Katherine Lorraine (Harkness) Wynn, age 88, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by members of her family, on January 17, 2026, in Fort Scott, Kansas.

Lorraine was born in Prescott, Kansas, on August 26, 1937, to Lawrence Phillips and Lille (Buchanan) Phillips. She was raised in Prescott, Kansas, where she graduated from Prescott High School and later received her degree in cosmetology from Stewart Beauty Academy in Topeka, Kansas.

Lorraine was married to K. W. Harkness for 40 years. They had four children and loved taking trips in the family camper and on Honda Goldwing motorcycles. K. W. and Lorraine eventually traveled the Alaska Highway to Fairbanks on a motorcycle. K. W. Harkness preceded her in death on May 24, 1995.

Lorraine married Ronnie Wynn on November 2, 2001, and they were married for almost 25 years. They enjoyed going on several cruises with her family and traveling across Kansas with Ron’s grandchildren.

Lorraine had several occupations during her life. She started as a beautician but soon worked in the family business painting and hanging wallpaper. She always said her most important career was being a housewife and mother. She liked collecting recipes and enjoyed cooking for her family. Some family favorites included homemade bread, cinnamon rolls, noodles, sugar cookies, ginger cookies, and raisin pie. She always made elaborately decorated cakes for family birthdays and even made wedding cakes for family and friends.

Lorraine loved Jesus and her family. She would do anything for her children. She loved her church family and was especially happy when she settled in Fort Scott, where she could attend Grace Baptist Tabernacle, and raise her children.

She is survived by her husband, Ronnie Wynn; three children, Angela Mae (Harkness) Russell and husband Rick of Arkansas, Shawna Lorraine Harkness of Fort Scott, and Jarett Stanton (Stan) Harkness and wife Deana of Texas; two stepchildren, Jeremy Wynn and wife Stanna of Colorado, and Julie Patton and husband T. C. of Oklahoma; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by beloved cousins, nieces, and a nephew.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, K. W. Harkness; her son, Kevin Harkness; and two sisters, Irene Paddock and Ladeen (Vaughn) Poole.

Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, January 22nd at the Grace Baptist Tabernacle, Ft. Scott, Kansas.  Burial will follow in the Prescott Cemetery in Prescott, Kansas.  The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 5 to 7 P.M. at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the International Waldenstrom’s Macrogloblinemia Foundation 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.

Esther Mae Marsh, age 80, resident of Fort Scott, KS and formerly Bronson, KS, passed away Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, KS. She was born on September 22, 1945, in Iola, KS, the daughter of Claude Charles Bennett and Goldie Mae Dunbar Bennett. Esther was raised on the family farm northwest of Iola. She attended Carpenter country school and later graduated from Iola high school with the class of 1963.

Esther worked for SEKAN Printing for over 30 years. She married Clifton Carl Marsh in 1981 in Fort Scott KS. He preceded her in death on July 18, 2025. She enjoyed sewing, making quilts, flowers, gardening and all things outdoors. She loved listening to classic country music.

Survivors include a son, Ted Sutterby, Linn Valley, KS, a daughter, Audra Peterson (Les), Highlands, NC; 4 grandchildren, Luke, Gregory, Joshua, and Emily; 4 great grandchildren; 2 brothers, Chester Bennett, Buffalo, KS, and Lester Bennett, Colony, KS; a sister, Mary Evans, Yates Center, KS; a sister-in-law Margaret Bennett, Humboldt, KS; and numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Vincent Marsh, a brother, Webster Bennett, and her parents.

Pastor Jeff Feagins will conduct funeral services at 1:00 PM Saturday, January 24th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Cremation will follow. Memorials are suggested to Medicalodge Activity Fund 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.

Lorna L’Deana (DeVilbiss) Slater, 80, of rural Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri. She was born Tuesday, May 29, 1945, in Waynoka, Oklahoma, to Loren V. and Jesse M. (Buckland) DeVilbiss.
Lorna grew up on the family farm near Waynoka, helping raise Hereford cattle. She graduated from Waynoka High School in 1963 and later from the Oklahoma School of Banking and Business in Oklahoma City.

On October 22, 1964, she married Larry “John” Slater. They began their married life in Cashion, Oklahoma, followed by three years in Waynoka before making a big move in 1974 to a farm near Chetopa in southeast Kansas, where they lived for 30 years. They later moved to rural Fort Scott.

Over the years, Lorna worked for several school districts, including Cashion and Waynoka, Oklahoma, and later Chetopa, Kansas. Her most fulfilling work, however, was raising dogs on the farm. She raised Dachshunds, Corgis, and her favorite breed, the West Highland White Terrier. She especially enjoyed meeting the many people who came into her life through selling her puppies.

In addition to her love of farm life, Lorna and her family raised show lambs, an endeavor that connected her to 4-H and FFA kids and families. For many years, she clerked the annual show project sale, where she enjoyed visiting with families and encouraging young people. These show kids and their parents became an extension of her own family, and she took great pride in watching them succeed with their projects they purchased.

Lorna was an active member and Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church in Edna, Kansas, and later the Hiattville Methodist Church in rural Fort Scott.

She treasured time spent with family, which often included a competitive game of dominoes. She enjoyed bus trips with local friends and never passed up a good garage sale, especially when accompanied by her friend Phyllis. Lorna proudly embraced her role as “Aunt Lorna,” always front and center at family gatherings to inspect the new prospective members.

She is survived by her husband, Larry “John” Slater, of the home; her daughter, Diane (Mark) Brillhart of Fort Scott, Kansas; her son, Daren (Tiffany) Slater of Dacoma, Oklahoma; grandsons Clay Brillhart of Fort Scott, Kaden Slater of Dacoma, and Kolby (Kaytin) Slater of American Fork, Utah; and great-grandson Emmett Slater. She 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. She is further survived by her brother, Mac DeVilbiss of Yukon, Oklahoma, and numerous extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Adrian and Glenn DeVilbiss.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday, January 23rd at the Grace Baptist Tabernacle, 502 S. Margrave St., in Ft. Scott, Kansas. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Thursday January 22nd at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  On Saturday, January 24th family and friends will gather at 12:00 P.M. at the Waynoka Methodist Church, 110 Flynn St. Waynoka, Oklahoma. A graveside service will follow at 1:30 P.M. at the Memorial Hill Cemetery in Waynoka, Oklahoma. Memorials are suggested to the Hiattville United Methodist Church or the Memorial Hill Cemetery Association 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.

David Charles Nelson, age 72, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Freeman West Health Center in Joplin, Missouri. He was born December 12, 1953, in Kansas City, Kansas, the son of George and Mary Nelson. Dave grew up in Kansas City. He served for a time with the United States Army. After his military service, he later returned to Kansas City where he worked for the Burlington Northern Railroad for several years. He married the love of his life, Debbie Soverns in 1996 in Kansas City. They later moved to Ft. Scott.

Survivors include his wife, Debbie, of the home; three daughters, Crystal, Kathy, and Marlena; three stepsons, Rob Chris and Toney and several brothers and a sister. Dave was preceded in death by his parents and a stepson, Johnny.

Cremation was handled by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Lorna L’Deana (DeVilbiss) Slater, 80, of rural Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri. She was born Tuesday, May 29, 1945, in Waynoka, Oklahoma, to Loren V. and Jesse M. (Buckland) DeVilbiss.

Lorna grew up on the family farm near Waynoka, helping raise Hereford cattle. She graduated from Waynoka High School in 1963 and later from the Oklahoma School of Banking and Business in Oklahoma City.

On October 22, 1964, she married Larry “John” Slater. They began their married life in Cashion, Oklahoma, followed by three years in Waynoka before making a big move in 1974 to a farm near Chetopa in southeast Kansas, where they lived for 30 years. They later moved to rural Fort Scott.

Over the years, Lorna worked for several school districts, including Cashion and Waynoka, Oklahoma, and later Chetopa, Kansas. Her most fulfilling work, however, was raising dogs on the farm. She raised Dachshunds, Corgis, and her favorite breed, the West Highland White Terrier. She especially enjoyed meeting the many people who came into her life through selling her puppies.

In addition to her love of farm life, Lorna and her family raised show lambs, an endeavor that connected her to 4-H and FFA kids and families. For many years, she clerked the annual show project sale, where she enjoyed visiting with families and encouraging young people. These show kids and their parents became an extension of her own family, and she took great pride in watching them succeed with their projects they purchased.

Lorna was an active member and Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church in Edna, Kansas, and later the Hiattville Methodist Church in rural Fort Scott.

She treasured time spent with family, which often included a competitive game of dominoes. She enjoyed bus trips with local friends and never passed up a good garage sale, especially when accompanied by her friend Phyllis. Lorna proudly embraced her role as “Aunt Lorna,” always front and center at family gatherings to inspect the new prospective members.

She is survived by her husband, Larry “John” Slater, of the home; her daughter, Diane (Mark) Brillhart of Fort Scott, Kansas; her son, Daren (Tiffany) Slater of Dacoma, Oklahoma; grandsons Clay Brillhart of Fort Scott, Kaden Slater of Dacoma, and Kolby (Kaytin) Slater of American Fork, Utah; and great-grandson Emmett Slater. She 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. She is further survived by her brother, Mac DeVilbiss of Yukon, Oklahoma, and numerous extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Adrian and Glenn DeVilbiss.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday, January 23rd at the Grace Baptist Tabernacle, 502 S. Margrave St., in Ft. Scott, Kansas. On Saturday, January 24th family and friends will gather at 12:00 P.M. at the Waynoka Methodist Church, 110 Flynn St. Waynoka, Oklahoma. A graveside service will follow at 1:30 P.M. at the Memorial Hill Cemetery in Waynoka, Oklahoma. Memorials are suggested to the Hiattville United Methodist Church or the Memorial Hill Cemetery Association 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.

ROSE MARY BAILEY

Rose Mary Bailey, 95, of Fort Scott, passed away Wednesday, January 8, 2026, at the Credo Senior Living Center in Fort Scott.

Graveside services will be held at 1:30 pm on Monday, January 26, 2026, in the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

William Homer “Bill” Douglas Jr., 88, passed away on January 8, 2026, in Overland Park, Kansas. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and good friend to many, Bill lived a full and vibrant life.

Bill was born on December 14, 1937, in Rich Hill, MO, to William and Edith Douglas. Bill graduated from Rich Hill High School in 1955 before embarking on a career that spanned several decades. He began his professional journey with the Bank of Warsaw in Warsaw, MO. After moving to Fort Scott, KS in 1962, he began a job at Security State Bank followed by an 11-year tenure with the Western Insurance Companies. He later joined Citizens National Bank and served as a vice president and loan officer for 25 years until he retired in 1999. Alongside his civilian career, Bill served in the Army National Guard followed by the Army Reserves.

In 1960, Bill married Donna Carolyn (Goodenough), with whom he shared 65 years of love and companionship. Together they built a life filled with adventure and shared experiences. In their younger years, they enjoyed camping trips with their daughters to a range of locations, from Farlington Lake to Yellowstone to Florida. He and Donna later traveled to Hawaii, Alaska and every other state but North Dakota plus several European destinations and popular cruise locales. They wintered for nineteen years in Weslaco, TX, returning each year to reunite with their Texas friends and family. Of course, many trips were also made to Branson to sight-see, enjoy music, and take a few whirls on the dance floor to his favorite country song, “All My Exes Live in Texas.”

A man of faith, Bill was a founding member of Community Christian Church in Fort Scott, KS, where he served as both deacon and elder and often lent his voice to the church choir.  He and Donna later attended Rinehart Christian Church in Richards, MO.

Known for his wit and fun-loving spirit, Bill had a gift for bringing laughter into any room. Whether at work or among friends, he was always ready with a joke or light-hearted comment. His enthusiasm also extended into the outdoors—he had a passion for motorcycles and often took weekend biking trips with his buddies.

In addition to his wife, Donna (Goodenough) Douglas, other survivors include daughters Carolyn (Tom Blau) Jaqua, Kansas City, MO; Marilyn (Mitch) Yung, Springfield, MO. Surviving grandchildren and great-grandchildren include Lauren (Aaron) Hannon of Shawnee, KS and their three children, Hayes, Jane, and Ivy; Katherine (Andrija) Markovic, Overland Park, KS and their son, Matija; Collin (Gabby) Yung, Kansas City, MO; Ryan Jaqua, Lenexa, KS.

Rev. Kevin Moyers will conduct funeral services at 11:00 AM Monday, January 12^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until service time Monday at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to Rinehart Christian Church and may be left in care of Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Jason John Findley, 49, passed away suddenly at his home on January 7, 2026.

He was born March 21, 1976 in Fort Scott, Kansas to John and Connie Findley.  He grew into a man of integrity, with a love for life and family.

He attended Fort Scott schools and was a proud member of the Class of 1994.  He was self-employed.  As soon as he was old enough to walk, his mom sent him to work at Findley Automotive with his dad. Jason and Adina expanded the business to include auto body work, Findley Auto & Body in 2014.

On November 11, 2006, Jason married the love of his life, Adina (Johnston), in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. For 19 years, they built a life together as devoted partners in marriage, family, and business, rarely apart and always side by side, sharing a life filled with love, laughter, hard work, and countless memories.

He was a wonderful father to Aliyah, Maggie, Riley, and Jake. That father’s love extended to his son-in-law Quinton.  He was the dad who showed up. He loved hard and was so very proud of each of them.

Jason was a proud grandpa to Everlee and embraced the role with pure joy. He never missed an opportunity to be with her, never said no to her requests, and loved spoiling her with all the things her parents said no to. He was greatly looking forward to the arrival of another grandchild in April.

He was a good son, brother, and friend.  He was a true friend to many and a stranger to no one.  He always had a story, loved talking with people, and had a wonderful sense of humor.  He enjoyed Nascar, the Chiefs, motorcycles, camping, lake fun, doing stunts in cars, swap meets, food, and laughed loudly.  He loved God.  He supported many community organizations.  He could always be found with one or more rottweilers by his side. He was a member of the Fort Scott Nazarene Church.

Jason is survived by his wife Adina of the home, Aliyah Findley (Seattle, Washington), Maggie & Quinton Parsons, grandaughter Everlee (Pittsburg, KS), Riley Findley and Jake Findley of the home, his mother Connie Findley; siblings Suzanne (Allen) Griffin, Gina (Travis) Shelton, and Debi (Daniel) Fritter, many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.  He was preceded in death by his father John Findley and infant brother Wesley.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, January 13th at the Ft. Scott Church of the Nazarene, 1728 Horton St., Ft. Scott, Kansas.  Burial will follow in the Woods Cemetery near Redfield, Kansas.  The family will receive friends on Monday evening from 5 to 7 P.M. at the Ft.Scott Church of the Nazarene.  Memorials are suggested to the Findley Children Scholarship 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.

Our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother Joyce Ann Buffalo unexpectedly passed away on January 3, 2026. She was born on December 15, 1947, in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas to Jarvey Stephenson and Sue (Lawrence) Stephenson. The family moved to Kankakee, Illinois when Joyce was five years old where she grew up and attended school. Joyce had a passion for cooking and helping others that can be seen throughout her career. She spent eight years working for St. Mary Hospital and Our Lady of Victoria Nursing Home in nutritional services. In Kankakee, she worked for Aramark while raising four daughters. Later in her career, she was transferred to Kansas where she handled nutritional services at Mercy Hospitals in Independence and Fort Scott. After fifteen years at Aramark, she moved to Fort Scott, Kansas and worked at Tri-Valley. She worked there for four years before retiring and moving to Oklahoma.

After retiring, Joyce built a new life with her husband Arthur Robinson Buffalo Jr. who she married on February 22, 2012. They enjoyed camping, antiquing, and attending grandkids’ events until his passing in January of 2016. Following his passing, she moved back to Fort Scott, Kansas where she spent her days spoiling her dog, Coco, enjoying daily meals with her friend Doug, and spending time with family. Joyce will forever be remembered for her sassiness, orneriness, and wit. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her greatest joy. She loved spending time with family and regaling us all with fun filled stories that kept us on our toes.

She is survived by three daughters, Kristi (Tommy) George of Fort Scott, Shellie Snyder of Oklahoma, and Diana (Dan) Lange of Kansas City. She is also survived by eleven grandchildren, Ashley (Josh) George, Amanda Harper, Joyce (Daniel) Golden, Draven George, Landry George, Cooper George, Jordan Snyder, Lakin Snyder, Christopher Snyder, Jacob Snyder, and Kody Lange, and sixteen great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband Arthur Buffalo, her son Michael, her daughter Lynette Steeby, her sister Janie, and her parents Jarvey Stephenson, Sue Duffield, and Arthur Duffield.

Forever in our hearts, her life was a blessing, and her memory is our treasure.

A celebration of life service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, January 10^th 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.

Michael Hugh “Big Michael” Lancaster, age 71, a resident of rural Deerfield, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at his home.

He was born October 24, 1954, in Noel, Missouri, the son of Robert Hugh Lancaster and Peggy Ann Sellers Lancaster.  Michael grew up in Raytown, Missouri and graduated from Raytown High School.  He later served with the United States Marine Corps from 1975 to 1979 where he attained the rank of Corporal.

Following his discharge from the Marines, Michael married Michele Piano on July 11, 1986, at Olathe, Kansas.  They made their home in Humansville, Missouri where he owned and operated a feed store.  In the early ‘90s they moved to Ft. Scott, Kansas and later settled just over the line in Deerfield.

He owned and operated the Dusty Attic Flea Market on Main Street in Ft. Scott.  After moving to Deerfield, he operated Poor Boys Antiques and Grannie’s Tiques and Fleas out of his home on 54 Highway.  In addition to running the flea market, he also built and repaired computers.

Michael loved to learn and consistently read on a variety of subjects.     He enjoyed construction and working on building projects of all kinds.  He studied up on green energy and used solar energy and other natural resources to power and heat and cool his home.  He also liked to garden.

Michael constructed a greenhouse and used a hydroponic gardening system as part of his operation. He will be lovingly remembered for his ornery personality and his quick wit with a funny joke.

Survivors include his wife, Michele, of the home; eight children, Stephen Petrovich (Heather) of Cape Coral, Florida, Michael Robert Lancaster of Belton, Missouri, Melissa Slocum (Erik) of Swansea, Illinois, Christopher Lancaster (Cindy) of Indonesia, Julia Dryden-Lancaster of Joplin, Missouri, Jessica Lancaster of Ft. Scott, Kansas, Derrick Lancaster who is serving with the US Marine Corps, stationed at Camp Pendleton in California, and Keria Lancaster of the home.  Also surviving are several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, two brothers and a sister.

Pastor Randy Query will conduct graveside services at 12:30 PM Friday, January 9^th at the U. S. National Cemetery.  The family will receive friends on Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel from 11:00 AM until leaving for the cemetery.  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.