Judith Darlene Baucom Larkin Baker, age 83, passed away Saturday, September 5, 2026, at the home of her daughter in rural Erie, Kansas. She was born May 25, 1943, in Chanute, Kansas, the daughter of Lewis Joseph Baucom and Bertha Edna McAllister Baucom. Judi grew up in Fulton, Kansas. She was a wife, a mom, a hairdresser and a nurse. She furthered her education and became a Registered Advanced Practice Nurse. Judi had made her home in Las Vegas, Nevada and recently moved in with her daughter because of health reasons.

Survivors include her husband, Glen Baker, of Las Vegas; a daughter, Laura Peterson (Frank) of Erie, Kansas; four grandchildren, Kerri, Seth, Evan and Macoy; four great-grandchildren, Bridget, Cole, McKenzie and Brooke and two great-great-grandchildren, Paisley Jo and Briar Rose. Also surviving is a son-in-law, Michael Antony. Judi was preceded in death by her daughter, Lisa Larkin. She was also preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Helen Edna Hively; three adult brothers, Jerry Lee, Jean Glenn and Lewis Edward Baucom and four infant brothers, Kenneth Eugene, Marion Dwayne, Lloyd Noel and Jackie William Baucom.

Graveside services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, September 8th at the Fairview Cemetery north of Fulton, Kansas. Services 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.

CALVIN W. “JOE” BARR

Calvin Wesley “Joe” Barr, 82, of Fort Scott, passed away Saturday, September 5, 2026, at the Nevada Regional Medical Center. He was born in Fort Scott on December 30, 1943, the son of Preston Lafayette and Dorothy Lavella Pottorf Barr. He married Rita A. Keating on May 29, 1965, in Fulton, Kansas; she survives, of the home.

Joe served in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1964. He worked for 3M in Nevada for 22 years. He was an active member of the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.

In addition to his wife, Rita, he is survived by two sons, Brent Barr of Wichita, Kansas and Darren Barr of Fort Scott, and two sisters, Charlene and her husband John Keating and Charlotte and her husband Alan Stewart, 4 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Darel Barr, and a sister, Marita Bigelow.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church with Father Yancey Burgess, Celebrant. Rosary and Visitation will be at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

The family suggests memorial contributions to St. Mary’s Catholic School. Donations 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.

Charles Wesley Lee

Charles W. Lee, 85, of Redfield, passed away Monday, August 31, 2026, at the Aspire Senior Living. He was born in Redfield, August 11, 1941, the son of James and Mildred Samuel Lee. He married Carolyn Daisey Estle on August 23, 1964, in Kansas City, Missouri.

He served in the U.S. Navy for four years. He worked for Peerless Industries for several years.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn, of the home. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Mick Lee, and a sister, Barbara.

Graveside services will be held at 2PM on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Mount Orum Cemetery near Redfield with Jeff Feagins officiating. Services are under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Shirley Jean Burcham, age 90, of Fort Scott passed away Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, KS surrounded by her loved ones. She was born May 15, 1936, in Hepler, KS to Warren (Fay) Wheeler and Dorothy (Lorene) Barker Wheeler. She grew up in the Hiattville, Kansas and Bartlesville, Oklahoma areas, and then moved to Fort Scott with her family where she finished her schooling. She was involved in many activities including band, girls’ basketball, and Civil Air Patrol, graduating high school in 1954. She married Robert Burcham on March 19, 1954, and they made their home and raised a family in Fort Scott for the next 62 years. Shirley worked for Whiteside’s IGA, Key Industries, and was a school secretary at Winfield Scott Elementary School, where she retired in 1995. Shirley and Bob took care of grandkids for several years after that. In her spare time, she enjoyed gardening, sewing, knitting, crocheting, genealogy, watching college and professional sports, and her favorite crime dramas and gospel shows on RFD-TV.

Survivors include a son Eric Burcham (Mary) and a daughter Chris Comstock (Rick) of Fort Scott; four grandchildren, Michael Burcham (Kira) of Decatur, GA; Amber Hunziker (Ryan) of Fort Scott; Hayley Crowder (Landon) of Springfield, MO; and Chase Comstock of Phoenix, AZ; four great-granddaughters, Cadence, Camrie, Kiptyn, and Keatyn Hunziker of Fort Scott. Also surviving are a brother Fletcher Wheeler and sister Cynthia Post of Fort Scott; sisters-in-law Phyllis Wheeler of Onamia, MN and Lynne Wheeler of Fort Scott; four nieces and four nephews, and several great nieces and great nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bob, brothers Jerry Wheeler and Rex Wheeler, sisters-in-law Kay Wheeler and Fran Burcham, brother-in-law Jack Burcham, and nephews DeWayne Post and Joshua Wheeler.

The family will receive friends at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, September 9th at the Cheney Witt Chapel with Eastern Star Services at 11:15 A.M. Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct funeral services at 11:30 A.M. and burial will follow in the U.S. National Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society 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.

Helen Mae Secrest, age 102, passed away Sunday, August 30, 2026, in Mt. Vernon, Missouri. She was born on January 9, 1924, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Earl D. Sumpter and Florence Marie Ward Sumpter.

Helen grew up in Ft. Scott and was united in marriage to Carl William Secrest on January 29, 1944. Together, Helen and Carl built a life centered around family, hard work, faith, and caring for others.

From an early age, Helen was employed by Key Work Clothes, where she began as a seamstress and worked her way up to supervisor. She retired after 40 years of dedicated service to the company. Sewing remained an important part of Helen’s life long after the workday ended. She lovingly made clothes for her daughter and grandchildren—and even clothes for their dolls. She also enjoyed quilting, creating pieces that reflected the care and patience she brought to so many things in her life.

Above all, Helen was devoted to her family. She loved without distinction—whether someone joined her family by birth or by marriage, they were simply family, and she loved each one the same. She had a way of making everyone feel welcomed, cared for, and equally loved. Her family was at the heart of her life.

Caring for family and others was important to both Helen and Carl. They often worked side by side, taking care of their grandchildren and sharing the everyday responsibilities of family life. While living in Ft. Scott, they were members of First Baptist Church and gave their time to various church and community projects, including helping at the Beacon food and clothing pantry.

In 1996, Helen and Carl moved to Springfield, Missouri, to be closer to their family. After moving to Springfield, they became members of Bois D’Arc United Methodist Church.

Helen is survived by her daughter, Peggy Uttinger of Springfield; three grandchildren, Terri Manley of Mt. Vernon, Missouri, Lisa Neubauer (Brent) of Olathe, Kansas, and Toni Felt (Rusty) of Ft. Scott, Kansas; eight great-grandchildren, Taylor Manley, Austin (Hallee) Manley, Nathan Uttinger, Trenton (Jacie) Uttinger, Jerod (Tracie) Felt, Jordan (Kory) Harding, Colton Manley and Grayson Manley; and eleven great-great-grandchildren, Brady and Tucker Felt, Karoline and Karrington Harding, Ryan Austin, Kinley Ballard, Mason and Adelyn Uttinger, Ava Manley, Larmee and Laken Manley; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Carl, on January 1, 2011; her son-in-law, Ray Uttinger; grandson, Jeff Uttinger; two sisters, Katherine Ruhl and Wilma Parks; and brother, Jim Sumpter.

Helen’s 102 years were filled with family, faith, hard work, and a lifetime of caring for others. Her greatest legacy is the family she loved so completely. The love, kindness, and devotion she gave throughout her long life will be carried on through the many generations of her family. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, September 3, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U.S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday at 11:00 a.m., prior to the service at the chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s 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 also be submitted to the online guestbook at Cheney Witt.

Lawrence Julius Vann, age 98, a longtime resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.

Born September 21, 1927, in Harding, Kansas, Lawrence was the youngest son of Johnson Vann and Agnes Willard Vann and one of thirteen children.

Lawrence married Eunice Sullivan on October 11, 1976, in LaCygne, Kansas. Together, they built a life grounded in faith, family, and service.

Lawrence held various jobs throughout his life but spent most of his career as an X-ray technician at Mercy Hospital. A longtime member of Mount Olive Church of God in Christ, he faithfully served as a Deacon. His devotion to God was evident in the way he lived, treated others, and encouraged his family.

Lawrence enjoyed football, especially his Kansas City Chiefs, attending games as far back as the team’s years at Municipal Stadium and even preseason games with family at age 94. He also enjoyed WWE wrestling, sitting on his front porch, reading his Bible, and spending time with family.

That familiar front porch is captured in a timeless black-and-white portrait featured in Fort Scott Stories: A Two-Volume Tribute to Gordon Parks’ 1950—Fort Scott Revisited & Paris Bureau Assignments for LIFE Magazine, where Lawrence was recognized at 97 as Fort Scott’s oldest African American resident.

Known for his kind, agreeable, and godly demeanor, Lawrence’s quiet strength, faith, and wisdom touched family, friends, and members of the local and surrounding communities.

He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Pam Johnson (James), Cheryl Tucker (Michael), and Gary Floyd (Norma); several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, church family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnson and Agnes Vann; his twelve siblings; his son, Terrance Floyd (Donna); and his grandson, Quindale Floyd.

Lawrence’s homegoing marks the end of an era for his family, but his words of wisdom and faith live on. Among his familiar reminders were: “Don’t hang on; you may let go. Hold on!” And simply: “Look up!”

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.

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.