Lawrence Julius Vann, age 98, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at Pittsburg Health and Rehab.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Wednesday, September 2nd, at Mt. Olive Church of God in Christ, 424 S. Ransom St., Fort Scott, KS. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 12:00 noon until service time at the Church.

Memorials are suggested to Mt. Olive Church of God in Christ 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.

Larry “John” Slater, 85, of rural Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, August 17, 2026. He was born March 6, 1941, in Alva, Oklahoma, to James D. and Daisy Z. (Stapp) Slater.

John grew up in northwest Oklahoma and attended school at Cheyenne Valley, graduating in 1959. He attended Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, and later earned his master’s degree from Central State College in Oklahoma City.

On October 22, 1964, John married Lorna L’Deana DeVilbiss, they shared more than 61 years of marriage together. They began their life together in Cashion, Oklahoma, where John taught school and coached. Although their time in Cashion was short, they made many lifelong friends.

From Cashion, John and Lorna moved back to Waynoka, where John served as high school principal. During those years, some of John’s fondest memories came from chaperoning the school’s Ag trips with the FFA instructor. Those trips provided plenty of adventures, stories, and memories that he cherished and continued to share for years to come.

In 1974, John and Lorna made a big move with their family to southeast Kansas, settling on a farm near Chetopa. Southeast Kansas became home for the next 30 years, and it was there they raised their family and built a lifetime of friendships and memories. While in the Chetopa area John taught Middle-School Math and Coached Junior High Basketball at Oswego. He ended his teaching career in Chetopa teaching High School and College Math and coaching a few years of girls basketball. Whether in the classroom, on the basketball court, or later around a livestock show ring, John embraced what it meant to be a great teacher. He understood the importance of connecting with young people. He was strict, he challenged them, and they always knew he cared.

John and his brothers were avid quail hunters. Thanksgiving dinner was often followed by a bird hunt in the sandhills around Waynoka. John and his brother Lewis trained bird dogs and were always ready for another hunt, as much to watch the dogs work as to bring home a few quail. Bird hunting, good dogs, and time spent outdoors with family remained some of John’s favorite things throughout his life.

John and his family also raised show lambs for many years. What started with livestock grew into lifelong friendships with 4-H and FFA kids and families who became much more than customers or fellow exhibitors. The annual show project sale each April became something of a family reunion, with kids staying over, games around the dinner table, plenty of stories, and usually a lot of laughter.

Livestock shows throughout the year were another opportunity for John to visit with friends and pass along what he knew to the next generation. If John was sitting in the stands, there was a pretty good chance a friendly judging contest was underway. He enjoyed studying the livestock, comparing placings, and seeing whether the official judge agreed with him.

John is survived by his daughter, Diane (Mark) Brillhart of Fort Scott, Kansas; son, Daren (Tiffany) Slater of Dacoma, Oklahoma; grandsons Clay Brillhart of Fort Scott, Kaden Slater of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Kolby (Kaytin) Slater of American Fork, Utah; and great-grandson Emmett Slater.

He is also survived by four step-granddaughters and their families: Jenny Brillhart (Joseph and Peyton) of Santa Rosa, Florida; Megan Brillhart (Vander and Jagger) of Fort Scott; Brianne Brillhart (Cooper) and Cameron Brillhart (Riley, Trevor, and Moe), all of Nevada, Missouri.

John is further survived by his brother, Lewis (Shirley) Slater of Independence, Kansas, as well as numerous extended family members and many friends he made throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorna; his parents, James D. and Daisy Z. Slater; four sisters, Clara Miller, Louise Pearson, Maxine Tindle, and Irene Astley; and two brothers, Jimmy Earl and Gary Slater.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, August 29th at the Cheney Witt Chapel in Ft. Scott. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Friday, August 28th at the chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the FSCC Livestock Judging Team Boosters or the Northwest Technology Center Foundation – Slater Family Scholarship. Contributions may be left in care of Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Stacy Nicole Moore, age 50, a resident of Redfield, Kansas, peacefully left this world on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the Kansas City Hospice House. Stacy was born May 10, 1976, in Nevada, Missouri to Bill and Patricia Heckman. Stacy spent her younger years in Bronson, Kansas and the surrounding areas. She graduated from Marmaton Valley High School in Moran, Kansas, with the Class of 1994. Stacy loved adventure and taking trips with friends and family. She also loved the Denver Broncos and watching Supercross racing. On May 21, 2004, Stacy married the love of her life, Rex Moore, aka Rexie, and in 2016, they moved to Redfield, Kansas to the lake house and in 2017 they bought the town home where they lived out their days.

Stacy is survived by two daughters, Shelby Morillo of Bronson, Kansas and Hannah Moore of Garden City, Missouri, and two sons, Tyler Wilkerson of Kincaid, Kansas and Austin Moore of Fair Play, Missouri and four grandchildren, Kendall, Oaklynn and Owen Wilkerson and Tatum Hagerman. Also surviving is her mother, Patricia Heckman of Bronson, Kansas.

Stacy taught the people around her an important lesson, “No matter how hard life becomes, you keep going, stay strong and never give up!” That lesson along with the love she gave so freely will remain with her family and friends for years to come.

Graveside services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, August 25th at the Woods Cemetery near Redfield, Kansas. Family and friends will meet at the cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Stacy Moore Memorial 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.

Marsha Diane Hayden, 73, of Pittsburg, Kansas, passed away at her home on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. She was born on June 16, 1953, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Maurice Keith and Mary Rosalee Bloomfield Dugan. She attended school in Fort Scott until her family moved to Greeley, Colorado when she was in the 7th grade. She graduated from Valley High School in Gilcrest, Colorado and then Aims Community College in Greeley, Colorado. She married Randy Hayden in 1982 and they divorced in 2013. She worked for several years at Names & Numbers.

Marsha is survived by her daughter, Lisa Hayden of Pittsburg, Kansas, a brother, Dennis Dugan of Greeley, Colorado and 5 grandsons, Tyler Black, Brady Hayden, Gabriel, Jaxon, and Ashur Black. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother Mark Dugan.

Following cremation, services for Marsha Hayden will be at 2:00pm, Thursday, September 10, 2026 at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home in Fort Scott, Kansas with burial in the Evergreen Cemetery at a later date. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Harry Hynes Hospice, contributions may be sent to or left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, P.O. Box 309,15 W. Wall St., Fort Scott, Kansas 66701.

John Slater, age 85, a resident of Hiattville, Kansas, passed away Monday, August 17, 2026, at the Medicalodge of Ft. Scott.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, August 29th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Friday, August 28th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Private burial will take place at a later date at the Memorial Hill Cemetery in Waynoka, Oklahoma.

Memorials are suggested to either the Slater Scholarship Fund at Northwest Technology Center or to the Ft. Scott Community College Livestock Judging Team 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.

Karen Sue Melvin, age 79, of El Dorado Springs, Missouri, passed away on August 13, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and quiet service that touched everyone blessed to know her.

Born on August 23, 1947, in Berlin, Wisconsin, Karen carried the values of hard work, faith, and compassion throughout her life. She was a woman who understood that a meaningful life is not measured by title or recognition, but by the way one loves, serves, and lifts others up. She lived with a generous heart and a steady spirit, and she made it her mission to care for people in practical, powerful ways. Whether she was working as a waitress, cooking a meal, keeping the books, or opening her home to those in need, Karen showed up with grace and purpose. She was the kind of woman who made life better simply by being in it.

Karen was a devoted Christian whose faith shaped the way she lived each day. She believed in kindness, in perseverance, and in meeting life with courage and humility. Her life was a testimony to the truth that love is not only spoken but demonstrated. She welcomed people with open arms and a warm heart. She knew how to make others feel seen, valued, and cared for. Her home and her heart were places of comfort, and many found strength in her presence. She was a mother in every sense of the word, not only to her own children, but to many who needed guidance, encouragement, and unconditional support.

Those who knew Karen will remember her as loving, selfless, and kind. These words do not simply describe her. They define the way she moved through the world. She gave of herself without hesitation and loved without keeping score. She found joy in the simple and beautiful things in life, especially quilt making, sewing, and creating Christmas stockings that carried the warmth of her heart into the homes of others. She also enjoyed coloring, spending time with family, camping, and attending musicals. These interests reflected her creative spirit and her appreciation for moments that brought people together and made memories that lasted.

Karen’s family was one of the greatest treasures of her life. She is survived by her siblings Rick (wife Connie), Gene (wife Darcy), Duane, Kaye, Daryl, and Gordy. She was a loving mother to her children Ron, Rhonda, Kristina, and Zachary. She was a proud grandmother to Desiree, Ryan Jr., Xaiver, Cassie, Micheal, Haley, Davina, Faline, William, David, and Jordan. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren Jacob Jr., Keegan, Kyson, Zayden, Adelita, and Nova. Now she gets to be with her sibling Chris, her son Ryan Sr., her niece Maggie, and many more family members who were fortunate enough to have her love. Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Evelyn.

Karen’s journey was one of devotion, resilience, and heartfelt service. She did not seek attention, but her impact was undeniable. She understood that greatness can be found in everyday acts of care, in the meals prepared, the stitches sewn, the books balanced, the homes opened, and the hearts encouraged. She lived with intention and left behind a powerful reminder that a life rooted in love will always matter. Her presence was a blessing, her faith was an anchor, and her kindness was a gift that will continue to echo through the lives of those she touched.

As we remember Karen Sue Melvin, we celebrate a woman who lived with purpose and gave with abundance. We honor a life that was rich in compassion, grounded in faith, and filled with love for family and community. Her story reminds us to live generously, to love deeply, and to never underestimate the power of a selfless heart. Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit lives on in every life she shaped, every memory she created, and every act of kindness inspired by her example.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, August 23rd at the Cheney Witt Chapel. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 1:30 P.M. until service time at the chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Karen Melvin Memorial 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.

Hazel Lucile Luker (Shepard Ward), age 96, resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away surrounded by family and friends on August 10, 2026. Lucile was born on April 12, 1930, in Abilene, Kansas to James Abner Luker and Mary Elizabeth Butler.

As the oldest of the five Luker children, she found joy in loving and caring for people early in life. At the age of 9, Lucile and the Luker family moved to join the Uniontown community, which she would call home the majority of her life.

After graduating from Uniontown High School in 1948, Lucile moved to Kansas City to attend secretary school. She married Norman Smith on May 14, 1950. Three children were born to this union, Richard Michael, Ronald Keith, and Dena Diane. Lucile married Harvey Shepard on March 15, 1974, and three more children, Steve, Linda, and Chelle, were blessed to become hers also.

After 10 years of working for Western Insurance in Fort Scott, Lucile retired. Her retirement was filled with: hosting family and friends at she and Harvey’s home, many family pool parties, cooking with Gloria Luker at the restaurant in Uniontown, decorating with Mary Kaye Beaman, walking with Marilyn Holt, gathering with her friends weekly to play cards, attending school activities and sports events for her grandchildren, and caring for those around her. Lucile and Harvey enjoyed traveling around the United States and spending their winters in Texas with friends who would become family. Lucile was also active at Paint Creek Church where she played the piano and loved being involved with and planning church events. Lucile suffered a great loss with Harvey’s unexpected passing in 2000.

Lucile married Loren Ward on March 8, 2003. They enjoyed an active life in Uniontown together. Lucile was known for her generosity and kindness. She would often surprise friends and neighbors with one of her delicious pies. Lucile moved to Fort Scott in 2019. In her new home, she was surrounded by new neighbors who would become special friends.

Lucile hosted what the family would call “Noodlefest” for 51 years. There would regularly be more than 50 close family members in attendance to enjoy her famous chicken and noodles. Lucile was a woman of strength, character and an example of love.

Survivors include: two sons, Ron Smith (Stacy) of Blue Springs, MO, Steve Shepard (Debbie) of Uniontown, KS, and three daughters, Dena Felt of Fort Scott, KS, Linda Noll (Matt) of Fort Scott, KS, and Chelle Eden (Doug) of Fort Scott, KS. She is survived by 18 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren. Also surviving is a sister Phyllis Randall (David) of Grandview, MO and brother Eldon Luker of Fort Scott, KS, along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by an infant son Richard Smith, her parents, two sisters Yvonne (Bonnie) Christy, Lois Wynn, and a brother Kenneth Luker.

Pastors Seth Bolling and David Randall will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM, Thursday, August 20th, at Community Christian Church, Fort Scott, KS. Burial will follow at the Uniontown Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Wednesday, August 19th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes 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.

Charlotte Ann Fisher, age 100, passed away on August 6th, 2026, in Raymore Missouri. She was born March 16, 1926, in Fort Scott, Kansas to Abraham Lincoln Keplinger and Helen (Campbell) Keplinger.

She graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1943 and Fort Scott Junior College (FSCC) with an AA (Associate of Arts) degree. On April 6th, 1947, she was united in marriage to Harry Wilber Fisher at the First Baptist Church in Fort Scott, Kansas. He preceded her in death on February 28, 2012.

Charlotte worked as an operator and service assistant for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company from 1943 to 1950 and as an occasional operator until 1960. From 1969 to 1975, she was employed by Robert Noll as a bookkeeper for 19 South, a ladies clothing store. Charlotte then worked as a secretary for Crain Insurance from 1976 to 1979, and as a library clerk at the Fort Scott Public Library from 1980 until her retirement in 1990.

She was formerly a 69-year member of the First Baptist Church in Fort Scott where she served as church organist from 1956 to 1997. During that time, she accompanied 105 weddings and 223 funerals and many soloists. She was also active in her church, serving on the Board of Christian Education, as Sunday School Superintendent, Chairman of Missions, and as president of the American Baptist Women.

Charlotte was a life member of Olive Chapter #13 Order of the Eastern Star serving as organist for several years. She also was a former member of the Fort Scott Public Library Board.

In October 2014, Charlotte moved to Foxwood Springs Senior Living in Raymore, Missouri, where she resided in Independent Living until her death. She was a member of the Raymore Presbyterian Church. Charlotte’s greatest pride was in her children, her granddaughter, and her great grandson and all of their accomplishments.

Survivors include her daughter Julia Ann Carpenter (Greta Marlatt), Marina, California; her son, Harry Wilber Fisher Jr. (Teresa), Peculiar, Missouri; her granddaughter, Mary Grace Fisher (Emiel Meyfroot), Kortrijk, Belgium; great grandson Maxim Wilber Meyfroot; her niece Margo Proctor, Bartlesville, Oklahoma; and cousin Jeanette Brown, Raymore, Missouri.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her sister Joyce Brown.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 19th, at 11:00 am at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St in Fort Scott, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Raymore Presbyterian Church at 204 S. Jefferson St., Raymore, Missouri, 64083. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Richard “Dickie” Dee Magee, 72, of Fort Scott, passed away Wednesday morning, August 5, 2026, at the Olathe Medical Center in Olathe, Kansas. He was born on November 25, 1953, in Fort Scott, the son of Charles Lee and Sadie Marie LeFler Magee. He graduated from Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1972 and later from Pittsburg State University with a degree in Education.

Dickie was survived by his children, two sons, Nathan and his wife, Kristy Magee of Olathe, Kansas and Nick and his wife, Becca Magee of Augusta, Kansas, one daughter, Natalie Magee and her husband, Derrick Darling, of Olathe, Kansas. He was also proud of his 6 grandchildren.

Dickie was also survived by two brothers, Dan & Shari Magee of Fort Scott, and Brad & Jan Magee of Jonesboro, Arkansas, and two sisters Connie Conroy of Fort Scott, and Ginny & Mick Cotter of Fort Scott. Dickie was also survived by his Ex-Wife, Patty. He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother-in-law, Mike Conroy.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life for Dickie from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the Buck Run Community Center. The family suggests memorial donations to: Care to Share, donations may be sent to or left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 West Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701.

Walter Ralph Reynolds, age 86, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly, Saturday, August 8, 2026, at the Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, Missouri. He was born November 4, 1939, in Bellingham, Washington, the son of Ralph Reynolds and Gladys Irene “Hilda” Stenberg Reynolds.

The Reynolds family lived in Washington State until Walt’s junior year of high school. It was at this time, his parents decided to move to Ft. Scott, Kansas so their children could attend Ft. Scott Bible School, later known as Ft. Scott Christian Heights. Walt graduated with the Class of 1958.

Shortly after graduation, Walt married Jannita Rich. Together they raised their two boys, Ronnie and Larry, and operated their own farm near Yates Center, Kansas. Walt and Jannita later parted ways. Eventually, Walt made his way back to Ft. Scott and began a long career with the City of Ft. Scott where he served as the City Street Supervisor.

On September 2, 2017, Walt was united in marriage to Rose Ann Green in a beautiful ceremony at the Parkway Church of God (Holiness). Seven years ago, Walt received a cancer diagnosis. The surgery and the treatments he received drastically affected his way of life; however, through it all, his faith never faltered. We find comfort in knowing that Walt now sits complete at the feet of Jesus who he fully trusted as his Lord and Savior.

Survivors include his wife, Rose Ann, of the home; two sons, Ronnie Reynolds (Melissa) of Yates Center, Kansas and Larry Reynolds; four grandchildren and several great and great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are three brothers, Allen Reynolds (Sandy) of Maple Falls, Washington, David Reynolds (Dorothy) of Glendive, Montana and Ralph Reynolds, Jr. (Connie) of Everson, Washington and a brother-in-law, Joe Strunk (Marie) of Nampa, Idaho. Walt was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Bob and Ted Reynolds and a sister, Carolyn Strunk.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, August 15th at the Parkway Church of God (Holiness). Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Parkway 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.

Diana June Allen (Pauzauskie), born February 28, 1955, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Johnnie Lloyd Allen and Avis Marie Boyd (Stradley), passed away peacefully on August 7^th, 2026, in Gainesville, Florida – surrounded by the memories and love of the family she devoted her life to.

Diana made Gainesville, Florida, her home – where she raised her family and became an unforgettable presence in the lives of her children, grandchildren, family and friends.

After attending college at the University of Kansas, and Kansas State University, Diana eventually moved to the Florida Keys – surrounded by the beauty of the beaches and sunshine. Later, Diana earned her diploma in nursing and was a Licensed Practical Nurse. Diana spent more than a decade caring for and serving her patients and their families. Her commitment to helping others was a meaningful part of who she was and the legacy she leaves behind.

Diana was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), honoring a family legacy that spanned generations of ancestors who fought for the freedoms and values that shaped our nation. Diana’s predecessors’ sacrifice, courage, and firm sense of duty became part of the legacy Diana carried forward in her own life. She reflected those same values in the way she loved and cared for her family and friends – she embraced each day with strength, compassion, integrity, and a deep commitment to those she held dear to her heart.

Above all, Diana was devoted to her family. She played an important role in raising and supporting her children, grandchildren and many of her nieces and nephews.

Diana is survived by her three children, Matthew (Mailing) Pauzauskie, Gainesville, FL, Joseph Pauzauskie, Boston, MA, and David (Samantha) Pauzauskie, Land O’ Lakes, FL, three grandchildren, Natalia, John, and Nash Pauzauskie, five siblings, Darlene Gleim, Johnnie Lloyd (J.L.) Allen, Joyce Steuer, Carolyn Callow and Linda Morris. She will be deeply missed by her family and all those whose lives she touched.

Diana’s memory will live on through her children, grandchildren, sisters, brother and the many nieces and nephews she cared for and loved throughout her life. Her kindness, strength, and devotion to her family will remain a lasting part of her legacy.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 11:30 AM Saturday, August 15^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, Kansas.  The family will receive friends from 10:30 AM until service time at the funeral home. Diana will be laid to rest with her beloved grandparents Elvin Adrian Boyd and Josephine Fern (Spillman) Boyd, at Evergreen Cemetery, in Fort Scott, Kansas.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Larry Evan Smith, age 66, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Friday, July 31, 2026, at the Medicalodge of Ft. Scott. He was born November 13, 1959, in St. Mary’s Georgia, the son of Percy Smith and Wilda June Lowe Smith. Throughout his life, Larry had worked in the construction industry. Following his retirement, he relocated to Ft. Scott where he has made his home for the last several years. Larry had attended the Mapleton Christian Church and had fully surrendered his life to Christ.

Pastor Matthew Hamilton will conduct a graveside service at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, August 6th at the Oak Grove Cemetery north of Ft. Scott. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.