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.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Thomas Marvin Heter, of Garland, Kan., passed away peacefully on July 20, 2017. He was 79 years old.

Tom will be remembered for his passion, intelligence and his love of art, photography and music. An excellent musician who performed on guitar, keyboards and vocals, Tom’s record collection ran into the thousands. Since the 1960s, his and Jean’s home has been a hub for folk, jazz and blues musicians. Tom was also gifted as a visual artist, specializing in 35 millimeter black and white photography. Working as a professional photographer he took special pride in the printmaking process, which he mastered in his kitchen darkroom.

Tom is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jean Heter, and by his two children, Annette and Storm. Tom is survived by his siblings David, Charles, Gracie and Steve. He was a proud grandfather and great grandfather.

On Monday, July 23, at noon, a memorial service will be held at Cheney-Witt funeral chapel, Fort Scott, Kan. Services were under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kan.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Evalena McCracken Pate-Rash, age 88, resident of Fort Scott, Kan., died Wednesday, July 19, 2017, at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park, Kan.

She was born September 16, 1928, in Excelsior Springs, Mo., the daughter of Walter Ira Pate and Anna Irena Carmer Pate. She worked outside the home at various jobs, yet her biggest responsibility was that of homemaker for her family. She enjoyed the outdoors, traveling, camping and fishing. She loved spending holidays with family, especially Christmas. She liked to play cards with the family, and really hated to lose at any game. She liked cooking for her family, especially German chocolate cake and spaghetti red. She was a member of the Grace Baptist Tabernacle.

Survivors include four children; Cecil Rash, Topeka, Kan., Roy Rash, Independence, Mo., Donna Marie Hassan and husband Ahmad, Katy, Texas, and Glenn Rash and wife Vana, Fort Scott, Kan.; two sisters-in-law, Edna Pate, Mustang, Okla., and Ina Mae Rash, Vail, Colo.; 10 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a son, Henry Rash; a daughter, Sherry Palmer; a sister, Emma Anna Pate; a brother, Emmet Ira Pate; three half-brothers, Chester Atwood, Gailen Atwood, and Oray Pate; a half-sister, Sarah Mae Atwood; and her parents.

Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct funeral services at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 27, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until service time on Thursday. Memorials are suggested to Care to Share, 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 the Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Laura Mae Benson Croan, age 94, a resident of Fort Scott, died Tuesday, July 18, 2017, at the Fort Scott Manor.

She was born August 11, 1922, in Gardendale, Ala., the daughter of Thomas Alexander Benson and Pearl Luvada Moncreif Benson. She married Dr.  Harold C. Croan on September 3, 1949, in Hernando, Miss., he preceded her in death on March 19, 2008.

She is survived by a son, Randall Scott Croan, and wife Sharon of Overland Park, Kan., a daughter-in-law, Gayla Croan, of Fort Scott; two granddaughters, Morgan Felt and husband Carson, of Fort Scott, and Blair Croan and husband Parikshit Singh, of Phoenix, Ariz.; as well as several nieces and nephews; she was preceded in death by her Husband Dr. Harold C. Croan; a son, Allan Benson Croan; four sisters, Marie Craddock, Pearl Melville, Christine Arnold-Hook and Carolyn Farmer; and her parents.

There was cremation. Rev. Steve Cole will conduct a memorial graveside service at 10 a.m. Monday, July 24, 2017, at the U. S. National Cemetery. Memorial are suggested to the Fort Scott Manor Activity 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

Starr Rochelle Stephens-Nutter, age 38, a resident of Arma, Kan., died early Sunday, July 9, 2017, at her home.

She was born February 23, 1979, in Fort Scott, Kan. She graduated from St Mary’s Colgan High School and then went on to Fort Scott Community College and received her associate’s degree. She married Jeremy Nutter on October 6, 2001. She was employed by the Craw-Kan Telephone Company.

Starr is survived by her husband Jeremy of the home; a daughter, Christian Nutter; a brother, Scott Ball of Arcadia, Kan.; and a sister, Susan Shelton of Pittsburg, Kan. She was preceded in death by her dad, Robert Stephens.

There was cremation and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Roger Duane Ranes, age 83, a resident of Moran, Kan., died Thursday, July 13, 2017, at the Franklin House in Fort Scott, Kan.

Roger was born August 23, 1933, in Coffeyville, Kan., the son of Homer L. Ranes and Alma C. Cushman Ranes. He graduated from Leroy High School. He married Ruth Meats. She preceded him in death on October 11, 2011. He served in the United States Navy on the U.S.S. Hancock. While in the Navy, he was stationed in many foreign countries. He loved to hunt and fish, especially catfish. In 1957, he and a friend drove to Alaska in a 1939 Plymouth. He was an avid gardener and loved to coach Little League Baseball.

Survivors include his two sons, David Ranes and wife Verna, and Scott Ranes and wife Randi, all of Mapleton, Kan.; five grandchildren, Chad Ranes, Dereck Ranes, Tyler Ranes, Ethan Ranes and Beckett Ranes; three great-grandchildren, Jaxon Ranes, Talie Henry and Tryke Henry; and a brother, Jerry Russell and wife Betty, of Leroy, Kan. In addition to his wife Ruth, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Denise Ranes; and his parents.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct graveside services at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 20, 2017, at the Altamont Cemetery in Leroy, Kan. Memorials are suggested to the SEK Humane Society of LaHarpe 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

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.