Category Archives: Obituary

Obituary for Ronnie Felt

Ronnie Lee Felt, age 85, resident of Fort Scott, KS, died Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at the Via Christi Medical Center, Pittsburg, KS. He was born November 4, 1938, in Fort Scott, the oldest son of Kenneth Marcellus Felt and Sylvia Mae Beerbower Felt. He graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1956. Ronnie married Laura Lea Coonrod on April 5, 1959, at Cato, KS. Ronnie started trucking right out of high school. He was also a farmer and a rancher after purchasing his parents’ farm in 1972. Ronnie and Laura would become the owners and operators of Felt & Sons Trucking Company out of Redfield, KS in 1982. He chased that white line for over three million miles with his sons and family by his side. Through his time trucking, Ronnie, also known as Bigfoot, made many friends and built relationships that would last his lifetime. He served as a Deacon at Mt. Orum Baptist Church.

 

Ronnie retired at the age of 72. His pride and joy was his family, especially the grandkids and great grandkids. He could often be found in his recliner with multiple great grandchildren piled on his lap. He led his family for 85 years with knowledge and wisdom. At the end of his life, he was surrounded by the family that loved and adored him.

 

Survivors include his wife Laura of the home, and children Rickie Felt and wife, Cindy of San Antonio, Troy Felt and partner, Tami Shirley of Redfield, and Rhonda Kellstadt and husband Robert of Mound City. Six grandchildren, Kathy Felt, Kenny Felt (Megan), Clayton Dierksen (McKenna), Tyler Felt (Skylar), Haley Arnold (Adam), and Cade Kellstadt (Avery) and his great-grandchildren: Blair, Waylon, Easton, Knox, Smith, Carver, Creek, Olivia, and Macy. Ronnie is also survived by his siblings Shirley Felt Cary, CH Felt, and Gary Felt.

He was preceded in death by a grandson Scott Felt, his parents Kenneth and Sylvia Felt, and a sister Marcella Felt Butler.

 

Pastor Tom Bevard will conduct funeral services at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, March 13th, at the Mt. Orum Baptist Church, Redfield, KS.

Burial will follow in the Mt. Orum Cemetery.

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

Memorials are suggested to either Shriner’s Hospital or St. Jude’s Hospital 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.

Obituary Of Mary Louise Todd Beveridge

 

Mary Louise Todd Beveridge, age 98, a former resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, and more recently of Olathe, Kansas, passed away Friday, March 1, 2024, at her home in Olathe.

She was born February 19, 1926, at Pittsburg, Kansas, the daughter of Isaac H. Todd and Hallie Swett Todd.  Mary was a graduate of Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, Ft. Scott Junior College and Pittsburg State University.  She also did graduate work at the University of Kansas.

On graduating college, Mary was employed as society editor for the Ft. Scott Tribune.  She later worked for USD #234 and then as assistant library director for Ft. Scott Community College.  She retired in May of 1992 and moved to Olathe to be near her family.

Mary was a past member of the First Presbyterian Church of Ft. Scott where she served as an elder.  She later became a member of the Village Presbyterian Church on Antioch in Overland Park, Kansas.  She was also a member of the American Library Association, the Greek societies, Phi Alpha Theta and Delta Kappa Gamma, and the American Association of University Women.  In earlier years in Ft. Scott, she had served as Vice-President of the Old Fort Historic Governing Board as well as the Bourbon County Historic Preservation Association.  Following her retirement, she volunteered her time to the Olathe Public Library and the Harmony Public School of Overland Park.

 

Survivors include her son, John Beveridge of Overland Park, Kansas, a grandson Christopher D. Beveridge and wife, Moria and a great-grandson, Callan Beveridge all of Shawnee, Kansas.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Melvin O. Beveridge who was Superintendent of Postal Operation in Ft. Scott for many years.

 

Graveside services will be held at the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft Scott at 11 a.m. on March 8, 2024.  Memorials are suggested to the Ft. Scott Community College Endowment Association, the First Presbyterian Church of Ft. Scott, the Village Presbyterian Church on Antioch in Overland Park, Kansas or any organization supporting nature conservation 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.

 

Obituary of Lolita Mumbower

Lolita Dawn Mumbower, age 59, a resident of Devon, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at her home.  She was born March 16, 1964, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Wayne Robinson and Rosalee Burch Robinson. Lolita married Delwin Mumbower on January 24, 1986, at Ft. Scott, Kansas.  In earlier years, Lolita had worked as a waitress, but the majority of her life was spent making a home for her family.  Lolita will be remembered for her friendly personality.  She loved spending time in the coffee shop making new friends.  She enjoyed doing many things; however, fishing was not one of them.  She will be dearly missed by her family and those who loved her.

 

Survivors include her husband, Delwin, of the home; three children, Cody Mumbower (Mary) of Fulton, Kansas, Kara Mumbower of Devon, Kansas and Krista Wyatt (Shawn) of Ft. Scott and sixteen grandchildren, Madalynn, Mason, Miranda, Meredith, Molly, Marshall, Montgomery, Micah, Martin, Emilee, Elijah, Bradyn, Blayce, Bricyn, Blaetyn, and Paisley with another grandchild expected to arrive in August.  Also surviving are two bonus grandchildren, Marla and Glynda.  Lolita was preceded in death by her parents and an infant granddaughter, Kamrynn.

 

Pastor Randy Smith will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, March 12th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Centerville Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Monday 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.

Obituary of Donald Woods

 

Donald L. Woods was born November 15, 1954, in Fort Scott, Kansas, and passed away March 2, 2024, at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Donald was a life-long Fort Scott resident who attended Fort Scott schools including Fort Scott Community College. He graduated from Fort Scott High School with the class of 1972. Basketball was his sport of choice not only while attending high school but also as an adult in the local Industrial League.

 

Donald was a modest man, but he could not hide his outstanding work ethic. He mowed grass, shoveled snow, and cleaned office buildings all while working a full-time job, first at Whitesides West IGA and later as a custodian for USD 234 at Fort Scott High School.

 

If Donald had a passion other than riding his Honda Goldwing Motorcycle, it was his love for the moving business. As Donald told the story, he began working for his grandfather Clarence Wright’s moving business as soon as he was big enough to pick up a piece of furniture. After working for his grandfather, Donald then began working part-time for his brother Marvin Woods at Fort Scott Transfer. In 1999 Donald finally started his own household goods moving business: Don Woods Moving, LLC. Neither the cold, heat, rain, snow nor a pandemic kept Donald away from a moving job. Donald moved pianos, gun safes, jewelers’ safes, churches, hospitals, parts of a petting zoo and even St. Benedict. Moves took Donald (and Cindy) to Massachusetts, Florida, Texas and Reno, Nevada. Donald told Cindy that these were “mini-vacations” and that the real one would come soon. After retiring from USD 234 and selling his moving business in 2022, Donald dreamed of traveling on that orange bike.

 

Donald L. Woods is survived by his wife of 49 years, Frances L. “Cindy” Woods, a son, Arthur Hodge II of Las Vegas, Nevada, a brother Melvin Woods and wife Raisa of Olathe, Kansas, and a sister Jackie M. Vann of Joplin, Missouri. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Donald was preceded in death by his mother Rachel Maxine Woods, and by four sisters: JoAnn Fewell, Mickie E. Brown, Joyce E. Woods, and Marita Eileen Bullock. Also preceding Donald in death were two brothers: Gerald L. Woods and Marvin R. Woods. Donald is also survived by his friend and cousin Idella Brown and her husband D.K. Brown.

 

Services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 8, 2024, at the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Scott, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

A private family burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery.

Instead of flowers memorial contributions may be made to either the Kansas University Cancer Center, or Mount Olive Church of God in Christ Scholarship Fund, and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

 

Obituary of Anna Miller

Anna D. Miller, age 68, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Thursday, February 29, 2024, at the Medicalodge of Ft. Scott.  She was born April 26, 1955, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Frank Miller and Laura Eden Miller.  Annie completed Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 1973.  Annie had a variety of jobs during her life.  Some of which included working at the Oak Ridge Nursing Home, Ennis Printing and the Southeast Kansas Regional Correctional Center.  Annie’s life centered around her family.  She loved traveling and organizing family outings and get togethers.  She also enjoyed assembling and wrapping her niece’s and nephew’s Christmas presents.  One could say that Annie was a tomboy; favorite times were spent camping and fishing with family as well as going to rummage sales and estate sales.  She had a mechanical mind and enjoyed tinkering with cars and motors.  She also liked photography and taking care of her cats and dogs.

 

Survivors include her brothers, Frank “Tink” Miller and wife, Bobby Ann of Ft. Scott, George Miller and wife, Susan of Eudora, Kansas and Doug Miller and wife, Tammy, also of Ft. Scott as well as several nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Laura Miller.

 

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Monday, March 4th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Lath Branch Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 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.

Obituary of Charles Russell

Charles Grant Russell, age 78, a resident of rural Redfield, Kansas, passed away Friday, February 29, 2024, at the Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.  He was born July 9, 1945, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the son of George Russell and Bernice Stine Russell.  Charles attended school in Uniontown Kansas and later graduated from Ft. Scott Christian Heights.  He married Joy Jury on December 24, 1976, at LaCross, Kansas.  Charles worked for many years as a farmer and stockman.  In addition, he also worked as a rural mail carrier for the Redfield Post Office.  He had attended the Grace Baptist Tabernacle and later the Bethel Community Church.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing.

 

Survivors include his son, Joe Russell and wife, Jimmy Lyn of Redfield, Kansas; six grandchildren, Cassie Cox (Jason) of Redfield, Eli Gregg who is currently stationed in California with the United States Marine Corps, Conner Gregg, Trevor Russell and Kohlton Russell all of Redfield with a great-grandchild on the way.  Also surviving are three sisters, Judy White and husband, Joe, and Nancy Graham all of Uniontown, Kansas and Elaine Fisher of Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Joy, on October 23, 2001.

He was also preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Mary Wilkinson.

 

The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 P.M. Thursday, March 7th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Following visitation, there will be cremation and a private burial will be held in the Centerville Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Charles Russell 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.

Obituary of Robert Hirons

Robert Evans “Bob” Hirons, age 77, a resident of Fort Scott, Kansas passed away Sunday, February 25, 2024, at Advent Shawnee Mission Hospital in Merriam, Kansas following complications from extensive back surgery.  He was born December 10, 1946, in Kansas City Missouri. He attended public school in Independence, Missouri and eventually moved with his family to Overland Park, Kansas and became part of the second graduating class at Shawnee Mission West High School.  Bob served in the U.S. Army from 1966-1968 where he was deployed in Korea with a unit that trained troops for the Vietnam War. He also served in the Kansas National Guard from 1979-1984.

 

Bob returned to Kansas City after his Army service and soon began a 40-year career with the U.S. Postal Service. During this time, he also served as a union representative and steward with the American Postal Workers Union.  Bob met his wife, Barbara Joan Hirons at a New Year’s Eve party in her hometown of Fredonia, KS. They began dating when they were both back in Kansas City and were married on March 17, 1970.  They moved to Fort Scott in 1971 and have resided in their beloved Victorian home on Crawford Street since 1976.  Bob dedicated much of his free time to serving at Community Christian Church in various roles including Sunday school teacher, deacon, elder, treasurer, and board chairman.  He and Joan joined Rinehart Christian Church and he has poured himself into caring for this church community over the last 6 years. Bob was passionate about baseball. He enjoyed coaching his sons’ little league teams, religiously followed the Kansas City Royals, and loved taking trips with his family to visit stadiums throughout the country. He also loved to follow the KU Jayhawks with his two sons and the KSU Wildcats with his grandson. Bob took great delight caring for his grandchildren in their earliest years, and loved attending their piano recitals, athletic events, and school activities as they grew older.

 

Survivors include his wife Joan and his children Michael (Julie) of Leawood and Scott (Alison) of Overland Park and three grandchildren:  Shade, Phoebe and Nora Hirons, all of Overland Park.  Also surviving are his brother Franklin Hirons (Lori) of St. Croix, VI and his sister Sandra Garrison (Dan) of Asheville, North Carolina.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Hirons (1973) and Edith Hirons Dennis (2017).

 

Rev. Kevin Moyers will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Friday, March 1st, at the Rinehart Christian Church in Richards, MO.  Burial will follow at 1:30 PM in the U. S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott.  The family will receive friends from 5:30 until 7:30 Thursday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Rinehart Christian Church Building 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.

 

 

 

 

Obituary of James Danley

James Roy Danley, age 82, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, February 24, 2024, at the Guest Home Estates in Ft. Scott.  He was born September 21, 1941, in Ft. Scott, the son of Marvin James Danley and Ruth Post Danley.

Jim graduated from the Fulton High School.  After graduation, he served with the United States Navy from 1960 to 1964.  He was stationed in Japan for a portion of his service where he was assigned to Helicopter Utility Squadron #1.

Following his military service, Jim married Paula Baez.  Jim and Paula along with Paula’s two young sons, Pedro and Hector, then moved back to the family farm near Devon, Kansas.  Jim continued to farm and raise cattle until 1976 when he purchased the Finney County Feed Yard in Garden City, Kansas.  He owned and operated the feedlot for several years.

Jim and Paula later divorced and Jim relocated to Springfield, Missouri.  At this time, he began working as a cattle buyer for the Joplin Regional Stockyard.

He later moved to Ft. Scott to be closer to his family.  Jim enjoyed playing golf and traveling.  He was able to take several trips including vacations to Canada for fishing as well as touring Australia and Ireland.  He was a past member of the Masonic Lodge.

 

Survivors include his sons, Pedro Morillo of Fulton, Kansas and Hector Morillo of Garden City, Kansas; six grandchildren, Carmen Hickman (Chris) of Garden City, Kansas, Alisa Morillo of Wichita, Tonya Chandler (Donnie) of Wichita, Kansas, James Morillo of Ft. Scott, Joshua Morillo of Perkins, Oklahoma and Jace Morillo (Alexandria) of Mound City, Kansas; twenty-one great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are extended family members, Henry and Patty Homan who helped provide for his care and an aunt, Yvonne Short.

 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, March 2nd at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial with military honors will follow in the Mapleton Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to Mt. Carmel Hospice 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.

Obituary of Betty White

Betty Ruth White, age 100, resident of Fort Scott, KS, formerly of Uniontown, KS, died Friday, February 23, 2024, at Guest Home Estates, Fort Scott.  Some of her final words were “I want to see Jesus.”  She was born January 7, 1924, the daughter of Charles and Rena McKinnis Smith.  Betty graduated from Uniontown High School.  She married Leonard White on January 29, 1942, in Redfield, KS.  Other than living in Atlanta and Boston when Leonard was in the service, she was a lifetime Uniontown resident.  She played piano in her early years at the Uniontown Methodist Church.  Betty joined the Grace Baptist Tabernacle when she was baptized in 1979.  She was a loving wife, mother, and friend.

 

Survivors include her son Gary Joe White (Judy), Uniontown, KS; 3 grandchildren, Gary White, Kansas City, Dr. Jodi Julien (Steve), St. Lucie, FL, and Alaina Navarette (John), Coral Springs, FL; 3 step grandchildren, James Stark (Johnnie), Jennifer Ballou (Simon), and Julie Buchta (Bryan); 10 great grandchildren; 8 step great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; 4 step great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband Leonard; a brother, Glenn Smith; and her parents.

 

The family wishes to give a special thank you to Guest Home Estates and Mt. Carmel Hospice for their care and compassion.

 

Graveside services will be held at 1:30 PM Thursday, February 29th, at the U. S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott.  Memorials are suggested to Guest Home Estates Activity 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.

Obituary of Kenneth Wood

Kenneth Ross Wood, 92, formerly of Fort Scott, KS, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 17, 2024, at Medicalodge in Leavenworth, KS. He joins his beloved wife, Jennie, who preceded him in death in 2021. They were married over 62 years.

 

Kenneth was born February 7, 1932, on an 80-acre farm near Ft. Scott, KS, the third child of Clarence and Lena (Query) Wood.

Kenneth’s family attended the Methodist Church in Hammond, and Kenneth graduated as the Fulton high school salutatorian in 1949. His primary interest in high school was sports – softball, basketball, and track (javelin), but he also sang in the chorus, played the clarinet in band, had leading roles in class plays, and was vice president of the student council.

Kenneth attended Ft. Scott Junior College, Drury College, and Pittsburg State, graduating from Pittsburg State in 1953 with a bachelor’s degree in math education. He taught school for two years in Coffeyville, KS, and two years in Leon, KS, while completing his master’s degree in math from Pittsburgh State (1957).

That same year, Ken moved to Santa Monica, CA, to become a computer programmer trainee for Systems Development Corporation.

He attended First Church of the Nazarene in Los Angeles, CA, and met Jennie Reynolds in Sunday School class. Ken and Jennie married in 1958. Ken accepted the Lord’s call to ministry in 1959 and graduated from Nazarene Theological Seminary in 1964. Together, Ken and Jennie faithfully served the Lord at Nazarene churches in Deepwater, MO, Carl Junction, MO, Brainerd, MN, and Rochester, MN. Ken was loved by his congregations, serving faithfully with wisdom, humility, and integrity.

 

In 1996, Ken and Jennie retired to the Wood family farm in Ft. Scott, KS, and Ken began pulpit supply followed by a pastorate at Humboldt Church of the Nazarene. From 2001 to 2005, he pastored at Fulton United Methodist Church. Ken and Jennie were members of Ft. Scott Church of the Nazarene, ministering in a variety of ways in their church and community.

Ken’s hobbies included tending a large garden and fishing. He deeply loved his family. Many memories were made with grandchildren sharing practical skills, life wisdom, a listening ear, table games, laughter, and an after-dinner devotional. His family is forever marked by his godly character, his faithful prayers, and his loving investment in their lives.

 

Kenneth is survived by three children – Stan Wood (Denise) of Easton, Kansas, Melody Richardson (Lonnie) of Louisburg, Kansas, and Joy Parke (Phil) of Raymore, Missouri; a son-in-law, Charles Hornby, of Nevada, MO; eleven grandchildren – Briana Wood, Nathan (Natalie) Parke, Reagan Wood, Jaron (Brooke) Parke, Graham Wood, Carter (Meredith) Richardson, Ross Parke, Alexandra (Brice) Kudej, Annelise Parke, Davis Richardson, and Sawyer Richardson; four great-grandchildren – Noah, Hope, and Zoe Parke (Nathan and Natalie), Adalyn Parke (Jaron and Brooke, with a great-grandson due in May); a brother, C. Byrne Wood; a sister and brother-in-law, Loreta and Larry Jent; and a sister-in-law, Georgia Wood.

 

Kenneth was preceded in death by his wife, Jennie; parents, Clarence and Lena Wood; daughter, Suella Hornby; brother and sister-in-law, Leland and Wanda Wood; brother, Walter Wood; and sister-in-law, Rosalie Wood.

 

A funeral service will be held Friday, March 1st, 2024, 2:00 pm, at the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene, 1728 Horton St, Fort Scott, KS 66701, with visitation and viewing from 12:00 to 2:00 pm, and burial following at Maple Grove Cemetery.

Viewing is also available on Thursday, Feb. 29, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS, 66701, during normal business hours.

 

The service will be live-streamed via the church’s Facebook page. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene and left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

 

Obituary of James Miesner

James (Jim) Roberts Miesner unexpectedly passed on to his heavenly home on Sunday, February 18, 2024. Jim’s life was filled with multiple achievements, but none were more important than leading his family in Christ. Born to William H. and Martha Frances (Roberts) Miesner in Tulsa, Oklahoma on November 22, 1943, Jim displayed athletic skill, particularly in football.

However, the Vietnam War interrupted Jim’s playing career when he patriotically volunteered to be an infantry officer in the 82nd Airborne Division.

Jim joined the Army in October 1966, served one tour (1968-1969) in Vietnam as a first lieutenant (often filling roles meant for officers two ranks above his). Jim was honorably discharged from active duty in April 1969 and married his wife of nearly 55 years, Ann (Morgan) Miesner on May 10, 1969.

Jim’s service in Vietnam earned him the Bronze Star medal, Combat Infantryman badge, Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal, Vietnam Service medal, and National Defense Service medal, to name a few.

Jim rekindled his love of football after his service by coaching for several institutions:  Central Missouri State University (now known as University of Central Missouri), Fort Scott Community College, Cowley County Community College, and Arkansas City High School. While coaching,

Jim continued his pursuit of education and obtained his master’s degree and completed 77 hours of his doctorate. Jim served as Dean of Instruction at Panola College and culminated his career in education after 34 years of instruction and administration as President of Fort Scott Community College.

Jim actively participated in his community throughout his life and served in leadership roles across many organizations, including:  Veterans of Foreign Wars (lifetime member), Kiwanis Club (board member), Kansas Award for Excellence (board member and judge), USD 470 Board of Education (elected two terms), Two Rivers Quality Improvement Network (chair 9 years), Bourbon County Economic Development (council member), Arkansas City Beautification Foundation (trustee), Southwestern College Business and Industry Professional Development Center and Teacher Education Advisory committees.  While busy serving his community, Jim also served his church family acting in leadership and teaching roles too numerous to list.

While he gave his time to athletes, fellow coaches, students, educators, his community and church, Jim’s greatest achievement was how he poured the love of Christ into his family throughout his years. Jim chose to spend his retirement years praying, learning, and growing closer to his Savior, and he passionately shared his discoveries with his family at every opportunity. Holiday gatherings, visits, and phone calls always included conversations about the Lord and how He is alive and working in each of his family member’s lives. His unchangeable inner core of belief in Christ is Jim’s greatest contribution to those that he influenced.

Jim also possessed a lighter side. He never missed an opportunity to capitalize on his reputation as the King of Dad Jokes, often baffling those around him with his ultra dry sense of humor. He took immense joy and comfort in the laughter of his family and friends.

Jim is preceded in death by his father, William H. Miesner; mother, Martha Frances (Roberts) Miesner; and brother, William (Hank) H. Miesner.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Ann (Morgan) Miesner; children Kurt A. Miesner (Davi), Francy Miesner Mueller (Scott), Matthew Miesner (Shelly) and Hank Miesner (Tara); grandchildren, Riley Mueller, Cooper Mueller, Morgyn Miesner, Hugo Miesner, Emmy Miesner, Brody Mueller, Adeline Miesner, Lydia Miesner, Henry Miesner, Grace Miesner and August Miesner; sisters, Ann Ogle (Robert), Sue Burton (Ed) and Eve Bradsher (John) and nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Jim’s life on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel.

Interment will follow in Fort Scott National Cemetery at 11:00 a.m.

Memorials are suggested to either Folds of Honor or Samaritan’s Purse and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.