Category Archives: Obituary

Obituary Of Thomas Leroy Willard

Thomas Leroy Willard, age 76, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Thursday, March 22, 2018, at his home.

He was born October 11, 1941, in Ft. Scott, the son of Elzy Leroy “Jack” Willard and Rowena Louise Maynard Willard.

Thomas attended Ft. Scott schools and later worked in maintenance for the Western Insurance Company which later became American States Insurance Company. He retired after over forty years of service. He married Roma Mae Harris on November 16, 1962, at Ft. Scott.

In earlier years, he enjoyed photography, classic cars, woodworking and barbequing. He attended Mt. Olive Church of God in Christ.

He is survived by his children, LaShawn Anita Noel and husband, Tracy, of Pittsburg, Kansas; Douglas Lee (Cheney) Willard and Sahaun Timogen Willard, all of Ft. Scott; three grandchildren, Cire Miller of Pittsburg, and Cannon and Quinn Willard, both of Raleigh, North Carolina. Also surviving is a sister, Jacqueline Drake, of Ft. Scott and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. His wife, Roma, preceded him in death on February 28, 2008.

There was cremation. Pastor Daryl Gaddy will conduct a memorial service at 11 A.M. Tuesday, March 27 at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 10 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary for Cindy Gillispie

Cindy Gillispie

Cynthia Katherine Gillispie, 56 of Prescott, Kansas passed away March 20, 2018, at Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott, Kansas.

Cremation, with private family interment to be held at a later date. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers are suggested to United Methodist Women in Prescott, Kansas or to the ALS Association (6950 Squibb Road Suite 210 Mission, KS 66202). Arrangements entrusted to the Mullinax Funeral Home (660-679-0009) in Butler, Missouri. Messages of condolence for the family may be left at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Cynthia was born July 17, 1961, in Fort Scott, Kansas. She grew up and attended school in Fort Scott. Following high school, she moved to Texas and eventually made her way back to Fort Scott to serve the Police and Sheriff’s Department of Bourbon County and Sheriff’s Department of Linn County for 20 years.

Cindy is preceded in death by her parents Johnny Joe Sheehy and Patricia Ann Burrous, and brother John Sheehy. She is survived by her husband Earl Gillispie, her three daughters Morgan Gillispie, Randie Schlichting, and Kathy Messer; her brothers Tony and Joe Sheehy; and several nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.

Obituary Of Shawn Wade Pulliam

Shawn Wade Pulliam, age 51, a resident of Yates Center, KS, died Saturday, March 17, 2018, at his home. He was born February 18, 1967, in Mt. Vernon, WA, the son of Franklin D. Pulliam and Donna K. Brown Pulliam. After high school, he graduated from welding school. He worked in the welding profession until a recent traffic accident caused his disability. He married Ida Mae Hull in May of 1991. They later divorced. Shawn enjoyed fishing and working on cars. He loved spending time with his grandchildren. He was a selfless person, willing to do anything to help anyone. He never met a stranger.

Survivors include his two sons, Shawn M. Pulliam and Miranda, Bronson, KS and Dalton Pulliam and wife Caroline, Redfield, KS; siblings Julia Pulliam, Carthage, MO, Frank Pulliam, West Plains, AR, Mary Jean Fogle, Nevada, MO, and Rodney Pulliam and wife Dorothi, Mapleton, KS; nine grandchildren, Koda Stockstill, Ida K. Pulliam, Tayton Pulliam, Allyson Pulliam, Connor Pulliam, Elizibeth Pulliam, Landyn Pulliam, Madilyn Pulliam, and Oaklie Pulliam; his mother, Mary Ann Pulliam; two nephews, Calvin Pulliam and Jimmy Kastle as well as several other nieces and nephews; two cousins, Tim Adams and Donald Adams; and an aunt, Ruth Braack and husband Gary. He was preceded in death by his father, Franklin D. Pulliam; and ex-wife Ida Mae Hull.

Billy Phillips will conduct funeral services at 11:30 a.m. Friday, March 23rd, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Cremation will follow. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Thursday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Shawn W. Pulliam Memorial Fund and may be left in the care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS, 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at Cheney

 

Obituary for Merlene Viola Hornish

Merlene Viola Hornish, age 81, a resident of rural Mapleton, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at the Mercy Hospital in Ft. Scott, Kansas. She was born July 17, 1936, in Cash, Oklahoma, the daughter of John Rimmer and Elva Penrod Rimmer.

She married Mike Hornish on October 5, 1991, at Hillsboro, Oregon. Merlene had worked as a bus driver in Oregon and later in Linn County, Kansas.

Survivors include her husband, Mike, of the home; five children, Linda Sprague, of Bronson, Kansas; Terry Pitner, of Amboy, Washington; Sharon Brahin, of Columbus, Kansas; Vicki Langford, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Derek Cunningham, of Sarasota, Florida. Also, several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Surviving is a brother, Marion Rimmer, of Arizona. She was preceded in death by a son, Nick Stevens, a grandson, Billy Minor and two brothers, Melvin and Marvin Rimmer.

There was cremation and no services are planned. 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.

Obituary Of Lori Ann Culp

Lori Ann Culp, age 50, a resident of Fort Scott, Ks, passed away Monday, March 12, 2018, at the Shawnee Mission Medical Center. She was born on March 21, 1967, in Fort Scott, Ks the daughter of Joseph and Nancy Parker.

Lori was a devoted wife and mother who loved to fish, gardening, cooking and spending time with her family especially her grandkids.

Lori is survived by a son, Kenny Monroe, of Fort Scott, Ks; two daughters, Megan Woods and husband, Brian of Bronson, Ks and Kayla Bolden and husband, Justin of Fort Scott, Ks; Her Dad, Joseph Parker, of Fort Scott, Ks; two sisters, Kim Leavell and husband, Mitch of Garland, Ks and Beverley Parker, of Fort Scott, Ks; and 11 grandchildren. Lori was preceded in death by her husband, Darryl Culp and her mother, Nancy Parker.

Graveside services will be held at 12:30 PM Friday, March 16, 2018, at the Uniontown Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM till leaving for the Cemetery at the Cheney Witt Chapel. The family suggests contributions to the Lori Culp Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel 201 S. Main PO Box 347, Fort Scott, Ks 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary Of Anita Louise Carpenter

Anita Louise Carpenter, age 78, a resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Saturday, March 10, 2018, at her home.

She was born March 27, 1939, in La Harpe, KS, the daughter of George and Hazel Foster Hurd. She graduated from Ft. Scott High School in 1957 and attended Ft. Scott Community College.

Anita worked for Western Insurance Company in Ft. Scott before moving to Texas. She worked as communication secretary for the University of Texas Pan-Am in Edinburg, TX, for twelve years, then the University of Texas-San Antonio for thirteen years until retirement. She moved back to Ft. Scott about ten years ago. When not working, Anita enjoyed reading and traveling, especially to Branson, MO.

Survivors include two sons, Michael Carpenter and wife Karen, Omaha, NE, and Stephen Carpenter and wife Jana, Poteet, TX; a daughter-in-law Angela Carpenter, Ft. Scott, KS; two sisters, Janet Carpenter and husband Harry, Ft. Scott, KS, and Judy Fleming, LaCygne, KS.

Four grandchildren, Carrie Rivera and husband Josh, Ben Carpenter and wife Jessica, Nicolette Carpenter and husband Corey, and Dalton Carpenter; four great-grandchildren, Octavian Carpenter, Elysian Carpenter, Cason Davis, Colbi Davis, and one more on the way; several nieces and nephews. Best friend and travel mate, Joan Soltren.

She was preceded in death by a son, Randy Carpenter; a brother, George “Sonny” Hurd; and her parents.

There was cremation. No services are planned. Private burial will take place in Memory Gardens Cemetery, Ft. Scott. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com

Obituary Of Kenneth Charles Corbin

Kenneth Charles Corbin, Sr., 96, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away Thursday, March 8, 2017.

He was born September 7, 1921, in Fort Scott, Kansas to the late Kenneth Howard and Florence Louise Richards Corbin.

He was a World War II veteran of the US Coast Guard, where he was a Boatswain’s Mate.

He was a retired police officer, and Maintenance Director with Spring Meadows Children’s Home. He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, and the Coast Guard Combat Veterans Association, KY Historical Society, KY Colonel, a charter member of the Greatest Generation of Veterans, and he was very proud of his 30th anniversary of the Corbin Research.

He is survived by his daughter, Donna Corbin Cain of Tampa, FL, and a host of wonderful longtime friends, and his beloved “sidekick” Baby. Ken was preceded in death by his parents, his son Kenneth C. Corbin JR, and his wife Geraldine “Jerry” Corbin.

Services to celebrate Ken’s life will be held Saturday, at 5 pm at Arch L. Heady & Son Westport Village, 7410 Westport Road, with a visitation before services from 2:00-5:00 pm on Saturday.

Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, March 12, 2018, at the US National Cemetery, Fort Scott, Kansas, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Military Honors at the cemetery will be conducted by the Olson-Frary-Burkhart Post 1165 Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Detail. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Obituary Of Ella Judy

Ella Judy, age 87, a resident of rural Ft. Scott, Kansas, went to her heavenly home Thursday, March 8, 2018.

She was born March 14, 1930, in Oklahoma, the daughter of Rev. W. L. Gates and Donna Hurley Gates. She married Elmer Judy, Jr. on April 15, 1949, at Ft. Scott.

In earlier years, Ella worked at Ahren’s Produce and for Key Industries. She later served as bookkeeper for the family business, Judy’s Iron & Metal. Above all, Ella was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed sewing and used her talents to make clothing for her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed crafts of all kinds especially ceramics and stained glass.

Ella was blessed with the gift of hospitality. Her home was always open to entertain youth groups, pastors, and her many friends. She faithfully attended the Parkway Church of God (Holiness).

Survivors include her husband, Elmer, of the home; a son, Mike Judy and wife, Carma, of Orange, Texas and two daughters, Gwen Chance and husband, Terry and Jan Beltram and husband, Larry, all of Ft. Scott; four grandchildren, Brent Chance and wife, Angela, of Harrisonville, Missouri, Brandon Beltram and wife, Amber, of Wichita, Kansas, Lynden Judy and wife, Katie, of Omaha, Arkansas and Kristi Beltram and fiancé, Justin Harbit, of Ft. Scott; and nine great-grandchildren, Alec, Nate, Kole and Alena Chance, Mikah and Emma Beltram and Tally, Claire and Jhett Judy. Also surviving are two brothers, Bill Gates, of Pittsburg, Kansas and Don Gates of Kodiak, Alaska and a sister, Frances Wise, of Wichita. She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Leslie Judy, a grandson, Dustin Chance, a brother, James Gates and two sisters, Ida Durkee and Ethelene Richardson.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Monday, March 12th 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. Sunday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to Ft. Scott Christian Heights and may be left in the 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 Richard Cowen

Richard Cowen, 92, of Fort Scott, Kansas passed away Wednesday evening, February 28, 2018, at the Medicalodge Nursing Home.

He was born December 31, 1925, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the son of John Harold and Gladys (Emmerson) Cowen. He married Freda Elaine Bentley July 31, 1948, in Fort Scott, Kansas, and she preceded him in death October 2, 2012.

Richard graduated from Fort Scott High School with the class of 1944.

He served in the US Army, Private First Class, and served in the Special Services Army Band.

He worked as a Manor Bread Delivery Driver, the Frisco Railroad, as well as the family dairy business, Cold Spring Guernsey Dairy, located on the Cowen farm on Stringtown (Native) Road. He also worked for Kansas Gas Service for 28 years before his retirement.

Richard and Freda were members of the Iza Stompers Square Dance Club and the Old Forters Camping Club. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, having served as a Deacon and Elder.

Richard is survived by his sons, Wayne Cowen and wife Beverly, Kenton Cowen, Bradley Cowen and wife Joyce, and Larry Cowen and wife Sondra, all of Fort Scott; sister-in-law Phyllis Ward and husband Harold, of Wichita, Kansas; sister-in-law Jolene Clark of Belton, Missouri; fifteen grandchildren; twenty-seven great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife Freda, he was also preceded in death by his parents.

Dr. Rev. Jared Witt will conduct funeral services 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 6, 2018, at the First Presbyterian church, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Burial will follow in the Fort Scott National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday evening, March 5, 2018, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church or Mercy Hospice, and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, PO Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Obituary Of Raymond Tourtillott


Raymond Lee Tourtillott, age 77, a resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Monday, February 26, 2018, at his home. He was born August 5, 1940, in Panama, MO, the son of Denver and Willa Weddle Tourtillott. He graduated from Metz High School.

He married Zeta Adams in 1962. They later divorced.

He married Edna Mae Sharp in 1983. She preceded him in death in April 2017. In his earlier years, he farmed and raised cattle. He then worked for Mercy Hospital and retired in 2002 after 30 years of service. He was a member of Community Christian Church and the 55 Plus church group. He enjoyed gardening, camping, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Raymond is survived by his sons, Mike Tourtillott and wife Sandra, Las Cruces, NM, and Joe Tourtillott and wife Becky, Ft. Scott; two step-sons, Richard Sharp and wife Jennifer, Olathe, KS, and David Sharp and wife Michelle, Ft. Scott; a stepdaughter, Sherry Culp, Ft. Scott; a sister, Pat Dallefeld, Galesburg, IL; a brother, Jewell Tourtillott and wife Phyllis, Rich Hill, MO; a sister-in-law, Madelyn Tourtillott, Nevada. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren, great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews and nieces.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Elroy, Everett and Ralph Tourtillott; sisters Irene Negley and Peggy Westerhold; and a great grandson, Gavin Sharp.

Rev. Tim Woodring and Rev. Kevin Moyers will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Thursday, March 1, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 9:00 AM Thursday until service time at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Mercy Hospice 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.