C. Charley Johnston, Jr., age 82, resident of Fort Scott, KS, passed away on August 22, 2023, at the Kansas University Medical Center following a brief illness.

He was born February 25, 1941, in Fort Scott, the son of Charley and Rose Hines Johnston. He married Ann McCurley on April 9, 1961, in Fort Scott.  Charley was a 1959 graduate of Fort Scott High School.

He obtained his bachelor’s degree and his master’s degree in business education from Pittsburg State University.  After teaching business classes at Hiawatha High School, Hiawatha, KS, he returned to Fort Scott and worked several years as a business instructor and administrator at Fort Scott Community College.

Following this employment, he worked 15 years as a vocational rehabilitation counselor with the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, retiring in 2005.  Charley was a proud veteran.  He served two years in the U. S. Army, followed by 40 years with the Kansas National Guard, retiring as Command Sergeant Major.

Charley was a loving husband, father, and grandpa.  He cherished his family and his grandchildren.  His grandchildren were his greatest joy.  He was an avid fan of the KC Royals, KC Chiefs, and K-State football.  He also enjoyed playing golf with his family and friends.

Charley is survived by his wife Ann; his sister, Rita Emmerson, Fort Scott; his sons, Vince Johnston (Leigh), Pittsburg, KS, and Brian Johnston (Deborah), Springfield, MO; his grandchildren, Jessica Dreiling (Grant), Kyle Johnston, Chase Johnston, Nicole Johnston; his great grandson, Kip Dreiling; sisters-in-law, Bernie Simmons, and Kathy McCurley;  and  brother-in-law, Doug Ropp (Patty); as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters-in-law Lucille Langdon and Elaine Ropp; his brothers-in-law, Joe Langdon, Ronnie Simmons, Jim Emmerson, Doug McCurley, and Cedric McCurley; and his niece, Cindy Emmerson.

Following cremation, a private burial will take place at a later date at the Fort Scott National Cemetery.  The family requests memorials to Care to Share 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 to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Edgar Henry Graham, Jr. died Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023, at St. Luke’s Hospital East in Lee’s Summit, Mo., where he was being treated for issues likely related to his years-long battle with NASH cirrhosis.

 

Known as “Ed” or “Eddie” depending on when you got to know him, he was born on Feb. 17, 1955, in Iola, Kan. Ed grew up in Uniontown, Kan., and attended school in the USD 235 district, graduating as high school valedictorian in 1973.

 

Ed married Nancy Sue Russell Graham in 1971 and the two remained married until his death. Their son, Christopher Andrew, died shortly after he was born.

 

Marrying and enduring tragedy at age 16 was not easy for Ed or Nancy, but the pair persevered through many trials and together had three more children between 1980 and 1991: Nicholas Adam (Karen), Douglas Russell (Kristen), and Krisanna Georgia Elaine.

 

Ed and Nancy have nine grandchildren: Leia, Piper and Isabelle from Nick and Karen in Uniontown; and Gabby, Andrew, Ellie, Katherine, Peter and Daniel from Doug and Kristen in Girard, Kan.

 

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Laura Graham and Edgar Graham, Sr., an infant son, Christopher, and a sister, Ruth Townsley.

 

In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by his sisters, Betty Oharah (Jerry) of Overland Park and Nancy Corrao (Patrick) of Edgefield, South Carolina.

 

Ed took pride in being a provider for his family. He started his professional life following in his father’s footsteps, building many homes throughout the area. Toward the end of his tenure as a full-time contractor, he co-founded Big Sugar Lumber.

 

In the early 1990s, Ed branched out from construction and built a successful insurance agency in Fort Scott. Later, as an American Family Insurance district manager based in Salina, Kan., he coached agents throughout the western half of the state.

 

Ed had a passion for civil service and was often considered a level-headed voice of reason by his colleagues. He served on the Fort Scott City Planning Commission, the USD 235 school board, the Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees, and the Southeast Kansas Education Service Center (Greenbush) Board of Directors.

 

Rev. Marty Dewitt will conduct funeral services at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 28, at the Uniontown Missionary Baptist Church, where Ed grew up attending with his mother.

 

Burial will follow at the Centerville Cemetery, with a message from Bro. Paul Rooks of Grace Baptist Tabernacle, where Ed and Nancy were members.

 

Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 27, at Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Care to Share, which has provided invaluable support to Ed’s grandson Peter throughout his ongoing leukemia treatment 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 to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Garold (Gary) Billionis, 77, passed away unexpectedly on August 17, 2023.  Gary was born in Pittsburg, Kansas on June 25, 1946.

 

Gary graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1964 and served proudly in the United States Air Force from 1968 to 1972.  Gary attended Pittsburg State University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in education in 1973 and a master’s degree in 1977.

 

Gary Billionis was a lifelong educator and coach.  He taught in Coffeyville, Altamont, and Parsons, before moving to Fort Scott to teach middle school physical education.  Gary coached many sports, including high school football and track.  Gary was the Director of Student Activities and Intramurals for ten years.

 

During his 30-year career, Gary served on many committees relating to middle school education and athletics. In 1994, Gary was named a Kansas Master Teacher by Emporia State University. He also served as the Chairman of the National Intramural Sports Council, Director of Program Development for the National Middle School Activities Association, and received the Champion for Children Award, the Dale E. Hammons Outstanding Teacher Award, and the Kansas Association of Middle Level Education Oasis Award, along with several other honors.

Gary was a member of Community Christian Church.

 

Following his retirement from education, Gary was elected to the Fort Scott City Commission in 2003 and served as the mayor of Fort Scott from 2004 to 2007.  He was first elected to the USD 234 Board of Education in 2013 and served in that capacity until the time of his death.

 

Gary is survived by his wife of 40 years, Connie.  He is also survived by two sons, Matthew Simpson and wife Spring, Nicholas Billionis, and daughter-in-law, Michelle Billionis.  In addition, Gary is survived by two brothers, Mike Billionis and wife Vicki, and Rick Billionis and wife Val.  Gary leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Marin, Grace, and Amelia Billionis, and Tarin and Kinley Simpson.  He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Thomas; parents, Robert and Waynith Billionis and by Connie’s parents, Wayne and Bonnie Meek.

 

Funeral services are planned for Saturday, August 26, at 10:00 a.m. at Community Christian Church, 1919 Horton, in Fort Scott under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Fort Scott, Kansas, immediately following the funeral service.

Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

 

 

Richard Wayne “Ricky” Peoples, Jr., age 36, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kanss, passed away Monday, August 21, 2023, at his home.  He was born March 24, 1987, in Ft. Scott, the son of Richard Wayne Peoples Sr. and Cynthia Jean Page Peoples.  Ricky graduated from the Ft. Scott High School.  Throughout his life, Ricky worked at a variety of odd jobs including lawn care.  He enjoyed going to stockcar races and tractor pulls.  Many memories were made traveling throughout the country with his family.

 

Ricky will be lovingly remembered by his many family members and friends.  He was preceded in death by his mother.

 

Following cremation, a private burial will take place at a later date in the Evergreen Cemetery.

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.

Lawrence “Randy” Burns, Jr., 58, resident of Fort Scott, passed away Thursday afternoon, August 17, 2023. He was born September 26, 1964, in Kansas City, Kansas, the son of Lawrence Randall Burns, Sr. and Judith Ann (Norris) Burns.

 

Randy lived his life to the fullest. He loved going to concerts, fishing, and boating, He loved the Kansas City Chiefs, exploring new places, spending time with his family, and so much more. He was always so full of energy and life. He was a very strong and good-hearted man. Randy will be truly missed.

 

Randy is survived by his daughter, Brittany Burns; a sister, Becky Ryder, of Kansas City, Kansas; a brother, Danny Burns, of Olathe, Kansas; three grandchildren, Aleson Hill, Ajaxx Hill, Rilee Warner, and one more on the way, Gatlin Warner. He is also survived by four nephews, one niece, and three great-nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his life-partner, Carol “Tina” Burns.

 

Following cremation, the family will hold a Celebration of Life, for family and close friends at 12:00 noon at Gunn Park Friday, August 26, 2023.

Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

 

Cadillac McNack was born on February, 19, 1952 to Mary Delores Lindsay (Willard) and Wallace McNack, Jr. in Kansas City, MO.

She was preceded in death by her father, Wallace McNack, Jr., mother, Mary Delores Lindsay (Willard); grandfather, Henry Lindsey, grandmother Adell Johnson; aunts, Ella Mae Lindsey (Grant) and Bernice Powell; uncles, Chester and Charles Hall. Her favorite cousins, Wanda Grant, Barbara Jo and Mike Johnson.

Cadillac was educated in the public school of Fort Scott, KS. and later attended Fort Scott Community College. She maintained employment at Key Industries Inc., after the sewing department closed she worked at the Best Western Motel.

Cadillac enjoyed her life to the fullest and was always thinking of others. She loved reading books, court TV, playing solitary and spending to with family and friends.

Cadillac leaves behind to cherish her memory her son’s Anthony and Timitri McNack (Sherry), daughter, MaWaca McNack; brothers, Wallace McNack, Marion and James Willard (Liz); grandchildren, Breonna Martinez, Jelecca McNack, Terez McNack, Damya Bagley, KyAira and Kamorra Crockett, Amitria, Tianta and Shataya McNack; great-grandchildren, Mykeyana Ackles, Messiah and Izmyel, Bryant, Tresen and Tarez Jr. McNack; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Friday, August 25, 2023 at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.

The family will receive friends for 12:00 P.M. until service time at the chapel.

Memorial are suggested to the Cadillac McNack 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.

Jerry Eugene Oharah died on August 17, 2023, at his home in Overland Park, where he resided with his wife and son Gene for the past year.

He was born on December 11, 1940.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Verne and Laverne Oharah.  He grew up on a farm in Irish Valley, near Uniontown Kansas with his parents and three siblings; Jack Oharah (Elaine), Lynne Oharah (Marla), and Charlotte O’Hara.

Jerry married Betty Lou Graham on March 19, 1960.  Together they had four children; Gene Oharah, Dean Oharah (Daylene), Elizabeth Dawn Armstrong (Jay), and Angela Johnson (Mark).  He has eight grandchildren: Angie Zumbrunnen, Paris Zumbrunnen, Tanner Oharah (Greer), Riley Oharah (Julica), Cassandra Armstrong, Zachary Johnson (Kyley), Kaden Johnson, and Ashley Miller (Chad).  He has six great-grandchildren: Zion Oharah, Avonlea Oharah, Ledger Joe Johnson, Jake Cottingham, Aiden Cottingham, and Max Michel.

 

Jerry graduated from Uniontown High School in 1959.  His career began with AT&T putting up microwave towers.  He and his growing family traveled twenty-three western states, moving every two weeks, from 1962-1967.

Jerry and his family then moved to Ottawa, Kansas where he worked for Southwestern Bell for eight years.  He and his family then moved to Goodland, Kansas where Jerry continued to work for Southwestern Bell.  He put in thirty-eight years with the telephone companies.  He also worked as a motorcycle mechanic and was a talented mechanic and machinist.

Jerry and Betty enjoyed riding motorcycles, and together they rode almost every pass in Colorado, rode in several other states, and Old Mexico.

They moved from Goodland to the family farm in Irish Valley in their later years.  With the help of their children, they restored the original home and turned it into a one room cabin (eventually adding on).  The family spent a lot of time together at the cabin and Jerry always had a project.

Jerry was a hard worker, generous, creative and a great friend to many.  Family was very important to him.

 

Rev. Marty Dewitt will conduct funeral services at 11:00 AM Saturday, August 26^th, at the Uniontown Missionary Baptist Church.

Burial will follow in the Uniontown Cemetery

.  The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until service time Saturday at the Church.

Memorials are suggested to the Uniontown Missionary Baptist Church 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 to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

Amy Inez Watkins, age 42, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas, following a brief illness.

She was born September 15, 1980, in Pittsburg, Kansas, the daughter of Jack Pryor, Sr. and Marveline Hukill Pryor.

Amy grew up in Mindenmines, Missouri and graduated from the Liberal, Missouri High School.

Amy married Scott Watkins on June 12, 2021, at Ft. Scott, Kansas.  In earlier years, she had been employed by Wal-Mart first in Lamar, Missouri and later in Ft. Scott.  She recently accepted a position as a service advisor at Briggs Automotive in Ft. Scott.

Amy will be remembered for her caring personality and devotion to children.  She loved listening to live music and traveling.  She and her family had recently returned from a summer vacation in Florida where many wonderful memories were made.  She was a member of the Community Christian Church.

 

Survivors include her husband, Scott, of the home; seven children, Zoe DiToro (John), Keirsten, Mellicia and Trinnade Kuffler and Xavier, Xander and Xation Watkins and two grandchildren, John John and Lux.  Also surviving are her mother, Marveline Sprinkle (Bruce), brothers and sisters Charles and Sherry Osborne, Jody Pryor, Travis Pryor, Jack and Rhonda Pryor, Tina Burdick, Ben Burdick, Daniel Sprinkle and Christopher Sprinkle and father and mother-in-law, David Watkins, Sr. and Teresa as well as sister and brothers-in-law, Alicia Watkins (John), David Watkins (Alisha), Billy Watkins and Tracy Watkins.  Also surviving is her former husband, Eldon Kuffler.

Amy was preceded in death by her father, Jack Pryor, Sr. and a brother, Donald Sprinkle.

 

Rev. Dusty Drake will conduct funeral services at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, August 22^nd at the Community Christian Church.  Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Monday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Amy Watkins 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 Eugene Oharah, age 82, former resident of Uniontown, KS, died Thursday, August 17, 2023, in Overland Park, KS.  Services for Jerry Oharah will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St.

Paula Kay Goodman-Schweikhardt, age 65, of Fort Scott, KS passed away after a long battle with Colon Cancer at her home on Monday August 14^th, 2023. She was born on January 25, 1958, in Independence Mo. to Melvin and Lois Goodman.

 

Paula graduated from William Chrisman High School in Independence MO where she resided until moving to Fort Scott KS. Paula was a dedicated nurses aid for twenty years at Fort Scott Manor until accepting the position of assistant cook and food prep worker. She later went to work as a Home Health Aid until accepting a position at G&W Foods in the deli department. Paula enjoyed taking care of the elderly community and had a love of cooking for others. She was a lover of all things outdoors; you could often find her working in her garden tending her flower beds. She would also spend numerous hours crafting handmade Christmas ornaments for her family and friends.   She was an avid collector and lover of Coca Cola memorabilia. Paula was one of the biggest fans of the Kansas City Chiefs football team, with one of her dreams coming true when she was finally able to attend a game with her boys. Paula’s greatest joy in life was her three sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren along with spending time with her family and friends.

 

Paula is proceeded in death by her father Melvin Goodman and her sister Laura Stagg.

She is survived by her mother Lois Goodman (Independence MO); her sons, Christopher Goodman (Kay), Joshua Schoemig, and Matthew Schweikhardt; her grandchildren Demitrious Goodman (Elizabeth), Krishawn Goodman (Taylor), Zarius Goodman (Sydney), Jordan Johnson, Kaleiah Johnson, Kaniyah Johnson, Emma Hibbs, Grace Hibbs, and Max and Royal Schweikhardt; great- grandchildren Jaelyn, Braxton, Zara, Violet, and Westen; her sisters Debbie Gillen (David), Brenda Smith (Doug); brother in-law David Stagg; and many aunt’s, cousins, nieces and nephews.

 

A celebration of life and lunch will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, August 26^th, 2023, at the Community Christian Church (Gym) 1919 Horton Street, Fort Scott KS 66701. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting contributions be made to the Paula Goodman-Schweikhardt Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

 

Billy Joe Johnson, age 79, a resident of Devon, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at the Pittsburg Health & Rehabilitation Center in Pittsburg, Kansas.

He was born July 13, 1944, the son of Lawrence Leo Johnson and Esther A. Swartz Johnson.  Billy grew up in rural Deerfield, Missouri where he enjoyed farming and working with cattle.

He first married Donna Beisly and they owned and operated their own dairy farm near Deerfield for several years prior to their divorce.

At the age of eighteen, he became a licensed auctioneer and worked in this profession throughout his life.   In addition, Billy also worked for many years as assistant manager of Whiteside’s IGA which then became Gene’s IGA. He later took a job with the Bourbon County Public Works crew where he was employed until his retirement in October of 2011.

Billy married Kathy Harper Underwood on October 18, 1996.  Following their marriage, Billy moved to the Devon area where he continued to farm and raise cattle.  After his retirement, he befriended several members of the Amish community, and he frequently provided them with transportation.  One of Billy’s favorite auctioning gigs was the annual Christian Heights Country Store Auction.  He faithfully volunteered his auction skills for many years and helped to raise thousands of dollars for the benefit of the school.

Billy will be lovingly missed by all who knew him.

The family would like to express their thanks to Pittsburg Health & Rehab and to Gentiva Hospice for the excellent love and care for Billy over the last several months.

Survivors include his wife, Kathy, of the home; three children, Tabitha Hamersley (David) of Nevada, Missouri; Diana Heckman (Jerry) of Fulton, Kansas and Julia Brown (Keith) of Ft. Scott, Kansas; thirteen grandchildren, Stephanie Lilley (Bradley), Dr. Chad Johnson (Becca), Trenton Johnson, Catherine Johnson, Landon Johnson, Gabriel Hamersley, Opal Heckman (Kyle), Whitney Heckman, Ashley Rodriguez, Jerad Heckman (Andi), Jenny Heckman (Kaden), Lily Brown and Alex Brown and twenty-one great-grandchildren.  Also surviving is a brother, Roger Johnson.

Billy was preceded in death by a son, Doug Johnson and an infant daughter, Regina Kay Johnson, a brother, Jerry Johnston and a sister, Claribel Kerrick.

Rev. Bill Smith will conduct funeral services at 11:00 A.M. Monday, August 14^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Centerville Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Monday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to Ft. Scott Christian Heights School 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.

Nita Habbena, age 97, of Carl Junction, Missouri, passed away peacefully on August 5th at her daughter’s home surrounded by her family who loved her dearly.

Nita grew up in the small community of Rockwell City, Iowa, where she met and married her husband, Carl, in 1947. During their marriage they lived and raised their 4 children in Manson, Iowa. When the nest was empty, they moved to Yankton, South Dakota, then Leawood, Kansas, with their final move to Carl Junction where they lived for over 30 years.

Her pride and joy was her grandson Ryan. Nita also enjoyed playing golf, her gardens, flowers, and a good glass of wine. She was a dog lover and enjoyed companion pets throughout her entire life. She also loved the KC Royals and Chiefs, and there was nothing she enjoyed more than watching a good game on television.

She had a zest for life and was a fiercely independent spirit. Having fun was always the goal. During her final years that spirit was a blessing but also became a challenge to her caregivers who were honored to be part of her final journey. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl, in 2003, her parents, and 2 sisters. She is survived by her daughters, Carleen Shatto, Paula Habbena, Pat Habbena, son Doug Habbena, grandson Ryan Habbena and sister Pegge Hudgins.

A special thank you must be extended to Good Shepherd Hospice for their exceptional care. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Good Shepard Hospice, Olathe, Kansas, or New Beginnings Dog Rescue in Overland Park, Kansas.

A celebration of life is pending.