Category Archives: Obituary

Obituary of Marilyn Darlene Fluty

Marilyn Darlene Fluty, age 90, passed away on May 15, 2026, following a brief stay in convalescent care. Marilyn was born to Howard and Doris Jones on January 1st, 1936, in Fort Scott, KS. While attending Fort Scott High School, she met the love of her life, Delbert Fluty. Marilyn and Delbert were married in Fort Scott on October 27, 1953, while Delbert was serving in the United States Army. They subsequently shared nearly seventy years of beautiful marriage. The love and devotion they demonstrated toward one another was a true inspiration to those who had the good fortune of seeing their unwavering commitment to God, their family, and their church.

Marilyn accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior as a young girl. She was a steadfast believer throughout the course of her life, fiercely honoring the message of the Gospel. Having a true servant spirit, Marilyn served the Lord she loved at every opportunity afforded to her. One of her greatest blessings was teaching the Overland Park Baptist four-and-five-year-old Sunday School class for more than half a century. Marilyn is fondly cherished by the hundreds of children with whom she tenderly shared the message of Christ.

Marilyn was a remarkable model of a genuinely selfless and Godly mother to her sons, Steven and Phillip. She was a mother of example, gently and compassionately showing her sons the path to becoming honorable men. She is boundlessly loved and admired beyond measure.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Delbert Fluty, her brother, Larry Jones, and countless cousins and cherished friends. Marilyn is survived by her sons, Steven and Phillip, her sister-in-law, Leah Jones, her nephew, Matthew Jones, her dear and lifelong friend, Ellen Geneva, and a large contingent of cousins. In the wake of her life, Marilyn leaves us with a humble legacy of unbridled sacrifice and the joy of kindness without expectation.

Pastor Tracy Roby will conduct funeral services at 11:00 AM Thursday, May 21st, at the Overland Park Baptist Church, Overland Park, KS. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM Thursday until service time at the church. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 Friday, May 22nd, at the U. S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott, KS. Memorials are suggested to the Overland Park Baptist Missions Program 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 Valerie June Canon

Valerie June Canon, age 71, resident of Fort Scott, KS, passed away Monday, May 11, 2026, at her home. She was born March 27, 1955, in Albuquerque, NM, the daughter of Clay and Carolyn K. Kepley Canon. Upon moving to Fort Scott from New Mexico, Valerie worked as a bartender at the Fort Scott Country Club and later the Silver Spur. She then worked in health care for area nursing homes. Valerie’s many interests included bingo, fishing, arts and crafts, and home décor. She was a great cook, specializing in New Mexican cuisine. Her true love was spending time with her grandchildren. Valerie had a caring heart, always having an open door for anyone in need.

Survivors include 3 children, Diane Renee Canon, Bonner Springs, KS, Ramon Martinez (Natasha) Fort Scott, KS, and Jason Martinez (Quatisha) Fort Scott, KS; 10 grandchildren, Breonna (Dashaun), Ronal, Antwaun (Vanessa), Deandre (Katherine), Angel, Leiya, Andrew, Jacob, Isabella, and Olivia; 7 great grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a young brother, Clay Canon, Jr., a sister Fredina Gonzales and her husband David Gonzales; and her parents.

There was cremation. Private family services will take place at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Valerie Canon 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.

Obituary of Terry Don Hahnfeld

Terry Don Hahnfeld, age 80, resident of Bronaugh, MO, passed away Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Moore-Few Care Center in Nevada, MO. He was born November 16, 1945, in Waco, TX, the son of William and Mildred Power Hahnfeld. Terry graduated from Independence, MO high school. He served in the Army then in the Missouri National Guard for a total of 34 years of service. In his spare time, he collected vintage tractors and later progressed into classic hot rods. Terry enjoyed buying, showing and selling hot rods, owning over 30 at various times. He loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife Jean of the home; 4 children, Dawn Hahnfeld (Milan) Independence, MO, Michele Rusk (Phil) Stover, MO, Kolbe Starne (Abby) Bronaugh, MO, and Nathan Starne, Lamar, MO; 7 grandchildren, Samantha Terrell, Cody Hanes, Aaron Hanes, Arin Starne, Brant Starne Ethan Starne, and Brody Starne; 7 great grandchildren; and a sister, Cheryl Hahnfeld, Colorado Springs, CO. He was preceded in death by a sister, Sandra England, and his parents.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, May 12th, at the U. S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott, KS. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until leaving for the cemetery at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to Wreaths Across America 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 Wilson

Mary Louise Wilson, age 99, a lifelong resident of the Bronson Community, passed away at Heartland Meadows Assisted Living on May 5, 2026, in Iola, Kansas.

She was born November 2, 1926, at the family farm home north of Bronson, the daughter of John C. Camac and Lula Ermel Camac.
After attending a one-room grade school, she graduated from Bronson High School in 1944. She began attending summer school at Fort Scott Junior College and Pittsburg State Teachers College to receive a World War II emergency school teaching certificate. She taught school in a one-room schoolhouse for five years.

On November 28, 1946, Mary Louise married Loyd E. (Gene) Wilson after his return from service in the army.  They were blessed with two children, Peggy Lou and Jack Eugene. Gene and Mary lived on the same farm where Gene was born for 65 years. Gene passed away in Iola, Kansas, on May 28, 2011.

Mary Louise became a homemaker on the farm and later worked 19 years for the Western Insurance Company in Fort Scott, Kansas. She had been an active member of the Bronson Methodist Church, the Bronson Order of the Eastern Star, and various other clubs and organizations of the Bronson Community. She was always supportive of her children’s school and community activities. Mary Louise enjoyed sewing and cooking, and was happiest when entertaining or helping her family and friends. She enjoyed playing cards and Sudoku. She and Gene enjoyed square dancing.

Survivors include the children, Peggy L. Clark (Robert) of Fort Collins, Colorado, and Jack E. Wilson (Norma) of Bronson. One grandson, Jerod Wilson Clark ( Sarah) of Chicago, Illinois. Three step-grandchildren, Amy Utley ( Curtis) of Iola, Kansas, Lynda Krouse, and Tom Davis ( Melissa ), both of Illinois. Seven step-great-grandchildren and four step-great-great-grandchildren, all of Illinois. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother Bud Camac (Betty), and sister, Julia Ann Rhoton (C.W. – Bill) Rhoton.
Following cremation, a private family graveside service and burial will take place at the Bronson cemetery.

Obituary of Joan Lauretta Cox

Joan Lauretta Cox, 89, of Fort Scott passed away Sunday, May 3, 2026, at the Hillside Guest Home. She was born on June 22, 1936, in Fulton, Kansas, the daughter of Floyd Leo and Edna W. Golden Cox. She graduated from Fulton High School. And worked as a Self-employed Housekeeper.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Fort Scott, The Olive Chapter #13 Order of the Eastern Star and had been a member of the Fidelis Deo White Shrine #6. She loved to play the piano.

Graveside services will be at 1:00pm Friday, May 8, 2026 at the West Liberty Cemetery with Pastor Christopher Eshelman officiating.

Memorials for Joan Cox will be to the Feeding Families program at the First United Methodist Church and may be sent to, or left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, P.O. Box 309, 15 W. Wall Street, Fort Scott, Kansas   66701.

Obituary of Jack Leroy Butler

Jack Leroy Butler, age 93, resident of Frontenac, KS, passed away Monday, April 27, 2026, at Pittsburg Care and Rehab in Pittsburg, KS. He was born July 15, 1932, in Pittsburg, KS, the son of Cleo Roy Butler and Emma Dillow Butler. Jack married Lillian Maxine Tripp on September 10, 1955, in Pittsburg. She preceded him in death on September 10, 2014. He served in the U. S. Army during the Korean conflict. Jack worked most of his career as a truck driver. In his spare time, he enjoyed being outdoors doing yardwork and gardening. He could often be found in the garage making or fixing something. He liked telling stories and discussing his Army career. Jack was an avid reader, especially the Bible. He loved spending time with family, especially during the holidays.

Survivors include 7 children, Vickie Smith, Spokane, WA, Karen Cox (Virgle) Lamar, MO, Cindy Albertson, Provo, UT, Danny Butler, Arizona, Steven Butler (Lindy) North Carolina, Christina Boren (Glen) Mesa, AZ, and Kimberly Gilbert (David) Paola, KS; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by 3 sisters, a grandson, and his parents.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct graveside services at 12:30 PM Monday, May 11th, at the U.S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott, KS. Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com

Obituary of Audrey Elaine Stewart

Audrey Elaine Stewart, age 96, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away early Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at the Medicalodge in Ft. Scott. She was born August 15, 1929, in Bayard, Kansas, the daughter of Don Ewell Miller and Addie Isabelle Hutton Miller. Audrey spent her early years on the family farm near Xenia, Kansas. She went on to graduate from the Bronson High School. Audrey married Neil Stewart on December 24, 1948, at Bronson. Together they raised their four children and operated their own farm in the Fulton and Devon areas. Audrey was a loving and devoted wife and mother. She worked hard to provide for her family’s needs whether it be sewing and mending clothes or working in the family garden and canning the fruits of her labor. She also enjoyed tending her flowers. After her children had grown, Audrey worked as a file clerk for the Western Insurance until her retirement in May of 1987. Neil and Audrey eventually left the farm and moved to Ft. Scott. Audrey was a member of the Community Christian Church. In later years, she loved attending high school reunions and catching up with her old friends.

Survivors include her four children, Don Stewart (Paula), Paul Stewart, Mary Worsley (John) and Marsha Farmer, all of Ft. Scott; seven grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. Also surviving is her sister, Wanda Abbott of Lakeland, Florida. Audrey was preceded in death by her husband, Neil, on December 15, 1992. She was also preceded in death by her parents, a daughter-in-law, Karen Stewart and a son-in-law, Keith Farmer. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Audrey’s hairdresser, Susan Porter, and to Cindy Hall with Community Care Connection for their kindness over the years.

Hospice Chaplin Jeff Feagins will conduct a graveside service at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, May 5th at the U. S. National Cemetery. The family will have a time of visitation on Tuesday from 10:00 A.M. prior to the service 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 Rex Alan Brown

Rex Alan Brown, age 66, of Prescott, Kansas, passed away on April 25, 2026, leaving behind a life defined by hard work, craftsmanship, and deep love for his family.

Rex was born on August 10, 1959, to Everett Oscar Brown Jr. And Patricia Ann Brown. He graduated from Oak Park High School in Kansas City, Missouri. On June 30, 1978, he married Brenda Sue Thurston, and together they shared 47 years of marriage and built a life centered around family.

He is survived by his children, Jason Brown (Nicole) of Prescott and Katie Hueston (Kenny) of Redfield; his grandchildren, Madison, Curtis, Carlie, and Macie; and his great-grandchildren, Dawson and Liam Sterling.

A proud third-generation Union Ironworker with Local 10, Rex spent nearly his entire career helping shape the Kansas City skyline, including work on the T-Mobile Center, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Kansas City Star and numerous power plants. He also had the honor of setting the point on the tallest building in Kansas City.

Rex and Brenda owned Fox Run Bar in Fulton, Kansas, for nearly two decades, where he enjoyed playing pool and making lasting memories with friends and family. Outside of work, he loved fishing, traveling, and seeing new places, and he was known for giving the best hugs.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Brenda, and his parents.

Rex will be remembered for his strength, his work ethic, and the love he had for his family.

There was cremation. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, May 4th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until service time Monday at the funeral home. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary of Esther Alpha Anderson

Esther Alpha Anderson, 93 passed away on December 9, 2025 at Tuttle Oklahoma. Born on April 9, 1932 in Devon Kansas. Esther was the 6th child of Charles Frederick Miller and Gladys Ida (Huss) Miller.

She graduated from Mercy School of Nursing in Fort Scott Kansas. She married Robert Gene Anderson and raised 3 children, David Anderson, Deanna (Anderson) Slack and Steven Anderson.
She worked as the nurse with Doctor Braun for several years then worked at Mercy Hospital.

She moved to Oklahoma in 1998 to be closer to her daughter. She lived by herself until June of 2025, when she moved in with her daughter until she passed away in her sleep.

She is survived by her children, 9 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Services will be held May 2, 2026, 11:00 AM at Battlefield Cemetery south of Pleasanton.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Tunnel to Towers.

Obituary of Alma Marie Williams

 Alma Marie Williams, age 80, resident of Bronson, KS passed away Monday, April 20, 2026, at her home.  She was born October 1, 1945, in Houston, TX, the daughter of George and Nodie Bell Brantley Lindsey.  Following high school, she graduated from beauty school in Houston.  Alma used her talent as a hairdresser for many years.  In her spare time, she enjoyed fishing and spending time with her grandchildren.  Alma had a great taste for decorating and remodeling old furniture.  Her true gift was in giving.  No one ever wanted in her presence.

Survivors include a son, Christopher Lindsey, Sr., Iola, KS; a daughter, Anicia Robinson, Bronson, KS; bothers Irving McArthur, Conroe, TX, and Elder Henry Duskin, Mansura, LA; sisters Nodie Lindsey-Evans, Ennis, TX and Amminita Young, Kincaid, KS; 9 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Williams; a brother, John Young; sisters Patricia Duskin, Annette Lindsey, and Pamla Grady; grandson Domonic Robinson; son-in-law Carl Robinson; as well as her parents.

Rev. George Proctor will conduct funeral services at 11:00 AM Saturday, April 25th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Cremation will follow.  The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until service time Saturday at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to the Alma Williams 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.

Obituary of Jackie Keating, Sr.

Shawn Gerard Keating Sr. “Jackie”, age 62, a resident of Fort Scott KS passed away Friday April 17, 2026 at home surrounded by his family. He was born May 25, 1963 in Fort Scott KS to Edward and Patricia (Warzel) Keating.

Shawn graduated from Fort Scott High School class of 1981 where he was a member of the Tiger Football Team. He then attended Newman University and graduated with the class of 1986 with bachelor’s degrees in business management and marketing. After graduation, he returned to Fort Scott to work in the family business, K&K Auto Parts. He married Sandi Hobbs June 12, 1998 in Fort Scott, KS at Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church. She survives of the home. Shawn’s greatest blessings in life were his children, whom he loved with all his heart. He was an avid Chiefs fan and enjoyed watching the games and grilling out. Shawn also helped serve lunch to the kids at St. Mary’s School for over 20 years. He was the kind of man people will remember for being friendly and sincere. He carried himself with a steady kindness. That left a lasting impression on every one he met.

Also surviving are sons Vincent (Courtney), Jesse, Andrew, Shawn II, and Connor. Daughters Grace (Eli) and Faith (Gage). Granddaughters Maeve and Margo. Siblings Eddie, John (Charlene), Mary Lowry (John), Beth Anne Graham (Daryl), and Patty Kramer (Mike) and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Shawn was preceded in death by sister-in-law Janet (New) Keating, mother and father-in-law Nancy and Joe Decker.

Father Yancey Burgess will celebrate Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. The Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. with family receiving friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the St. Mary’s Catholic School and may be sent to Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at Cheneywitt.com

 

Obituary of Timothy Dean York

Timothy Dean York, age 62, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.  Private burial will take place at the U.S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas.  Memorials are suggested to the Timothy York 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.