Aeron A. Hicks, age 74, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Thursday, September 19, 2024, at the Via Christi Village in Pittsburg, Kansas.

She was born September 29, 1949, in Pittsburg, Kansas, the daughter of Edward Slutter and Ruby Shelley Slutter.  She grew up in Pittsburg and graduated from St. Mary’s-Colgan High School with the Class of 1967. Following high school, Aeron worked as the assistant director of medical records at Mt. Carmel Medical Center in Pittsburg.

Aeron was united in marriage to Harold W. Hicks on August 29, 1978.  After their marriage, Harold was a commissioned officer with the United States Navy and they were stationed in San Diego, California.  During this time, Harold was stationed onboard the USS Ranger.  Aeron served as the Social Chairperson for the ship’s Officers’ Wives Club.  Some of her responsibilities included helping prepare the ship for Queen Elizabeth II’s royal visit and serving as the family liaison after a serious fire onboard the ship.  While in California, Aeron took the opportunity to further her education and obtained her BA Deree in Psychology from the University of San Diego.

In 1992, Harold and Aeron moved to Harold’s hometown of Ft. Scott, Kansas to help care for his elderly father.  While in Ft. Scott, Aeron worked with the Adult Education Program at the Ft. Scott Community College.  She also served as the online education coordinator for the college.  This was at the time when online learning was in its infancy.

Aeron had a desire to help others, and in addition to her work at the college she also played a key role with the Bourbon County Network for Families program.  Aeron and Harold became active with the First Christian Church in Ft. Scott.  They went on to become Commissioned Ministers through Education for Ministry.  Together, they co-pastored the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Yates Center, Kansas from 2008-2018.

As her health failed and Covid set in, Aeron became more and more homebound.  In spite of this, Aeron continued supporting Harold’s ministry at the Disciples Christian Church in Nevada, Missouri.  During Covid, Aeron played a vital role in maintaining the church’s online presence.  Throughout her life, Aeron did her best to serve God and humanity.  The world was made a better place because of her endeavors.

Aeron is survived by her husband, Harold, of the home in Ft. Scott and her cousins, Brent Richey and Jan Brimm and husband, Jerry, all of Joplin, Missouri.

Rev. Laura Agee will conduct a service of remembrance at 10:30 A.M. Friday, September 27^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Music will be provided by Janie Aita.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery

Memorials are suggested to the Ft. Scott Community College Endowment Association and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

he died on Wednesday Afternoon, Sept. 18. Natasha Thompson and Randi Clements both live in Fort Scott.

Robert James Elbrader, 84, of Fort Scott, passed away Wednesday afternoon, September 18, 2024, at his home. He was born April 21, 1940, in Bourbon County, Kansas, the son of Robert N. Elbrader and Naomi (Brown) Elbrader. He married Julie Thompson on August 14, 1964, in Fort Scott, Kansas, and she survives of the home.

Robert earned his Machinist Certification from Pittsburg State University, and worked as a machinist at Peerless for many years. He briefly served in the US Navy from 1958 to 1959.

In addition to his wife Julie, Robert is also survived by his children, Jessica Shapiro and Matt Bower, Iola, Kansas; Ambrosia Shapiro and James Greene, Oakland, California; Tara Peters and Jason, Puyallup, Washington; Natasha Thompson of Fort Scott,  Richard Thompson and Artie, Colorado Springs, Colorado; Marty Thompson and Dena, Fort Scott; brother Roneil Elbrader and Jeff Neely, Webb City, Missouri; sisters Rowena Otipoby, Neosho, Missouri; Randi Clements, Fort Scott and Regina Swisher, Eerie, Kansas. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and great-great niece Claire Bower, of the home.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, with burial following at the Fort Scott National Cemetery.

Visitation will be prior to services, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Military honors will be provided at the cemetery by the US Navy Funeral Honors Detail.

Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.

Alvin Elwood Pellett, aged 94, passed away on September 6, 2024, in Decatur, Texas. Born on July 25, 1930, Alvin affectionately known as Al, was raised on a farm, and learned the value of hard work early in life. His strength and determination were evident when he played football at Ft. Scott Junior College. His athletic prowess continued in the Air Force, where he also served in Vietnam as a reconnaissance analyst. His commitment to his country was a significant part of his identity and remained a source of pride throughout his life.  Al was not only a veteran but also an avid sports fan, often spending time with fellow veterans at the VFW, where he forged many lasting friendships. In retirement, he and his beloved wife, Brenda, settled in Rhome, Texas, enjoying a quieter life together.
Alvin is survived by his wife, Brenda Pellett, his son, Daniel Pellett, and his daughter, Bari Gaylor. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Pellett Jr. and Bertha Pellett, his brothers Harlan and Loren Pellett, and his sister Eloyce Parker.
A service to honor Alvin’s life will be held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, September 26^th at the Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel.  Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery where military honors will be provided by the United States Air Force Honor Guard.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the V.F.W., an organization that was very dear to Alvin’s heart.  Donations 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 gues

Michael Steven French, age 63, died Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at his home in Mulberry, KS.  He was born August 2, 1961, in Fort Scott, KS the son of Ralph E. (Ed) French, Jr. and Mary Ann (Biles) French.  He attended school in Spring Hill, KS from 1968 until 1974 when the family returned to Bourbon County.

He graduated from FSHS in 1978, where he enjoyed classes in art and history.  Mike was very proud of the debate awards and medals won by his squad.  He was also on the track team.  Mike attended Southwestern College in Winfield, KS.  He had an extended career in restaurant management.  His final employment was for Honeywell Corporation.

In 2018 he retired and returned to Southeast Kansas.  Mike made his home in Mulberry where he enjoyed gardening, reading history and science fiction books.  He also had an interest in National politics.

He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents.  Survivors include his mother; sister Laura (Randy) Phillips; brothers Tony (Patsy) French, and Daniel (Rachel) French, all of Fort Scott; nieces and nephews Jessie (Zach) Marsh, Tori (Tim) Murphy, Haley (Derek)  Houdashelt, Grace French, and Sophia French, all of Fort Scott, Danielle (Paul) Sutton, Olathe, KS, Rachel (Tommy) Burns, Augusta, KS, Ashley (Jared) Keylon, Uniontown, KS, and Nic (Brooke) French, South Dakota; Aunts and Uncles Jan Biles, Lawrence, KS, Rick (Linda) Biles, Wichita, KS, Bub (Deanna) Biles, Leander, TX, and Nancy (Phil) Wimmer, Pittsburg, KS; and several great nieces, nephews and many cousins.

There was cremation.  Services will be announced at a later date by the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Fort Scott Public Library 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 online at cheneywitt.com.

Colee William Miller, age 38, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Sunday, September 15, 2024, at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas.  He was born May 29, 1986, in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Douglas William Miller and Tammy Sue Marsh Miller.

Colee attended school in Ft. Scott and graduated from the Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 2004.  As a child, Colee attended the Grace Baptist Tabernacle with his great-grandmother, Irene Baysinger.  He also was active with the AWANA program at the Bethel Community Church.

After graduation, Colee worked for Klein Products.  He later owned and operated his own business D & C Sanitation and also helped with Miller’s Mowing.  Colee was naturally gifted when it came to technology and electronics.  He was often called on by friends and family whenever they needed some “tech-support.”

Growing up, Colee enjoyed spending time with his friends whether it be cruising, hunting or fishing or going to concerts. He was given the nickname, Lolo, by his cousin, Brynlee. Colee was always the life of the party.  He will be remembered for his quick wit and lively sense of humor; every family needs a Colee!  Colee dedicated his time to making memories with his son, Rivver.  Together, they enjoyed many hours riding the side by side, spending time outdoors and at the arcade.   Colee will be lovingly missed by his family and friends.

Survivors include his parents, Doug and Tammy Miller and his son, Rivver, all of Ft. Scott and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.  Colee was preceded in death by his grandparents, Frank and Laura Miller and Donnie and Barbara Marsh as well as his great-grandmother, Irene Baysinger who took such good care of him as a child.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday, September 20^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Thursday 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.

Ronald George Waddell, age 85, a resident of Pittsburg, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at the Via Christi Village in Pittsburg. He was born October 20, 1938, in Marion, Missouri, the son of George Shaw Waddell and Leota Mae Adams Waddell.

Ron graduated from the Kincaid High School with the Class of 1956. He went on to further his education and earned Masters Degrees from both the University of Kansas and Columbia College of Missouri. In earlier years, Ron had taught science at the Gardner, Kansas High School. He later pursued a career in the pharmaceutical industry. He worked in quality control and as a computer programmer for various pharmacy labs.

Ron is survived by his children, Hilary, Michael and Gregory and three grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Kathy Waddell of Walnut, Kansas and two brothers, Jerry Waddell of Mapleton, Kansas and David Waddell of Ottawa, Kansas.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents and five brothers, Walt, Larry, Dale, Danny and Terry Waddell.

Private burial took place in the Kincaid Cemetery, Kincaid, Kansas. Arrangements were under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Michael Steven French, age 63, resident of Mulberry, KS died Tuesday, September 10, 2024,
at his home. There was cremation. Services for Michael French will be announced later by the
Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main.

Doylene Chapman, age 77, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Sunday, September 8, 2024, at her home.  She was born November 25, 1946, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Doyle Monroe Shoemaker and Betty Hathaway Shoemaker.

Doylene graduated from the Arcadia High School with the Class of 1964.  After graduating high school, Doylene married Scott Kennedy.  He preceded her in death in 2004.  She later married Emmett Chapman on July 3, 2010.

Doylene had worked as the office manager for Bourbon County Public Works for several years.  In her spare time, she enjoyed crochet and needlepoint.  She also volunteered with the Mercy Hospital Auxiliary.  Doylene and Emmett enjoyed taking several extended trips to watch their grandchildren’s events.

She was a member of the Freedom Spirit Church.

Survivors include her husband, Emmett, of the home; her daughter Stephanie Lockwood of Ft. Scott and four grandchildren, Mackenzie, Brayden, Weston and Everly Lockwood and a step-daughter, Denise Kennedy of California.  In addition to her first husband, Scott, Doylene was preceded in death by her father, Doyle Shoemaker, her mother and step-father, Betty and Perry Dobbins and her brother, Larry Shoemaker.

Pastor Matt Kendrick will conduct funeral services at 2:00 P.M. Friday, September 13^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Large Cemetery.

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

Memorials are suggested to the KU Cancer Center 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.

Wesley “Limber” Levoy Miles, age 84, resident of Fort Scott, KS died Saturday, August 31, 2024, at Medicalodge of Fort Scott.  He was born August 11, 1940, in Worland, MO the son of Walter and Waneta Constable Miles.

Wes served in the U. S. Army.  He married Kathleen Marie Hill on March 28, 1980.  Over the years he worked for Coke, as a self-employed roofer, and for Klein Tools for 20 years until his retirement.

He enjoyed fishing and vacationing. Wes cared deeply for his wife and family and was a loving father and grandfather.

Survivors include his wife Kathy of the home; 3 sons, Les Miles (Anna) Fort Scott, KS, Robert Lorenz (Jennifer), Gurnsey, WY, and George Lorenz, Fort Scott, KS; 3 daughters, Connie Miles Davis (Mark), Gravette, AR, Chloie Miles, Fort Scott, KS and Tina Edwards, Fort Scott, KS; 14 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; and a nephew, Frank Schubert.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Leslie Eugene Miles; a sister, Drucilla Schubert; a granddaughter, Amanda Davis; a great granddaughter, Emma Mae Miles; 5 Angel great grandbabies; and his parents.

Scott Center will conduct graveside services at 11:00 AM Tuesday, September 10^th, at the U. S. National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Monday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.

Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Thomas Clark Johnson, age 90, a lifelong resident of rural Bronson, Kansas, passed away Friday, August 23, 2024, at the Allen County Regional Medical Center in Iola, Kansas.

He was born January 30, 1934, in Bronson, Kansas, the son of Thomas Johnson and Myra Warden Johnson.  Tom graduated from the Bronson High School.  He served in Korea with the United States Army from 1956 to 1957.  Tom had worked for many years on the road crew for Bourbon County.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret.

There was cremation.  A memorial service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, September 7^th at the  Bronson Baptist Church.

Private burial will take place at a later date in the Bronson Cemetery.

Mary Lou Mefford, age 89, resident of Fort Scott, KS died Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at Pleasant Hill Health and Rehab Center, Pleasant Hill, MO.  She was born August 19, 1935, in Drumright, OK, the daughter of Perry and Ethel Mae Coffman Johnson.  Mary graduated from Moran High School with the class of 1953.  She married William “Ike” Mefford on September 29, 1967, in Fort Scott.  He preceded her in death.  Mary worked most of her career as a claim supervisor for several insurance companies.  She was a member of Eastern Star and St. John’s Global Methodist Church.

Survivors include a stepson, Don Mefford (Linda), Mound City, KS; 3 grandsons, Mike Mefford (Rochelle) and their daughter Aleigh, Lee’s Summit, MO, Shon Mefford (Dana), Joplin, MO, and Jason Mefford (Cindy), Mapleton, KS; a sister, Jean Decker, Bronson, KS; a brother, Terry Joe Johnson (Karen), Iola, KS; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Clara Kay Griffin-Clark; 4 brothers, Ralph, Gilbert, Perry, and Paul Johnson; 3 sisters, Betty Clayton, Shirley Bolan, and Pat Dawson; and 2 stepsons, Richard and Bill Mefford.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Monday, September 9^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Bronson Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Sunday 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.