Roy Emerald Townsend, age 87, resident of rural Fort Scott, KS, died Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, KS.  He was born on September 7, 1935, in Harding, KS, the son of Perry and Elizabeth Snyder Townsend.

\  Roy served in the Army from 1958 until 1961.  He was stationed in Germany for 1 ½ years as crew chief for a 3 Star General.

Roy married Nancy Susan Michael on March 30, 1964, in Miami, OK.  She preceded him in death on December 3, 2020.  He worked various jobs through the years including Bruce Marble Works, heavy equipment operator, and maintenance.  He enjoyed working on his vintage military vehicles, pulling tractors, coin collecting, and watching Gun Smoke.  He was a member of the Rising Sun Lodge #8 in Fort Scott.

 

Survivors include two sons, Perry Townsend (Jane), Redfield, KS, and Jerry Townsend (Amber), Chanute, KS; two grandchildren, Adam Townsend, and Sarah Bower (Justin); onegreat granddaughter, Aleah Marie Bower; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by a sister, Carolyn Price, and his parents.

 

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 Tuesday, March 7^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.

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

Memorials are suggested to Ronald McDonald House or Bethel Community Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

With a warm smile and a welcoming heart, Lynne Mary VanLeeuwen lived a life rich in family and friends. Lynne welcomed every moment as a gift, relishing life’s joys and meeting its challenges with unwavering faith and confidence. Lynne enjoyed adventure, appreciated the beauty in life, and treasured nothing more than her family. Cherished by many, Lynn will long be remembered and so very missed.

The mobilization of war efforts in 1942 was quick and effective, with carmakers and other manufacturers changing to the production of weapons of war. Gas rationing, Scrap Days, and Victory Gardens became the norm. At the same time, The Declaration of the United Nations, the newly formed Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps, and The Voice of America ensured that every citizen had their eyes focused on a better future. Nowhere was there more hope for the future than in the hearts of Robert and Evelyn (Shearer) Brown as they welcomed their daughter, Lynne, into their family on December 6 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Growing up in a large family, Lynne was the second youngest child. Her older siblings were much older, and she came to know her younger brother, John, best. While her father was a handyman who worked on many rental properties, her mother worked for Michigan Tag Company. The family enjoyed summer vacations at a cottage in Idlewild, Michigan and Lynne attended Palmer Elementary School. A gifted singer and percussionist, she took music lessons and attended band camps at Michigan State University.

After graduating from Creston High School with the class of 1960, Lynne went away to college in Alva, Oklahoma. In 1963, she returned to Michigan to marry Douglas Carnevale who worked with her mother at Michigan Tag Company. The couple married in a ceremony at St. Judes Catholic Church.

In time, Lynne and Doug were blessed to welcome three children to their family. Though their marriage ended in divorce after 16 years, Lynne was always grateful it gave her the gift of motherhood. Christine, Maria, and Martin quickly were the centers of Lynne’s world. She was an awesome mom who totally devoted herself to ensuring her children were loved and supported.

As a musician in the Grand Rapids Symphony for over 20 years and a principal percussionist for part of that time, Lynne thoroughly enjoyed sharing her love of music with her children and took them to all her rehearsals and concerts. While cooking wasn’t her passion, she made great meatloaf, goulash, and chili, and her weenie wraps were her specialty!

While vacationing with her brother Bob in Uniontown, Kansas, Lynne had the good fortune of meeting Joe VanLeeuwen. Joe had two adult daughters from a previous marriage and owned and operated Van’s Grocery and Meat Locker in Uniontown. The pair began dating, fell in love, and married on February 24, 1981.

Lynne helped run the store until they retired in 1998. She then worked as a church secretary in Fort Scott, Kansas, for a time. They took many trips together; Hot Springs, Arkansas, was a favorite destination. They also enjoyed visiting casinos to gamble. She was a member of the Arts Council in Fort Scott for twenty years and was always up for a potluck dinner with friends.

A practicing Catholic her entire life, faith was always important to Lynne, and she was grateful to be a member of the fellowships at St. Jude in Grand Rapids and Mary Queen of Angels in Fort Scott. Without a doubt, Lynne’s greatest joy was her family. And her grandchildren were her heart’s delight! She adored her grandkids and nurtured a special relationship with each one of them. She taught them numbers and math, music and art appreciation, and loved to joke and play. Their biggest fan, Lynne attended all their events and supported their every endeavor. Whether sharing a meal, playing Yahtzee of Boggle, or cheering them on, Lynne proved a constant source of love and support.

Without a doubt, life feels less certain in the absence of Lynne’s steadfast companionship. May we find comfort in our many treasured memories and in the honor of carrying her beautiful legacy forward. In each moment we gather with loved ones, cheer on each other’s’ dreams, enjoy a trip, or share our passions, we celebrate the many ways Lynne gifted our lives. In this way, we keep her spirit alive and inspiring others as she so inspired each of us.

Lynne M. Vanleeuwen of Grand Rapids, MI, age 79, passed away with her loving family by her side November 20, 2022.

She was also preceded in death by her husband, William Joseph VanLeeuwen; siblings, Bob and Alice Brown, Arthur Brown, Ben and Joan Brown, Delores and Frank Hall, Ardis and Ken Jacobs, and John Brown.

Lynne is survived by her children, Christine Carnevale of Grand Rapids, Maria (Don Myles) Norman of Grand Rapids, Martin (Michelle) Carnevale of Belmont, Kim (Ron) Pendell of Bloomington, IN, Debbie Elliot of San Diego, CA; grandchildren, Sean Norman, Caitlin (Kyle) Johnson, Syler Moser, Lisa (Ryan) Tabereaux, Amber (Josh) Zink; great-grandchildren, Avery, Dawson, Jackson, Turner, Sophie, Evan, Gilbert; sisters-in-law, Mary Brown and Carol Brown; and many nieces and nephews.

According to her wishes, cremation has taken place. Interment will be in Ft. Scott National Cemetery.

A Celebration of Lynne’s Life will be announced soon. Memorials may be made to Grand Rapids Symphony or Bourbon County Arts Council (KS). Local arrangements are being handled by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St.

 

Judith A. Matson, a former resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas and more recently of Pittsburg, Kansas, passed away Friday, February 24, 2023, at the Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg. Judy married
Roger G. Matson on January 20, 1962; he preceded her in death in 2018.

Survivors include a son, Quinton R. Matson of Kansas City, Missouri; two daughters, Quita Coffman (Donald) of Ft. Scott, Kansas and Dana Noe of Peculiar, Missouri and six grandchildren, Amber Sheehy (Joe), Tylar Montgomery (Justin) and Erin Coffman, all of Ft.
Scott, Devon Hudspeth (Taylor) of Overland Park, Kansas, Austin Noe of Cleveland, Missouri and Arie Noe of Webb City, Missouri; and six great-grandchildren, Brooklyn Sheehy, Madison
Sheehy, Joseph G. Sheehy and Madelynne Montgomery all of Ft. Scott, Jackson Montgomery of Nevada, Missouri and Easton Hudspeth of Overland Park, Kansas. Also surviving is an aunt,
Kathryn Bennett of Girard, Kansas.

Mrs. Matson donated her body to science for the study of SCA6 and other medical research at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Following completion of their studies, Judy will be laid to rest with her husband, at in the U. S. National Cemetery #1 in Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Hospital, the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, Oltjen Orthodontics or Operation Smile 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 cheneywitt.com.

 

Betty Le Clayton, age 89, a resident of rural Mapleton, Kansas, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, February 26, 2023. She was born March 22, 1933, at her grandmother’s house near Prescott, Kansas, the daughter of Raymond Leroy Long and Helen Irene Johnson Long. Betty graduated from the Prescott High School with the Class of 1951. She married Bobby Glenn Clayton on June 18, 1953, at Manty, Kansas. They went on to enjoy sixty-five years of marriage. For the last sixty years, Betty had made her home on the family farm east of Mapleton. Over the years, Betty had been employed by both the Western Insurance Company and the ASCS Office; however, the job she considered her favorite and the most important was being a homemaker. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Betty worked hard to meet her family’s needs. Along with the help of her husband, Betty always raised a large garden and readily canned the fruits of their labor. She was also an excellent cook and will be remembered for her chicken and noodles. Family was always Betty’s number one priority. She enjoyed family get-togethers and attending her grandchildren’s many activities. She was a woman of faith and was a member of the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.

 

Survivors include her six children, Terry Erie (John) of Ft. Scott, Kansas, Bobby Dean Clayton (Crystal) of Mapleton, Kansas, Tracy Clayton of Ft. Scott, Danny Clayton (Janet) of Redfield, Kansas, Kelly Fleming (Rodney) of Ft. Scott and Tami Clayton of Mapleton; twenty-four grandchildren, fifty great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers, Larry Long (Donna) of Hepler, Kansas and Richard Long (Helen) of Mound City, Kansas and four sisters, Bonnie Hunter, of Springfield, Missouri, Donna Morris of Ft. Scott, Diana Carpenter (Bill) also of Ft. Scott and Leana Gier (Gary) of Girard, Kansas. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby, on November 24, 2018. She was also preceded in death by two grandsons, Drew and Eric Clayton and a sister, Jean Mayhugh.

 

Rev. Virgil Peck will conduct funeral services at 11:30 P.M. Friday, March 3rd at the Ft. Scott Church of the Nazarene. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 P.M. Thursday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Ft. Scott Church of the Nazarene 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.

Keys to the Kingdom

 

 

The clerk at the grocery store was cute, sweet, and petite and after she totaled my items, she said something I didn’t catch. I responded, “Pardon?” (Possibly she could have put 2 and 2 together and figured it out on her own when I didn’t hear the question.) Nevertheless, she asked again, “Do you qualify for the senior discount?“ I grinned and said, “Yes, I do! Thank you for asking.” So I saved 64 cents and walked out a happy 64-year-old shopper. Honestly, I don’t think of myself as a senior, even though the evidence is in my mirror every day. I’ve heard that no matter how old you are, you mentally feel about 35 years old.

 

Do those of us who profess Jesus as Lord qualify to be called Christ followers? If we were hauled into court, would the jury find enough evidence to convict us as Christians? When Jesus was teaching His disciples, He said the world would know us by our love for one another. According to Jesus, the most important qualifier is love. “All people will know you are My followers if you love one another” (John 13:35 NCV). Love is not abstract; it’s a verb. You can see it in action with your eyes and feel it in your heart. Love  is a lifestyle devoted to demonstrating acts of kindness at every opportunity.

 

A life of love is described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NLT: “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.“ Love is uncommonly patient under the stress of difficult relationships and challenging situations. It always thinks the best, encourages, and builds up. Love overlooks offenses, doesn’t keep score, and refuses to hold any resentment. It is not overly sensitive, easily offended, or insulted. Love doesn’t focus on what’s wrong with others and overlooks their shortcomings. Love goes the extra mile and extends grace and mercy without expecting anything in return.

 

When Paul wrote to the Church in Corinth, he painted a very sobering illustration. “…I may understand all secrets and know everything there is to know, and I may have faith so great that I can move mountains. But even with all this, if I don’t have love, I am nothing. I may give away everything I have to help others, and I may even give my body as an offering to be burned. But I gain nothing by doing all this if I don’t have love” (1 Corinthians 13:2-3 ERV). Love is the greatest virtue of all and, if we don‘t have it, we won‘t amount to a hill of beans.

 

Even though my parents, husband, and brother are gone from planet earth, I still experience their love everyday. Even death can’t destroy the power of love. Love is an eternal energy that comes from the depths of a heart that’s been transformed by God‘s love. Since Jesus has given believers such a high calling, we must love out loud in obedience to Him. As long as we stay focused on Christ as our example, He will enable us to love others like He does.

 

The Key:  Love never gives up, so keep demonstrating the qualifications of a sold-out  Christ follower.

 

Orval R. Doty, age 88, resident of Fort Scott, KS died February 16, 2023, at Arma Health and Rehab, Arma, KS, from complications following a stroke. We are grateful he is no longer suffering.

Orval was born September 14, 1934, in Fort Scott to William Bradford Doty and Erma Marie Marshall Doty. They preceded him in death as did brothers, Roy Doty, Bob Doty, Delbert Doty, Larry Moore and one sister Jean Doty Cook. He was also preceded in death by two infant sons, Norman Doty, and Gerald W. Doty.

 

Orval is a Marine Veteran of the Indochina War and the Korean War. During his service he earned several service medals for his bravery in battle. He never liked people knowing what medals he had, so we won’t share.  Orval was a member of VFW Olson-Frary-Burkhart Post 1165, Fort Scott, KS. As a member he headed the Honor Guard for many years. He was very dedicated to giving respect to the US Flag and any Service Member.

 

Orval, upon being honorably discharged from the Marines, attended Pittsburg College Electronic School, and went on to work for Montgomery Wards as a TV Service Repair Man in Bartlesville, OK and Great Bend, KS.

Upon returning to Fort Scott with his family in 1965, he worked for Comstock Service Station while attending FSCC. After graduating from FSCC, Orval worked for Dover Elevator Company as a helper for many years and later as construction superintendent until he retired.

Upon retirement, Shirley and Orval moved back to Ft Scott, KS.

 

He is survived by one sister, Betty Doty Nichols, Joplin, MO, his wfe, “His Main Squeeze,” Shirley M Andrews Doty and five children. Jacque K Doty, “Jackson, Queen, Short Nose,” Fort Scott, KS, Orval R. Doty Jr, “Old Man,” (Teresa) Blue Mound, KS, David, “Shorty,” DeSoto, KS, Susan Doty Plummer, “Baby D,” (Dave) Desoto, KS, and John B Doty, “Baby Boy,” Fort Scott, KS.

Orval was a wonderful Poppy to eight grandchildren, Brooke M. Crossley, “Brat”, Panama City Beach, Fl, Brad A. Crossley, “Tuff”, (Emma) Olathe, KS, Brittany S. Normand Kibel, “Macaroon”, Colby, KS, Amy M. Doty Reynolds, “Squeeky,” (Wally) DeSoto, KS, William R. Doty, “Morty,” (Andrea) Shawnee, KS, Krissy L. Plummer Lohmeyer, “Wrinkles,” (Eric) Barrington, IL, Amanda K. Plummer, “Tator,” DeSoto, KS and Dylan R  Doty, “Baby Boy Jr.,” Fort Scott, KS,  thirteen great grandchildren, Amy, Cameron, Kimber, Tristan, Kaylee, Maddie, Lucas, Julia, Adeline, Emma, Chase, Peyton, and Brady and one great-great grandchild, Luna.

 

 

 

Graveside services for Orval will be held at 1:30 PM Wednesday, March 1, at the U. S. National Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to VFW Olson-Frary-Burkhard Post 1165 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 to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Voneta V. Lewis, age 96, resident of Fort Scott, KS died peacefully at Presbyterian Village in Fort Scott on February 20, 2023. She was born January 26, 1927, in Coyle, Oklahoma to Nathaniel Arthur and Frances Vontelle (Morgan) Lamb. On October 3, 1948, she married John D. Lewis of Blue Mound, Kansas.

Together they owned and ran the Town and Country Insurance and Real Estate Agency in Fort Scott for many years.  Voneta was a member of Community Christian Church in Fort Scott.

 

She is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her sisters Glenda Ball and LaVerne McGee, an infant brother, nieces Linda & Becky Lamb and Marsha McGee Daves, and nephews Robert Ball and Ronald McGee.

Voneta is survived by her brother, LeRoy Lamb and his wife, Nadine of Mound City KS, her sister, Marjorie Campbell of Raytown MO, and several nieces and nephews, also several great and great-great nieces and nephews.

 

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Monday, February 27, 2023 at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 AM until service time at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers Voneta’s family suggests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association 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 to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

 

Voneta V. Lewis, age 96, resident of Fort Scott, KS, died Monday, February 20, 2023, at Presbyterian Village, Fort Scott.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Monday, February 27^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 9:30 until 10:00 Monday morning at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association and may be left at Cheney Witt Chapel.

 

JoAnn Sylvia Clark, age 88, former resident of Fort Scott, KS, died Friday, February 17, 2023, at The Maples Health & Rehab, Springfield, MO.  She was born September 29, 1934, in Emmeram, KS, the daughter of Joseph and Albina Weigel Doerfler.  She attended schools in Russel, KS, Wichita, KS, and graduated from Fort Scott High School.  She worked for Western Insurance Company/American States Insurance/Lincoln National Insurance for a combined 40 years.

 

Survivors include her two daughters, Sharyl Blackmore, and Carol Clark; nine grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; and 2 brothers, Alan, and David Doerfler.  She was preceded in death by her husband James H. Clark, Jr., 2 sisters, 4 brothers, a daughter, Janet Clark, and her parents.

 

There was cremation.  Burial will take place in the U. S. National Cemetery in Fort Scott, KS, at a later date.  Memorials are suggested to the Old Fort Genealogical Society 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 to the online guestbook at

Orval Ray Doty, age 88, resident of Fort Scott, KS, died Thursday, February 16, 2023, at Arma Health & Rebab, Arma, KS.  Services for Orval Doty will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main.

There was cremation. Services will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel.. Memorials are suggested to V.F.W. Post #1165 and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.

George Allen Johnson, lifelong resident of Bronson, Kansas passed away on February 8, 2023 at the age of 78. He was born the second of three sons to William Harold Allen Johnson and Georgia May (Harrison) Johnson in Kansas City, MO. He graduated from Bronson High School with the class of 1962.

 

After graduation George worked for the Southeastern Kansas Gas Company and in 1969 began a decades long career as a heavy-equipment mechanic repairing hundreds of Allis-Chalmers tractors throughout Bourbon and surrounding counties when he worked for Reasoner’s Repair in Bronson.

He then was employed with Hillenburg Oil Company and added oil field pump-jack repair to his list of talents. After hours he assisted his Dad with city superintendent duties such as treating the water at the city lake (good excuse to take the boat out and hammer it down) and repairing the light on top of the water tower.

In later years he mixed paint for the presses at Ward/Kraft in Fort Scott until he retired in 2007.

 

He had a unique talent to build or re-work just about anything. He was a good cook and enjoyed displaying his culinary skills at family dinners and reunions as he was a great host. His famous “big” breakfast was a favorite and always included items from his garden.

In his younger days he enjoyed working on and drag racing (including wheel popping) his 4-speed, dual 4-barrel 1964 Ford Galaxie with the 427 engine he built himself. Other favorite cars in his collection included his bought-new 1969 Mustang Fastback and his 1992 Mustang convertible that escorted the grand marshals each year in the annual Bronson Day Parade.

He enjoyed family camping adventures, boating and water skiing. He was often seen at Lake Fort Scott skiing on one foot (with the other foot in the rope handle) and cousin Richard driving the boat.

 

His greatest blessing was his family and friends; he always put their needs before his own. George will be missed but never forgotten. Those left to continue his legacy include daughter Melinda (Jim) Lambert of Wichita, KS, son Ryan (Renee) Johnson of Camdenton, MO, grandsons Ryland and Rowan Johnson, brother Roy (Nina) Johnson of Amherst, OH and treasured neighbors Mitch, Brandi and Harlyn Spainhoward of Bronson.

 

The last goodbye is the hardest one to say, this is where the cowboy rides away. Per his request, no public service will be held. George is now at peace and will be laid to rest next to his parents and older brother Glenn in the Bronson Cemetery.

To honor his memory and help beautify the community he loved, a memorial fund has been established with the city of Bronson to fund benches for the city park 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 cheneywittcom.

 

 

Carl Edward Hagan, Sr., age 70, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly Monday, February 6, 2023, in Ft. Scott.

He was born January 7, 1953, the son of Floyd E. Green and Teresia Waunettia Edna Pryor.

Carl graduated from the Ft. Scott High School.  Carl first married Bethany Ann Nolan and they had one son, Carl Jr.  He later married Kelli Thompson and later divorced.

In earlier years, he worked as a diesel mechanic for Mid-Western Distribution.  When that business closed, Carl found employment with Superior Industries in Pittsburg where he worked until his retirement.

Carl had a love for vintage automobiles and will be remembered for his ’56 yellow Chevy Nomad.

 

Survivors include his son, Carl Hagan, Jr. of Ft. Scott and a step-son, Kelley Olivas and two grandchildren, Jacob Magnus Hagan and Gwenyth Bethany Hagan.  Also surviving is a brother, Ernest P. Hagan, Jr. of Montgomery, Texas.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Marilyn McKey.

 

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 1:30 P.M. Monday, February 13^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Carl Hagan 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.