James Anthony “Jimmy” Houdashelt, age 60, resident of Fredonia, KS passed away Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the Candle Rock Nursing Home in Fredonia.  He was born July 16, 1964, in Girard, KS, the son of Jack and Shirly Simon Houdashelt.  He graduated from Fort Scott High School with the class of 1982.  Jimmy worked in construction for several years until his disability.

Survivors include his mother, Shirley Harding; a brother, Randy Houdashelt; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

There was cremation.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 3:00 PM Saturday, March 29^th, at the Cheney Witt Carriage House, 301 S. Main St

Memorials are suggested to the Jimmy Houdashelt 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 online at cheneywitt.com.

William (Bill) D. Hall, age 83, of Ft. Scott passed away on March 14, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, KS. He was born on March 25, 1941, in Ft. Scott the son of Bill Hall and Margie Northrop.

Bill graduated from Ft. Scott High School, Ft. Scott Community College and Pittsburg State University. He also proudly served four years in the United States Navy.

His working years were that of a carpenter.

Bill gave about 20 seasons as a volunteer youth baseball coach. Players called this time, “Hall Ball.”

He liked the outdoors too, especially hunting and fishing.

In retirement, he enjoyed the activities of grandkids; spent countless hours at the community garden; and, participated with the VFW Post No. 1165 Honor Guard.

Survivors include two sons; Mark of Ft. Scott and Mike (Stephanie) of Olathe, KS. Also surviving are three grandchildren; Devin, Zane and Kinley. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sue, and his parents.

There was cremation.  Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct memorial services at 10:30 am Wednesday, March 19^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Interment will take place at a later date in the U. S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Tuesday evening, March 18^th, at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to Youth Baseball 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 online at cheneywitt.com.

Arthur McCammon “Mac” French, 75, of Fort Scott, passed away early Tuesday morning, March 11, 2025. He was born October 7, 1949, in Pittsburg, Kansas, the son of Arthur McCammon French and Patricia Ruth (Bicknel) French. He married Nema Burton and together they had two children, Tommy and Courtney. They later divorced, and Mac moved to the Dallas, Texas area to work. He married Shawn Murphy later in life, and she preceded him in death on January 9, 2021.

Mac graduated from Colgan High School and went on to graduate from Pittsburg State University. He was a Visual Merchandiser and worked for Sally Beauty Supply company. Mac was an excellent guitar player and lead singer, and played in several bands.

Survivors include his son, Thomas McCammon French, of Arma, Kansas; a sister, Shari Magee, of Fort Scott; grandson Cooper French, of Arma, Kansas, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Shawn, Mac was also preceded in death by his parents, and his daughter, Courtney Amber French.

Following cremation, private family graveside services will be at a later date at Evergreen Cemetery, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School, and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS, 66701. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.

Tommy C. Keith, age 83, resident of Arma, KS passed away Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, KS.  He was born on May 15, 1941, in Chanute, KS the son of Frank and Virginia Keith.  He graduated from Chanute High School then Pittsburg State University.

Tom worked his entire career for the State of Kansas as an SRS supervisor until retirement.

He married Cindy Cole in 1989 in Fort Scott.

Tom enjoyed working at the sale barn after retirement.

His hobbies included fishing and attending all the grandkids’ activities and athletic events.

He would often be found at Jo’s One Stop in Arma, swapping stories over coffee with friends.

Survivors include his wife Cindy of the home; 4 children, Tracey Bogina (Greg) Arma, KS, Piper Richardson, Arma, KS, Shane Shepherd, Kansas City, KS, and Doug Shepherd, Joplin, MO; 5 grandchildren, Austin Bogina (Karley), J. T. Richardson (Hunter), Kaylee Bogina, Caedence Shepherd, and Zachary Shepherd; and one great grandchild, Cove Richardson.

Besides his first wife, Kyle, he was preceded in death by his parents.

There was cremation.  Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, March 21^st at the Evergreen Cemetery

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

Memorials are suggested to S.E.K. Animal Advocates 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 online at cheneywitt.com.

Lucille R. Goltra, age 97, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Monday, March 10, 2025 (12 days shy of her 98^th birthday) at the Medicalodges in Fort Scott.  She was born March 22, 1927, in rural Bourbon County, KS, the daughter of Charles O. and Helen Grace (Roberts) David.  Lucille married Robert J. Goltra, Sr. on January 24, 1947.  He preceded her in death on July 20, 1991.

Lucille grew up on the family homestead in rural Bourbon County.  She graduated from the Fort Scott High School with the class of 1944.

Lucille worked briefly outside the home, however, with the birth of her and Bob’s 9 children, her life was filled with being a homemaker and Mother.  Her life became more enriched and fulfilled with the births of grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Lucille is survived by 3 sons; Robert Goltra, Jr (Carol) of Emporia, KS, David Goltra (Eileen) of Fort Scott, and Tim Goltra (Shirley) of Fort Scott; 4 daughters, Mary Brown of Satanta, KS, Margie Fountain (Rick) of Fort Scott, Carole Minor of Fort Scott, and Teri Crays (Brent) of Fort Scott; and a son-n-law Ron Wunderly, Fort Scott.  Also surviving are 28 grandchildren, 69 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great grandchildren; 4 nieces; and 1 nephew.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Robert; her parents; a sister, Maxine Foote; a brother Ralph David; 2 daughter’s Patricia Hall and Kathryn Wunderly; a grandson Daniel (Danny) Hall; and 2 sons-in-law Monty Brown and Floyd Minor.

Robert Joseph Goltra, III will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Tuesday, March 18^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Monday evening at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Donna Louise Housman age 76 resident of Fort Scott, KS died Saturday at her home surrounded by family.

She was born on October 7, 1948, in Fort Scott, KS to the parents of Clarence & Virginia Culp Enos. Donna moved to New Jersey where she created her family and moved back to Fort Scott in 1991, where she then worked as CNA and then later worked at BNSF Railroad as a Transportation driver. She loved to volunteer in her community, Christian Motorcycle Association, & in her church! She also made sure to attend all her grandchildren & great grandchildren’s events when she was able. She loved gardening, sewing, and crocheting in her down time.

Survivors include her husband Brian Housman of the home, 2 daughters; Jacqueline Arbogast of Ft. Scott (SIL Charles Arbogast Jr of Oklahoma), Stephanie Smith-Hinson and husband Darrin of Garfield, NJ; 1 Son Christopher Smith of (Utah). 11 grandchildren (their spouses) and 21 great grandchildren & several nieces & nephews; and great nieces & nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Virginia, a brother Larry Enos, a sister Pamela Bloomfield, a son John Enos, 1 great granddaughter & 1 rainbow baby & 1 great nephew Christian Golden.

Rev. Dusty Drake will conduct funeral services at 11:00 AM Friday March 14^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Large Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until service time Friday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested 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 online at cheneywitt.com.

Lloyd Wilson “Skip” Brown, 79, passed away peacefully at his home with his wife Laura by his side.  He was a beloved son, brother, husband and friend to many people on his journey through life. Born in Baltimore MD, he grew up around the world, courtesy of the United States Army, to include Japan, Europe and numerous family postings in the United States.

He attended Fishburne Military Academy and the Citadel in his youth. In March of 1964, Skip joined the US Army at the age of 18, and in that same year was accepted to Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Fort Benning, GA. Skip graduated from OCS in June of 1965 at the age of 20 years old.  In December of 1967 he was promoted to Captain.  He was deployed to Vietnam in January of 1968, where he was assigned as the company commander for the Infantry Mobile Riverine Force two days before the TET offensive broke out.  Captain Brown was awarded the Silver Star for Valor for his actions in combat while leading his company against a numerically superior enemy force.

Following his service to his country, he lived in several places from coast to coast.  He had various work passions, to include but not limited to being a police officer in Arlington, VA, and had his own construction businesses in California and Columbia, SC.  As his own boss, he built houses, horse barns, and many additions and reconstructions of homes and offices.  He took great pride in his innovations and eye-catching results.  Finally settling in Fort Scott, KS as a deputy with the Bourbon County Sherrif’s Office.

He was preceded in death by his father Col. Lloyd J Brown, his mother Jeanne Brown, his beloved “Pop Pop” Wilson Porter Smith, “Nana” Jane Smith and his step-son Frederick Canaan Lee Smith.

He is survived by his adored wife Laura Brown, stepson Jesse Smith and wife Misty, stepdaughter Tanya Glessner and husband Randy, and mother-in-law Marjorie Turner, of Fort Scott, Kansas.  His Step mother, Gisela Brown of Clearwater FL, his sister Sherrie Coleman and husband David, nephew Sean Coleman and wife Mary and great nephew JAC.  His niece Brittany Moebes and husband Brandon, of Lexington and Columbia SC.   Life long friends Bill and Dr. Nancy Saunders of San Antonio, TX, Larry (Bear) and Melanie Cinicola, of MS.  Numerous close friends of Bourbon County: Chris Cotter, Mike Herrin, Jason Findley, Tom Davis, Sherrif Bill Martin, Adam LaRoche, Arthur Pearson, Lesley Herrin and many others that he met during his 11 years with the Bourbon County Sherrif’s Office.

Skip married his soul mate Laura on April 15, 2016.  He chose that date, he said, so he would never forget his anniversary!  He loved Laura with his whole being and did not want to leave her.  He surpassed every medical obstacle to be with her as long as humanly possible.

Tom Davis will conduct Funeral Services at 10 am on March 17^th, 2025, at Cheney Witt Memorial Chapel.

Burial will follow in Oak Grove cemetery.

A visitation will be held Sunday, March 16, 2025, from 2-4 pm at Cheney Witt Memorial Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the American Legion 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 online at cheneywitt.com.

Alvin Eugene Wolf, age 60, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Friday, March 7, 2025, at Mercy Hospital, Joplin, MO.  He was born October 16, 1964, in Fort Scott, the son of Kenneth and Sharron Tucker Wolf.  Alvin worked on the farm for many years.  He also worked as a heavy equipment operator for the City of Fort Scott and Bourbon County.  He married Rita Bailey on March 5, 1988.

Alvin enjoyed stock car racing, both dirt track and NASCAR.

He loved spending time with his family, especially the grandkids.

Survivors include his wife Rita of the home; 9 children, Kevin Peck, Wes Peck (Elizabeth), Brandon Peck (Rita), April Meanor (Mike), Brandy Eady, Kenneth Wolf, Ashley Wolf (Matthew Sisney), Travis Wolf (Allyson Loden), and Dalton Moore; 16 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; his mother, Sharron Wolf; a sister, Tammie Bunn (Ronnie); and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by an infant brother and his father.

There was cremation.

A Celebration of Life service will be held from 2:00 until 3:00 Saturday afternoon, March 15^th, at the Parkway Church of God (Holiness).

Memorials are suggested to the Alvin Wolf 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 online at cheneywitt.com.

Michael Alan Cole, age 52, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly Friday, March 7, 2025, at his home.  He was born October 10, 1972, in Iola, Kansas the son of William Richard Cole and Audrey Kay Page Cole. Michael spent the first part of his life living and Bronson, Kansas and attending  school in Uniontown.  When he was in the sixth grade, the family moved to Houston, Texas.  They returned to Kansas in 1993.

Michael was united in marriage to Stephanie Marsh on February 27, 1999, at Ft. Scott.  He worked hard to provide for his family.  He had worked at several area businesses throughout the years.  He primarily did masonry work for Mid-Continental Restoration.  He enjoyed doing the masonry work, but he had a desire to spend more time at home with his family.  For this reason, he started a job at ITW Pro Brands in Olathe.  He was currently employed by Cardinale FG Glass Manufacturing in Spring Hill, Kansas.  Michael had a mechanical mind and enjoyed tinkering on and fixing things.  He also enjoyed restoring their historic home in Ft. Scott.

He enjoyed the WWE and the NFL.  He was a great fan of the Green Bay Packers and was able to celebrate his 50^th birthday by watching a Packers game at Lambeau Field.  He attended the Faith Church south of Ft. Scott.

Survivors include his wife, Stephanie, of the home; children, Devlin and Brennyn Cole, eldest daughter, Mackenna Groover, son-in-law, Avery and granddaughter, Everlie all of Ft. Scott.  Also surviving are his mother, Audrey Cole of Ft. Scott and two sisters as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bill Cole.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Thursday, March 13^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Cremation will follow and a private burial will take place at a later date at the Evergreen Cemetery in Ft. Scott.

Memorials are suggested to the Michael Cole 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.

David Allen Ayers, age 76, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at the Mercy Hospital Emergency Room in Joplin, Missouri.  He was born June 7, 1948, in Mound City, Kansas, the son of Chester Ayers and Reba Henderson Ayers.  David graduated from the Blue Mound High School.

Following high school, he worked for a time on offshore oil rigs in the Louisianna Gulf Coast and he also worked for the Tyson poultry processing plant in Iola, Kansas.  David married Nancy Beerbower on June 9, 1974, at Blue Mound.  Together they had two children, Kristy and David “Bart” Ayers.  This marriage ended in divorce, and David was later united in marriage to Linda Dunfield in 1989.  For a time, he farmed in the Blue Mound area, and he also worked at Klein Tool in Moran, Kansas.  While working for Klein, David took several trips to Japan to help with training and maintenance issues.  David later took a position with the Jayhawk Linn School District where he worked as a custodian and maintenance man.  He retired from the school system after several years of service.

David loved being outdoors where he enjoyed hunting and fishing as well as taking trips on his motorcycle.  He especially loved bow hunting and was a member of the Kansas Bow Hunters Association, where he often helped with youth camps and training events.

He was known for his friendly personality and generous spirit.  He was able to couple these qualities with his love for hunting by being active with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry, an organization which helps provide wild game to those in need. In addition to hunting deer, David also enjoyed hunting for “treasure.”  He loved going to flea markets and garage sales as well as helping his son, Bart, with his scrap metal business.  David was a member of the First Baptist Church in Mound City, Kansas.

Survivors include his wife, Linda, of the home; three children, Kristy Ayers-Saunders of St. Clair, Montana, David “Bart” Ayers (Crystal) of Ft. Scott and David “D.W.” Wilson also of Ft. Scott; four grandchildren, Sabree Schnichels (Mark) of Moran, Kansas, Dawsen Dodge and J. T. Dodge, both of North Carolina and Kellen Geneva (Luke) of Olathe, Kansas and six great-grandchildren, Kamdyn, Kylee, Kruze and Khenzo Schnichels and Jacob and Lily Geneva.  Also surviving are two brothers, Robert Ayers of Eldorado Springs, Missouri and Roger Ayers of Uniontown, Kansas.

David was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Cherry Lee Ayers and Mary Ann Agard, a grandson, Jesse Dodge and two great-grandchildren, Kaidyn and Kaize Schnichels.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, March 12^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Curry Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 Tuesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) 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.

Michael “Mike” Shelden, 58, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away March 3, 2025, surrounded by those who loved him. Born on July 24, 1966, in Fort Scott, Kansas, he was the son of Virgil Shelden (deceased) and Mary Shelden.

Mike was a devoted family man, known for his warm heart and deep love for those around him. An avid fisherman, Mike found peace and joy on the water, casting a line and sharing stories with friends and family. He was well-liked, respected, and will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

He is survived by his son, Austin Shelden of Kansas City, Missouri, his long-time partner, Amy Walker of Fort Scott, Kansas, his siblings, Pat Shelden and Holly Gonzalez, also of Fort Scott, Kansas, and a host of nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews whom he cherished dearly: Madison Shelden, Alek Shelden, Hayden Shelden, Camden Stiles, Corbin Shelden, Sutton Shelden, Sullivan Gonzales, Sevren Gonzalez, Gabriel Gonzalez, Taxen Cosens, Asher Cosens, and Iyla Soehlig.

He was preceded in death by his father, Virgil Shelden.

Following cremation, graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 14, 2025, at the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Military honors will be presented at the cemetery by the U.S. Marine Corps.  A Celebration of Life will follow services at the Elks Lodge, 111 W. 19^th St. Fort Scott, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to go to Patrick Shelden, and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS, 66701. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.

Mike’s legacy of love, kindness, and laughter will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Lester Waring, age 89, resident of Garland, KS passed away Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Girard Medical Center.  He was born August 20, 1935, in Garland, the son of Albert Lester Waring, Sr. and Annie Marguerite Dobelbower Waring.  Following high school, Lester served in the U. S. Army.

He married Ruth Arlene Smith on June 3, 1961, in Hepler, KS.  After the service, he worked for Aaron Produce and on the farm for Walter Golden, Joe Bailey, and Don Rutherford.  Lester worked for USD234 from 1970 through 1998 as a Fort Scott high school custodian.  He was a member of the Garland fire department, serving as chief for several years.  He served as caretaker of the Clarksburg Cemetery for many years.  Lester was a member of the Rinehart Christian Church and formerly the Community Christian Church.

Survivors include his wife Ruth of the home; children Brenda O’Keefe, Eudora, KS, and Richard Waring (Tracy), Wilsey, KS; 3 sisters, Effie Mitchell, Mary Brown, and Barbara Kellogg (Ronny), all of Fort Scott, KS; 5 grandchildren, Bailey Waring, Addison Goebel (Tristyn), Levi Waring, Michaela Safford, and Peggy Darr (Richard); and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Sheryl Waring; a brother Donald Waring; and his parents.

Rev. Kevin Moyers and Rev. Leon Weece will conduct funeral services at 10:00 am Saturday, March 15^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Large Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Friday evening at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the Rinehart Christian Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.