Hector M. Morillo was born on December 7, 1951 in Caguas, Puerto Rico and passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family on Saturday, November 30, 2024.

Hector was a man of remarkable intellect and humor, known for his sharp wit and infectious laughter that could make anybody smile. Hector was loved immensely by his daughters who were the center of his world. He installed his love of reading, learning and music to both. His fight against his recent illness was nothing short of heroic, embodying the strength and resilience that defined his character.

Hector will be deeply missed but forever remembered for his love, his laughter and profound impact he had on those fortunate enough to know him.

Hector was preceded in death by his mother, Paula Danley.

He is survived by his daughters, Carmen Hickman and husband Chris and Alisa Morillo and partner Brock Milford, three grandchildren; Jessica Hickman, Madison Allen and husband, Garrett and Jerrett Hickman and wife, Mackenzie, three great-grandchildren; Hayden, Hudson and Oakley who were the lights of his life. He is also survived by his lifelong friends, Henry & Patty Homan and family.

Memorial Service will be at 11:00 AM Saturday at the Cheney Witt Chapel

Memorials are suggested to St Jude Children’s Hospital or Cancer Center of Kansas Dodge City Chapter 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.

Jessie JoDean Haynes, age 60, a resident of Joplin, Missouri, passed away Thursday, November 28, 2024, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin.  She was born January 3, 1964, in Iola, Kansas, the daughter of Charlie George Fishback and Katie Mae McPherson Fishback.

After obtaining her GED, Jessie enrolled in the cosmetology program at Ft. Scott Community College and worked for a time as a beautician.  Jessie had a love of art and drawing.  She took her artistic abilities and obtained a degree in graphic design from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh.  For over ten years, Jessie has been employed by Rescare where she provided home health services to clients primarily in the Pittsburg, Kansas area.  She will be remembered for her keen sense of humor.  She was a devoted grandmother who dearly adored her grandbabies.

Survivors include her children, Tonya Haynes (Paul) of Ft. Scott, Kansas and Charles Haynes (Brittany) of Bronson, Kansas and thirteen grandchildren, Kisa, Donald, Miguel, Johnathan, Mylee, Josue, Cesar, Liam, Khiana, Iesha, Dezmond, Octavius and Elijah.  Also surviving are her longtime companion, Charles “Chuck” Martinez of Joplin, two brothers, Ron and Sam and four sisters, Arma, Sandra, Brenda and Isabelle.

Jessie was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter, Tara, two brothers, Henry and John and two sisters, Idessa and Gwen.

A celebration of Jessie’s life will be held at 3:00 P.M. Thursday, December 5^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St. Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook.

Amelia Elizabeth Bower, age 86, resident of Deerfield, MO, died Saturday, November 30, 2024, at her home.  She was born August 20, 1938, in Fort Scott, KS, the daughter of Marion Alfred Jones and Opal Laoma Gillenwater Jones.

Amelia worked for Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott for over 20 years until her retirement.  She enjoyed visiting with close friends, working crossword and other puzzles, her dogs, and attending Branson, MO shows.  She loved her grandchildren dearly as evidenced by the multitude of pictures adorning her walls.  Amelia was also known to have a sweet tooth.

Survivors include her children, Rick Jones, Fort Scott; Jill Love, Tony Bower, and Jason Bower (Thabena), all of Deerfield, MO; 12 grandchildren, Dustin, Kendria, Joshua, Haley, Jessica, Rebecca, Alyson, Quentin, Gavin, Evan, Micala, and Preslee; 14 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband, John Henry Bower; a son Doug Bower; a brother, Ronald Jones; two sisters, Laoma Ruth Brooks and Vicky Page; and her parents.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, December 5^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 until service time Thursday at the funeral home

Memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Hospital and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott

Jack Eldon Johnson, age 93, a resident of rural Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Sunday, November 24, 2024, at his home.  He was born July 14, 1931, in Newton, Kansas, the son of Leslie George Johnson and Elizabeth Trouslot.  Jack’s father was killed in an automobile accident when Jack was a young child.  He was then raised by his mother and step-father, Frank Hill.

Jack married Darlene Krueger on June 2, 1952.  Together they had six children, Betty, Bobby, Susie, Jody, Chuck and Patty.  The Johnson family moved to their farm east of Fulton, Kansas in 1974.  Jack and Darlene later divorced, and he married Alberta Herring on May 26, 2009.

Jack worked hard to provide for his family.  In addition to maintaining his farm, Jack was also a talented welder and mechanic.  He was very mechanically minded and used this skill on several of his inventions.  In fact, he built his first welder out of an old B29 generator.  He also worked for Bill’s Coal Company for a time.  Jack enjoyed hunting and fishing as well as going to the casinos and watching Westerns.

Survivors include his wife, Alberta, of the home and his six children, Betty Hedges of Valley Center, Kansas, Bobby Johnson (Becky) of Wichita, Kansas, Susie Marsh (Oke) of Rose Hill, Kansas, Jody Harper (Dale) of Ft. Scott, Kansas, Chuck Johnson (Dawn) of Centerville, Kansas and Patty Simpson (Brady) of Garland, Kansas; fifteen grandchildren and thirty great-grandchildren.  Also surviving is a brother, Dennis Hill (Carolyn) of Benton, Kansas.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Ronald Hill.

Pastor Matthew Hunt will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, November 30^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Barnesville Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to St. Jude’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.

Melany June Felt, age 54, resident of Kincaid, Ks passed away Monday November 18, 2024, in a tragic accident 4 miles south of Iola, Ks.

She was born February 23, 1970, in Fort Scott, Ks the daughter of Thomas and Beatrice Powell. She graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1988. Melany worked as a waitress, owned her own clothing store in downtown Fort Scott, then worked as an in-home caregiver for the last several years.

She loved her kids, grandkids, and her dog Harley.

Melany’s favorite hobbies included playing with and loving on her grandbabies, tinkering on cars, and helping anyone in need.

Melany leaves behind her beloved companion Harley, brother Jerry Powell, sister Sherri Clark, son Tyler Felt and wife Skylar Felt, daughter Haley Arnold and husband Adam Arnold, and seven wonderful grandchildren, Waylon, Knox, Easton, Creek, Olivia, Coy, and Maci. She was preceded in death by her son, Scott Felt, and her parents.

Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct funeral services at 10:00 Wednesday, November 27^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

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

Memorials are suggested to the Melany Felt 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.

Timothy Edward Phillips, age 37, made it through the checkered flag on November 14th, 2024, as he raced his way into Heaven’s gates. Born June 18, 1987, to Kenny Edward Phillips, Jr. and Tammy Ann (Harper) Phillips, he resided in the rural Fort Scott area his entire life. Timmy graduated from Uniontown High School in 2005 and was employed by Timken (formally Carlisle) for 19.5 years.

Although he frequented many different tracks, on any given Friday or Saturday night, you could find Timmy at Humboldt or Nevada Speedway with his family in the stands and his dad Kenny by his side. He had many hobbies to occupy his time including gaming, drawing, duck hunting and fishing. Timmy loved his family with everything he had and lived for racing his girls, and nephews around the field in the RAZR and hosting Sunday dinners where he would show off his smoking or grilling skills, introducing more new recipes than they could keep track of.

Tim leaves behind the love of his life, Jami Morgan, and their beautiful girls, Kenzi and Rylee. Tim is also survived by his parents, Kenny and Tammy Phillips, a sister, Kennda (Curtis) Major, nephews, Kason and Kipp Major; grandpa, Kenny Phillips, Sr. and Jami’s parents, Karen and Steve Brumback, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Tim was preceded in death by grandparents, Sue Cannon, Melvin Harper and Bonnie Phillips, great-grandmother, Cathern Smith and a close cousin, Hunter Kovacic.

Timmy’s life will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, November 21st at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Centerville Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Wednesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Phillips Education Fund for Kenzi and Rylee 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.

Harry Lee Meek, age 81, resident of Fort Scott, KS died Sunday, November 17, 2024, at his home.  He was born July 27, 1943, in Fort Scott, the son of Frank and Virginia “Tootie” Poyner Meek.  Harry graduated from Richards, MO high school.  He married Bonnie Mann in 1969 in Nevada, MO.  They later divorced.

Harry worked for 60-plus years for Maceli Music Company.  He loved every Thursday traveling to bars on his route, repairing pool tables and jukebox machines.  In his spare time, he could be seen cruising through town in his truck.  He enjoyed 50s and 60s music and Western movies, especially John Wayne.  Harry was a generous man, willing to help anyone in need.

Survivors include two daughters, Cindy Marsh and Lisa Meek, both of Fort Scott; 4 grandchildren, Tyler, Tanner, and Courtney Meek, and Fernando “Ponch” Arellano; a brother, Charlie Meek (Helen), Richards, MO; a sister, Brenda Budd (Albert), Nevada, MO; ex-wife Bonne Meek, Fort Scott; an aunt, Martha Cook, Fort Scott; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a son, Curtis Meek; a granddaughter, Remington Rose Meek; a brother, Tom Meek; and his parents.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Thursday evening November 21^st, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Cremation will follow.

Memorial donations are suggested to the Harry Lee Meek 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.

Karl E. Umphenour, 84, of Fort Scott, passed away at his home on Wednesday morning, November 13, 2024. He was born on July 22, 1940, in Vernon County, Missouri, the son of Roy Ellsworth Umphenour and Lottie Belle (Kleitz) Umphenour. He married Sharon Kathleen Erie on April 25, 1959, in Fulton, Kansas. She preceded him in death on January 8, 2013.

Karl had a passion for sports. He loved watching any sport whether it be on TV or in person. Karl consistently attended his kids and grandkids’ sporting events. He loved cheering them on.

Karl is survived by his children, Shawn Umphenour, of Fort Scott, Karla Mullis and Brock, of Butler, Missouri, Brian Umphenour and Karen, of Moundville, Missouri, Krista Hope and Danny, of Nevada, Missouri, Eric Umphenour and Jennifer, of Pleasanton, Kansas, and Kyla Marchant and Reggie, of Lovell, Arkansas; a brother, David Umphenour, of Carson City, Nevada; a sister, Kay Vaughn, of Camdenton, Missouri; fourteen grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife Sharon, Karl was also preceded in death by his parents.

Pastor Steve Russ will officiate funeral services for Karl at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, with burial following at the St. Michael’s Cemetery, in Fulton, Kansas.

The family will receive friends Monday evening November 18, 2024, 6-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Tri-Valley Developmental Services 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.

Our Beloved, Debora Kay Roberts, born on May 18, 1960, in Lamar, Missouri as Debora Kay Walbuesser, formerly known as, Debbie (Madison), of Fort Scott, Kansas. Presently married to Paul Roberts since April 2008. Debbie quietly passed away after a long, hard battle with cancer on November 6, 2024.

She graduated from El Dorado Springs R-11 High School May 24, 1978.

Debbie spent her career as a claims processor for several different insurance companies, as they passed through Fort Scott.

Debbie loved life, full of energy, beautiful smile and twinkle in her pretty blue eyes, you could see the sincerity that she had when she interacted with others. A-bit of a little spitfire, in that small package, to be sure.

She dearly loved the outdoors, nature, gardening flowers (roses and hydrangea) and her Shih-Tzu puppy ‘Jasper’ and fishing.

Debbie is survived by her husband, Paul Roberts, her son Justin Madison, her daughter Amber Madison and her grandchildren Conner, Caden ,Cadence of Justin and Trinity of Amber, all of Fort Scott.

Memorial service will held at the home, 915 S Judson, Ft. Scott, Friday, November 22, 2024 at 2:30 PM Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park of Joplin, MO.

Betty Jean Tucker, age 92, a resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, met Jesus face to face on November 13, 2024, after battling Parkinson’s Disease the last several years. She was born August 18, 1932, in Splitlog, Missouri, the first child of Arzy “Lee” and Elsie Chandler Bergen. She was joined by brothers Richard Lee, Gerald, and Dennis. She grew up in the Splitlog community with her loving family, then moved to Gravette, Arkansas, to attend high school at Gravette Holiness Bible School. It was there that she met James “David” Tucker, and they were married on June 27, 1951, in Neosho, Missouri. Together, they raised their 6 children while pastoring churches in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, California, and Missouri.

Betty’s family always came first. She was a loving mother, and worked hard to care for her children while  David was away as a traveling evangelist. Despite being a busy pastor’s wife, and having several small children, she began taking college courses at Fort Scott Community College. She went on to graduate from Pittsburg State University with a degree in Education. One of Betty’s favorite titles was “Teacher.” Her teaching career spanned 39 years and several schools, primarily Fort Scott Christian Heights and El Dorado Christian School. She was a gifted educator and influenced countless students through the years.

Betty had a green thumb, and loved to work outside with her flowers and vegetable garden. She maintained this hobby into her late-80’s. She loved to can and preserve the bounty of her labor.

Betty was always busy. She worked hard in everything she did. She shared the love of Jesus with everyone she met, both in her words and in her actions. She and David had a special love, and were often found holding hands. She has missed him desperately since his passing in 2021, and we find comfort in knowing that they are together again, worshiping at the feet of Jesus, Whom they loved so well.

Betty will be lovingly remembered by her family, including sons Roger (Genie) Tucker of Independence, Missouri, Mark (Brenda) Tucker,  Joe (Belinda) Tucker, daughter-in-law Carolyn Tucker, all of Fort Scott, and daughter Kerri (Kirk) Bland of El Dorado Springs, Missouri; her grandchildren: Jonathan, Jessica, Johanna, Jennifer, Whitney, Bethany, Mariam, Aaron, Landon, Jayce, Dakota, TJ, Kasi, Alyson, Joely, Monica, and Miles, and numerous great-grandchildren, that she loved so much. She is also survived by her brother, Dennis (Charlene) Bergen of Splitlog, Missouri, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Awaiting her arrival in Heaven were her husband David, son, Jimmy, and daughter, Carma; her parents, Lee and Elsie, and brothers Richard Lee and Gerald, along with a host of family and friends. Betty lived her life prepared for eternity. She finished her race well.

Rev. Dennis Bergen and Rev. Kyle Rogers will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Following services, a graveside service will be held at 3:30 PM at the Banner Nazarene Church in Splitlog, Missouri. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 PM on Tuesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to Fort Scott Christian Heights School or El Dorado Christian School, and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main Street or PO Box 347, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Kent Eugene Mitchell, age 91, resident of Zionsville, IN passed away Sunday, Nov 10, 2024, at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, IN. He was born and raised in Ft Scott, KS graduating from Ft Scott High School in 1952.

Kent did AF ROTC and belonged to the Delta Tau Delta house at Kansas University graduating in 1956. Kent joined the Air Force and flew the F-86 fighter and T-33 Shooting Star. Kent married in 1961 and was a proud father 5 short years later of 3.  In 1966 he relocated the family to the highlight of his career at Hickam AFB, Hawaii. Here he would enjoy 4 years of tropical paradise. Kent chose Richards-Gabauer AFB in Belton, MO as his last duty assignment. This brought him back to his beloved home state of Kansas.

He would raise his family here, get a job as a Commerce Bank investment banker, and stay in Kansas City for the next 53 years.

Kent had really three all-consuming passions:

Running. He ran 79 marathons, starting at the age of 57, including at least one in every state and all seven continents, including Antarctica. On his 60th birthday, he went to the track at JUCO and ran 60 miles to “celebrate.”

Sports, He was absolutely obsessed with the Kansas Jayhawks, Chiefs and Royals. He played a plethora of sports and LOVED to compete.

And lastly family. His last and most important passion was his love and complete devotion to 10 people in his life, his mother Mary Sue, his three children, Sue, Matt and David and six grandchildren Julie, Hannah, Morgan, Audrey, Trevor and Griffin.

Kent was the only child of Ralph (went by Mitch) and Mary Sue Mitchell. Kent was a devout Christian. He is now in heaven with Jesus and His Angels.

He will be terribly and sorely missed by us all.

Rev. Christopher Eshelman will conduct funeral services at 12:30 PM Friday, November 15^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS.  Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery in Fort Scott.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

William Thomas Wiggans, age 75, resident of Fort Scott, KS died Monday, November 11, 2024, at Mercy Hospital, Pittsburg, KS.  He was born June 25, 1949, in Kansas City, MO the son of Ralph and Mabel Endicott Wiggans.

Tom worked for various businesses in Fort Scott including Bruce Marble and Granite, Peerless, and lastly Walmart for 17 years until his retirement.

In his spare time, he enjoyed making flower bouquets, collectibles, attending dirt track races, paint-by-numbers, and his dog Roland.

Survivors include two brothers, Lyle Wiggans (Jerrie), Kansas City, MO, and Donnie Wiggans, Nevada, MO; a sister, Carolyn Arbagast, Pittsburg, KS; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Polly Watkins and Loretta Malone; and his parents.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 4:00 on Sunday November17^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Cremation will follow.  Private family interment will be later in the Large Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Shriner’s Transportation 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.