Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Ralph Edwin “Ed” French, Jr., age 76, a resident of rural Redfield, Kan., passed away unexpectedly, Friday, October 27, 2017, at the Mercy Hospital Emergency Room in Fort Scott, Kan.

He was born August 11, 1941, in Fort Scott, the son of Ralph E. French, Sr., and Goldie Abagail Campbell French. He married Mary Ann Biles on October 3, 1958, in Miami, Okla. She survives of the home. Ed attended Fort Scott schools with the Class of 1958. He graduated from Fort Scott Community College and Heating and Air Conditioning trade school at Pittsburg State University. He learned the plumbing trade while serving with the United States Navy. He owned and operated Ed French Plumbing and Heating for many years in both Spring Hill, Kan., and later in Fort Scott. He was a Master Plumber and served as head of the Fort Scott Plumbing Board. He also served as the first Bourbon County Emergency Preparedness Director and also worked with the Fort Scott Community College Department of Water Management. He faithfully served with the United States military for 29 years. For eight years, he served with the Navy Mobile Construction Battalion 8 where he was stationed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Port Hueneme, Calif., and Davisville, R.I. He later served for 21 years with the Kansas Army National Guard 891^st Engineer Battalion. He retired as First Sergeant. During his time with the National Guard, he earned many awards and citations and was involved with the program that built schools and medical clinics in the underdeveloped areas of Central America. He was a member of the Olson Frary Burkhart Post #1165 Veterans of Foreign Wars and was active with the Color Guard Unit. He was also a member of the Fort Scott Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. Ed enjoyed his cattle operation, fishing, riding his four-wheeler and spending time outdoors.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann, of the home; his four children, son, Tony Wendell French and wife, Patsy, of Fort Scott, son, Michael Steven French, of Olathe, Kan., daughter, Laura Ann Phillips and husband, Randy, of Fort Scott, and son, Daniel Glen French and wife, Rachel, of Fort Scott and grandchildren, Jessie Marsh and husband, Zach, of Fort Scott, Danielle Herman, of Olathe, Kan., Ashley Keylon and husband, Jared, of Uniontown, Kan., Tori Murphy and husband, Tim, of Fort Scott, Rachel Burns and husband, Tommy, of Douglas, Kan., Haley Jones, of Fort Scott, Nic French of Wamego, Kan., and Grace French and Sophia French, both of Fort Scott, and seven great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a sister, Nancy Wimmer and husband, Phil, of Pittsburg, Kan., two nieces, a nephew and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, Harry and Della French and Glen and Ida Campbell.

Pastor Larry Stevicks will conduct funeral services at 10 a.m. Tuesday, October 31, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery in Fort Scott where full military honors will be provided by the United States Army. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the V.F.W. Color Guard or the Bourbon County Rural Fire Department 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.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Kenneth Don Cook, age 56, a resident of Fort Scott, died at his home Thursday, October 26, 2017.

He was born May 10, 1961, in Kansas City, Kan., the son of Don Cook and Linda Ingle Cook. He attended J.C. Harmon High School in Kansas City, Kan. He Married Debra J. Austin on December 31, 1998, in Randolph, Mo. Together Kenneth and Debra operated KDC Transportation. He loved to watch NHRA drag racing and working on cars and trucks. Kenneth loved spending time playing with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Debra, of the home; two sons, Stuart Lee Cook, Fulton, Kan., and Steven Louis Cook, Mound City, Kan.; four daughters, Stephanie Ann Pritchard Varner, Bartlesville, Okla., Jennifer Colleen Pritchard Bresee, Kirbyville, Mo., Jessica Joann Coolidge Wells, and Stephanie Lynn Cook Spangler, both of Fort Scott; his mother, Linda Ingle Main, Olathe, Kan.; grandmother, Regina Keeton Ingle; two sisters, Sandra “Sandy” Cook Mather, Olathe, Kan., Melissa “Missy” Cook Courtright, Gardner, Kan.; 17 grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his father; grandparents, Oliver L. Ingle, Minnie Belle Cook, and John Thomas Cook.

There was cremation. A celebration of life will be held 2 p.m. Monday, October 30, 2017, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until service time Monday at the chapel. Memorials are suggested to Kenneth Cook 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.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Deborah Diane Slivers, age 66, of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Sunday, October, 22, 2017, at the Promise Skilled Nursing Facility, Overland Park, Kan.

She was born on December 11, 1950, in Fort Scott, the daughter of Perry and Juanita Blake Roberts. Deborah worked in housekeeping for several nursing homes and hospitals in the area. She attended the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene, and enjoyed crocheting.

Survivors include two sons; Harold Slivers and wife, Christina, of Branson, Mo., and Jason Silvers, of Walker, Mo., a brother, Weldon Roberts, of Fort Scott, Kan., three sisters, Rowena Jahansouz, of Fort Scott, Kan., Brenda Moser, of Joplin, Mo., and Rhonda Spears, of Fort Scott, Kan., and three grandchildren, Aubrey, Conner and Logan Slivers. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, James and Ronald Roberts, and a sister Linda Roberts.

A celebration of life for Deborah will be held at a later date.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Kenneth Eugene Littleton, age 78, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Monday, October 16, 2017, at the Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, Mo.

He was born March 29, 1939, in Fort Scott, the son of John Woodrow Littleton and Jennie Elizabeth Mabery Littleton. He attended Fort Scott and Wichita schools and later served with the Kansas Army National Guard. He married Jeanette K. Boyd on December 2, 1961, at Fort Scott. Kenneth and Jeanette lived the majority of their married life in Kansas City where Kenneth worked as a skilled ironworker and craftsman. He crafted ornamental iron work for many years and later performed iron work for Midwest Conveyor. Following his retirement, the couple returned to Fort Scott. In addition to working with metal, Kenneth also enjoyed working with wood and leather. He was a former Master Mason with the Masonic Lodge. He was an avid collector who used his mechanical abilities to restore and repair his many treasurers. In earlier years, he enjoyed spending time outdoors and owned and published the newspaper Midwestern Sportsman. He was also active with AmWay Corp. He also enjoyed genealogy.

Survivors include his four children, Elizabeth Ann Littleton, of Lawrence, Kan., Rebecca Manthei and husband, Robert and John Littleton and wife, Susan, all of Kansas City, Kan., and Charles Littleton and wife, Clidia, of Fla. Also surviving are six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His wife, Jeanette, preceded him in death on August 20, 2015. He was also preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, October 20, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Large Cemetery south of Fort Scott. The family will receive friends on Friday from 1 until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Kansas City Hospice House or the Salvation Army 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.

Donna Joan Eaton, age 82, a resident of Milpitas, Calif., passed away Thursday, September 8, 2017, in California.

She was born November 14, 1934, on the family farm east of Garland, Kan., the daughter of Oscar Marion Woody and Wilma Helene Clark Woody. Donna graduated from the Bronaugh High School. She married Dean Eaton. Donna and Dean made their home in various cities throughout the United States before settling in California.

Survivors include her husband, Dean, of the home in California and three sisters, Sharon Robinson and her husband, Kenneth “Robby” of Sebring, Fla., Sandra Martin and her husband, Richard, of Strattford, Okla., and Marian Wood, of Joplin, Mo. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Paul Woody.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, October 16, at the Stevens Cemetery east of Garland, Kan..  Family and friends may meet at the Cheney Witt Chapel prior to leaving for the cemetery at 10:30 a.m. 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.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Allan Howell, age 67, resident of Frontenac, Kan., formerly of Moran, Kan., passed away Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2017, at Via Christi Hospital, Pittsburg.

He was born October 9, 1949, in Iola, Kan., the son of Haskell and Mildred Horner Howell. Allan attended Elsmore School first through eleventh grade. He graduated from Iola High School in 1967. He graduated from Asbury College in Wilmore, Ky., in 1971. He also attended Asbury Theological Seminary. Allan married Sandra Sullivan on April 15, 1972, in Anderson County, Ky. To this union were born two daughters, Teresa Lois and Alethea Janine. They later divorced.

Survivors include his two daughters; two grandsons, Grant and Code Sippel; one brother, Wayne Howell, Topeka, Kan.; three sisters, Ella Britt, Iola, Kan., Hazel Bahner, Topeka, Kan., and Joyce Martin, Iola, Kan.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Pauline Mitchell, Iola, Kan.

Rev. John Vogel will conduct funeral services at 2 p.m. Monday, October 2, at the Cheney Witt Bronson Chapel. Burial will follow in the Bronson Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 until service time at the Bronson Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Evangelical Covenant Church of Savonburg and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Bronson Chapel P.O. Box 93, Bronson, KS 66716. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Betty Jo Clayton, age 91, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan, died Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017, at the University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kan.

She was born June 12, 1926, in Drumwright, Okla., the daughter of Perry and Ethel Coffman Johnson. She married Lawrence Arnold. They later divorced. She married Ellsworth Clayton in 1965. He preceded her in death in 1980. Betty enjoyed crocheting, especially clothes hangers and giving them away as Christmas gifts, cooking, boating, fishing and traveling. She was a past member of Eagle Lodge #264. She loved her dogs Smokey and Zack. Her greatest joy was spending time with her kids, grandkids and great grandkids. She loved her many friends and neighbors.

Survivors include two sons, Dale Arnold and wife Loretta, Fort Scott, and Donald Arnold and wife Carol, Springfield, Mo.; two daughters-in-law, Vicky Jo Arnold and Joyce Metcalf, both of Fort Scott; two brothers, Ralph Johnson, Fort Scott, and Terry Joe Johnson, Iola, Kan.; two sisters, Mary Mefford, Fort Scott, and Jean Decker, Emporia, Kan.; 10 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and 3 great-great grandchildren. Besides her husband Ellsworth, she was preceded in death by a son, Ray Lee Arnold; four brothers, Paul, Clyde, Gilbert and Perry Johnson; and two sisters, Shirley Bolin and Patricia Dawson.

There was cremation. Pastor Ben Heffernan will conduct memorial services at 10 a.m. Monday, October 2, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Private family burial will follow in the Bronson Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2 until 4 p.m. Sunday afternoon at the Chapel. Memorials are suggested to Care to Share or Lee’s Paws and Claws and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Charles Leonard Workman, age 90, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., was welcomed into the arms of God on Friday, September 15, 2017.

He was born July 26, 1927, in Cato, Kan., the son of Ivan Lee Workman and Elva Naomi Palmer Workman. Charles graduated from the Fort Scott High School. He married Rose Ann Williams on April 6, 1947, at Cato. He served with the United States Army from 1950 to 1952. He was stationed in Germany and served as a radio operator as well as an instructor for the Howitzer 155 artillery gun. Following his service with the Army, Charles worked for General Motors in Kansas City for several years. He later moved to Fort Scott and worked for the United States Postal Service for thirty years. While with the postal service he served as Union President for many years. In addition, he owned and operated his own business American Breeding Service which he operated through the spring of 2017. He was a member of the Community Christian Church, and a life member of the Olson Frary Burkhart Post #1165 V.F.W. In earlier years, he enjoyed playing and coaching baseball.

Survivors include his wife, Rose Anna, of the home; three daughters, Rosetta Bailes and husband, Jon, of Fort Scott, Loma Marvin and Sid Smith, also of Fort Scott, and Lora Strong and Kevin Marvin, of Pittsburg, Kan.; five grandchildren, Melanie Lamb, Christopher Bailes, Charity Jackson, Cory Strong and Charley Bailes, and seven great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a sister, Agnes Armstrong of Fort Scott and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Loleta Tracy; two brothers, David Workman, who died in infancy and Bill Workman and twin great-grandsons.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, September 22, at the Community Christian Church. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery with full military honors. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Community Christian Church and may be left in care of the 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.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Kenneth William Smith, age 93, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Wednesday, September 13, 2017, at Medicalodge of Fort Scott.

He was born February 19, 1924, in Pittsburg, Kan., the son of Walter and Vera Hesson Smith. After graduating from Pittsburg High School, he served in the U. S. Army, experiencing the Battle of the Bulge and Buzz Bomb Alley. He married Ann Dietz on February 26, 1949, in Pittsburg. She preceded him in death on July 19, 2016. Kenneth graduated with his teaching degree from Kansas State Teachers College in Pittsburg. He was working for Joe Smith Tobacco when approached by Jake Underwood to come to Fort Scott in 1950. He agreed, and started the Drivers Education Program and began teaching. Throughout his 39-year career, he taught mechanical drawing, shop, civics and math. He also taught at Fort Scott Community College. He coached several sports, most notably golf. He worked many sporting events over the years, including track meets. He officiated high school and college basketball and football. When he had spare time, he could usually be found playing golf. He still holds the Fort Scott Country Club course record for nine holes at 29. He liked playing gin-rummy and pinochle. He relaxed to music from the Rat Pack era. In his later years, he began raising cattle. He was president of the Fort Scott Saddle Club and enjoyed riding with his daughter, Kim. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church.

Survivors include two daughters, Connie Hayden and husband Dale, Manhattan, Kan., and Kim Sheets, Siloam Springs, Ark.; two sisters, Imogene Hannigan, Oswego, Kan., and Ilene Everett, Girard, Kan.; five grandchildren, Kristyn Hayden-Ortega and husband Darren, Emily Hoots and husband Eric, Lora Hanes and husband Adam, Colton Sheets and Lucas Sheets; four great grandchildren, Zoey Hanes, Charles Hanes, Claire Hoots and Harper Ortega; and numerous nieces and nephews. Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Vicki O’Bryan; a brother, Clarence Smith; and two sisters, Patricia Yanke and Wilma Workman.

Rev. Dr. Jared Witt will conduct funeral services at 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 20, at the First Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by the Olson Frary Burkhart Post #1165 V.F.W. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. Tuesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to FSHS Golf and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Diane Pearl (Decker) Smith, age 76, a resident of, Fort Scott, Kan., died Sunday, September 10, 2017, at her home.

She was born January 9, 1941, in Fort Scott, Kan., the daughter of Jack and Juanita Decker. She married Ross Eugene Smith on May 21, 1963, in Lordsburg, N.M. He preceded her in death on April 8, 2004. She became a Christian and was baptized at age 30. She worked her early years of life as a migrant farm worker, a waitress, and from 1981-2004 she worked as a certified Nurse’s aide for the Mercy Convent in Fort Scott, Kan.. She retired in 2004.

Survivors include her daughters; Timbi West and husband, Jim, of Charleston, Ark., and Marlene Smith and husband, David, of Safford, Ariz. Also surviving are three siblings: Jackie Deer of Nevada, Texas, Bob Decker and wife, Sharon of Springfield, Mo., Jean Thompson and husband, Mel, of Orrick, Mo., six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, September 18, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. The eulogy will be given by her son-in-law, Jim West. Private burial will take place at the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas. Memorials are suggested to The American Lung Association and may be sent to Cheney Witt Chapel, P. O. Box 347, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Sister Mary Barbara Karleskint, RSM, age 98, a former resident of Fort Scott, Kan., and more recently of St. Louis, Mo., passed Friday, September 8, 2017, at Catherine’s Residence in St. Louis.

She was born May 3, 1919, in Miami, Okla., the daughter of Joseph Karleskint and Mary Hickman Karleskint. She entered the Sisters of Mercy Community in 1937 and professed her Final Vows in 1940. She received her B. S. degree in Home Economics from St. Mary of the Woods College in Indiana in 1951 and her M. Ed degree in Elementary Education from the University of St. Mary in Xavier, Kan., in 1955. She also received her Certificate of Pastoral Education in 1977 from St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Mo. Sister’s ministry included teaching for more than 20 years in elementary and secondary schools in Louisiana, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. She also ministered at Mercy Center in St. Louis, Mo., and St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Hutchison, Kan. After completing her courses in clinical pastoral counseling, she became a chaplain at Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott.

Survivors include a brother, Jake Karleskint, of Cleveland, Ohio, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Joe and Tony Karleskint and four sisters, Bessy Louise Karleskint who died in infancy, Virginia McLaughlin, Sister Mary Alfreda Karleskint and Sister Mary Bernadette Karleskint.

Father Robert Wachter will conduct Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Thursday, September 14, at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Cemetery. 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 atcheneywitt.com.