Cherokee Rose Springston, age 34, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at the Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas.

She was born April 17, 1989, in Pittsburg, the daughter of Jimmie Kimler and Donna Rose Chaplin. Before her cancer diagnosis, Cherokee worked at the Medicalodge in Ft. Scott and later as the manager of a McDonald’s in Oklahoma.

She married Rick Springston on July 27, 2022, in Ft. Scott.

Cherokee loved the outdoors and taking rides on the motorcycle. She also liked to draw and do crafts.

She was baptized in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Survivors include her husband, Rick of the home and her children, Alize Kimler, Zaida, Hilario, Xander and Jovany Gomez. Also surviving are her mother, Donna Chaplin, a brother, Jody Chaplin and a sister, Dawnelle Orenstein. Cherokee was preceded in death by her father, Jimmie Kimler.

Services are pending at this time.

Clinton Ray Clampitt, age 42, a resident of rural Fulton, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly, Monday, August 28, 2023, at his home.  He was born March 25, 1981, in Ft. Scott.  Clinton attended school in Ft. Scott.  He had worked in the receiving department at Wal-Mart in Ft. Scott.  In earlier years, he enjoyed spending time outdoors and fishing.  He also was a talented artist who enjoyed drawing and sketching.  Five years ago, Clinton suffered a major debilitating stroke and has primarily been home bound ever since.  Since his stroke, he enjoyed watching movies, playing video games and keeping up with his friends and family on Facebook.

 

Survivors include his parents, David and Brenda Hathaway of the home in Fulton and his son, Kyler Clampitt of Walnut, Kansas.  Also surviving are a brother, Kyle Hathaway (Shannon) of Ft. Scott and three sisters, Angela Carpenter (Jeff), Rhonda Cole (Ben) and Rachel Thompson all of Ft. Scott, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends including his caregiver, Melissa Springston.  Clinton was preceded in death by his brother, Kenny Clampitt.

 

There was cremation.  A memorial visitation will be held from 5 to 7 P.M. Friday, September 1^st at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Clinton Clampitt 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

Stephen Leigh Dean, age 80, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly Friday, August 25, 2023, at his home.  He was born July 9, 1943, in Oneida, New York, the son of Ronald Walter Dean and Lizzie Limebeck Dean.  Stephen married Merleen Della King on January 28, 1961.  They made their home in upstate New York before moving to Kansas.

Stephen had over thirty years of service with the United States Army.  He retired as a Sargent First Class.  Stephen completed the truck driving program at Ft. Scott Community College and following his military service, he began working as a truck driver.  He drove for several area trucking companies.

He later worked as a driver for Dolly the Trolly where he enjoyed visiting with tourists and sharing the history of Ft. Scott.  Stephen loved the outdoors and loved to hunt and fish.  While in New York, he served as Scout Master for his son’s Boy Scout troupe.

Currently, he was a member of the Bone Creek Gun Club.  Stephen was proud of his military service and was a member of the V.F.W. and the American Legion.  He often helped provide military honors for deceased veterans

Following the death of his first wife, Merleen, on September 4, 2020, he remarried Sharon Tucker Wolf on October 16, 2021.

 

Survivors include his wife, Sharon, of the home; a son, James Dean of Ft. Scott and a daughter, Julie VanBecelaere (Ted) of Osceola, Missouri; twelve grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.  In addition to his first wife, Merleen, Stephen was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Shirley Arno and LaNita Siebel.

 

Pastor Larry Stevicks will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, August 31^st at the Emmanuel Baptist Church.

Burial with military honors will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Wednesday 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.

Earl D. Hull, age 80, formerly of Fort Scott, KS, more recently of Thomas, OK, died Thursday, August 24, 2023, at Maple Lawn Manor in Hydro, OK.  He was born June 27, 1943, in Lawrence, KS, the son of James and Ruby Terrill Hull.

Earl worked for many years at Bruce Marble and Granite until they closed their doors.

He married Mary Waring in 1966 and became father to Orval, Ron, Earl, and Kevin.  They later divorced.  He married Shirley Jean Page in 1987 and became father to Doug, Joe, and Curtis also.

She preceded him in death on September 1, 2016.

Earl enjoyed hunting, fishing, Elvis Presley, and watching his many John Wayne movies.  He was a big Kansas City Chiefs and Royals fan.

He loved spending time with family.

 

Survivors include 7 sons, Orville, Ron, Earl, Kevin, and wife Peggy  Doug, Joe, and Curtis. and wife Kara; a brother, Leland Hull (Barbara); a sister, Beulah Adkins (Bob); 12 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides his wife Shirley, he was preceded in death by 4 brothers, Robert, Charles, Harold, and Joe Hull; 2 sisters, Liz Mills and Virginia Hull; and his parents.

Pastor Joel Crippen will conduct funeral services at 10:30 AM Friday, September 1^st, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Chapel Grove Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Thursday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel

Memorials are suggested to the Earl Hull Memorial Fund 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.

Betty Ruth Graham passed away on Thursday, August 24, 2023.  She was the daughter of Earl Shelton and Jessie Shackelford Shelton.  Betty was born August 16, 1930, in Ft. Scott, Kansas.  She attended Center School, northeast of Ft. Scott in 1935.  She finished her education in 1947 at Stotesbury, Missouri.

Betty married Charles A. Meek on May 20, 1947.  They had four children and later divorced.  On May 19, 1963, Betty remarried Billy G. Graham and added three more children to their family.

In Betty’s earlier years, she worked at the Nevada State Hospital #3.  She later worked at Western Insurance and Key Industries until she retired.  Betty was a former member of the First Christian Church, the DAR, and the Heintz Workman Mother’s Group.  Betty was a twenty-five year member of the Olive Chapter #13 Order of Eastern Star.

 

Betty is survived by her children, Maria (Meek) Smith of Ft. Scott, Penny Stutes (Ron) of Warsaw, Missouri, Jennifer Almond (Steve) of Ft. Scott, Stanley Meek of Ft. Scott, and Frank Graham (Teresa) of Boonville, Missouri.  Also surviving are her brother, Marvin Shelton of Stotesbury, Missouri and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Graham, her parents, Earl and Jessie Shelton, her brother Jim Shelton, two sons, Chris Meek and Bill Graham, Jr. and three grandchildren, Brenna Stewart, Joby Graham Jolly and Shannon Meek.

 

Graveside services will be held at 2:30 P.M. Wednesday, August 30^th at the East Liberty Cemetery in Stotesbury, Missouri.

The family will receive friends at the Cheney Witt Chapel on Wednesday from 1:00 P.M. prior to leaving for the cemetery at 2:00 P.M.

Memorials are suggested to the Betty Graham 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.

 

Earl D. Hull, age 80, formerly of Fort Scott, KS, more recently of Thomas, OK, died Thursday, August 24, 2023, at Maple Lawn Manor in Hydro, OK.  Services for Earl Hull will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main.

Scarlett Gail Reeder was born silently on August 16, 2023, at Ascension Via Christie Hospital, but her little life spoke volumes.

She is forever loved by her parents, Ashlee and Preston Reeder, and her brothers, Thayne and Case of Uniontown.

She is preceded in death by her beloved great-aunt and namesake, Dinah Gail Skillett (Belton, MO).

Survivors include grandparents Carla Stubby of Fort Scott, Carol and Don Reeder of Uniontown, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins who will always hold Scarlett Gail in their hearts.

Delbert Ray Fluty, age 90, passed away on August 19, 2023, following a short hospital stay. Delbert was born to Marshall (Ray) and Edith Fluty on December 8th, 1932, in Butler, MO. Delbert spent his younger years in Fort Scott, KS, where he played football in high school and Junior College, met the love of his life, and was inducted into the United States Army, during the Korean Conflict. Delbert was a very proud and patriotic veteran of the Army’s Tenth Mountain Division. When thanked for his military service, he would always respond with, “It was an honor and a privilege.”

While fulfilling his Army responsibilities, Delbert married Marilyn Darlene Jones on October 27th, 1953. The love they shared during their nearly seventy years of marriage was held in awe by so many who knew them. They were truly living examples of the vows they promised to honor. Following marriage, Delbert attended Pittsburg State University, where he completed his undergraduate and Masters degrees in Automotive Technology. Delbert taught in El Dorado, KS, for four years. In 1962, his young family moved to Overland Park, KS, to open the new Shawnee Mission West High School. There he taught Automotive Technology and Small Engine Repair until his retirement in 1995.

Delbert accepted Jesus Christ into his heart on Easter Sunday, 1962, following services at Fort Scott’s Grace Baptist Tabernacle. His life was forever changed. Soon after, he and his family began attending Overland Park Baptist. There he spent countless nights and weekends helping to build the church from its first groundbreaking. Delbert also humbly served as a deacon for many terms, as the Missions treasurer for fifty years, and he assisted his wife in her fifty years of teaching the ages Four and Five Sunday School Class.

Delbert was devoted to his family, and a sterling example to his sons, Steven and Phillip.  Delbert never told his sons how to be good and honorable men. Instead, he showed them how a good and honorable man lives his life. Delbert is survived by his wife, Marilyn, his sons, Steven and Phillip, his brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Leah Jones, and his nephew, Matt Jones.

Delbert was preceded in death by his father, Ray Fluty, his mother, Edith Fluty, his sister Eilene Fluty, and a very large contingent of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Larry Jones and Pastor Tracy Roby will conduct funeral services at 11:00 AM Tuesday, August 29^th, at the Overland Park Baptist Church, 11648 Antioch Road, Overland Park, KS.

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

Burial will follow at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, August 30^th, at the U. S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott, KS.

Memorials are suggested to the Overland Park Baptist Missions Fund 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.

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.