Thomas Andrew Jones, age 83, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Community Springs Healthcare in El Dorado Springs, MO. Services for Tom Jones will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main.
Category Archives: Obituary
Obituary of Richard Johnson
Richard “Rick” Curtis Johnson, Sr. age 65, a resident of Blackwell, Oklahoma, passed away Wednesday, March 19, 2025, in Rapid City, South Dakota. He was born April 26, 1959, in Salina, Kansas, the son of Robert Johnson and Doris Thornton Johnson.
Almost immediately after high school, Rick enlisted with the United States Navy. He faithfully served his country from 1978 to 1992.
After his service with the Navy, he became a long-haul truck driver. He frequently made trips between Oklahoma and Canada and was serving in this capacity when he became ill in South Dakota. Rick enjoyed traveling, making people laugh, and constructing model cars. Rick was a devoted fan of the Dallas Cowboys always cheering them on for each game. One might also say he was a movie connoisseur, never missing a new film. Rick was a man of faith and a longtime Baptist.
Survivors include a daughter, Christine Johnson and her fiancée, Spencer of Perry, Oklahoma and a son, Richard C. Johnson, Jr. of Ponca City, Oklahoma; a brother, Bill Johnson of Minneapolis, Kansas and two sisters, Margaret Johnson also of Minneapolis, Kansas and Sharon Johnson of Salina, Kansas. Also surviving is his fiancée, April Panama.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents.
Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct funeral services at 11:30 A. M. Tuesday, April 1st at the Grace Baptist Tabernacle, 502 S. Margrave St., Ft. Scott, Kansas. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery where military honors will be provided by the United States Navy. 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.
Obituary of George Hightower
George Frederick Hightower, age 77, a resident of Walnut, Kansas, passed away Monday, March 17, 2025, at the Prairie Mission Retirement Village in St. Paul, Kansas. He was born March 27, 1947, in Hartman, Arkansas, the son of John David Hightower and Dorothy Anita Kuhl Hightower. George married Leona Marie Reed on August 9, 1965, Alpena, Arkansas.
Following their marriage, George served three tours in Vietnam with the United States Army.
Throughout his life, George worked at Churchill Manufacturing in Chanute where he helped construct oil pumping equipment. He later was employed by the Erie Lumberyard and then Neosho Small Parts also located in Erie. In addition, he also worked in law enforcement for the City of Walnut.
George enjoyed fishing and playing cards with his good friends.
Survivors include his four children, George Hightower (Amber) of Georgia, Paula Robertson (Jamie) of Thayer, Kansas, Leo Hightower (Megan) of Chanute, Kansas and Wayne Hightower (Pam) of Ft. Scott, Kansas; twelve grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a sister, Donna Guntharp (Jackie) and a step-brother, Mike Shrum.
George was preceded in death by his wife, Leona, on January 3, 1992. He was also preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Maryann Hobbs and Cathy McDole, an infant brother, Del Edward Hightower and a step-brother, Rick Shrum.
There was cremation. Rev. Marty Dewitt will conduct graveside services at 1:30 P.M. Friday, April 4th at the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas.
Family and friends may meet at the Cheney Witt Chapel prior to leaving for the cemetery at 1:15 P.M.
Memorials are suggested to the Walnut Community Service Organization 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 Dora George
Dora Alice Baucom George, born April 12, 1954, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose kindness and generosity touched many lives.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert George; her parents, Lewis and Marie Baucom; her sister, Peggy Baucom and a grandson.
She is survived by her children, Les George (Bianca), Robin Butwan(Christopher), Kathryn Knoer (Brad), Shari Brown, Tami Simmons (Joe); her cherished grandson, Ethan Butwan and many loved grandchildren and great grandchildren; her brother, Joe Baucom; and her sisters, Kathy Swingle and Jo Ann Scott (John).
With a heart for service, Dora found joy in caring for children, supporting her church, and dedicating her time to helping the elderly in her community. She lived a life of faith, compassion, and selflessness, always putting the needs of others before her own.
Her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. A celebration of her life was held at United Funeral Service in New Albany, MS on Wednesday, March 26th.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, March 29th, at the Centerville Cemetery in Fort Scott, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Gideons International at SendTheWord.org in her honor. Local arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS.
Obituary of Janice Patterson
Janice Patterson, age 100, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, died peacefully at the Medicalodge on Thursday, March 13, 2025. Jan was born February 13, 1925, in Mapleton, Kansas, to Willis Francis Patterson and Mabel Evelyn Cooper Patterson. Her family lived on a farm south of Mapleton.
She attended school in Mapleton for her early years and graduated as Valedictorian from Fulton High School in 1943. In the fall of that year, Jan enrolled as a freshman at Ft. Scott Junior College. The 1944 school yearbook pictured her as a Student Council Member and part of the annual staff. The next year, she went to Kansas City to work for Pratt and Whitney, a defense contractor during World War II
By 1950, she was working for Skelley Oil in Kansas City. By the early 1970’s, she was transferred to Tulsa, Oklahoma where her career ended with Chevron Oil. In the early 1980’s, she retired and returned to Ft. Scott. She was very active in the First Christian Church where she eventually became a deacon. Jan also played bridge, attended FCE meetings and belonged to different social groups.
Jan was preceded in death by her parents Willis and Mabel Patterson as well as her brothers, Elgin Patterson, John Patterson, Byron Patterson and sister-in-law, Erma Essicks Patterson, a sister, Doris Underwood and brother-in-law, Jake Underwood, and a niece, Ruth Ann Underwood Burleson.
Jan is survived by two nieces, Susan Underwood Karleskint of Uniontown, Kansas and Mary Underwood Gregory and husband, Brad, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri. In addition, there are six great nieces and nephews and seven great-great-nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, March 29th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Mapleton Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to the First 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 Alice Walker
Alice A. Walker – After living a full and adventurous life of ninety-six years, Alice Walker of rural Blue Mound passed away on Thursday, March 20, 2025.
Alice Amy Frazier was born in Kingston, NY, on September 3, 1928, to Olen and Eleanor (Griffes) Frazier. She first began her lifelong learning in New York City, where her leadership and feisty nature showed early. Home for Alice, though, was growing up in New Paltz, NY, where her father was a university professor and the mountains were at her backdoor. There, she became an accomplished pianist and flutist, earned the highest award possible in Girl Scouts, and was an active member of the Dutch Reformed Church. Her love of travel developed from family vacations throughout the East and summers spent in Kansas with her grandparents.
Alice began college at Texas Women’s University before graduating from Emporia State University with a Library Science degree as well as a double major in English and Social Science in Secondary Education. She later acquired an elementary degree as well, so she could teach PK-12. She was an honor student, played in the orchestra, marched with the band, and worked at the university library. Alice began her career as a librarian in Missouri. Her love of reading and books led to her being a Governor’s Appointee to the Southeast Kansas Regional Library Board and serving on the William Allen White Book Selection Committee, on the Kansas State Reading Circle Selection Committee, and as the DAR State Librarian. Although she never intended to teach, she actually taught a total of thirty-two years at Centerville, Kincaid High School, and Crest Unified School District.
A life of surprises awaited her when the city girl from New York met her future husband, Howard, a Kansas farmer, on the steps of a church one summer. They were married on February 5, 1950, and celebrated fifty-six years of happiness. They truly approached life as a team. Together they raised their two children through college, bought three farms, designed and built a house themselves, operated an income tax business for forty-five years, were 4-H Club and project leaders, hosted foreign-exchange students, and were active members of the Blue Mound Federated Church and then, later, Ordained Elders of the Presbyterian Church in Garnett until it closed. One of the greatest gifts that they gave John and Alicia, their children, was traveling to all the forty-eight continental states as well as Canada and Mexico during the summers.
Alice became a superb seamstress, a grand champion recipe winner in national contests, a test cook for Betty Crocker for thirteen years and Farm Journal for six years, 4-H County Day judge, church pianist and organist, author of three genealogical books on family history, contributing writer for Heritage Quest, and a dedicated regent of the Four Winds DAR Chapter in Garnett. With DAR, Alice also served as President of the Kansas State Officers Club and President of the National State Vice Regents Club.
She loved to cook for others and do historical research. Because of her wealth of knowledge, she was an early version of the internet for anyone who sought her help or advice. Three of Alice’s biggest joys were serving as the 35th State Regent of Kansas DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), being inducted into the Kansas Teachers’ Hall of Fame at Dodge City, and earning the title of Fellow of the American College of Genealogists as a certified genealogist.
Alice was able to live on the farm alone until ninety-five with the company of her dog, Honey B, the help of her farm renters – Kevin Whitcomb and Melvin Holloman, and the faithful Centerville Community Church that she had come to value so much. After a bad fall, her final year was spent at Moran Manor, where she was treated like family.
Alice was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Steve Frazier; son-in-law, Dale Jackson; daughter-in-law, Peggy Walker; and grandson by marriage, Zachery Wisely; but the most profound loss was when Howard, her true love and soulmate, died in 2006.
She leaves behind a legacy with two children, John H. Walker of McFarland and Alicia A. Jackson of Uniontown, along with their families, including six grandchildren – Mary (Brad) Finney of Eskridge; Julie (Kenny) Ten Eyk of McFarland; Jubal (Wendy) Walker of Edmond, OK; Gretchen Magee of Gravette, AR, Meaghan (Matt) Russell of Redfield, and Caitlin (Clayton) Nading of Fort Scott. She was Grandma-Great to twelve: Virginia and Jonathon Walker; Candace (Chris) Davis; Amiee (Ryan) Runyon; Tyler Ten Eyk; Keagan, Layton, Preston, and Jocelyn Magee, and Brayden, Kohlton, and Aubrynn Russell. Her great-great grandchildren are Reever and Rook Davis as well as Luna and Damon Runyon.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Garnett, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Garnett Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Howard & Alice Walker Scholarship at Emporia State University and left in care of the funeral home.
Obituary of Morris “Joe” Bradshaw
Morris “Joe” Bradshaw, 94, passed away March 7, 2025, at his home in Mound City, Kansas. He was born July 4, 1930, in Gatesville, Texas, the son of Joe Berry Bradshaw and Eva (Blackwell) Bradshaw. He married Sandra Jones September 10, 2002, in Fresno, California, and she survives of the home.
Joe served his country as an Airman in the U.S. Army from 1952 until 1954, and then in the AIR National Guard until 1958, in Fresno, California. Following his military service, Joe did a variety of things over the years. He was a farmer, a trucker, and an aviator.
In addition to his wife, Sandra, Joe is survived by his brother Gene, Bradshaw. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his daughter Darla Bradshaw.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 21, 2025, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, with burial following at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Scott. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.
Obituary of Darrell Stephen Houston
Darrell Stephen “Steve” Houston, 75, of Fulton, Kansas, passed away March 11, 2025, at Advent Health in Shawnee Mission, Kansas. He was born July 18, 1949, in Nevada, Missouri, the son of Willard Lafayette Houston and Margaret Ann (Barnes) Houston. He married Aleen, and they have been married for over 51 years.
Steve served his country in the United States Army during Vietnam and was stationed in Germany where he graduated from Army leadership training, which helped him build a successful career.
He attended college earning degrees in chemistry and construction management. Steve worked in construction quality control for more than 35 years with Fluor Daniel company, serving on an elite travel team that took him and his family across the country where he worked in 15 states on multiple projects, including nuclear power plants, oil refineries and building bridges.
Steve was an incredible leader with many talents and abilities.
Steve and his brother, Stuart, loved farming and cattle ranching. They began buying land at the age of 19 and continued to build a family farm legacy throughout their lives. Steve enjoyed driving around and looking at cows with his children and grandchildren.
He loved classic rock and enjoyed watching concerts and movies with his children.
had a quiet spirit and was often found sitting out on the porch and enjoying the view of his farm.
He loved to laugh, tell stories and tinker on projects.
He was a hard worker and a man of integrity, character and faith.
He regularly attended the West Liberty United Methodist Church with his family.
In addition to his wife Aleen, Steve is survived by his children, Scott Houston (Adam G.), El Segundo, California, Jenny Houston, Olathe, Kansas, Melissa Houston (Erich K.), Lenexa, Kansas, Travis Houston, also of Lenexa, and Trent Quinston (Helen Q.), of Torrance, California; a brother, Stuart Houston (Clara), of Hume, Missouri; three grandchildren, Sydney Sayler, Catriona and Caroline Quinston, and nephew Jake Houston.
He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Melanie Ann Houston.
Rev. Jim Brackett will officiate funeral services at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 23, 2025, at the West Liberty United Methodist Church with burial following at the Underwood Cemetery, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
The family will receive friends Saturday, March 22, 2025, 3:00-4:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be gifted to the family to help with funeral costs 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.
Obituary of Viola Campbell
Viola May Campbell, 92, of Fort Scott, passed away Friday morning, March 14, 2025, at Guest Home Estates. She was born September 17, 1932, in Pleasanton, Kansas, the daughter of Harley Otis Johnson and Pearl May (Shaffer) Johnson. She married Fred Campbell, Jr. September 2, 1951, in Fort Scott, and he survives of the home.
Vi graduated from Mound City High School with the Class of 1950, and later Nurses Training through Mercy Hospital. She worked for Central Supply as a clerk, and later for Mercy Hospital, retiring in 1986 after 17 years. Vi was a member of the St. John’s Global Methodist Church.
In addition to her husband Fred, Vi is also survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Bush and four grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Isabell Read; brothers Harley P. Johnson, John C. Johnson and Otis Leroy Johnson, her son, Joseph Frederick Campbell, and her daughter, Nancy Marie House.
Pastor Jim Brackett will officiate funeral services for Vi at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at St. John’s Global Methodist Church, followed by burial at the Maple Grove Cemetery, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Global Methodist Church 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.
Obituary of Faye Cowan
Faye Cowan, 106, a resident of Mapleton, Kansas, passed away Sunday, March 9, 2025, at Guest Home Estates in Fort Scott. She was born September 3, 1918, in Franklin Township in Bourbon County, Kansas, one of ten children to Samuel Fredrick Brillhart and Lillie (Tyler) Brillhart. She married Floyd A. “Buck” Cowan December 14, 1941, in Mapleton, and he preceded her in death in 2003.
Faye and Buck had no children of their own, but there were alot of nieces and nephews to love. Faye loved to bake and was known in the community for her pies and angel food cake.
Faye is survived by her sister Betty Walker of Lakeland, Florida, and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband Floyd, Faye was also preceded in death by her parents, and eight of her siblings.
Pastor Connie Edgerton will officiate graveside services for Faye at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the Mapleton Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.
The Obituary of James Houdashelt
James Anthony “Jimmy” Houdashelt, age 60, resident of Fredonia, KS passed away Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the Candle Rock Nursing Home in Fredonia. He was born July 16, 1964, in Girard, KS, the son of Jack and Shirly Simon Houdashelt. He graduated from Fort Scott High School with the class of 1982. Jimmy worked in construction for several years until his disability.
Survivors include his mother, Shirley Harding; a brother, Randy Houdashelt; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents.
There was cremation. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 3:00 PM Saturday, March 29th, at the Cheney Witt Carriage House, 301 S. Main St
Memorials are suggested to the Jimmy Houdashelt 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.
Obituary of William Hall
William (Bill) D. Hall, age 83, of Ft. Scott passed away on March 14, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, KS. He was born on March 25, 1941, in Ft. Scott the son of Bill Hall and Margie Northrop.
Bill graduated from Ft. Scott High School, Ft. Scott Community College and Pittsburg State University. He also proudly served four years in the United States Navy.
His working years were that of a carpenter.
Bill gave about 20 seasons as a volunteer youth baseball coach. Players called this time, “Hall Ball.”
He liked the outdoors too, especially hunting and fishing.
In retirement, he enjoyed the activities of grandkids; spent countless hours at the community garden; and, participated with the VFW Post No. 1165 Honor Guard.
Survivors include two sons; Mark of Ft. Scott and Mike (Stephanie) of Olathe, KS. Also surviving are three grandchildren; Devin, Zane and Kinley. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sue, and his parents.
There was cremation. Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct memorial services at 10:30 am Wednesday, March 19th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Interment will take place at a later date in the U. S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Tuesday evening, March 18th, at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to Youth Baseball 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.