Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Ian Ray “Kirk” Keitzer, age 56, a resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, April 24, 2017.

He was born September 9, 1960, in Kansas City, Mo., the son of James Keitzer and Joyce Smith Keitzer.  Kirk grew up in the Brookside area of Kansas City.  He attended and graduated from the Kansas City Christian High School in Merriam, Kans., with the Class of 1978.  He later attended College of the Ozarks in Branson, Mo.  Kirk was an avid sportsman who enjoyed baseball, basketball, football, golf and fishing.  He moved to Fort Scott in 2003 and worked for Carlisle Company until his illness forced his retirement.

Survivors include his sweeties and companion of thirty years, Rhonda Chinn, of Fort Scott and her children, Rachelle Sprague and Bart Chinn, both of Fort Scott; his grandchildren, Lee Sprague, Justice Sprague, Mia Hull, Garrett Chinn, and Darius Chinn, all of Fort Scott, Sarah English and husband, Josh and great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Elijah and Sophia English all of Peculiar, Mo.  Also surviving is a sister, Renee Grainger and husband, Frank of Belton, Missouri.  He was preceded in death by both his parents and his two brothers, Allen and Eric Keitzer and his beloved grandmother, Helen Stonebreaker Smith Tanner.

A private graveside service will be held Thursday at the Fairview Cemetery east of Mildred, Kansas.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Lewis Kelley Arnold, age 91, a former resident of Fort Scott, Kans., and more recently of Pittsburg, Kansas, died Monday, April 24, 2017, at Via Christi Hospital, Pittsburg.

He was born September 21, 1925, in Fort Scott, the son of Lewis B. Arnold and Susie M. Kelley Arnold.  Kelley graduated from the Fort Scott High School.  He served with the United States Army during World War II.  He first married Maxine Ashford on September 9, 1951, at Fort Scott.  She preceded him in death on July 14, 1998.  He later married Carol Simmerman. She preceded him in death on March 5, 2015.

Kelley had managed the Ben Franklin Store in downtown Fort Scott for many years.  He later operated his own mechanic shop.  He was a member of the Community Christian Church.  He was also a member of the Olson Frary Burkhart Post #1165 Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Garland Masonic Lodge, the Scottish Rite Consistory and the Mirza Shrine.

Survivors include two granddaughters, Natasha Carballo and husband, Eric, and Nacole Smith and fiancé, John Williams, all of Dallas, Texas, and several nieces and nephews.  In addition to his wives, he was preceded in death by a son, Stephen Arnold and a daughter, Susan Smith.

Funeral services will be held at 12:30 p.m. Friday, April 28, 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 Friday from noon until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Avalon Hospice’s Blossom for Hearts Program 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

Troy Dale Beerbower, age 54, a resident of Fort Scott, Kans., passed away Saturday, April 22, 2017, at the Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott.

He was born April 24, 1962, in Fort Scott, the son of Lowell William Beerbower and Donna Kay Lawson Beerbower.  He graduated from Fort Scott High School and Pittsburg State University.  He married Kim Felt in May of 1989. Troy owned and operated Troy Beerbower Restoration which specialized in masonry and roofing as well as other construction related projects.  He enjoyed fishing and spending time outdoors.  He also liked playing softball and basketball as well as cards.  He was a member of the Faith Church.

Survivors include his wife, Kim of the home; three children, Derek Stumfoll and wife, Samantha, and Amanda Larsen, all of Fort Scott, and Kandyce Cox and husband, Blake, of Uniontown, Kans., and also a grandson who he was raising, Brian Stumfoll, of the home in Fort Scott; eleven additional grandchildren, Bailey, Blakely, Catherine, Christian, Lyrics, Braxtyn, Daetyn, McKennon, Peighton, Kamden and Gabriel.  Also surviving are four brothers, David Beerbower and wife, Donna Jo, of Fort Scott, Allen Beerbower and wife, Kim, of Redfield, Kans., Gary Beerbower, and L. W. Beerbower and wife, Julie, also of Fort Scott and a sister, Rhonda Tinkey and husband, Preston, of Fort Scott as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Pastor Matthew Hunt will conduct funeral services at 10 a.m. Friday, April 28, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Marmaton Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Troy Beerbower 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.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Rose Alene Feagins, age 83, a resident of Fort Scott, Kans., passed away Sunday, April 16, 2017, at her home.

She was born October 9, 1933, in Alpena Pass, Ark., the daughter of Alex C. Craig and Stella Garrison Craig.  She married Billy Joe Feagins on December 9, 1951.  They later divorced.  Alene had worked in housekeeping and as a nurse’s aide for Mercy Hospital for thirty years.  She retired in 1996.  She enjoyed gardening, embroidering and reading as well as spending time with children and her dogs.  She also collected glass baskets and salt and pepper shakers.  She was a member of the Marmaton Community Church.

Survivors include her seven children, Wanda Ogle and husband, Dale, of Fort Scott, Margaret Spencer, of Pittsburg, Kans., Ruth Hawkins, of Fort Scott, Randy Feagins of Fort Scott, Karen Bley and husband, Randy, of Deerfield, Mo., Michelle Cunningham and husband, Mike, of Leavenworth, Kans., and Michael Feagins and wife, Kim, of Fort Scott. She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Irene Feagins and Dorothy Wiebeck.

Pastor Jeff Feagins will conduct funeral services at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 19, at the Marmaton Community Church.  Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Marmaton Community Church or to Paws & Claws Animal Shelter 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

Edna Mae Tourtillott, age 78, resident of Fort Scott, died Monday, April 17, 2017, at her home.

She was born October 19, 1938 in Linn County, Kans., the daughter of Jacob Barrett and Cleta Paddock Barrett.  Edna Mae was a graduate of Prescott High School. She married Richard Sharp in 1960.  They later divorced.  She married Raymond Tourtillott in 1983.  In earlier years she worked for Western Insurance Company.  She retired following 27 years as shipping clerk for Ward Kraft Business Forms.  She was a member of Community Christian Church and the 55 Plus church group.  She enjoyed camping and spending time with grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband, Raymond, of the home; two sons, Richard Sharp and wife, Jennifer of Olathe, Kans., and David Sharp and wife Michelle, Fort Scott; one daughter, Sherry Culp, Fort Scott; two step-sons, Michael Tourtillott and wife Sandy, Las Cruces, N.M., and Joseph Tourtillott and wife Becky, Fort Scott; one sister, Mildred Bolin, Fort Scott; and a sister-in-law, Carol Barrett, Fort Scott.  Also surviving are 12 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Robert Barrett; sister, Mary Johnson and a great-grandson, Gavin Sharp.

Tim Woodring will conduct funeral services at 10 a.m. Friday in the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to either Mercy Hospice or SE Kansas Respite 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

Virginia Maxine Page, age 85, a former resident of Fort Scott, Kans., passed away Wednesday, April 12, 2017, at the home of her daughter in Bozeman, Mont.

She was born April 20, 1931, in St. Clair County, Mo., the daughter of Omer Finis Witt and Virgie Ann Bland Witt.  She started to school at the age of four and graduated high school at the age of sixteen.  She then attended Kansas City College and Bible School, as well as the Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri at Kansas City.  She married Rev. John I. Page on August 1, 1951, at Black Jack, Mo.  She was a faithful and devoted wife who assisted with her husband’s ministries in both Black Jack Church of God (Holiness) and the Parkway Church of God (Holiness) in Fort Scott.  She served as choir director and church pianist.  She was always a gracious hostess and will be remembered for her apple and pecan pies.  Another one of her passions was spreading the gospel message to the people of Haiti.  She had gone on numerous mission trips to Haiti and was currently serving as President of Haiti Missions, Inc.

Survivors include her four children, Brenda Parsons, of Peculiar, Mo., Carma Judy and husband, Mike, of Orange, Texas, Courtney Cresse and husband, Jonathan, of Bozeman, Mont., and Jonathan Page and wife, Kasee, of Lawrence, Kans.; eight grandchildren, Brett Parsons and wife, Kimberly, Carly Parsons and fiancé, Joe Cameron, Lynden Judy and wife, Katie, Cade and Colter Cresse, and Sierra, Jonas and Orrin Page; and four great-grandchildren, Ava Parsons, and Tally, Claire and Jhett Judy.  Her husband, Rev. John I. Page, preceded her in death on January 28, 1999.  She was also preceded in death by her parents, a son-in-law, Dr. Charles Parsons, two grandsons, Charles Anthony Parsons and Gabriel John Parsons and a brother, Edward Cleo Witt.

Rev. Jonathan Cresse will conduct funeral services at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 18, at the Parkway Church of God (Holiness).  Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Parkway Church of God (Holiness) 1111 State St., Fort Scott, Kans.  Memorials are suggested to Haiti Mission, Inc. 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

Tarecia Jean Herring, age 68, resident of Fort Scott, Kans., died Wednesday, April 12, 2017, at Fort Scott Manor.

She was born on August 24, 1948, in Fort Smith, Ark., the daughter of Billie Jo Greenlee and Wilma Janelle Sesso. She married Larry Wayne Herring on March 1, 1963, in Fort Scott. He preceded her in death. Tarecia work for Peerless Products in Fort Scott. In her younger years, she enjoyed being outdoors; camping, fishing and raising livestock. She especially liked dogs and horses. She loved spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Survivors include two sons, John Herring and wife Heather, Uniontown, Kans., and Wayne Herring and wife Tamy, Fort Scott; two daughters, Tammie Robison, Fort Scott, and Gennie Shields; 12 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Royce Greenlee; and her parents.
There was cremation. Pastor Larry Stevicks will conduct memorial services at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 22, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow at a later date in Milum Cemetery, Lead Hill, Ark. Memorials are suggested to the Tarecia Herring 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

Freada Louise Fleming, age 84, resident of Fort Scott, Kans., died Tuesday, April 11, 2017, at Mercy Hospital ER.

She was born December 16, 1932, in Vernon County, Mo., the daughter of Cleve and Mary Bridges Brundridge.  She married Richard Fleming on May 25, 1950, in Nevada, Mo.  He preceded her in death on December 21, 2010.  She worked at home, raising the children, until 1975.  She then began working as an inspector for Key Work Clothes in Fort Scott, retiring after 25 years.  In the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, she belonged to the Busy Bee Club and EHU.  She enjoyed gardening, canning, embroidery, cross word puzzles, country music and raising cows.  She lived for her kids and grandkids, never missing an event while she was able physically.  She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints.

Survivors include two sons, Doug Fleming and wife Kay, and Rodney Fleming and wife Kelly, all of Fort Scott; two daughters, Brenda Tourtillott and husband Kenneth, and Debbie Shaw and husband Kenny, all of Fort Scott; one brother, Joe Brundridge, Kansas City, Mo.; two sisters, Doris Quackenbush, Nevada, Mo.,  and Ruby Villans, Indianapolis, Ind.; a brother-in-law Ralph Fleming; 14 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; one step-grandchild; eight step-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Harry Wesley Brundridge, Harry Leonard Brundridge and infant brother Cecil Brundridge; an infant great-granddaughter, Reece Tyler Koppa; a sister, Peggy Smith; a half-brother, Roy Brundridge; and two half-sisters, Hazel Cargill and Sylvia Brundridge.

President Kenneth Tourtillott will conduct funeral services at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 18, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Virgil City Cemetery, Vernon County, Mo.  The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Monday evening at the Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the National Kidney Foundation 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

George Hall Fair, age 93, a former resident of Pittsburg, Kans., and more recently of Tucson, Ariz., passed away Saturday, April 8, 2017, in Tucson.

He was born November 3, 1923, in Throckmarton, Texas, the son of Nathan E. Fair and Elizabeth Zona Hall Fair. George married Carol May Wenzel on June 1, 1946, in Sherman, Texas.  He served with the United States Army during World War II.  He had been employed as a principal for Iowa public schools for many years.

Survivors include a son, Nathan Fair, of McCallsburg, Iowa, and a daughter, Rosaline Fair, of Tucson, Ariz.; three grandchildren, Sheila Dalton, Alex Fair and Allison Fair and two great-grandchildren.  Also surviving is a sister, Brooksie Salman, of Midland, Texas.  He was preceded in death by his wife and a daughter, Georgia Dalton.

Graveside services with military honors will be held at 9 a.m. Monday, April 17, at the U. S. National Cemetery.  Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kans.

Submitted by Cheney-Witt Funeral Home

Robert Gordon Steele, age 88, a resident of Fort Scott, Kans., passed away Monday, April 10, 2017, at the Presbyterian Village in Ft. Scott.

He was born November 25, 1928, in Uniontown, Kans., the son of Ira Alva Steele and Bessie Marie Brainerd Steele.  He graduated from the Uniontown High School with the Class of 1945 and later graduated from the Fort Scott Junior College.  He served with the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.  He married Anna Faye Woodring on March 27, 1974, at Fort Scott.  Bob worked as a systems administrator for the Western Insurance Company which later became American States/Safeco.  He retired in 1988, following forty-two years of service.  In earlier years, he was a member of the Uniontown United Methodist Church and later attended the Mt. Orum Baptist Church.  He volunteered for the Old Fort Genealogical Society and the Beacon and also helped with the community Thanksgiving dinner.

Survivors include a sister-in-law, Laura Steele, of Fort Scott and several cousins.  His wife, Faye, preceded him in death on February 7, 2017.  He was also preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Russell Steele.

Following cremation, Rev. Marty DeWitt will conduct a graveside service at 10 a.m. Monday, April 17, at the U. S. National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Olson Frary Burkhart Post #1165 Veterans of Foreign Wars.  Family and friends will meet at the cemetery.  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, Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Submitted by Cheney-Witt Funeral Home

Reece Tyler Koppa, infant of daughter of Derek Koppa and Randi Shaw Koppa, passed away Monday, April 3, 2017, at the Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Mo.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by a sister, Brylynn Koppa; maternal grandparents, Kenny and Debbie Shaw, paternal grandparets, Jim and Cheryl Koppa; maternal great-grandmother, Freda Fleming and paternal great-grandmother, Janice Ramsey, all of Fort Scott.  She was preceded in death by her maternal great-grandfather, Richard Fleming and paternal great-grandparents, Richard Ramsey and Murrel and Goldie Koppa.

Rev. Virgil Peck will conduct funeral services at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 11, at the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.  Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the National Kidney Foundation 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

Linda June Harris Vann, age 69, a resident of Fort Scott, Kans., went into glory to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 1, 2017.

She was born March 24, 1948, in Fort Scott, the daughter of Ray Hugh Harris and Cleta Mae Graham Harris.  Linda graduated from the Fort Scott High School in 1967.  Immediately out of high school, Linda began a career with Mercy Hospital. She started as an aide and later worked as a ward clerk.  She retired in March of 2010 after 43 years of service. She married Harry Glenn Vann on August 29, 1974, at Miami, Okla.  Linda enjoyed sports, reading, bowling, fishing and traveling. She was also an avid Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs fan.  She formerly attended the Mt. Olive Church of God in Christ and was currently a member of the Diamond Community Church.

Survivors include her three sons, Monty Vann, of Atlanta, Ga., and Gregory and Jonathan Vann, both of Fort Scott; four grandchildren, Elijah Wright, Ezekiel, Daniel and Violet Vann, all of Fort Scott.  Also surviving are three brothers, Leon Harris of New Mexico, Eugene Harris of Los Angeles, Calif., and Roger Harris of New York, N.Y.; and four sisters including her twin, Glenda Harris of Fort Scott, Deborah Nelson of Fort Scott, Rotena Gray of Denver, Colo., and Hattie Wright of Olathe, Kans.  Her husband, Glenn, preceded her in death on May 8, 2010.  She was also preceded in death by three brothers, William Graham, Buford Harris, and Donald Drake, and a sister, Phyllis Mason.

Elder Roger Harris, assisted by Rev. Jimmy Tucker, will conduct funeral services at 11 a.m., Wednesday, April 12, 2017, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to the Linda Vann Memorial Fund 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.