Windfred Allen DeMott, age 84, resident of Bronaugh, Missouri, died Saturday June 7, 2025, at the home.  He was born September 15, 1940, in Mound City, Kansas and his parents were Clyde Vernon DeMott and Alice Rosemond (Jackman) DeMott.  He attended Mound City High School.  He had worked at the Hydraulic Cement Plant in Ft. Scott, the Bourbon County Barn as a shop foreman, the City of Ft. Scott with the equipment maintenance dept., Bill’s Coal Co in Garland, Kansas, and a few of the local rock quarry companies in Fort Scott.

He enjoyed restoring and parading his antique tractors.  He attended many local festivals with his tractor collection.  His 1937 vintage McCormick-Deering Farmall tractor was the featured tractor in the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta in 1994.  In his later years, he spent his time spoiling the cows and feeding the chickens on the farm in Bronaugh.

His family included three children, son, Allen DeMott, Fort Scott and two daughters Sheryl Crawley, Overland Park, Kansas and Shelly DeMott, Peculiar, Missouri.  His friend for over thirty years, Carol (Griffiths) Claflin of Bronaugh, ten grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren, two brothers, Delton DeMott, Peck, Kansas and Roger DeMott, La Cygne, Kansas.  He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Cleta Fern Stump.

The family will receive friends for a celebration of life from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Saturday June 21^st at the Cheney Witt Carriage House, 301 S. Main St, in Fort Scott.

Interment will follow at the Woodland Cemetery in Mound City, Kansas at 2:30 PM for those who would like to attend.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta 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.

Winfred Allen DeMott, ate 84, resident of Bronaugh, MO passed away Saturday, June 7, 2025, at his home.  Services for Windfred Allen DeMott will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St.

Jewell LeRoy Smith, Jr., age 76, a resident of Girard, Kansas, passed away Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas.  He was born August 19, 1948, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the son of Jewell LeRoy Smith and Myrtle May Baker Smith.  Jewell grew up in Ft. Scott and graduated from Ft. Scott High School and Ft. Scott Community College.

Jewell served with the United States Air Force from 1966 to 1969.  He attained the rank of Sargeant and was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement while serving at DaNang Air Base in Vietnam.  Upon discharge from the Air Force, he enlisted with the U. S. Army Reserves. He retired as Sergeant First Class in August of 1995.

Jewell was united in marriage to Connie Cullison; together they had a daughter, Amanda.

Jewell had been employed as a press operator for Forms Manufacturing, Inc in Girard for over thirty years.  He was a longtime member of the Girard Masonic Lodge and had served as Worshipful Master.  In his spare time, he enjoyed flying radio-controlled airplanes and golfing.

Survivors include his wife, Connie, of the home; a daughter, Amanda Smith Ogden (John) of Grove, Oklahoma, two grandchildren, Phoenix and Kadin and two great-grandchildren, Roselyn Sue and Hazel May.

Jewell was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Jewell Arlene Marshall and Nancy Barr and a brother, Harry Smith.

Following cremation, graveside services will be held at 1:30 P.M. Wednesday, June 18^th at the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott.

Memorials are suggested to the Jewell Smith 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

Craig M. McKenney. It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Craig Marshall McKenney, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Craig, age 72, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away on June 4, 2025, at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. Born on October 23, 1952, in Lawrence, Kansas, he was the son of Lloyd James McKenney and Myla O. McKenney, who preceded him in death along with his cherished daughter, Parker Lea McKenney.

Craig is survived by his wife, Dana Marshall McKenney, whom he married on June 29, 1990, in Estes Park, Colorado. He leaves behind a legacy of love in his children: Angela Michelle McKenney, Fort Scott, KS; Reece Marshall McKenney, Fort Scott, KS; and Andrew Marshall Suddock, Wichita, KS. His grandchildren, William “Kieran” Houlihan and Colin Michael Houlihan, were the lights of his life, bringing joy and laughter to his days. He is also survived by his brothers, Michael McKenney, Mark (Cindy) McKenney, Timothy (Deb) McKenney, Patrick (Kathy) McKenney, sister Lisa (Keith) Proctor, and many nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart. Craig’s cousins, Marsha, Dan, & Steve also cherished him deeply.

Craig was a proud member of the Fort Scott High School graduating class of 1970 and continued his education at Pittsburg State University. His career was marked by a dedication to restoring and preserving historic buildings, a passion that grew into a lifelong vocation. President of MCM Restoration for many decades, he took pride in preservation, conservation, and restoration of countless structures across the United States leaving a tangible mark on the community he loved.

A devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church, Craig served as an elder, contributing to the community with steadfast faith and kindness. His commitment extended to the Elks Lodge, where he formed lasting friendships and shared countless memories. He was also one of the founders of Fort Scott Lumber, a venture that showcased his entrepreneurial spirit. A compassionate man, Craig organized and smoked 300 racks of ribs, raising over $5,800 for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, embodying his generous spirit.

In his leisure, Craig found joy in cooking for his family and friends, particularly grilling and smoking meat. He cherished boating and pheasant hunting adventures. He loved engaging in great conversations at the farm after a long day’s work and held a keen interest in learning to fly airplanes. His resilience, kindness, and loving nature made him a pillar of strength in his community.

Craig’s funeral service will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the First Presbyterian Church, where he shared many moments of faith and fellowship.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, prior to the service.

Burial will follow at the Evergreen Cemetery, Fort Scott, KS. Services are under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

All are welcome to join in honoring and celebrating his life. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Parker Lea McKenney Memorial FFA Scholarship at Fort Scott Community College, honoring the memory of his beloved daughter.

As we remember Craig, we hold dear the special moments we shared with him—his laughter, his love, and his unwavering support. To all the wonderful friends and colleagues he encountered throughout his life, he appreciated each of you and the impact you made in his world. Craig will be profoundly missed but forever remembered in our hearts.

Michael David Kent, age 72, a resident of rural Mapleton, Kansas, passed away Thursday, June 5, 2025.  There was cremation and no services are planned at this time.  Arrangements were 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.

Karen Salsbury, a woman of extraordinary musical talent, keen intellect, and unwavering determination, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2025, with her family at her side. Born on June 29, 1944, in Mauston, Wisconsin, her early passion for music blossomed into an illustrious career and a lifelong devotion to education.

A consummate musician, Karen was the first chair violist for a combined 20 years, gracing the stages of both the Atlanta Ballet Symphony and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Her love for music extended beyond performance; she was a private instructor for many years, beginning even before high school graduation and continuing through her retirement until 2020. Her academic journey reflected her deep value for music and learning, culminating in a Bachelor’s degree from Kansas State College of Pittsburg in 1966, a Master of Music from Florida State University in 1971, and her earlier graduation from Fort Scott High School in 1962.

Karen’s professional life was also marked by significant contributions to academia. She served as the Coordinator of the Emory University College Honors Program and Political Science Department from 1980 to 1999. Later, she was an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Music at Cottey College from 2000 to 2006, a Studio Instructor at Fort Scott Community College from 1999 to 2016, and a Faculty Affiliate in the Department of Music at Emory University for seven years.

A devoted, active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Karen’s faith was a guiding light. She served faithfully as the organist for many years and held numerous leadership roles, including treasurer and stewardship. Her contributions to the church’s music ministry were immeasurable, continuing actively until her passing.

Karen possessed a uniquely sharp wit and dry humor that illuminated every interaction. She was incredibly precise, discerning, and determined, leaving no room for doubt about her thoughts or intentions. While there was little mystery to Karen’s preferences, there was true magic in her presence, her devotion, and her mastery of deadpan humor. Her absence will be profoundly felt.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Gretchen Salsbury, two brothers, Donald and David Salsbury, and one great-nephew, Alden Kiwan. Karen is survived by her sister, Zandra Hood; nieces Kathryn Salsbury, Victoria Hood, Dawn Salsbury, and Erica Salsbury; nephew Ryan Salsbury; and great-nephews Patrick Fox, Kaden Kiwan, Jessden Kiwan (and wife Jorden), and Boden Kiwan.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, June 11^th at the Trinity Lutheran Church, with Pastor Michael Apfel officiating.

Graveside services will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Tuesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Trinity Lutheran 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.

Margie S. Haynes, age 88, a resident of Cavalry Crossing Apartments in Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, June 2, 2025, at the Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas.  She was born January 14, 1937, in Graettinger, Iowa.  She grew up in Nevada, Missouri and was united in marriage to John Franklin “Frank” Haynes on May 29, 1954, in Nevada.

Margie had worked as a waitress.  She later provided childcare out of her home for many years.  In her spare time, Margie enjoyed reading.

She was a member of Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church.

Margie is survived by three sons, Arthur Franklin Haynes (Lydia) of Arlington, Kentucky, Rickey J. Haynes of Coffeyville, Kansas and Michael E. Haynes (Nicole) of Tulsa, Oklahoma; two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Margie was preceded in death by her husband, Frank, on May 2, 2012.  She was also preceded in death by her parents and eighteen brothers and sisters.

Father Yancey Burgess will conduct Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, June 10^th at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church.  Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to the Ronald McDonald House 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

Peggy Anne Gannon, age 81, died May 29 at Sunrise at Cherry Creek assisted living in Denver, Colorado, following a lengthy illness.

Peggy was born February 22, 1944, in Alameda, California to Aubra L. and Mynettia Davis Gannon.  In 1947, the family moved to a farm northwest of Fort Scott.

Peggy attended Bethel School through 8^th grade.  She graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1962 and began a four-year enlistment in the Air Force where she worked as a dental technician.  After discharge from the Air Force, she lived in Seattle and then moved to Denver where she worked at Lowry AFB as a civilian accounting technician until retirement.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Betty Welborn and Patricia Hill, and brothers Edgar Gannon and Larry Gannon.  She is survived by her brother Jerry Jones and sister Susan Hanzlicek, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside services for Peggy will be held at 1:30 PM Monday, June 9^th, 2025, at the U. S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott, KS.

Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Patricia Ann Eastwood, age 83, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at her home in Ft. Scott.  She was born July 26, 1941, in Iola, Kansas, the daughter of William Charles Hoggatt and Virginia Ann Thompson Hoggatt.  Pat attended schools at Iola, Hoisington and Ft. Scott.

She was united in marriage to James L. Eastwood on February 10, 1957, at Ft. Scott.  Pat was a devoted wife and mother.  After raising her family, Pat chose to continue her education.  She graduated from Ft. Scott Community College in 1988 and went on to receive her bachelor’s degree from Pittsburg State University in 1990.  In 1992, she became a licensed adult care home administrator.

Over the years, Pat worked at Key Industries, Western Insurance Company and Great West.  She later served as administrator of Ft. Scott Manor.  During Pat’s tenure, the nursing home received three deficiency-free surveys; this was due to the dedication of the staff.

Pat was an active member of the Community Christian Church.

She enjoyed reading and camping at the lake. Pat liked to sew and used her talent to make comforters for the “Bags of Love” project which helped children in need.

Survivors include a son, Jim Eastwood (Paula) and two daughters, Susan Carnes (Mike) and Shelly Brennon (Kenny) all of Ft. Scott; nine grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are a sister, Judy Button Hobbs of Ft. Scott and a brother, Vernis Hoggatt of Springfield, Oregon.

Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, on August 14, 2018.  She was also preceded in death by a great-grandson, Weston, a brother, Bill and a half-sister, Verlyne.

Rev. Paul Martin will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, May 31^st at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Clarksburg Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Friday 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.com.

Alvin Glen “JR” Lattimer, Jr., age 67, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, May 26, 2025, at the Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas.  He was born May 15, 1958, in Olathe, Kansas, the son of Alvin Glen Lattimer, Sr. and Reva Joy Beasley Lattimer.  JR graduated from the Ft. Scott High School.  He began working for Mid-Continental Restoration in 1977.  He stayed with the company for forty-two years and retired as the corporate safety manager.  JR married Monica Jackson Ingle on February 14, 1981.  JR was an avid collector of all sorts of things.  He especially liked Rock & Roll memorabilia, old coins and antique toys.

Survivors include three sons, Jessie Ingle (Laura) of Ft. Worth, Texas and Eric Ingle (Jennifer) and Dail Ingle all of North Richland Hills, Texas, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are his mother, Joy Lattimer Renner of Boliver, Missouri, two brothers, Joe Lattimer and John Lattimer and two sisters, Patricia Noble and Kelly Ash.

JR was preceded in death by his wife, Monica, on August 1, 2009.  He was also preceded in death by his father, Alvin Glen Lattimer, Sr and a sister, Glena Thomas.

A celebration of life service will be held at 10:30 A.M. Monday, June 9^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Private family burial will take place at a later date at the Chapel Grove Cemetery northeast of Ft. Scott.

Arrangements 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.

Marjorie Earline (Hildabrand) Wulz Foster, age 93, former resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Arma Health and Rehab in Arma, KS.  She was born August 13, 1931, in Hunter, OK, the daughter of Chester Austin and Clara Neil (Blanchard) Hildabrand.  Earline graduated from Hunter High School in 1949.  She then attended community college in Tonkawa, OK and graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1963 with a degree in dietetics and nutrition.

Earline served as director of food service at FSCC from 1972 to 1975, and as state school food service inspector for Kansas from 1975 to 1980, and as director of food service for Independence, KS schools from 1980 to 1990.

Earline was active in the Presbyterian Church.  She also participated in the Airstream club in Kansas and traveled in her Airstream from Hudson Bay to Mexico City to Alaska.  She was an avid quilter, won numerous awards in quilting and made over 50 quilts for her family and friends.

She married Charles Wulz in 1956.  He preceded her in death.  Earline then married Leon foster in 1976.  He also preceded her in death.  She was also preceded in death by her parents, her sister Lois Hatfield, her brothers Clifton and Homer Hildabrand, and her twin brother Marvin Earl Hildabrand.

Survivors include her three children, LuAnn Baker (Robert), Steven Wulz (Lauren), and Curtis Wulz; two stepchildren, Stephen Foster and Joan Foster; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Thursday, May 29^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Wednesday, May 28^th at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to Arbor Day Foundation 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.

Gerald Martin “Jerry” Chambers, age 89, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in Ft. Scott. He was born November 11, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of William Joseph Chambers and Karin Sophia “Martha” Erickson Chambers. Jerry had an older brother, William Henry “Bill” Chambers and a twin brother, Richard John “Dick” Chambers.

Jerry was preceded in death by both parents and brothers as well as his wife of forty-nine, Linda Maxine Priest Chambers.

Jerry was a U. S. Navy veteran and served on the USS Hornet CVA-12 and USS Wasp CAG-15, CVS-18, CVA-18.

Jerry is survived by his son with Linda, Eric Chambers (Jennifer). Eric is a 1995 graduate of Ft. Scott High School and a US Army veteran. He is also survived by his oldest son, Michael Tillman Chambers (Amy). Michael is a US Marine Corps veteran. Jerry is also survived by a daughter, Susan Chambers Harris and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Private burial will take place at the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.