training and riding horses.

While in high school, Daren met the love of his life, Diane. Their love story became the foundation of a life filled with laughter, adventure, and devotion. Together they enjoyed traveling in his beloved Pontiac Firebird, simply hopping in and hitting the open road. They married in 1985 and built a home centered on love, family, and being together always.

Daren’s greatest joy in life was his family. He deeply loved his four children and cherished every moment of watching them grow into the people they became. He took great pride in being an active part of their lives—whether coaching their teams, bowling alongside them, riding horses, or simply spending time together creating memories that would last a lifetime.

His heart grew even fuller with the arrival of his six grandchildren, who brought endless happiness and laughter into his life. Daren treasured every adventure shared with them, from hunting and fishing trips to camping, family vacations, pumpkin patch outings, and afternoons spent target shooting. He loved teaching them new things, sharing his love of the outdoors, and passing down lessons, traditions, and memories they will carry with them forever. His family was the center of his world, and the love he gave them will never be forgotten.

Survived by his wife, Diane, of the home; his four children, Danielle Minor and Jeremiah Dawson of Bronson, Kansas, Devan Lloyd and Abel Davis of Ft. Scott, Marissa Gonzales and fiancé Adam Ehler of Lenexa, Kansas and Dylan Lloyd and Charity Brower of Ft. Scott; six grandchildren, Hunter and Lane Minor and Cash, Aria, Charlee and Aurora Davis.  His two brothers, Doug Lloyd and Jason and Rhonda Lloyd; three sisters, Dawn Lloyd, Barbara and Dieter Maissch, and Carla and Jay Ewing.  Daren is also survived by an uncle, Merle and Brenda Lloyd and his mother-in-law, Marjorie Schwalm.  Daren was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Derek Lloyd, his father-in-law, Ross Schwalm and his brother-in-law, Wayne Schwalm.

The Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 P.M. Sunday, June 7th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  The family will receive friends from 2:00 P.M. until service time at the chapel. Following the service the family will host a Celebration of Life at the River Room, 3 West Oak St. Ste B, Fort Scott, Kansas. 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, KSS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Donald Eugene Tully, affectionately known as Don to his friends and family, passed away on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, in Ft. Scott, Kansas. Born on August 22, 1951.

Don’s life was marked by his kindheartedness, friendly demeanor, and generous spirit. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Don was raised by his mother and maternal grandfather, R.C. Smith.  Don was a proud graduate of Ft. Scott High School, class of 1969.

Don’s professional life was rooted in the food industry, beginning with a position at Pizza Hut in Ft. Scott while still in high school. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to own and operate several establishments, including Spanky’s Bar & Grill and the Silver Spur both in Ft. Scott.

Don’s journey took him to Dallas, Texas, where he contributed over two decades of service at Judge Roy Beans Restaurant. While in Dallas, Don took up tennis and even restrung rackets as a side job.

Eventually, he returned to Ft. Scott to own and operate the Bombay Bicycle Club and later shared his culinary talents at the Nu Grille.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Don was always ready to lend a helping hand, often putting others before himself.

He enjoyed playing the guitar and sharing his passion for music by giving guitar lessons to his granddaughter during her visits to Ft. Scott.

Don’s legacy is carried on by his daughter, Valarie Ward of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; his granddaughters, Samantha Garnecky, Kimberley Parkinson (Jacob), and Izzabella Ward; and his great-grandchildren, Freya, Daemon, Weston, and Keagan.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Tom Tully and Maxine Tully McMichaels, and his sister Jane Clements.

Don’s life was a testament to the power of kindness, friendship, and generosity. His warm smile and willingness to help others have left a mark on the community of Ft. Scott and beyond. His departure from this world is not the end of his story, as those who loved him will continue to honor his memory through acts of kindness and the sharing of fond memories.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held at  Brickstreet BBQ Restaurant, at 3 W. Oak Street on June 7, 2026 at 2 p.m.

Arrangements are under the direction 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.

Harley Louis Fuhrman, age 86, a resident of Bronson, Kansas, left his earthly home to join the Lord on Sunday, May 24, 2026, with his loved ones by his side.  Harley was born to G. Leslie “Pete” Fuhrman and Bertha (Perry) Fuhrman on November 26, 1939, in Bronson.  Harley attended the Dry Ridge one room schoolhouse for his primary education and then attended high school at Blue Mound, Kansas, where he graduated with the Class of 1958.  Harley attended Ft. Scott Community College where he played both basketball and football, graduating in 1961.  Harley enlisted with the United States Army in 1962 and was honorably discharged in 1964. Harley spent his entire life as a farmer and rancher, in partnership with his brother until 1978, then he and Beverly ventured out on their own.  Harley enjoyed bowling for over forty years.  He bowled in men’s leagues, mixed leagues and bowled in many tournaments.  His men’s team won the Kansas State Bowling Tournament in 1977.   Throughout his life, he enjoyed working with his hands, not only on the farm, but as a master wood craftsman.  Harley made each of his grandchildren a bed and toy chest.  He was diverse in his ability, making china hutches, entertainment centers, beds, dressers and corner cabinets for family members.  He also assisted in adding the annex onto the Bronson United Methodist Church.  Harley enjoyed camping and going on vacation with his children and other family members.  He also enjoyed other travels with his family to Alaska, Italy and most recently a cruise to the Caribbean.  Harley served as a board member for several organizations such as USD #235 School Board, Moran Coop and Farm Bureau.  He was also an ACCO Seed and Vigortone dealer.  Harley married Beverly Jo Bacon on June 19, 1966, in Bronson, Kansas.  This union was blessed with two children, Christine M. and W. Kenneth.

Harley was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Leroy Fuhrman and wife, Luella and Duane Fuhrman and wife, Deanna and a sister, Helen Rife, and husband, Sam.  Harley is survived by his loyal wife, Beverly of fifty-nine years, his daughter Christine M. Hanna and husband, Aric and his son, W. Kenneth Fuhrman and wife, Sue.  Also surviving are grandchildren, Haylee J. Hanna and husband, Nick Watson, Brody B. Hanna and wife, Karli, Chance W. Fuhrman and Alexa Fuhrman and a great-grandson, Asher A. Watson and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pastor Tracy Smith will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Thursday, May 28^th at the Bronson United Methodist Church.  Burial with military honors will follow in the Bronson Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Wednesday at the Bronson United Methodist Church.  Memorials are suggested to the Bronson United Methodist 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.

Dale Rodney “Butch” Schilling passed away peacefully at his home in Fort Scott, Kansas on May 19th, 2026. He was born September 12, 1946 in Fort Scott, Kansas to Orville Fredrick and Emma Lavon Schilling. He graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1965 and married the love of his life, Donna Sue Carpenter, in March of 1966. They welcomed their son, Travis Dale Schilling, in 1968. Dale’s favorite nickname became “Papa” in 1997. He was blessed with another granddaughter in 2004, then became “Papa Dale” when his first great-grandson was born in 2023.

Dale spent his life playing any sport he could. His early years were full of baseball, then he graduated to fast pitch softball, but he spent the majority of his years on the golf course. He was an avid fisherman throughout his entire life, and spent many, many weekends on Tablerock Lake with friends and family. Dale was the family historian, and has quite the collection of Schilling and Fort Scott history. His many photo albums, filing cabinets, and VHS tapes document a vibrant life well lived, surrounded by those he loved. He was a master storyteller. He enjoyed spending time with his many friends, supporting his granddaughters in anything they put their minds to, and looking through his many photos.
Dale and Donna shared the same home together in Fort Scott for 56 years, where many friends and family gathered over the years. Dale knew that true riches were found in friendships, and that man knew he was rich. “The Garage” always had at least one visitor. He became the “Neighborhood Guardian” or “Neighborhood Grandpa” to many neighbors. Dale worked for Kansas Gas Company/One Oak for 35 years. He loved working for Kansas Gas Company, and has about 74 company hats to prove it. After retiring, he spent many summer weekends in Branson with his wife, son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughters.

“Papa Dale” leaves behind a legacy of generosity, kindness, hospitality, and humor. Survivors include a son, Travis Schilling and daughter-in-law, Tina of Ft. Scott; two granddaughters, Taylor Qualls and Tabitha Schilling, a grandson-in-law, Levi Qualls and his two great-grandsons, Kalister and Olivander Qualls. Also surviving are nephew Fred Stoughton and wife Diana of Fort Scott, a brother-in-law, Bill Carpenter and wife Diana of Ft. Scott, and a nephew, Doug Carpenter of Louisburg, Kansas. Dale was preceded in death by his parents, sister, a nephew, and his wife, Donna Sue Schilling.
There was cremation.  Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, May 26^th, at the Evergreen Cemetery.    Memorials are suggested to Harry Hynes Hospice and may be sent to the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at Cheneywitt.com