Darlene Agnes Chermok, age 85, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at the Arma Health and Rehab, in Arma, Kansas. She was born on a farm near Prague, Nebraska on June 20, 1939, the daughter of Adolph Vachal and Tillie Fencl Vachal. She graduated from Prague High School as the Valedictorian of her class.

She met and married Louis Chermok while both were working in Columbus, Nebraska, in 1960. They moved to Lawrence, Kansas, where they had five children. Patrick, Michael, Richard, Teresa, and Daniel Chermok.

In 1972 they moved to Fort Scott, where Louis helped set up a Manufacturing company called Craft Fabricators, where they manufactured shower doors.

From 1993 to 2003, they moved to Virginia to set up another manufacturing plant called Craft Diston. Darlene took the position of office manager there.

After their return to Fort Scott in 2003 both Louis and Darlene became active at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, where Darlene was president of the Altar Society for several years.

Survivors include Michael Chermok (Kristin) of Parker, Kansas, Teresa Chermok, Fort Scott, Kansas, Daniel Chermok (Dalene) of Fruita, Colorado; four grandchildren, Nathan, Jessica, Kalene, Jacob; and four great-grandchildren, Weston, Lilly, Lincoln, Oakley. She was preceded in death by her husband Louis, two sons, Patrick and Richard Chermok, and her parents.

Father Yancey Burgess will conduct Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M. Friday, October 18^th at the John F. Kennedy Gymnasium.  Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas.  The family will receive friends on Friday from 9:00 – 9:30 A.M. at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.  Memorials are suggested to the St. Mary’s Building 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.

It is with great sadness that we announce that Ralph Allen Schellack Jr. passed on to his Heavenly reward on October 8, 2024, at the age of 69. Allen, as he was known, was born on December 12, 1954, in Joplin, Missouri, to Ralph Sr. and Clova (Foster) Schellack.

Allen met the love of his life and beloved wife, Karen Vanderpool, and they were married on October 18, 1980, in Kansas City, Kansas. They shared almost 44 years of a loving, Godly marriage together. Allen was known for his love of God, family, friends, and community. He was an ordained minister in the Church of the Nazarene and served God faithfully for many years. He served as lead pastor at several churches throughout Kansas in his many years of ministry. He was also a devoted member of Ft. Scott Church of the Nazarene.

Allen worked as a police dispatcher for the Ft. Scott Police Department & Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office for 14 years until he retired from his position. After retirement, he never stopped serving his community when he founded and directed Ft. Scott Compassionate Ministries. He also served as the chaplain for the Ft. Scott Police and Fire Department. He faithfully served in Ft. Scott Compassionate Ministries, where he helped the less fortunate of Ft. Scott through a partnership with the Salvation Army.

Survivors include his wife Karen Schellack (Ft. Scott, KS); son and daughter-in-law Dustin & Sara Schellack (Little Rock, AR); son Joshua Schellack (Warner Robins, GA); 3 granddaughters Ember Schellack, Emma Schellack, and Marley Schellack; 1 sister and 2 brothers: Gill (John) Barnett, Emil (Anna) Schellack, and Doug (Shannon) Schellack. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Allen was preceded in death by his father and mother Ralph and Clova.

Rev. Virgil Peck III will conduct a celebration of life service at 10:00am on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Ft. Scott Nazarene, 1728 Horton St, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.

Memorials are suggested to Ft. Scott Compassionate Ministries 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.

Allison Marie “Lissa” Gorman, 71, resident of Fort Scott, passed away early Tuesday morning, October 8, 2024. She was born on August 17, 1953, in Topeka, Kansas, the daughter of Leroy Pitt and Martha (Wolf) Pitt. She married Kevin Gorman on May 28, 1977, in Topeka, and he survives of the home.

Lissa graduated from Topeka High School, and went on to receive her BA from Kansas State University. She taught school, teaching English at Fort Scott Community College, but she also was the office manager for Kevin’s veterinary clinic, Gorman Animal Hospital. Lissa was also a musician, playing piano for Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church and also for Trinity Lutheran Church. She was on the Fort Scott Public Library Board, and was an active member of P.E.O.

In addition to her husband Kevin, Lissa is also survived by her children, Philip Gorman & Jackie, of Parsons, Kansas, and Wendy Gorman, of Mission, Kansas; a sister, Susan Zane of Topeka, Kansas; grandchildren, Will Gorman, and Drew Gorman; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Lissa was preceded in death by her parents.

Following cremation, Pastor Michael Apfel will officiate memorial services at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at the Trinity Lutheran Church, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at 9:00 a.m. prior to services. Private interment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education (PCE) 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.

Kenneth Wayne Keeney, age 94, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at his home at the Presbyterian Village in Ft. Scott.

He was born February 20, 1930, on the family farm near Pawnee Station, Kansas, the son of Perry L. Keeney and Hazel Picht Keeney.  Kenneth attended school in Pawnee from First through Eighth Grade.  He later graduated from the Ft. Scott High School in 1947 and Ft. Scott Junior College in 1949.  He went on to attend Pittsburg State University and later graduated from Augustana University in Rock Island, Illinois.

Kenneth served with the United States Army with the First Cavalry Division.  He received his basic training at Ft. Ord, California and was then stationed in Japan from 1951-1953.

Following his discharge from the Army, he began working for the Western Insurance Company in Ft. Scott.  He later transferred with the Western to their office in Davenport, Iowa.  In 1959, he went to work for AAA Motor Club of Iowa.  He retired in 1992 after thirty-three years as a personal lines insurance underwriter.  After retirement, he moved back to the third-generation family farm which was owned by him and his sister, Kathryn Morrison.  He later sold the farm to his niece Linda Walker and her husband, Ray, making them the fourth generation to maintain the farm.  While living in Davenport, Iowa, he was a member of the St. John’s United Methodist Church.  After retirement he attended the Hiattville United Methodist Church.  He enjoyed golfing, bowling, traveling and getting together with family.  He also enjoyed working on the farm.  He appreciated nature and loved conserving and preserving the farm.

Kenneth is survived by his sister, Estalee Simpson of Ft. Scott; four nephews, Darrell and Dale Keeney and Larry and Roger Simpson; four nieces, Janet Keefer, Carol Carter, Linda Walker and Barbara Beugelsdyk and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Perry and Hazel Keeney, a brother, Donald Keeney and wife, Oda; a sister, Kathryn Morrison and husband, Bob, a brother-in-law, Carney Simpson and a nephew, Paul Morrison.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 A.M. Tuesday, October 15^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 10:30 A.M. until service time on Tuesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Hiattville United Methodist 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.

Billy J. Graham, age 92, a lifelong resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, September 30, 2024, at the Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas.  He was born November 8, 1931, in Ft. Scott, the son of Louis Graham and Helen Briggs Graham.  Billy graduated from the Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 1950.  He married Shirley Nutter on July 3, 1954.  The couple honeymooned in Chicago and since Billy was an avid baseball fan, part of their trip was spent at a ball game.  Throughout his life Billy was well known in his community.  He worked at Master Printers, Mid-America Business Forms and Mayco Ace Hardware.  He also managed the Fox Theater and the Mo-Kan Drive-In.  Billy enjoyed baseball, basketball, and football.  He faithfully supported the St. Louis Cardinals, KU Jayhawks and the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs.  Billy will also be remembered for his bowling skills where he rolled several perfect games.  During the 1960’s and 70’s he worked as a scout for the Ft. Scott Community College Greyhound Basketball Team. Later in life, he enjoyed eating ice cream, listening to baseball on the radio and working puzzles on his computer.  He was also frequently seen, on his scooter, “walking” his dog Suzie.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley, a son John Graham (Carol) of Parker, Colorado and a daughter, Grace Sweat (Bill) of Ft. Scott; four grandchildren, Robert Nolan (Alisa), Kim Nolan, Christopher Graham (Heather) and Timothy Graham (Ruth) and two great-granddaughters, Ashton and Adelynn Nolan as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.  Billy was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Kenneth, Robert and Harold Graham and a son, David Graham.

There was cremation.  A celebration of Billy’s life will be held on Saturday, October 12^th from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at the Carriage House, 301 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, Kansas.  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.

Janice Jackson, age 71, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Thursday, October 3, 2024.  Private burial will take place at the Evergreen Cemetery in Ft. Scott.  Arrangements were under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Gerald L. “Jerry” Mildfelt, age 92, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Thursday, October 3, 2024, at his home.  He was born December 13, 1931, in Perry, Oklahoma, the son of Joe Mildfelt and Catherine Endres Mildfelt.

Jerry faithfully served his country with the United States Army from 1952-1954.  He later went on to graduate from Ottawa University with a degree in finance.  Jerry married Sue Karleskint on August 23, 1968, in Ft. Scott.

Throughout his life, he worked at several banks, FDIC and RTC as an investigator.

Following retirement, Jerry enjoyed fishing and gardening.  One year, he raised over two hundred tomato plants.

He was a member of the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church.

Survivors include his wife, Sue, of the home; four sons, Tom Mildfelt (Sandy) of Parsons, Kansas, Mike Mildfelt (Debi) of Winfield, Kansas, Dan Mildfelt (Lisa) of Chanute, Kansas, and Todd Mildfelt, (Kelli) of Baldwin, Kansas, and a daughter, LeAnne Wiles (Kevin) of Parsons, Kansas.  Also surviving are ten grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Gene and Tom Mildfelt, and two sisters, Nellie Mitchum and Ruth Steichen.

Father Yancey Burgess will conduct the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, October 8^th at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church (Kennedy Gym).

The Rosary will be recited at 9:30 A.M. prior to the Mass.

Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the St. Mary’s Building 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.

Gary Keith Wise, age 87, resident of Nevada, MO died Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at the Nevada Regional Medical Center, Nevada, MO.  He was born September 7, 1937, in Fort Scott, KS the son of Alvin Elmer Wise and Audrey C. O’Dell Wise.

Gary graduated from FSHS.  He served in the U. S. Army Signal Corp from 1960 until 1962.  Gary worked on the farm with his father growing up and throughout his working life.  He was employed by Whiteside’s IGA both East and West stores for 30 years.  Gary later drove the transportation bus for Bourbon County Senior Citizens for several years.  He married Judy Alexander on January 4, 2005, in Fort Scott.  He enjoyed driving country roads checking on all the local crops and tinkering with all things mechanical, especially lawn mowers.

Survivors include his wife Judy of the home; a daughter, Linda Moore (Lynn), Dallas, TX; a son, Mark Wise (Candida), Wichita, KS; 4 grandchildren, Jason Brown, Jordan Brown, Commora Wise, and Tristen Wise; 2 great grandchildren; a step-daughter, Deana Amicone (Greg), Eldorado Springs, MO; and 2 step-sons, Troy Shankel (Linda), and Matthew Shankel, all of Nevada, MO.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a step-son, Todd Shankel.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 12:30 PM Tuesday, October 8^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott.  The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 12:30 prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to Bourbon County Senior Citizens 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.

Jaqueline Delores Gunsaullus, age 87, a resident of Chanute, KS, passed away Saturday,

September 28, 2024. She was born July 29, 1937, in Salina, KS, the daughter of Les and Dorothy Stucker Culp.

Jackie graduated from Fort Scott High School and attended Fort Scott Community College for one year.

Jackie married Jack Gunsaullus in 1956. He preceded her in death in 2003. Jackie worked as a clerk for the Bourbon County Treasurer’s office for many years. In her younger years, she enjoyed teaching Sunday school classes at First United Methodist Church, playing in a bowling league, reading and spending time with her children.

Later in life, Jackie enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, taking care of her beloved pets, and keeping in touch with friends and family. She was always an avid KC Royals and Chiefs fan, loved watching Days of Our Lives and watching a good movie.

Survivors include her son Steve Gunsaullus (Chanute, KS) and daughter and son-in-law, Debraand Rodney Perkins (Chanute, KS), and 6 grandchildren, Angie Hall, Tabetha Lane, Amanda Harper, Brandy Cruse, Chadley Cruse, and Tatum Cruse and many great and great-greatgrandchildren. Jackie was preceded in death by her father and mother, Les and Dorothy, herhusband, Jack, daughter, Nancy Hembree, daughter, Donna Gunsaullus, and granddaughter,Danielle Cruse.

There was cremation. Private burial will take place later in Evergreen Cemetery, Fort Scott, KS.  Donations, gifts and memorials are suggested to the Allen County Animal Rescue Facility in Iola, KS 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

Billy J. Graham, age 92, a lifelong resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, September 30, 2024, at the Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas. He was born November 8, 1931, in Ft. Scott, the son of Louis Graham and Helen Briggs Graham.

Billy graduated from the Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 1950. He married Shirley Nutter on July 3, 1954. The couple honeymooned in Chicago and since Billy was an avid baseball fan, part of their trip was spent at a ball game.

Throughout his life Billy was well known in his community. He worked at Master Printers, Mid-America Business Forms and Mayco Ace Hardware. He also managed the Fox Theater and the Mo-Kan Drive-In. Billy enjoyed baseball, basketball, and football. He faithfully supported the St. Louis Cardinals, KU Jayhawks and the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs. Billy will also be remembered for his bowling skills where he rolled several perfect games.

During the 1960’s and 70’s he worked as a scout for the Ft. Scott Community College Greyhound Basketball Team. Later in life, he enjoyed eating ice cream, listening to baseball on the radio and working puzzles on his computer. He was also frequently seen, on his scooter, “walking” his dog Suzie.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley, a son John Graham (Carol) of Parker, Colorado and a daughter, Grace Sweat (Bill) of Ft. Scott; four grandchildren, Robert Nolan (Alisa), Kim Nolan, Christopher Graham (Heather) and Timothy Graham (Ruth) and two great-granddaughters, Ashton and Adelynn Nolan as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Kenneth, Robert and Harold Graham and a son, David Graham.

There was cremation. A celebration of Billy’s life will be held on Saturday, October 12th from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at the Carriage House, 301 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, Kansas.

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.

Larry Eugene Sheridan, age 73, a former resident of Uniontown, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at Azria Health Care in Olathe, Kansas.  He was born March 13, 1951, in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Bernard Sheridan and Fern Ackers Sheridan.

Larry married Donna Marie Miller on April 1, 1978.  They made their home in the Kansas City area where Larry was employed as a plant manager at Central Bag, a company that manufactured sacks and bags.  In earlier years, Larry enjoyed fishing and coaching basketball.  After retirement, he and Donna relocated to Uniontown, Kansas, to be near their daughter.  As Larry’s health failed and he became more homebound, time was spent watching old western movies and listening to music.  He was of the Catholic faith.

Survivors include his daughter, Christy Pritchett (Danny) of Uniontown, Kansas and a son, Eric Sheridan, of Independence, Missouri, and eight grandchildren, Aubree, Asenath, Brendan, Cayman, Mike, Melissa, Samantha and Shawn, twenty great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are a sister, Teresa Martin of Olathe, Kansas and two brothers, Pat Sheridan of Pittsburg, Kansas and Jimmy Sheridan of Jacksonville, Florida.

Larry was preceded in death by his wife, Donna, on October 3, 2018.  He was also preceded in death by a great-grandson and two brothers, Fred and Mike Sheridan.

Father Yancey Burgess will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, September 28^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Uniontown Cemetery

.  Memorials are suggested to St. Martin’s Academy 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.

Harold William Fritter, 92, of Richards, Missouri, passed away on Monday September 23, 2024, surrounded by family.

Harold was born on August 29, 1932, to Louis W. Fritter and Stella Gardner Fritter in Ft. Scott, KS. He married Alice Poague on December 10, 1951, in Hood River, Oregon and she survives of the home.

After graduating from Richards High School in 1951, Harold enlisted in the US Navy and served in the Construction Battalion (Seabees) from 1952-1956 in the Korean Conflict. He enjoyed sharing stories from his time in Japan and was grateful to be selected for the Heartland Honor Flight in May of 2017.

Harold and Alice moved back to Missouri from Oregon after his time in the Navy to begin farming. Nearly all his life, he held a second job while farming to provide for his family. Throughout the years, these jobs included working for the State Highway Department, over the road and local trucking and Railway Express Agency. He was also the owner of a grocery store in Stotesbury and Main Street Coin-O-Matic in Ft. Scott.

Harold was baptized in 1964 along with his wife and 2 sons. Over the years he faithfully attended Richards Christian Church where he served as an elder and treasurer and made many lifelong friends. In addition to his leadership in the church, he served as a missionary with Northwest Haiti Christian Mission for many years.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Kenneth and Donald. In addition to his wife Alice, he is survived by his sons, Mike Fritter and wife Joe’ of Ft. Scott, KS; Dennis D. Fritter of Nevada, MO; Grandchildren Justin Fritter (Sarah) and their children Hayden and Colin of Holt, MO, Jamie Sisseck (Kris) and their child Konner of Deerfield, MO, Lacinda Schneider (David) of Lenexa, KS, Marc Fritter (Melissa) and their children Derrick and Kali of Nevada, MO, Jill Arnold (Chad) and their child Alivia of Newton, KS, Trevor Swim (Katie) and their children Crew and Cove of Knoxville, TN, and Wesley DeHaven of Ft. Scott, KS. As well as other extended family.

Pastor Matthew Hunt will conduct funeral services at 12:00 PM Thursday, September 26th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 Wednesday evening at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either Tunnel to Towers Foundation or locally to the Jim Meech Agri-Med Crisis Foundation 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.