Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

George Manous O’Neal, age 92, a former resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Sunday, August 20, 2017, in Mt. Vernon, Ohio.

He was born March 8, 1925, in Cecil, Ark., the son of Jim O’Neal and Loretta Nichols O’Neal. He served with the United States Navy during World War II. George married Joy Ann Whitesell on October 31, 1959, in Nevada, Mo. George worked as Director of Public Utilities for the City of Fort Scott for 32 years. Following his retirement from the City, George was employed for 10 years by Key Industries. George was a member of the Community of Christ Church. He had also been a member of the Fort Scott Kiwanis Club and the Masonic Lodge. He had been made an Honorary Deputy of the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Department.

Survivors include his wife Joy and his son, Larry O’Neal and wife, Teresa, all of Ohio. Also surviving are three grandchildren, April Kennard and husband, Kevin, Mandy Hobbs and husband, Josh, and Stacy Julian and husband, Justin, and eight great-grandchildren, Nate Elliot, Josh Lyons, Kaitlyn and Jackson Kennard, Jocelyn, Jaclyn, Jackson and Jamison Julian. He was preceded in death by his parents, two half-brothers, Wayne “Jake” Knowles and Jim O’Neal II and a granddaughter, Erin Lyons.

Funeral services will be conducted by Elders Robert and Kathy Clark at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday August 29, 2017, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. to service time at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Eldorado Springs City Cemetery, Eldorado, Mo. Memorial contributions may be given to Care to Share 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

Willard Dale “Bill” Good, age 86, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Tuesday, August 15, 2017, at his home.

He was born December 2, 1930, in Elkhart, Ind., the son of Jacob Good and Ada Grace Christophel Good. Bill graduated from Elkhart High School and later attended Arlington State University in Arlington, Texas. He served with the United States Air Force from 1950 to 1954 and continued to serve as a reserve officer. Following his military service, he worked as a pilot for Eastern Airlines from 1965 to 1988. He became a Captain in 1981. Bill married Rosalyn Arnold Avery on August 31, 1984, in Las Vegas, Nev. They made their home in Houston, Texas, prior to moving to Fort Scott in 1999. While in Fort Scott, Bill drove Dolly the Trolley for eight and a half years. He enjoyed sharing the history of Fort Scott with the many tourists. He also enjoyed photography and antique cars as well as NASCAR. He was a member of the St. John’s United Methodist Church. For the last three and a half years, he has battled pulmonary fibrosis.
Survivors include his wife, Rosalyn, of the home; his children, Darrell Good of Marietta, Ga., and his two children, Devon and Andrea Good, and two great-grandchildren of Atlanta, Ga.; Eric Avery, of
Point Harbor, N.C., and his daughters, Amy Chewning and husband Scott Chewning, of Chesapeake Bay, Va., and their children Landon and Chloe; Ashley Bravo and husband, Gregg Bravo, of Grandy, N.C., and their children Ava and Adrian; Benjamin Avery, of Bandera, Texas, and his children, Cheri Wright and husband, Anthony and their daughter Lily of Joplin, Mo., Samantha Adams and husband, Kyle Adams, and their daughter, Rosalyn, of Fort Scott, and Joel Avery, of Shawnee, Kan.; and Brent Avery and wife, Angela, of Bastrop, Texas, and their children, Justin Avery of Blue Springs, Mo., Amanda Avery of Durango, Colo., and Lindsey and Blake Avery of Bastrop, Texas. Also surviving are two sisters, Doris Good, of Bloomington, Ill., and Melba Good, of Denver, Colo.; and a brother, Truman Good, of Spencer, Tenn., as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Maynard Good.
Pastor Tom Mullins will conduct funeral services at 10 a.m. Monday, August 21, at the St. John’s United Methodist Church. 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. Memorials are suggested to Feeding Families, Mercy Hospice or the St. John’s 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 guest book at cheneywitt.com.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Patricia Marylyn Layton, age 84, former resident of Fort Scott, Kan., died Wednesday, August 16, 2017, at Medicalodges of Girard, Kan.

She was born January 12, 1933, in Twin Oaks, Mo., the daughter of George Schwanz and Aline Wilkinson-Killion. She married Orville Layton, on July 1, 1963, in Fort Scott. He preceded her in death on September 9, 1980. She worked for Western Insurance Company for over 25 years and then Wal-Mart until her retirement. Pat enjoyed being outside working in the yard. She liked attending the Opry at Memorial Hall, bus trips with Citizens Bank, collecting doves, and reading Guidepost. She had a special place in her heart for her two dogs. In earlier years, she enjoyed traveling to threshing bees with her family. She was a member of the Grace Baptist Tabernacle.

Survivors include her children, Susan Thurman and husband Dan, Girard, Kan., and Kent Layton and wife Tiffany, Kansas City, Kan.; step-son Deryl Layton, Fort Scott; a brother, Clyde Killion, Fort Scott; three sisters, Cecilia Kramer, Barbara Freer, and Frances Bowles, all of Fort Scott; six grandchildren, Trinity Watkins, Hailey Watkins, Cody Layton, Ella Layton, Caleb Thurman and Ty Thurman; and numerous nieces and nephews. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, David Schwanz, and her parents.

Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct funeral services at 2:30 p.m. Monday, August 21, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Clarksburg Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 3 until 5 Sunday afternoon at the Chapel. Memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital 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

Kenneth Dale Wright, age 80, a resident of Overland Park, Kansas, died peacefully at his home Saturday, August 12, 2017.

He was born June 15, 1937, in Dade County, Mo., the son of Noble Sylvester Wright and Goldie Maywood “Maye” (Feezell) Wright. At an early age, Kenneth and his family moved to Fort Scott, Kan., where he graduated from Fort Scott Christian Heights. He married Evelyn Darlene Zeigler on January 22, 1972, in Mexico, Mo.

His printing career began at Witt Printing in El Dorado Springs, Mo., and included management positions at Mid-America Business Forms in Fort Scott and Vallis Wngroff Printing in Cherryvale, Kan. He later accepted a position as production manager for Herald and Banner Press in Overland Park and worked there over 40 years.

He loved quail and ‘coon hunting which provided many stories for his children and grandchildren. He was actively involved with Overland Christian Schools and Kansas Christian College where he enjoyed attending his children’s school and sporting events.  He faithfully attended the Overland Park Church of God (Holiness) and was willing to use his mechanical abilities to help the church, Herald and Banner, the school and other people in need.  He will be remembered for his quick wit, humor and common sense.

Survivors include his wife, Darlene, of the home; his son, Gregory Kenneth Wright and wife, Sharon; his daughter, Ashlee Suzanne Englund and husband, Eric; and his five grandchildren, Zachary Kenneth, Garrett Kole, and Tanner Kayden Wright; and Elina Anne and Elise Christine Englund, all of Overland Park. Also surviving are two brothers, Gary Wayne Wright and wife, Alma Jean, of Gardner, Kan., and Lawrence Nathan Wright and wife, Renee, of Overland Park; and three sisters, Melba Lorraine Hull of Grandview, Wash.; Betty Joyce Kelso and husband, Steve, of Fort Scott, Kan.; and Dorothy Ann Reynolds and husband, David, of Cincinnati, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents, Noble Sylvester and Goldie Maywood “Maye” Wright; three sisters, Kathryn Irene “Kathy” Harms, Charlotte Ruth Eichelberger, and Freda Maye Russell; and three brothers, James Kenton, Jerry Keith, and Noble Leon.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, August 19, at the Overland Park Church of God (Holiness), 6801 W. 74^th Street, Overland Park, Kan. Burial will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Memory Gardens in Fort Scott, Kansas. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday evening at the church. Memorials are suggested to Herald and Banner Press and may be left in care of Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at www.cheneywitt.com.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

LaVerne Rose Reinecker, age 81, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Monday August 7, 2017, at the Mercy Hospital Fort Scott, Kan.

Laverne was born on July 6, 1936, in Paris, Ark., the daughter of George and Rose Marie Koch Bauer. She married Jerry Reinecker on July 27, 1957, in Kansas City, Mo., he preceded her in death on November 25, 2012. LaVerne was a member of the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church. She loved gardening and cooking, and was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who truly loved taking care of her family.

Survivors include her three children, Joseph Reinecker and wife Debby of Fort Scott, Kan., Jann Rochefort and husband John of Warren, R.I. and Jill Gray of Fort Scott, Kan., four grandchildren, Bailey Lyons and husband Nate, Afton Hyer and husband Coy, Delane Gray and Fiancé Brady Godden, and Carlie Rochefort; four great grandchildren, Addison Lyons, Jhett Lyons, Jaxon Lyons and Blaise Hyer; three sisters, Mary Frances Gross, Lorene Kremer and Georgiana Boyle; and many nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Dorothy Murtha and Jeanne Tackett, and mother in-law Betty Reinecker.

Father Robert Wachter will conduct Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Friday, August 18, 2017, at the Mary Queen of Angles Catholic Church. Burial will follow in the U.S. National Cemetery Fort Scott, Kan. The Rosary will be prayed at 9:30 a.m. Memorials are suggested to St. Mary’s Catholic School and may be left in care of 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 guest book at cheneywitt.com.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

C.L. “Pete” Peterson, age 75 of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Friday July 14, 2017, as the result of an auto accident in New Mexico.

He was born on February 2, 1942, in Fargo, N.D. After graduating from high school he joined the U.S. Marine Corp and spent the next four years at Camp Pendleton, California, Japan and the Pacific Theater. It was in San Bernardino, Calif., that he met and married Judy Grove in 1963, they later divorced in 1981. He spent 32 years in California then moving to Fort Scott, Kan., in 1992. He was a life member of the VFW Post 1165 Fort Scott, Kan., and a life endowment member of the NRA.

Pete is survived by two daughters, Penny Zaritsky and husband Marty of Big Bear, Calif., and Becky Elliott and her husband Terence of Riverside, Calif.; three grandchildren, Amanda and Sarah Zaritsky, and Cora Elliott; two brothers, Tom Peterson, of Independence, Mo., and Mike Peterson and wife Judy of Las Vegas, Nev.; numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, August 14, 2017, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U.S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott, Kan. Arrangements entrusted to the Cheney Witt Memorial Chapel, 201 S. Main Fort Scott, KS. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at www.cheneywitt.com.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

“Precious in the sigh of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15

God called Clifford Daniel Mathew home to Heaven on August 2, 2017, after a long, hard battle with cancer at the age of 63.

He was born January 24, 1954, in Elkhart, Ind., the son of Richard and Dorothy Jones Mathew. Upon graduation from Holt High School in Holt, Mich., with the Class of 1972, Dan joined the Air Force and served four years at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. He worked as a Lab Tech. He accepted Jesus Christ to be his Savior while in the Air Force. As soon as his four years were completed, he went to Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Mo., as God had called him to be a pastor. That’s where he met the love of his life, Lisa Kay Lindbloom. They were married on August 17, 1979. Together, they served the Lord in Bath, Mich., they then started Grace Baptist Church in Ulysses, Kan. In 1986, he served six years with the National Guard. He then went to WSU and got his respiratory degree. The Lord would use them in several different churches across the country with his last pastorate being at Xenia Baptist Church.

Clifford Daniel Mathew, who went by Dan, is survived by his wife of 37 years, Lisa Kay Mathew, and their daughter Michelle and her husband, Joel Reasoner. Joel and Michelle are missionaries in Russia. He is also survived by his brother Bob Mathew and wife Sheri, who reside in Sterling Heights, Mich., and his sister Miriam King and her husband Michael, who reside in Beckley, W.V.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy and his father Richard, and his grandbaby, Sweet Pea.

Pastor Randy Smith will conduct funeral services at 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 9, at the Xenia Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the Mapleton Cemetery with Brother Jeff Copes officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the United States Air Force. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 8, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Xenia Baptist Church or 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

Doris Madrine Chaplin, age 82, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Thursday, August 3, 2017, at the Fort Scott Manor.

She was born October 7, 1934, in Hiattville, Kan., the daughter of Joseph Page and Anna Goff Page. She married Everett Chaplin on April 1, 1950. Doris was a devoted wife and mother. She enjoyed sewing and cooking as well as gardening and canning. She also loved spending time with her numerous grandchildren. In earlier years, she had attended the Pawnee United Methodist Church.

Survivors include her son, Raymond Chaplin and wife, Ellen, of Fort Scott; two daughters, Dorothy Wiggans and husband, Richard, of Springdale, Ark., and Donn Chaplin, of Fort Scott; 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 20 great-great-grandchildren. Her husband, Everett, preceded her in death on February 9, 2016. She was also preceded in death by eight brothers, seven sisters, a half-brother and a half-sister.

Rev. Kevin Moyers will conduct funeral services at 2 p.m. Monday, August 7, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Osaga Cemetery west of Fulton, Kan. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. 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

Ralph J. Sluder, Jr., age 95, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Saturday, July 29, 2017, at the Guest Home Estates in Fort Scott.

He was born May 11, 1922, in Fort Scott, the son of Ralph J. Sluder and Julia Margaret Karleskint Sluder. Ralph served with the United States Army during World War II. Following his time with the military, he began a career with Eastern Kansas Utilities which later became K. G. & E. He worked as serviceman and agent and retired after 31 years of service. He enjoyed fishing and boating as well as listening to country western music and watching the Kansas City Chiefs. He was a man of faith who loved the Lord.

Survivors include his sisters, Anna Gibson and Erma Knight and her husband, Warren, all of Fort Scott, and a special friend Betty Clayton, also of Fort Scott. He will be lovingly remembered as Uncle Junior by his many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by three sisters, Mercelia Cox, Mary Moore and Ruth Helen Sluder and three brothers, William, Joseph and Charles Sluder.

Pastor Derry Gibson will conduct graveside services at 11 a.m. Friday, August 4, at the U. S. National Cemetery. Military honors will be conducted by the Olson Frary Burkhart Post #1165 Veterans of Foreign Wars. Family and friends may meet at the Cheney Witt Chapel prior to leaving for the cemetery at 10:45 a.m. Memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital 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

Lloyd M. Seifert, age 88, resident of Fort Scott, Kan., died Saturday, July 29, 2017, at Medicalodge of Fort Scott.

He was born July 9, 1929, in Wooldridge, Mo., the son of Herman John Seifert and Emma Heckerman Seifert. Lloyd served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He married Bonnie Brizendine on October 3, 1954, in Bunceton, Mo. He worked for the Katy Railroad for 36 years. He greatly enjoyed the railroad and worked everywhere between St. Louis and Houston. He enjoyed spending time on his wooded property, including hunting and fishing. He loved spending time with his family, whether hunting and fishing with the grandkids or attending their activities. He enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, from push mowing and cheering for the KC Royals to cracking pecans and walnuts to give away. He was a member of the V.F.W. Post #1165, serving with the honor guard, and the Trinity Lutheran Church.

Survivors include his wife Bonnie of the home; two sons, Kelly Seifert and wife Sharon, Sioux Falls, S.D., and Doug Seifert and wife Nancy, St. Peters, Mo.; one sister, Emma Lou Stover, Boonville, Mo.; four grandchildren, Dr. Clinton Seifert and wife Laura, Mitchell, S.D., Kyle Seifert, Mission, Kan., Amanda Campeau and husband C.J., Ballwin, Mo., and Austin Seifert, St. Peters, Mo.; five great grandchildren, Josie, Daniel and Sadie Seifert and Carter and Eli Campeau; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Otho Seifert; four sisters, Lucille Smith, Loretta Rainsbarger, Gertrude Huebee, and infant Julia Seifert; and his parents.

Vicar Michael Apfel will conduct funeral services at 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 1, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Olson Frary Burkhart Post #1165 V.F.W. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 Monday evening at the Chapel. Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church 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

Merle F. Hart, Jr., age 83, a resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, July 29, 2017, at his home.

He was born February 13, 1934, in Chetopa, Kan., the son of Merle F. Hart and Martha Lou Bradley Hart. Merle graduated from the Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1952. He later enlisted with the United States Air Force. He married Dolores Juanita Daum on June 5, 1955, in Fort Scott. Following his service with the Air Force, Merle returned to Fort Scott and began a 26 year career with the United States Post Office. Merle enjoyed hunting, reading and attending estate auctions.

Survivors include his wife, Dolores, of the home; three daughters, Candy Hart and husband, Craig Dunn, of St. Paul, Minn., Kim Hart-McBride and husband, Ron McBride, of Olathe, Kan. and Kelly Hart and husband, John Lane, also of Olathe; two grandchildren, Jacob Hart-Lane, of Augusta, Kan., and Aubrey McBride, of Emporia, Kan. Also surviving are a brother, Kenneth Hart and wife, Evangeline, of Garland, Kan., and a sister, June Christy and husband, Gene, of Girard, Kan. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 2, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery where military honors will be conducted by the Olson Frary Burkhart Post #1165 Veterans of Foreign Wars. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the National Rifle Association or the Fort Scott Public Library 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 atcheneywitt.com.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Raymond Dean O’Dell, age 87, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Wednesday, July 26, 2017, at the Mercy Hospital Emergency Room in Fort Scott.

He was born November 13, 1929, in Bourbon County, Kan., the son of Albert Milton O’Dell and Anna Mabel Carpenter O’Dell. He married Ruby May Larson on August 30, 1948, at Fort Scott. Ray worked as the produce manager for Whiteside’s IGA for forty-five years. Following his retirement, he operated his own lawn care business. Ray enjoyed playing the guitar and singing. In earlier years, he played in a band that often performed at the Eagles Lodge and area communities. He was a member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church.

Survivors include his four children, Rick O’Dell and wife, Amy, of Carthage, Mo., Deborah Graham and husband, David, of Orange Beach, Ala., Marquita Lamer and husband, Raymond, of Kansas City, Mo., and Dion O’Dell and wife, Holly, of Joplin, Mo.; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. His wife, Ruby, preceded him in death on September 26, 2013. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Merlin O’Dell and George Carpenter, and three sisters, Naomi Wise, Pearl Kellogg and Audrey Wise.

Pastor Larry Stevicks will conduct funeral services at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 29, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the White Cemetery near Richards, Mo. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Emmanuel 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.