Timothy Edward Phillips, age 37, made it through the checkered flag on November 14th, 2024, as he raced his way into Heaven’s gates. Born June 18, 1987, to Kenny Edward Phillips, Jr. and Tammy Ann (Harper) Phillips, he resided in the rural Fort Scott area his entire life. Timmy graduated from Uniontown High School in 2005 and was employed by Timken (formally Carlisle) for 19.5 years.

Although he frequented many different tracks, on any given Friday or Saturday night, you could find Timmy at Humboldt or Nevada Speedway with his family in the stands and his dad Kenny by his side. He had many hobbies to occupy his time including gaming, drawing, duck hunting and fishing. Timmy loved his family with everything he had and lived for racing his girls, and nephews around the field in the RAZR and hosting Sunday dinners where he would show off his smoking or grilling skills, introducing more new recipes than they could keep track of.

Tim leaves behind the love of his life, Jami Morgan, and their beautiful girls, Kenzi and Rylee. Tim is also survived by his parents, Kenny and Tammy Phillips, a sister, Kennda (Curtis) Major, nephews, Kason and Kipp Major; grandpa, Kenny Phillips, Sr. and Jami’s parents, Karen and Steve Brumback, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Tim was preceded in death by grandparents, Sue Cannon, Melvin Harper and Bonnie Phillips, great-grandmother, Cathern Smith and a close cousin, Hunter Kovacic.

Timmy’s life will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, November 21st at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Centerville Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Wednesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Phillips Education Fund for Kenzi and Rylee 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.

Harry Lee Meek, age 81, resident of Fort Scott, KS died Sunday, November 17, 2024, at his home.  He was born July 27, 1943, in Fort Scott, the son of Frank and Virginia “Tootie” Poyner Meek.  Harry graduated from Richards, MO high school.  He married Bonnie Mann in 1969 in Nevada, MO.  They later divorced.

Harry worked for 60-plus years for Maceli Music Company.  He loved every Thursday traveling to bars on his route, repairing pool tables and jukebox machines.  In his spare time, he could be seen cruising through town in his truck.  He enjoyed 50s and 60s music and Western movies, especially John Wayne.  Harry was a generous man, willing to help anyone in need.

Survivors include two daughters, Cindy Marsh and Lisa Meek, both of Fort Scott; 4 grandchildren, Tyler, Tanner, and Courtney Meek, and Fernando “Ponch” Arellano; a brother, Charlie Meek (Helen), Richards, MO; a sister, Brenda Budd (Albert), Nevada, MO; ex-wife Bonne Meek, Fort Scott; an aunt, Martha Cook, Fort Scott; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a son, Curtis Meek; a granddaughter, Remington Rose Meek; a brother, Tom Meek; and his parents.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Thursday evening November 21^st, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Cremation will follow.

Memorial donations are suggested to the Harry Lee Meek Memorial 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.

Karl E. Umphenour, 84, of Fort Scott, passed away at his home on Wednesday morning, November 13, 2024. He was born on July 22, 1940, in Vernon County, Missouri, the son of Roy Ellsworth Umphenour and Lottie Belle (Kleitz) Umphenour. He married Sharon Kathleen Erie on April 25, 1959, in Fulton, Kansas. She preceded him in death on January 8, 2013.

Karl had a passion for sports. He loved watching any sport whether it be on TV or in person. Karl consistently attended his kids and grandkids’ sporting events. He loved cheering them on.

Karl is survived by his children, Shawn Umphenour, of Fort Scott, Karla Mullis and Brock, of Butler, Missouri, Brian Umphenour and Karen, of Moundville, Missouri, Krista Hope and Danny, of Nevada, Missouri, Eric Umphenour and Jennifer, of Pleasanton, Kansas, and Kyla Marchant and Reggie, of Lovell, Arkansas; a brother, David Umphenour, of Carson City, Nevada; a sister, Kay Vaughn, of Camdenton, Missouri; fourteen grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife Sharon, Karl was also preceded in death by his parents.

Pastor Steve Russ will officiate funeral services for Karl at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, with burial following at the St. Michael’s Cemetery, in Fulton, Kansas.

The family will receive friends Monday evening November 18, 2024, 6-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Tri-Valley Developmental Services 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.

Our Beloved, Debora Kay Roberts, born on May 18, 1960, in Lamar, Missouri as Debora Kay Walbuesser, formerly known as, Debbie (Madison), of Fort Scott, Kansas. Presently married to Paul Roberts since April 2008. Debbie quietly passed away after a long, hard battle with cancer on November 6, 2024.

She graduated from El Dorado Springs R-11 High School May 24, 1978.

Debbie spent her career as a claims processor for several different insurance companies, as they passed through Fort Scott.

Debbie loved life, full of energy, beautiful smile and twinkle in her pretty blue eyes, you could see the sincerity that she had when she interacted with others. A-bit of a little spitfire, in that small package, to be sure.

She dearly loved the outdoors, nature, gardening flowers (roses and hydrangea) and her Shih-Tzu puppy ‘Jasper’ and fishing.

Debbie is survived by her husband, Paul Roberts, her son Justin Madison, her daughter Amber Madison and her grandchildren Conner, Caden ,Cadence of Justin and Trinity of Amber, all of Fort Scott.

Memorial service will held at the home, 915 S Judson, Ft. Scott, Friday, November 22, 2024 at 2:30 PM Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park of Joplin, MO.

Betty Jean Tucker, age 92, a resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, met Jesus face to face on November 13, 2024, after battling Parkinson’s Disease the last several years. She was born August 18, 1932, in Splitlog, Missouri, the first child of Arzy “Lee” and Elsie Chandler Bergen. She was joined by brothers Richard Lee, Gerald, and Dennis. She grew up in the Splitlog community with her loving family, then moved to Gravette, Arkansas, to attend high school at Gravette Holiness Bible School. It was there that she met James “David” Tucker, and they were married on June 27, 1951, in Neosho, Missouri. Together, they raised their 6 children while pastoring churches in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, California, and Missouri.

Betty’s family always came first. She was a loving mother, and worked hard to care for her children while  David was away as a traveling evangelist. Despite being a busy pastor’s wife, and having several small children, she began taking college courses at Fort Scott Community College. She went on to graduate from Pittsburg State University with a degree in Education. One of Betty’s favorite titles was “Teacher.” Her teaching career spanned 39 years and several schools, primarily Fort Scott Christian Heights and El Dorado Christian School. She was a gifted educator and influenced countless students through the years.

Betty had a green thumb, and loved to work outside with her flowers and vegetable garden. She maintained this hobby into her late-80’s. She loved to can and preserve the bounty of her labor.

Betty was always busy. She worked hard in everything she did. She shared the love of Jesus with everyone she met, both in her words and in her actions. She and David had a special love, and were often found holding hands. She has missed him desperately since his passing in 2021, and we find comfort in knowing that they are together again, worshiping at the feet of Jesus, Whom they loved so well.

Betty will be lovingly remembered by her family, including sons Roger (Genie) Tucker of Independence, Missouri, Mark (Brenda) Tucker,  Joe (Belinda) Tucker, daughter-in-law Carolyn Tucker, all of Fort Scott, and daughter Kerri (Kirk) Bland of El Dorado Springs, Missouri; her grandchildren: Jonathan, Jessica, Johanna, Jennifer, Whitney, Bethany, Mariam, Aaron, Landon, Jayce, Dakota, TJ, Kasi, Alyson, Joely, Monica, and Miles, and numerous great-grandchildren, that she loved so much. She is also survived by her brother, Dennis (Charlene) Bergen of Splitlog, Missouri, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Awaiting her arrival in Heaven were her husband David, son, Jimmy, and daughter, Carma; her parents, Lee and Elsie, and brothers Richard Lee and Gerald, along with a host of family and friends. Betty lived her life prepared for eternity. She finished her race well.

Rev. Dennis Bergen and Rev. Kyle Rogers will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Following services, a graveside service will be held at 3:30 PM at the Banner Nazarene Church in Splitlog, Missouri. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 PM on Tuesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to Fort Scott Christian Heights School or El Dorado Christian School, and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main Street or PO Box 347, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Kent Eugene Mitchell, age 91, resident of Zionsville, IN passed away Sunday, Nov 10, 2024, at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, IN. He was born and raised in Ft Scott, KS graduating from Ft Scott High School in 1952.

Kent did AF ROTC and belonged to the Delta Tau Delta house at Kansas University graduating in 1956. Kent joined the Air Force and flew the F-86 fighter and T-33 Shooting Star. Kent married in 1961 and was a proud father 5 short years later of 3.  In 1966 he relocated the family to the highlight of his career at Hickam AFB, Hawaii. Here he would enjoy 4 years of tropical paradise. Kent chose Richards-Gabauer AFB in Belton, MO as his last duty assignment. This brought him back to his beloved home state of Kansas.

He would raise his family here, get a job as a Commerce Bank investment banker, and stay in Kansas City for the next 53 years.

Kent had really three all-consuming passions:

Running. He ran 79 marathons, starting at the age of 57, including at least one in every state and all seven continents, including Antarctica. On his 60th birthday, he went to the track at JUCO and ran 60 miles to “celebrate.”

Sports, He was absolutely obsessed with the Kansas Jayhawks, Chiefs and Royals. He played a plethora of sports and LOVED to compete.

And lastly family. His last and most important passion was his love and complete devotion to 10 people in his life, his mother Mary Sue, his three children, Sue, Matt and David and six grandchildren Julie, Hannah, Morgan, Audrey, Trevor and Griffin.

Kent was the only child of Ralph (went by Mitch) and Mary Sue Mitchell. Kent was a devout Christian. He is now in heaven with Jesus and His Angels.

He will be terribly and sorely missed by us all.

Rev. Christopher Eshelman will conduct funeral services at 12:30 PM Friday, November 15^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS.  Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery in Fort Scott.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

William Thomas Wiggans, age 75, resident of Fort Scott, KS died Monday, November 11, 2024, at Mercy Hospital, Pittsburg, KS.  He was born June 25, 1949, in Kansas City, MO the son of Ralph and Mabel Endicott Wiggans.

Tom worked for various businesses in Fort Scott including Bruce Marble and Granite, Peerless, and lastly Walmart for 17 years until his retirement.

In his spare time, he enjoyed making flower bouquets, collectibles, attending dirt track races, paint-by-numbers, and his dog Roland.

Survivors include two brothers, Lyle Wiggans (Jerrie), Kansas City, MO, and Donnie Wiggans, Nevada, MO; a sister, Carolyn Arbagast, Pittsburg, KS; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Polly Watkins and Loretta Malone; and his parents.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 4:00 on Sunday November17^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Cremation will follow.  Private family interment will be later in the Large Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Shriner’s Transportation 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.

Ruth Maxine Larsen Burchett passed away peacefully on her 89th birthday on Friday, November 8, 2024, surrounded by loved ones! She was born November 8, 1935, in Richards, Missouri, the daughter of George Christian and Myrtle Elizabeth (Schnedler) Larsen.

Ruth was first a mother, but she did have several jobs in the business field. Most notably, she worked at Western Insurance in Fort Scott and State Street in Kansas City, Missouri.

Ruth had a hunger for knowledge and bettering herself as a person. One of her accomplishments in life includes earning an associate degree at Fort Scott Community College while raising six daughters. She may be the only person that has read the Webster’s Dictionary more than once. This pastime came in handy as she did crossword puzzles in her spare time.

Ruth was an avid Chiefs and Royals fan getting to attend a winning World Series game in 2015. Ruth did not let her shy personality hold her back – she learned how to swim and tried water skiing as an adult. She also learned how to snow ski as a 50+ grandma! But that may have been more about getting the good-looking ski patrol to help her down the mountain!

She loved to travel to the many places her children lived because she absolutely loved spending time with family.

For exercise, Ruth loved walking and loved taking care of her many flowers. She was a woman that loved the outdoors! Ruth loved the Lord and encouraged all her daughters to be women of faith.

Ruth will be lovingly missed by her children, Vicki (Robert) Kerley of Ozark, Missouri; Sherry (Roger) Kellogg of Springfield, Missouri; Regina (Cameron) McAllister of Fort Scott, Kansas; Donna (Jim Jr) Banwart of Fort Scott, Kansas; Tonia (Mike) West of Norman, Oklahoma; and Trina (Kirk) Whitson of Clarksville, Tennessee; and 16 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, 10 great great grandchildren; her sister, Geraldine Neth and brother Charles “Buck” Larsen, both of Fort Scott. She was preceded in death by brothers Leonard Larsen and Raymond Larsen, and three sisters, Ruby O’Dell, Alice Gilkey, and Helen Larsen.

The family will hold private family services under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel. A private burial will be in White Cemetery, Richards, Missouri. Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association and may be left in the care of Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S Main, PO Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701.

Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Claude Franklin (Frank) Durossette, age 73, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away at his home on Thursday, November 7, 2024. He was born to Grover William Durossette and Maxine Lavon (Gibson) Durossette on December 17, 1950, in Fort Scott, Kansas. He married his best friend and the love of his life Ethel Mary (Michalek) Durossette on July 20, 1968.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Charles Franklin (Frankie) Durossette. Survivors include his wife Mary of the home; and children, William and Christi, Kevin and Autumn, and Melissa Durossette; 12 grandchildren, Josh (Tabatha), Jake (Kinsley), Cody (Kim), Wyatt, Sophie, Kasen, Cash, and Ellie Durossette, and Caleb Briggs; 5 great-grandchildren, Kinley, Kane, Kaizley, and Wilder Durossette, and Cutler Briggs; one brother Billy Gene (Shiela) Durossette, and sisters, Bonita (Ron) Jones, and Carolyn Lotterer, all of Fort Scott. And numerous nieces and nephews.

Frank loved to hunt and fish. He especially enjoyed weekend camping trips and get-togethers with his wife and family. He was a very caring person and always ready to help. He worked at Tower Metal Products for 27 years and at age 50 opened 3D Alternator and Starter Repair. He later added a mechanic shop with the help of his son, Frankie. He retired this year and spent most of his time working around the home, helping his wife babysit for the grandkids, and going on camping trips with the family. He loved spending time talking with his sons, Billy and Kevin and spending time with his wife.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Tuesday, November 12^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.co

Marilyn Fay Nuzum, age 91, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Thursday, November 7, 2024, at the Horton House, Fort Scott.  She was born May 16, 1933, in Vernon County, MO the daughter of William Dewey Ferguson and Leona Myra Dugan Ferguson.  Marilyn graduated from Arcadia High School with the class of 1951 as Valedictorian.

She worked and retired from the Western Insurance Company as an assistant supervisor of key punch.  She married Paul Nuzum on December 20, 1986, in Fort Scott.  He preceded her in death on December 19, 2009.

In her spare time, Marilyn enjoyed baking, tending her flowers, and her cat Laura.  She attended Parkway Church of God (Holiness).

Survivors include her sister, Jo Ann Goans, Fort Scott; a stepdaughter, Nancy Sivcovich (Ken), CA; and 3 step grandsons.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents.

Private family graveside services with burial will take place in the U. S. National Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Parkway Church of God (Holiness) and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.

Ruth Isabel (Evans) Jackson, 93, our beautiful mother went to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, October 30, 2024, at 12:50 p.m. at St. Luke’s East Hospital, Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Our plan was getting her back to her home on hospice. Instead, the Gates of Heaven opened up and the Angels began to sing as our mother reached her destiny, her eternal home, her loving father, God, awaiting her. The heavens lit up and the angels rejoiced!

Ruth was born May 2, 1931, in a small farm home that was built by her parents. She married Roy Clifford Jackson June 12, 1949. Ruth was married to Roy for seventy beautiful years, and celebrated their 70^th wedding anniversary on June 12, 2019. Roy passed in October of 2019.

Ruth and Roy were blessed with six children, fifteen grandchildren, twenty-nine great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Ruth is survived by her children, Pamela Sue Russell, Fort Scott, Connie Annette Jackson, also of Fort Scott, Gwendolyn Kay Norbury (Danny), Hume, Missouri, R. Mark Jackson (Lynette), Fort Scott, Brenda Leigh Denby, also of Fort Scott, and Jan Elaine Kierl, Mound City, Kansas.

We know that she was rejoined with her loving family that preceded her, our father Roy Clifford Jackson, her father and mother, Faye Irene (Bybee) Evans, Francis Raymond Evans, Sr.; a sister, Lois (Evans) Haynes Owings; and two brothers, Robert Evans and Junior Evans, and other loved ones she deeply missed.

Ruth remained on their farm north of Fort Scott. She loved living there and loved to fish with her kids and grandkids. She was a lifetime member of the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene, and often stated that “I was in my mother’s womb when I started going to church.” Her father helped to build the Nazarene church with his family members.

Ruth was a full-time homemaker, raising six kids and taking care of her husband. She also worked at Bruce Marble and Granite Works as an engraver, The Western Insurance Company, Mercy Hospital, and managed Hillside Guest Home, and then Home Health. She eventually retired to the family farm. Ruth enjoyed raising her children and seeing her grandchildren. They all gave her great joy!

Ruth was a devoted Christian, Christ-follower, and went to church every Sunday, taking her mother and family. She loved watching and listening to Jimmy Swaggart and many other Christian ministries in her later years.

Ruth was an artist. She loved writing poetry, and she loved painting and using clay to make her arts and crafts. She was very talented and artistic. She also loved cooking meals for her family. The whole family will have wonderful memories of huge family gatherings, especially the great 4^th of July picnics and barbeques. Thanksgiving and Christmas were always filled with lots of love and warmth. Ruth will always be remembered for her love for God, and her time spent with family, those were so very special to all of us.

As a child, Ruth went to school at the old Independence School House northeast of Fort Scott, where she walked to school every day in her clothes that her mother made out of “feed sacks,” in ice, sleet, and snow. Every Christmas Ruth and her sister received a doll and one pair of shoes for school to last a full year. Often shoes were plugged with material as they became worn out after a years wear. Lunch was a cold piece of fat on bread from the hog her dad raised.

Ruth helped her father and mother on the farm. She helped her father with the horses and heavy work in the hay fields during the hot summer months until harvest. She also helped raise her little brother Junior as her mother was always cooking and caring for the family. They also enjoyed trips to Redfield to see her grandparents.

Ruth was a very devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She wanted all of her family to know our creator, God. Well done, good and faithful servant of God! We will deeply miss our God-loving mother.

Trevor Jacobs will officiate funeral services at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 8, 2024, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

The family will welcome friends at 1:00 p.m. prior to services.

Ruth will be laid to rest at Oak Grove Cemetery immediately following services.

There will be a luncheon at Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene at 11:00 a.m.

Contributions may be made to the Ruth Jackson Memorial 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.