Category Archives: Obituary

Obituary of Albert Eshelbrenner Sr.

Albert Horace Eshelbrenner, Sr., age 100, resident of Frontenac, KS, died Thursday, June 18, 2020, at Medicalodge of Frontenac.

He was born December 8, 1919, in Ft. Scott, KS, the son of Carl W. Eshelbrenner, Sr. and Sophia Leitz Eshelbrenner. He graduated from Fort Scott high school with the class of 1939.

He served in the U. S. Army Air Force during WWII.

He married Mildred A. Pirnat on February 13, 1946, in Ft. Scott.

She preceded him in death on November 12, 1999.

Albert worked from 1946 until 1970 in the family business at Ft. Scott Packing House then for Mercy Hospital until his retirement.

He was a past Grand Knight and lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus 3rd degree and Commodore Barry General as 4th degree Knights of Columbus.

He was a lifetime member of the Olson Frary Burkhart Post #1165 V.F.W. and served on the honor guard. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge and UTC.

Survivors include two sons, Albert H. Eshelbrenner, Jr. and wife Linda, and Richard J. Eshelbrenner; two daughters, Barbara Hagood and husband John, and Rosemary Ballweber and husband Eric; a brother, Robert B. Eshelbrenner and wife Barbara; a sister, Helen Harper; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and one on the way; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Carl, Jack, and Bill Eshelbrenner; four sisters, Betty Scott, Esther Hopkins, Joan Mills, and Mary Sue O’Keefe; a daughter-in-law, Carol Eshelbrenner; a grandson, David Ballweber; and his parents.

The mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 AM Tuesday, June 23rd, at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, Ft. Scott.

Private family burial will take place later in the U. S. National Cemetery.

The Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 PM Monday at the Church with Knights of Columbus service following.

Memorials are suggested to either Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church or V.F.W. Post #1165 and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary of Alpha Culbertson

Alpha Louise Culbertson, 59, of Fort Scott, passed away Wednesday evening, June 17, 2020 at her daughter’s home in Wichita, Kansas. She was born December 31, 1960 in Nevada, Missouri, the daughter of Bennie Curtis and Nettie Ruth (Turner) Culbertson. She married Jonathan Money August 30, 2013.

Alpha attended Fort Scott schools and graduated from Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1979. She was not only an incredible mother and friend, she was also a very gifted artist. Alpha worked for the City of Fort Scott as a Codes Enforcement Officer. Her caring nature, positivity and smile were always contagious by those around.

She is survived by daughter, Danielle Cooper of Wichita, Kansas, and sister, Sheila Fox of Arma, Kansas.

She was preceded in death by her parents and daughter, Jessica Arens.

Funeral arrangements for Alpha L. Culbertson are incomplete and will be announced later by the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge and may be sent to, or left in the care of, the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Obituary of Kevin Stancer

Kevin Earl Stancer, age 71, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, June 15, 2020, at his home.

He was born January 2, 1949, in Centralia, Washington, the son of Earl E. Stancer and Lorest P. LaBrue Stancer.

Kevin graduated from the Ft. Scott High School.

He later served with the United States Army during the Vietnam War.  He later transferred to the Kansas Army National Guard 1st/127th FA Unit based out of Pleasanton, Kansas where he served as Staff Sargent for Communications.

Kevin married Carolyn Jean Cash on August 24, 1974, in Ft. Scott.

Kevin worked for several years doing highway maintenance for the Kansas Department of Transportation.

He was a faithful member of the Community of Christ Church.

A special thank you is extended to all the healthcare workers, family and friends who have helped with Kevin’s care over the years.

 

Survivors include his son, Terry Tarter, of Ft. Scott.

Kevin’s wife, Carolyn, preceded him in death on May 27, 2020.  He was also preceded in death by his parents.

 

Robert Clark will conduct a private graveside service on Friday, June 19th at the U. S. National Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Community of Christ 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.

Obituary of Yvette Nelson

Yvette Nelson, age 89, was born May 13, 1931, to the late Albert P. and Bonnie Dale Wilson and went home to be with the Lord Saturday, June 13, 2020, at West Ridge Assisted Living.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Bro. Gene Nelson; and brother, Albert “Sonny” Wilson.

She married Gene Nelson on March 20, 1951, in Arkansas. She worked for the Western Insurance Company and served alongside her husband as a pastor’s wife at Bethel Community Church and then Xenia Baptist Church for 27 years.  She was a loving wife, devoted mother, faithful friend, and godly mentor who made a difference in every life she touched.

Survivors include three children, Richette Shireman and husband, Doug, Walnut, KS, Sandy Haas and husband, Ron, Birmingham, AL, and Rod Nelson and wife, Bev, Fort Scott, KS; 10 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, with one on the way, and sisters, Bonita Holman and Anita Davis

Pastor Thad Endicott will conduct graveside services at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 17 at the Uniontown Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Xenia Baptist Missions 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.

Obituary Of Robert Piotrowski

Robert Paul “Pete” Piotrowski, age 89, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, June 13, 2020, at the Country Place Senior Living Facility in Ft. Scott, Kansas.

He was born August 8, 1930, in Ft. Scott, the son of George Francis Piotrowski and Margaret Chambers Piotrowski.

He attended St. Mary’s Catholic Grade School where he was taught by the nuns.  He went on to Ft. Scott High School.

It was here that one of his high school coaches decided “Piotrowski” was just too long of a name to yell and he was given the nickname “Pete”.  He graduated from Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 1948.

He joined the Army Reserve out of high school.  Pete graduated from Ft. Scott Junior College in 1950.  He received a teaching certificate and went on to teach at Hard Pan country school.  In 1953, he was called into active duty, and was stationed in Germany.  He was honorably discharged from the United States Army in 1955.

Following his service with the military, Pete married Lula Mae Groner on June 6, 1959, at St. Paul, Kansas.

Pete’s father, George, started the family business just before Pete joined the military.  While overseas, Pete would send his paychecks home to help with the investment known as Sunflower Supply.  Sunflower was a successful wholesale tobacco and candy company that was home to the Piotrowski family for over forty-five years.

In the 70’s, while still working the family business, Pete decided to take on a full-time rural mail carrier position.  He hauled the mail for over thirty years.  He was the mailman that always carried gum with him, kids on the route quickly learned this and would always meet him at the mailbox.

After retiring from hauling mail and selling the family business, Pete enjoyed his farm outside of town.  He had a garden, fruit trees, some ponds for fishing and a place for all his family to hang out and call home.  Pete and Lou turned into Wendy’s Restaurant and Donut Shop regulars where they would meet their good friends for many years.

Pete and Lou were active members of Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and volunteered regularly.  Pete and Lou shared their Catholic faith with their family, and they loved to hear the St. Mary’s Children’s Choir sing at the masses.

 

Survivors include his three children, Patricia Lou West and husband, Terry, Robert Jason Piotrowski and wife, Julie and Mary Paula Younggren and husband, Mike, all of Ft. Scott; seven grandchildren, Chrystal West Cowan (Josh), Ashlee Piotrowski Ludwig (Taylor), Gregory Piotrowski, Kayla West Collins (JD), Heather Rickerson Chavis (Josh), Emilee Piotrowski (Zach), and Casey Rickerson Proctor (Travis); and twelve great-grandchildren, Emmah Ludwig, Raylee Cowan, Eli Ludwig, Laramee James, Jace Cowan, Cheyann Collins, Caroline Proctor, Hayes Collins, Jackson Proctor, Kaislee Brittain, Theodore Chavis, and Rother Collins with one more great-grandson on the way.

Pete’s wife, Lou, preceded him in death on January 22, 2018.  He was also preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Bernard Francis Piotrowski, and a half-brother, George Alan Pirie.

 

Father Yancey Burgess will conduct the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 A.M. Thursday, June 18th at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church.

Burial with military honors will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

The Rosary will be recited at 6:30 P.M. Wednesday evening at the Church.

Visitation will follow from 7:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the Church.  Memorials are suggested to the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church or the St. Mary’s Catholic School 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.

Obituary of James Hill

James Otis Hill, age 80, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Saturday, June 13, 2020, at Medicalodge of Ft. Scott.

He was born January 23, 1940, in Ft. Scott, the son of Drexel and Ruth Roy Hill.

From a youth, he enjoyed playing games with the neighborhood kids and working on anything with a motor. He attended Ft. Scott public schools then Wichita electronic school.

He worked as a machinist in the U. S. Army while stationed in France.

Through the years he worked at MO-KAN Drive-In, Ft. Cablevision, Fox Theatre, and various other Ft. Scott businesses.

He loved animals, kids, seeing God’s country by car and with friends on many motorcycle trips. He also loved taking pictures.

James never met a stranger and loved to visit. James lived his entire life in Ft. Scott, being blessed to live at Medicalodge his last 3 years.

Thank you to Lynette Emmerson and the entire Medicalodge family for helping James feel at home.

Survivors include many cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by a sister, Charlotte, and his parents.

Graveside services will take place at 2:00 PM Monday, June 22nd, in the Barnesville Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to either Ronald McDonald House or Medicalodge Activity Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701.

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

Obituary of Glenn Isaac

Glenn Galen Isaac, 86, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died on Friday, June 12, 2020, at Country Place Assisted Living.

He was born to Glenn Charles Isaac and Thelma Charlaine Weathers Isaac in Kansas City, KS, on August 11, 1933.

Galen married Iva Jean Isaac, and they were blessed with six children. He later married Shirley Ann Isaac on March 22, 1985.

Galen graduated from Elsmore High School in 1951, where he was salutatorian of his class. After high school, he briefly worked in Ohio on a pipeline construction job before being drafted in 1956.

While in the Army, he served in Japan.

He spent most of his working career owning and operating his own trucking company. From 1987 to 1994, he served as an instructor in the Driver Transportation Program at FSCC. Then he moved to Texas to work with his eldest son in his cabinet building company. In 1999, he returned to Kansas to retire, but he occasionally helped his middle son with his landscaping business and transporting cars for Shephard Team Auto Plaza. He enjoyed driving the open highway and visiting with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Galen is survived by two sisters, Priscilla Sellers, Ft. Scott, and Miriam and Forest Tennant, West Covina, CA; five children, Steve and Kimberly (Isaac) Irby, Holiday Island, AR, Randall and Kelly (Isaac) Goss of Jasper, AR, Barry and Frankie Isaac, Pittsburg, KS, Mike and Tammy (Isaac) Townsend, Fort Scott, and Cody Isaac, Mission, KS; 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Galen was preceded in death by his father and mother, his brother Eldon Isaac, his wife Shirley Isaac, and one son Randall Isaac.

Private family burial will take place in Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary of Charles Lee Clark

Charles Lee  Clark

Charles Lee Clark, age 83, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, June 9, 2020, at his home in Ft. Scott.

He was born June 22, 1936, in Ft. Scott, the son of Guy Clark and Minnie May Majors Clark.

Charles graduated from the Hume High School. He married Nina L. Orear on May 17, 1955, at the family farm near Foster, Missouri. Charles served with the United States Air Force from 1955 to 1958 where he was stationed in Germany. Following his military service, Charles was employed by the Johnson County Water Department. He later owned and operated his own dairy east of Hammond, Kansas, for many years. After retiring from the dairy business in the mid-1980’s, Charles began working for the Ft. Scott Water Department and later for the Bourbon County Landfill.

Charles enjoyed spending time outdoors and looking after his horse. He was a member of the West Liberty United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his son, Anthony Clark and wife, Linda, of Lebanon, Missouri and his daughter, Lozana Zimmerman, of Pittsburg, Kansas.

His wife, Nina, preceded him in death on November 8, 2010. He was also preceded in death by a son-in-law, John Zimmerman and three brothers, Joe, Kenneth and Gene Clark.

There was cremation.

Private burial will take place at a later date in the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to the West Liberty United Methodist Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary of Ellis Lee Beth

Ellis Lee Beth, age 95, resident of rural Ft. Scott, KS, died June 10, 2020, at his home. He was born February 21, 1925, in Ft. Scott, the son of Clifton and Edna White Beth. He graduated from Fulton Kansas High School in 1943. He lived his entire life as a farmer in the West Liberty community. He accepted Jesus Christ as his savior at an early age. He loved fishing, golfing, bowling, square dancing, sports, and spending time with family. He was always willing to offer a helping hand. He married his high school sweetheart, Catherine Costin, on November 12, 1944. They celebrated their 75th Anniversary in 2019.

Survivors include his wife Catherine of the home; two daughters, Marilyn Sipe and husband John, and Marsha Bell and husband Doug; a sister, Carol Jean Smith; a brother, Albert Beth and wife Jan; a daughter-in-law, Sandra Beth; grandchildren, Shana and Mike Emerson, Clifton and Whitney Beth, Beth Ann and Casey Alexander, Catherine Bell and Nick Sterner, and Elizabeth and Ray Berrens; and great grandchildren, Cali, Nick and Austin Emerson, Ella and Carter Beth, Isaac and Eli Alexander, Bryn and Claire Sterner, and Kiya Berrens. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Cathy Lee, a son, Darrel Beth; and a brother Merle Dean Beth.

There was cremation. Private family burial with take place at a later date in the West Liberty Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary of Dale James

Dale C. James, age 87, resident of Kemah, TX, died Wednesday, April 1, 2020, at Afton Oaks Nursing Home in Houston, TX, from chronic respiratory failure.

He was born June 16, 1932, in Crawford County, KS, the son of Kenneth and Jessie Coonrod James. After graduation from Arcadia High School, he served two years in the U. S. Army. Dale worked for the Western Insurance Company until retirement in 1990, then moved to Texas. Dale was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the American Legion for over 65 years.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Sue Herrill James; one daughter, Kelly Singer; one granddaughter, Autumn Singer; and four great-grandchildren, Davin, Hailey and Daniel Sanford, and Payton Broach.

He was preceded in death by a brother, and his parents.

There was cremation.

Private graveside services will take place Tuesday, June 16th, in the U. S. National Cemetery, Ft. Scott.

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

Obituary of Larry Tinsley

Lawrence K. (Larry) Tinsley, 63, of Fort Scott, passed away Monday morning, June 8, 2020 at his home.

He was born on June 9, 1956 in Overland Park, KS the son of Lawrence O. and Jacqueline (Day) Tinsley. He grew up in the Overland Park and Paola, KS area and attended schools there.

He served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War era from 1973 to 1975 and a member of the American Legion.

He graduated from Pittsburg State University (Welding) in 1982.

He enjoyed living life, bowling, reading, gardening, watching TV, and fishing.

Known to his family as Larry, LT, and Papa Larry/LT. Most of all he loved his family and enjoyed calling, texting, and visiting with them when well. He lived his life loving and was loved.


Larry is survived by his wife, Mary of the home, a brother: Mark and wife Cindy Tinsley of Paola, Kansas, a son, Michael and wife, Kayla Tinsley of Fort Scott and a daughter, Raechelle Tinsley of Rancho Cucamonga, California, grandchildren, Maggie, Kailen, Tesla, and Deacon, his aunt Charlotte and husband, Gary Earley, brothers/sisters In-Law: Vincent (Evelyn) Morales, Virginia (Tom) Moody, Christopher (Estella) Morales, Martha (Dennis) Miller, Abigail (Randy) Berning. As well as, several close loving relatives including: aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and large extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by, his grandparents, parents, and brother, Randall James (Randy) Tinsley.

Rev. James Collins, Chaplain of Post #25, American Legion will conduct Graveside Funeral Services for Lawrence K. Tinsley, 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 12, 2020 at the Fort Scott National Cemetery with the American Legion and the V.F.W. Post #1165 coordinating the Military Honors.

Attendance will be limited and social distancing rules still apply.

Masks are required and are not supplied by the cemetery.

The Family suggests memorials to the American Legion Post #25, donations may be sent to or left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Obituary of Vicky Hawkins

Vicky Sue Hawkins, age 56, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, May 30, 2020, at the Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas.  She was born July 3, 1963, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Albert Richard Hawkins and Clara May Love Hawkins.  Vicki graduated from the Ft. Scott High School and received training as a CNA.  She had worked for over thirty years at Mercy Hospital in Ft. Scott.  She loved taking care of people and her family.  She often babysat for family and friends.  She also cared for all kinds of animals.  Vicky enjoyed watching the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs and the KU Jayhawks.

 

Survivors include her son, Dustin Hawkins, of Ft. Scott and a brother, Tim Hawkins, Sr. and wife, Cheryl also of Ft. Scott.  Also surviving are three nieces, Kayla Hill, Darcy Hawkins, and Shelby Hawkins and two nephews, Tim Hawkins, Jr. and Donathan Hawkins; and great-nieces and great-nephews, Landon, Donavan, Maylynn, Morgyn, Laney, Lane, Sadie Sebastian, Izzy and Annistyn.  She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Rick Hawkins.

 

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, June 4th at the Maple Grove Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.