Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Don Hayes, age 86, resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed peacefully from this life on Wednesday July 5, 2017, at the Olathe Medical Center, Olathe, Kan.

Born to parents Jerome S. and Bonnie Marjorie Hayes on a farm in Bourbon County, Kan., Don loved the earth and its beauty.  He could be found working in the garden, walking or casting a fishing line on the water.  It was in God’s pristine creation, he felt solace and renewal.  But, oh, how he loved the heavens above the earth.  This fascination led to service of country in the Air Force.  His fascination continued as Don would wake in the middle of the night to watch a meteor shower, track a passing comet, or a rocket launch to the moon.  Above all, Don loved his family and Church.  At his core was his faith in God.  Through the seeds we plant come the harvest and fulfillment.  “So now faith, hope and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” And love us, he did. And love us He did when he blessed us with Don (Dad).

Survivors include Ruby, his beloved wife of 63 years; a daughter, Shirley Hayes Dachille and husband Frank, Fairway, Kan.; a son, Kent Hayes and wife Jen, Olathe, Kan.; a brother, Alfred Hayes and wife Margaret, Fort Collins, Colo.; two sisters, Lois Nelle Voeller and husband Al, Broken Arrow, Okla., and Charlotte Joan Savage, Ottawa, Kan.; two granddaughters, Kaia Marie and Ella Grace Hayes; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Karen Ruth Dabbs; and his parents.

Rev. Kevin Moyers will conduct funeral services at 10 a.m. Monday, July 10, at the Community Christian Church. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the U. S. Airforce Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 3 until 5 p.m. Sunday afternoon at the Chapel. Memorials are suggested to Show-Me Christian Youth Home 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 atcheneywitt.com.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Cleland F. Allen, age 85, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away early Saturday, July 8, 2017, at the Medicalodge of Fort Scott.

He was born September 29, 1931, in Arkansas City, Kan., the son of McKinley Allen and Inez Adams Allen.  He graduated from the Mound City High School with the Class of 1949.  Cleland served for twenty years with the United States Air Force.  He retired in 1971 with the rank of Tech Sargent.  Following his military service, he married Mary Dauben on April 16, 1976, in Nevada, Mo.  He worked for a time for Key Industries and also worked as a long haul trucker.  He then worked for several years for Bourbon County.  He enjoyed traveling, reading and spending time with his family.  He was a member of the Cherry Grove Baptist Church, the American Legion and the Olson Frary Burkhart Post #1165 Veterans of Foreign Wars where he frequently served with the VFW honor guard.  He was also a past member of the Lions Club.

Survivors include his children Rodney Allen and wife, Sandy, of Deer Lodge, Mont., Gary Simons and wife, Liz, of Kearney, Mo., Larry Joe Simons and wife, Kim, of Fort Scott, Janice Briggs and husband, Dusty, of Bushton, Kan., Sandra Newton and husband, Paul Joe, of Fort Scott, Connie Simons, of Fairview, Okla., Pam Riedel, of Liberty, Mo., and Diane Gray and husband, Rob, of Fort Scott; 19 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are two sisters, Vada Casteel and husband, Max, of Clinton, Mo., and Joyce Allen, of Fort Scott; a sister-in-law, Minnie Lou Allen, of Fort Scott and numerous nieces and nephews.    His wife, Mary, preceded him in death on February 1, 2014.  He was also preceded in death by two sons, Bobby Simons and Billy Simons; two brothers, Morris and Ottis Allen, a grandson, a great-grandson and a niece.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 13, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery, where military honors will be provided by the Olson Frary Burkhart Post #1165 Veterans of Foreign Wars.  The family will receive friends on Thursday from 9 a.m. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Cherry Grove Baptist 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.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Eric Scott Lucas, age 56, resident of Fort Scott, Kan., died Tuesday, June 27, following a traffic accident.

He was born September 17, 1960, in Fort Scott, the son of Lewis “Bill” and Faye Cook Lucas. He worked most of his life as a self-employed mechanic. He owned and operated Eric and Sons shop, recently renamed Eric and Mandy’s in Redfield, Kan. He married Amanda Roberts on January 11, 1980, in Wichita, Kan. A self-proclaimed “gearhead,” Eric couldn’t pass a tool sale without stopping. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed an occasional prank. He enjoyed fishing and spending time with his grandchildren. He was a faithful husband who loved his family and his favorite dog, Biff. He was a member of the Mt. Orum Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife Amanda of the home; four children, Madgelene Harper and husband Danny, Uniontown, Kan.; Eric Lucas, Jr., and Sarah, Redfield, Kan., Sarah McCormick and husband Jeffrey, Lewis, Iowa; and Heath Lucas, Redfield, Kan.; his father, Bill Lucas and wife Charlotte, Humboldt, Kan.; a sister, Karon Schnichels, Fort Scott; 16 grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son Ernest Owen Lucas; a sister, Melody Ann Lucas; and his mother.

Rev. Jeff Cokeley will conduct funeral services at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 1, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Cremation will follow. Memorials are suggested to the Eric Lucas Memorial Fund 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

Margaret Ann McDermed, age 81, a resident of rural Fort Scott, Kan., passed away early Thursday, June 29, 2017, at the Mercy Hospital Emergency Room in Fort Scott.

She was born March 5, 1936, in Girard, Kan., the daughter of Merritt Colegrove and Anabel Gooding Colegrove. Margaret graduated from the Girard High School. She married Paul McDermed on June 11, 1959, at Commerce City, Colo. Margaret helped her husband with the family dairy farm for several years. She was also worked for a time for Key Industries. Margaret was a member of the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene. She enjoyed music and frequently provided music for Masonic organizations including Rainbow Girl, Order of the Eastern Star, Order of the Amaranth and White Shrine. She was a member of the Olive Chapter #13 Order of the Eastern Star and a member of the Pioneer Court #2 Order of the Amaranth. She also volunteered her time with the Beacon. She was a devoted wife and mother who lovingly cared for her husband, Paul, for many years after his illness.

Survivors include three sons, Mark LaForte and wife, Joan, of St. Paul, Kan., Kevin McDermed, of Uniontown, Kan., and Todd McDermed and wife, Kim, of Fort Scott; nine grandchildren, Wade LaForte and wife, Alex; Seth LaForte and wife, Casey; Josh McDermed, Shyleen McDermed, Kenny McDermed, Jordan McDermed and wife, Megan; Trenton McDermed, Tyler McDermed, and Megan McDermed; and eight great-grandchildren. Her husband, Paul, preceded her in death on March 14, 2013. She was also preceded in death by three brothers, Marvin, Francis and Merlin Colegrove, and a sister, Marilyn Thompson.

Pastor Jeff Dillow conducted funeral services at 10 a.m. Monday, July 3, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Girard Cemetery. The family received friends on Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Cheney Witt Chapel with Eastern Star services being held at 4:30 p.m. 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.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Donald Lee Struble, age 63, a resident of Fort Scott died Saturday, June 24, 2017, at Mercy Hospital of Fort Scott.

He was born July 11, 1953, in Key West, Fla., the son of Donald Lee Struble and Dorothy Irene Hubert Struble. He drove and maintained a truck for many years. Don was always very helpful and loved working on computers and cars, and could fix anything.

Survivors include his mother, Dorothy Struble of the home, two brothers, Ron Struble of Kansas City, Kan., Thomas Struble of Panama City Beach, Fla., one sister, Debbie Rather, of Mulvane, Kan.; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Struble.

There was cremation. Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct a memorial service 1 p.m. Thursday, June 29, 2017, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorial are suggested to the Don Struble Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, 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

Mary Ann Hastings, age 86, a former resident of rural Bronaugh and more recently of Nevada, Mo., passed away early Saturday, June 24, 2017, at the Barone Alzheimer’s Care Center in Nevada.

She was born May 24, 1931, in Chicopee, Kan., the daughter of Edward and Lula Mae Curnutt Stumfoll. She married John Darwin Hastings on August 9, 1952, in Bentonville, Ark. Together, they worked the family farm and raised their family. She enjoyed crocheting, embroidery, fishing and listening to music (Patsy Kline and Hank Williams, Sr.). She was a faithful wife and loving mother and grandmother. She also really liked black licorice. She was a member of the First Baptist Church Pleasanton, Kan.

Survivors include her husband John of the home; one son, John Bradley Hastings and wife Ronda, Grants, N.M.; two daughters, Renee Clemons and husband John, Oronogo, Mo., and Lexi Strickler and husband Doug, Iola, Kan.; nine grandchildren, Jill, Jodell, Jessica, Rhett, Reesa, Gabe, Amara, Ieisha and Robin; 16 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Alisa Ann Hastings; and her parents, brothers and sisters.

Rev. Bradley Hastings and Rev. Robert Reid will conduct funeral services at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 27, at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kan. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Monday evening at the Chapel. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Joyce Ann Collier, age 64, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Saturday, June 24, 2017, at the Olathe Hospice House in Olathe, Kan.

She was born July 21, 1952, in Fort Scott, the daughter of Herschel L. Hall and Emma Harris Hall. Joyce graduated from the Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1970. She married Gene Collier on June 3, 1972, at Fort Scott. Joyce had worked for Newman Young Clinic for 24 years as supervisor of medical records. She later was employed by Mercy Hospital for 19 years where she worked in medical transcription and patient registration. She was a member of the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene. Joyce enjoyed singing in the church choir, cooking and spending time with her family.

Survivors include her husband, Gene, of the home; three sons, Troy Collier and wife, Lisa, of Paola, Kan., Ryan Collier, of Fort Scott, and Kyle Collier and wife, Samantha, of Franklin, Kan.; and seven grandchildren, Jenna, Brynn, Jacie, Liam, Mason, Anna and Jensen Collier. Also surviving are two brothers, Ronnie Hall, of Ellsworth, Kan. and Calvin Hall, of Fort Scott, and a sister, Kathy Hays, also of Fort Scott. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Rev. Scott Moore will conduct funeral services at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 27, at the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene, 1728 Horton, Fort Scott, Kan. Memorials are suggested to the Joyce Collier 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 may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Jerry Lee Russell, resident of Marionville, Mo., died early Friday, June 9, 2017, at Cox Medical South in Springfield, Mo.

He was born on March 23, 1940, in Natoma, Kan., the son of James and Ruth Selbe Russell. He drove a truck for most of his adult life. He also worked for the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Department for more than nine years. He married Linda Richardson on August 26, 1993, in Fort Scott, Kan. Jerry enjoyed fishing, line dancing, classic cars, playing guitar and his chickens and dogs. He was a great cook who made delicious lasagna. He was known to joke around now and then. He loved his family and was always ready to lend a helping hand when needed.

Survivors include his wife Linda of the home; nine sons, Steven King and Tina, Kansas City, Kan., Mark King and wife Jamie, Kansas City, Kan., Frank Russell, MS, Greg Russell, Lansing, Kan., Todd Russell and wife Michelle, Topeka, Kan., Shawn Shockley and wife Lori, Traverse City, Mich., John Saldivar, Fort Scott, Travis Shockley and wife Debbie, Fort Scott, and Dalton Russell, Marionville, Mo; four daughters, Sheila Kennedy and husband Tim, Chanute, Kan., Carla Glover and husband Bob, Chanute, Kan., Rhonda Roalson and husband Chad, Whitefish, Mt., and Rayma Gegg, Altamont, Kan.; eight brothers, Leo Russell and wife Vesta, Natoma, Kan., Jesse Russell and wife Mary, Newton, Kan., Dennis Russell and wife Judy, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., Bob Russell and wife Linda, Leavenworth, Kan., Wayne Russell and wife Jean, Fort Scott, Don Russell and wife Linda, Fort Scott, Chuck Russell and wife Delene, Fort Scott, and Kevin Russell and wife Teresa, Fort Scott; 36 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, Jeffrey Russell; three brothers, Les, Joe and Jim Russell; two sisters, Rita Russell and Louise Roy; and his parents.

Rev. Shawn Shockley and Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 15, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery, Fulton, Kan. The family will receive friends prior to the service at 1 p.m. Thursday. Memorials are suggested to the Jerry Russell 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

Eugenia Ronnette Vincent, resident of Hiattville, Kan., died Thursday evening, June 8, 2017, at Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kan.

She was born July 7, 1967, in Fort Scott, Kan., the daughter of Ronald and Dorothy Ham Brown. She graduated from Pittsburg State University with an accounting degree. She married Pat Vincent on August 22, 1986, in Fort Scott. Ronnette worked in accounting for Key Industries for 13 years. In 2002, she began working for Mid-Continental Restoration until present. She enjoyed reading novels, taking walks and spending time with her family. She was Hiattville 4-H Community Leader, Bourbon County Farm Bureau Board, leader of Bourbon County 4-H Junior Leaders, Bourbon County Extension PDC and Uniontown FFA Advisory Committee member. She was a member of the Hiattville United Methodist Church, serving as church treasurer.

Survivors include her husband Pat of the home; a son Luke Vincent and Heather, Carl Junction, Mo.; a daughter, Katelyn Meiwes and husband Joe, Moran, Kan.; brothers Ronald Brown, Jr., Kansas City, Mo., and Keith Brown and wife Julia, Fort Scott; sisters Melinda Collins and Dave, Fort Scott, and Sheila Eastwood and husband Tim, Drexel, Mo.; her father, Ronnie Brown, Sr. and step-mom Beverly Brown; step-grandmother, Dora Page; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Dorothy Ham-Moore; and an infant brother, David Brown.

There was cremation. Rev. Don Flanner will conduct memorial services at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 14, at the Hiattville United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the Hiattville Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 Tuesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to either the Hiattville United Methodist Church or the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation 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

Robert Eugene “Bob” Colvin, age 73, of Wichita, Kan., passed away Saturday June 3, 2017, at his home.

He was born on August 28, 1943 in Fort Scott, Kan., the son of George and Ruby Riley Colvin. Bob was a Veteran serving his country with the United States Navy for four years and with the United States Air Force for twenty two years. He married Ursula Knittel on April 12, 1974, in Lakeland, Ga., they were happily married for 43 years. After retiring from the military, he went to work for Boeing working and modifying airplanes. He was a member of the V.F.W Post 3115, Wichita, Kan.

Bob was survived by his wife, Ursula of the home; a daughter, Janice Enitla of Wichita, Kan.; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Jerry Colvin; and a sister, Linda Adams.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday June 8, 2017, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U.S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott, Kan.. The family suggests contributions to the American Cancer Society in care of the Funeral Home P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the guest book at cheneywitt.com.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Joyce Irene Peterson, age 78, resident of Rural Fort Scott, Kan., died Saturday, June 3, 2017, at her home.

She was born February 17, 1939, in Fort Scott, the daughter of Carl and Christine Low Knox. She graduated from Fort Scott High School with the class of 1957. She married Frank Peterson on September 21, 1958, in Fort Scott. She worked as a key punch operator for Western Insurance Company for several years. She then cleaned houses on her own for over 20 years. She also worked for R&R Building Supply. Joyce enjoyed sewing and crocheting in her spare time, as well as riding horses in her younger years. She never missed a Mound City Craft Festival with her daughters. She loved watching the grandkids play ball. She was a member of the First Baptist Church.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Bill Eugene Kramer, age 87, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., died at his home Sunday June 4, 2017. He was born December 2, 1929, in Fort Scott, the son of James F. Kramer and Mamie Taiclet Kramer.

He married Norma Joyce Madison on September 30, 1954, in Fort Scott. He joined the United States Army in 1951 and was a Paratrooper. He worked for 17 years as a bus driver for the Fort Scott school district. Bill enjoyed listening to country music and raccoon hunting with friends and grandchildren. He was a sports fan and loved watching his kids and later his grandchildren play sports.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 10 a.m. Friday, June 9, 2017. Burial will follow at the U.S. National Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Olson Frary Burkhart Post #1165 V.F.W. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorial are suggested to Mercy Hospice may be sent to the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., P. O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS. 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.