Donna Ruth Needham’s journey to our Lord ended peacefully on May 7, 2019, in Fort Scott, Kansas. Her journey began June 21, 1931, in Wichita, Kansas.

Donna was a graduate of Wichita North High School. She earned her B.S. in education at Pittsburg State University. There she was a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha and gained lifelong friends as she did everywhere she was. After teaching at Hutchinson High School (1954-1962), she moved to Fort Scott and began her teaching career at Cottey College. She earned her Master’s in Education at Pittsburg State University. She retired from Cottey as Professor Emerita in 1997. While there, she oversaw the physical education program and served as chair of the Social Science division. In 1996, Donna received the Missouri Governor’s Excellence in Teaching Award.

Donna focused on all things water-related! She taught synchronized swimming, competitive swimming, diving and water safety. She was especially skilled at working with those who feared the water. She was also a certified trainer for the American Red Cross. It was not uncommon to see Donna with her friends in her beloved boat on Fort Scott Lake where she loved to water ski and frequently taught others to water ski.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents Ray and Thelma (Warne) Needham, and her sister Faye Shogren.

Survivors include her nephew Michael Shogren (Debbie) of Wichita, Kansas, niece Donna Robbins (Kevin Fessman) of Derby, Kansas, nephew Scott Shogren (Wendy) of Wichita, Kansas, and numerous great-nieces and nephews.

Donna’s sense of humor, honesty, generosity and infectious laughter endeared her to everyone she met. She will be greatly missed by dear friends! She will be especially missed by Lisa Proctor of Nevada, Missouri, Karen Polon and Ed Hyde of Nevada, Missouri, Mary Ann Benage of Fort Scott, Kay Roberts of Columbia, Missouri, Becki and Kent Roberts of Fort Scott, and Janie Harrison of Conway, Arkansas. We are grateful for the care and comfort that she was given at Presbyterian Village.

Her faith and her church Mary Queen of Angels were the light in the darkness we call life.

Following cremation, the Rosary will be prayed at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, Fort Scott. 

Father Yancey Burgess will celebrate the funeral mass at 10:00 a.m. with burial following in the St. Mary’s Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

  Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School or Cottey College and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, PO Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Jack William Hixon, age 93, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Tuesday, May 7, 2019, at Via Christi Hospital, Pittsburg, KS.

He was born on January 31, 1926, in Redfield, KS, the son of Henry Lee and Clara Bernice Briggs Hixon. He married Edith Judy on January 15, 1949, in Ft. Scott.

Jack worked for Ray Shepherd Motors for over 40 years. When not working, he enjoyed fishing. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was a member of Grace Baptist Tabernacle.

Survivors include his wife Edith of over 70 years; a son, Fred Hixon and wife Susan; a daughter, Rebecca Zimmerman and husband Doyle, all of Ft. Scott; two granddaughters, Jennifer Clark and husband Jim, Girard, KS, and Jill Hensley and husband David, Ft. Scott; five great-grandchildren, Jack, Jill and J.D. Clark, and Cali and Carter Hensley; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Vern Hixon; two sisters, Ruth Brown and Lena Smith; and his parents.

Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Friday, May 10^th, at the Grace Baptist Tabernacle.

Burial will follow in the Mt. Orum Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Grace Baptist Tabernacle 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.

David Eugene Gonzales, age 63, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Saturday, May 4, 2019, at K.U. Medical Center.

He was born January 4, 1956, in Las Cruses, NM, the son of Mary Bellman. He lived in Ft. Scott since 1980. David had a larger than life smile and never met a stranger. His passion was God and family. He enjoyed country cruising and cutting others hair, usually for free. David loved life and made those around him feel valuable.

Survivors include two sons, Mikhail Gonzales and wife LaKeisha, and Jason Martinez and family, all of Ft. Scott; two daughters, Danica Gonzales, Gardner, KS, and Chasidy Sharp and husband Michael, Louisburg, KS; three brothers, Tudy Bernal and wife Maryann, Donnie Gonzales and wife Delores, and Michael Bellman, all of Las Cruses, NM; three sisters, Lisa Bernal, Rachel Flores and husband Eddie, and Christina Archuleta and husband Ruben, all of Las Cruses, NM; 12 grandchildren, Mannie, Mikiylah, Jalynn, Jeremiah, Hallie, Marcus, Marissa, Maxwell, Miya, Alexis, Alianise, and Anastasia; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother.

Rev. Matthew Hunt will conduct funeral services at 11:00 AM Thursday, May 9th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Dayton Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. Wednesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the David Gonzales Memorial Fund 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.

Ralph Edward “Pete” Barr, age 97, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Monday, May 06, 2019, at Medicalodge of Ft. Scott. He was born May 23,1921, in Ft. Scott, the son of Ed and Pearl Lowe Barr. Pete worked for the railroad early in his career before entering the service. He served in the Army during WWII. He married Mary Blanche Shankles on June 21, 1947, in Ft. Scott. She preceded him in death on October 4, 1997. He eventually began working for KG&E as a lineman and later as a sub station operator for a total of 36 years. He was a member of the IBEW union. Pete enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially quail. He always had a birddog. In later years, he was a regular for afternoon coffee at 5-Corners. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

Survivors include a son, Lynn Barr and Genea Bruner, Ft. Scott; one grandson, Hayden Barr and fiancé Katie Brown, Lincoln, NE; and several nieces and nephews. Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Daniel and Joe Barr; and a sister, Grace Herwig.

Rev. Dusty Drake will conduct graveside services at 11:00 AM Monday, May 13^th, in the U. S. National Cemetery, Ft. Scott. Military honors will be provided. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until leaving for the cemetery Monday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to Care to Share 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.

John Darwin Hastings, age 89, resident of Nevada, MO, formerly of Bronaugh, MO, passed away at his home Tuesday, April 30, 2019.

He was born on March 21, 1930, in Lindsay, CA, the son of John Raymond and Dora Beatrice Fry Hastings. He graduated from Bronaugh high school with the class of 1948. He served three tours of duty in Korea in the Navy. John married Mary Ann Stumfoll on August 9, 1952, in Bentonville AR. She preceded in death on June 24, 2017.

John was a hard-working farmer. He loved the Lord and served as deacon and Sunday School teacher. He was an avid reader, especially his Bible. When not working, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching westerns, and tending his vegetable and flower gardens. Iris was his favorite flower. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, Pleasanton, KS.

Survivors include his son, Rev. John Bradley Hastings and wife Ronda, Grants, NM; two daughters, Renee Clemons and husband John, Oronogo, MO, and Lexi Strickler and husband Doug, Iola, KS; two sisters, Betty Smith and husband Jerry, Haysville, KS, and Joan Owens, Saginaw, MO; three brothers, Donald Hastings and wife Doris, Elkhart, IN, Gary Lee Hastings, Bronaugh, MO, and Billy Ray Hastings, Philippines; 9 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Alisa Ann Hastings; a brother, Robert Hastings; three sisters, Laverna Drummond, Lorene Hopkins, and Jo Ellen Jones; and his parents.

Rev. Bradley Hastings will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Monday, May 6^th, at the Grace Baptist Tabernacle.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 9:00 until service time Monday at Grace Baptist.

Memorials are suggested to Native American Baptist Missions and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701.

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

Irma A. Hughes, age 83, a resident of Fort Scott, KS, passed away on April 26, 2019, due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident.  She was born September 17, 1935, in Swart, Missouri, the daughter of James and Iris (Wilson) Endicott.

Irma enjoyed crafts, quilting, rummage sales, sewing, and puzzles.  She was always more than happy to patch up some clothes for her grandchildren or make curtains for her daughters. She enjoyed spending time with friends and family, traveling, and stopping by the occasional casino.  Her favorite vacation destination was Hawaii, where she loved to watch the ocean and enjoyed the warm weather.

Irma is survived by daughters Rhonda Lee and Regina and husband Rick Cruse of Fort Scott, KS; six grandchildren, Brent and Kenda Lee, Keifer, Skyler, Raifen and Jentry Cruse; and siblings Alice Fink, Marilyn Ward, James Endicott, Robert Endicott, and J.W. (Jingles) Endicott.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Lavern Harrison, Mary Lee Heathman, Carol Ybarra, Leona Endicott, Wayne Endicott, and Lucille Quick.

She will be greatly missed and remembered by her loved ones always.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Thursday, May 2nd, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Clarksburg Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5:30 until 7:00 PM on Wednesday, May 1st, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association in the memory of Irma’s sisters and may be left in the care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Earnest Ryan Phillips, age 64, a resident of Fort Scott, KS, and more recently of Lake Frances, Redfield, KS, died Monday, April 29, 2019, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, MO.

Ryan was born July 2, 1954, in Wellington, KS, the son of Ernest Phillips and Hazel Lemon Phillips. He graduated from Wichita State University with a bachelor’s degree.

He married Shannon Petty on May 31, 1980. She preceded him in death on July 8, 2004. He married Kathleen Miller Hermreck on June 28, 2008.

Ryan was career military having served 21 years in the Air Force and Marine Corp.

He was a member of the Community Christian Church. He loved to fish, hunt and follow Cardinal baseball. His passion was to witness about Jesus to anyone around him especially children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Kate, of the home; a son, James Ryan Phillips, Tulsa, OK; two daughters, Sarah Schilling, Broomfield, CO, and Laura Fraley, Lenexa, KS; three step-sons, Gene Hermreck, Levi Hermreck and John Hermreck; two step-daughters, Jessica Zillner and Amy Sitler. Also surviving are three sisters, Norma Jean Martin, Arkansas City, KS, Vicky Hernandez, Wichita, KS and Carolyn Hain, Wellington, KS; 24 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter.

In addition to his first wife, he was preceded in death by a son, Joshua Phillips.

Rev. Kevin Moyers assisted by Tim Woodring will conduct funeral services at 11:30 A.M. Friday in the Community Christian Church.

Burial will follow in U. S. National Cemetery with Military Honors.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Thursday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Community Christian Church and may be sent to Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.