Candy Sue Bergemann, 71, of Fort Scott, passed away Tuesday morning, August 6, 2024, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas. After suffering major health problems in 2017, she resided at Arma Health and Rehab in Arma, Kansas. She was born in Fort Scott, Kansas on March 23, 1953, to Earl J. and Jennie Irene (Adams) McGee. 

Candy graduated from Mound City High School in 1971. She married Marvin Bergemann on April 8, 1973, in Mound City, Kansas.

Candy loved her family and friends so very much. Her grandkids were her favorite. She had a deep love for music and dancing, and she loved watching thriller movies and wrestling. She loved her cats. She was truly a crazy cat lady. She had several different jobs over the years; she was a homemaker, a babysitter, a housekeeper, and a waitress.

Candy is survived by her son, Aaron (& Julia) Bergemann, of Willis, Texas; her daughter, Cara (& Rickey) Stewart, of El Dorado, Kansas. She also leaves behind seven beloved grandchildren, Reagin Bergemann and Brittany, Clay, and Crocket Allen, and Harley, Briar (& Jillian) Thornton, Anastasia Stewart.

Candy became a great grandma on April 2, 2024, to Asa Mae Thornton. She is also survived by three sisters, Rettie Jean Weeks, Abilene, Kansas, Brenda Graves, Vass, North Carolina, Jane (& Perry) Townsend, Redfield, Kansas and three brothers, Wayne (& Heather) McGee, Park City, Illinois, Larry McGee, Nixa, Missouri, and Gary (& Barbie) McGee, Fort Scott, Kansas. She has many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Bergemann, her parents, and one brother, Vernon McGee.

Following cremation, the family will hold a Celebration of Life Service in Fort Scott at 12pm at Gunn Park Shelter House #7 on Saturday, October 12, 2024.

Bring your favorite side or dessert to share in a potluck.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Candy S. Bergemann Memorial 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.

Jo Ann Hudson, 79, of Fort Scott, passed away Tuesday morning, August 6, 2024, at her home.

Jo Ann Brillhart was the first and orneriest child of Josephine (Johnson) and Raymond DeLoss Brillhart. She was born on January 31, 1945, and she began to test the limits early. Raymond always felt he was too hard on her, and, of course, she would remind him how tough she really was. She was later joined by two brothers, Terry and Randy, whom she bossed around as much as she could for as long as she could.

In July of 1965, Jo Ann married Garyl Erie, and they soon had one daughter, Kendra Alayne, in March of the following year. They made their home in Fort Scott, Kansas, and though they lost their son, Jeffrey Scott, on the same day he was born in March of 1971, they were blessed with another daughter, Karee Jo, in January of 1972. Three grandsons, Jesse, Saylor, and Zander, joined the family in the coming years.

Jo Ann worked for Dr. Douglas Weddle for many years at Fort Scott Family Physicians, and she later passed her realtor exam. She cared for her husband, Garyl, in his last few months, and she never went back to full time work after that.

She and her friend, Blake Hudson, got together in December of 1996, and decided to marry on April 1, 2000. Jo Ann became Jo Hudson, and she and Blake enjoyed their lives together for many years, which were mostly filled with fun.

Jo fought on until the morning of August 6, 2024. Being as stubborn as she was, no one who knew her was surprised by her tenacity. She is survived by her loving husband, Blake, who cared for her to the end with the truly appreciated help and care provided by several caregivers, aides, home health, and hospice nurses the last months of her life. They were wonderful.

Jo is also survived by her daughters: Kendra Purtle and her partner, Aaron Gaston of Osage Beach, Missouri, and Karee Erie of Pittsburg, Kansas; her grandsons, Jesse Purtle, and his daughter Purslane Everett Purtle, of Joplin, Missouri, Saylor Purtle, Tacoma, Washington, and Zander Purtle, of Osage Beach, Missouri; and her stepdaughter Nancy Wilson and her husband, Jack, and their three children, Josephine Wilson, Landon Wilson, and Cole Wilson, of Overland Park, Kansas. Also surviving are her brother Rev. Terry Brillhart and his wife, Fran, of Topeka, Kansas, and their big, beautiful family, and her brother Randy Brillhart and his wife Ann, of Wichita, Kansas, and their children and grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Josephine, her first husband Garyl, and their son Jeffrey Scott Erie.

Following cremation, Rev. Terry Brillhart will conduct services for Jo at 11:00 a.m. on Monday morning, August 12, 2024, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Interment will follow at the St. Mary’s Cemetery. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.

Frank A. Burchett, age 92, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, August 5, 2024, at his home. He was born June 21, 1932, in Richards, Missouri, the son of Cecil A. Burchett and Julia A. Lowry Burchett.

Frank graduated from Richards High School and was salutatorian of his class. Following high school, Frank went to work at Wall Street Body Shop in Ft. Scott. In addition, Frank also farmed and raised dairy and beef cattle. Frank eventually converted his dairy barn into a body shop and later moved his shop to 54 Highway on the east side of Ft. Scott.

Frank was a member of the First Christian Church where he served as a deacon and on the building committee. Frank married Mary Boggess Trowbridge on February 14, 1989.

Frank was not afraid of hard work and enjoyed keeping busy. After selling his auto body shop, Frank and Mary remodeled several homes that they resold or used as rental properties. They also owned and operated Frank & Mary’s Sales, an antique store/flea market located on Tenth Street just east of the railroad tracks. Frank also kept busy with his small engine repair shop.

Favorite times were spent surrounded by the large family where Frank often served up his famous homemade ice cream.

Frank will be lovingly missed by his wife, Mary of the home; his six daughters, Vicki Kerley (Robert) of Ozark, Missouri, Sherry Kellogg (Roger) of Springfield, Missouri, Regina McAllister (Cam) of Ft. Scott, Donna Banwart (Jim) also of Ft. Scott, Tonia West (Mike) of Norman, Oklahoma, and Trina Whitson (Kirk) of Clarksville, Tennessee; his step-children, Todd Trowbridge (Susan) of Pittsburg, Kansas and Shelly Dakil of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Also surviving are sixteen grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, twenty-eight great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Alice Palmer.

A celebration of life service will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, August 17th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

A private burial will be in the Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Hospital and may be left in the 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.

Taylor Christine Bowman, age 31, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, completed her journey into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. She was born November 13, 1992, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Christopher Mark Bowman and Lana Lanette Hayden Bowman.

Taylor graduated from the Ft. Scott High School and the Ft. Scott Community College. Taylor had worked both as a CNA and in the dietary department at area nursing homes. She was currently employed as a cashier at Dollar Tree in Pittsburg.

Taylor had a green thumb and enjoyed tending to her many houseplants. She also enjoyed collecting owls and diamond painting. Taylor loved to travel, having made her own way to her dream trip to Ireland and Great Britain at the age of sixteen. She attended the Community Christian Church.

Survivors include her parents, Christopher Bowman and Lana Bowman, both of Ft. Scott, and two sisters, Cari Hunziker (Doug) of Drexel, Missouri and Leslie Farris (Nathan) of Decatur, Michigan. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her beloved grandparents, Raymond and Marjorie Hayden and Arthur “Tolle” and Doris Bowman.

A Celebration of Life will take place Thursday, August 8 at 1:30 pm at the Cheney Witt.

A time of visitation to follow at the chapel.

Taylor will be laid to rest next to her beloved grandparents at a later date during a private ceremony, in Centerville Cemetery in Devon, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to the Taylor Bowman 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 chenewitt.com.

Loren Ray Roberts, age 67, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, July 27, 2024. He went to his heavenly home to be with his family who went before him.  Loren was born August 15, 1956, the son of Dorn C. Roberts and Mary Virginia Edwards Roberts.  During Loren’s lifetime, he worked at multiple jobs to provide for his family.   He had been employed by National, Harvest, Brand, John Deere and multiple other jobs where he worked as supervisor.  His most important job of all was being a father and grandfather. He did everything in his life the way he wanted.

Loren had five children, Harvey Roberts, who is now deceased, Melissa Jewett of Oswego, Kansas, Christy and Michael Montgomery, of Arma, Kansas, Gary Roberts of Pittsburg, Kansas and Misti Spiegelmeyer of Florida and multiple grandchildren, Shelby Montgomery, Shawna, Danielle and Kari Ridley, Michelle and Oden Jewett, Levi and Jackie Roberts.  Also surviving are three sisters, Joyce and Danny Henderson, Mindy Roberts and Sherry Neff and a brother Ronnie Roberts.  He also had several nieces and nephews of whom he was very proud.

Loren was preceded in death by a son, Harvey, two granddaughters, Sandra and Ashley, his parents, Dorn and Mary Roberts, and a brother, Gary.

His family would like to thank Stacy Messinger for helping Loren remain in his home during his final illness.  They would also like to thank Dr. Holly Gault and Gentiva Hospice for their care.

In Loren’s lifetime, all the way to the end, he did everything his way!

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday, August 2^nd at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Loren Roberts 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.

Florence Marie Karnes, age 95, resident of Fort Scott, KS died Friday, July 26, 2024, at her home.  She was born October 30, 1928, in Fulton, KS the daughter of Howard and Lola White Taylor.  She married Harrison Edward Cox in 1945, in Erie, KS.  He preceded her in death in March 1974.  She later married Warren Eugene Karnes on October 30, 1977, in Fort Scott.  He preceded her in death in February 1998.  Florence worked for Walder’s Bakery, Key Work Clothes, and was the manager of the Salvation Army store.  She was a member of the V.F.W Ladies Auxiliary.  Florence was a generous person, always helping someone.  She enjoyed making quilts and baking, especially peanut butter cookies.

Survivors include 5 sisters, Betty Payne, Arcadia, KS, Shirley Driscoll, Denver, CO, Donna Thomas, Wagner, OK, Edna Page, Fort Scott, and Barbara Underwood, Fort Scott; and numerous nieces and nephews, including her caregiver, Cheryl Hawkins.  She was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Joe, Bill, and Howard; and 3 sisters, Marita, Ethel, and Mary; and her parents.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, August 1^st, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Sheffield Cemetery, Arcadia, KS.  A visitation time will be held from 9:00 AM Thursday until service time at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to the donor’s choice 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.

Florence Marie Karnes, age 95, resident of Fort Scott, KS died Friday, July 26, 2024, at her home.  She was born October 30, 1928, in Fulton, KS the daughter of Howard and Lola White Taylor.

She married Harrison Edward Cox in 1945, in Erie, KS.  He preceded her in death in March 1974.  She later married Warren Eugene Karnes on October 30, 1977, in Fort Scott.  He preceded her in death in February 1998.

Florence worked for Walder’s Bakery, Key Work Clothes, and was the manager of the Salvation Army store.  She was a member of the V.F.W Ladies Auxiliary.  Florence was a generous person, always helping someone.  She enjoyed making quilts and baking, especially peanut butter cookies.

Survivors include five sisters, Betty Payne, Arcadia, KS, Shirley Driscoll, Denver, CO, Donna Thomas, Wagner, OK, Edna Page, Fort Scott, and Barbara Underwood, Fort Scott.

She was preceded in death by three brothers, Joe, Bill, and Howard; and three sisters, Marita, Ethel, and Mary; and her parents.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, August 1^st, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Sheffield Cemetery, Arcadia, KS.

A visitation time will be held from 9:00 AM Thursday until service time at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the donor’s choice 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.

Dale Lee Shelton died unexpectedly Sunday evening July 21, 2024, at Nevada Regional Medical Center.   He was born February 11, 1957, in Fort Scott, Kansas to Everett Frank Shelton and Mildred Irene Shelton, and grew up attending schools in Richards, Missouri and Fort Scott, Kansas.

On May 18, 1984, Dale married Shelly Turner with the couple celebrating their 40th anniversary in 2024. The pair welcomed their son Braden into the world in 2000. Dale worked 30 years for the US Postal Service as a postal clerk before retiring in 2008 to enjoy spending time with his family. Dale had a love for sports, especially baseball, which he shared with Braden. This helped create a truly special bond between the two. Dale coached Braden’s baseball and basketball teams over the years as his son grew up, and later took the opportunity to coach alongside Braden, together teaching a new generation of kids. The family also made many wonderful memories traveling around the state to Braden’s baseball and basketball tournaments and competitions.

Dale was an avid fan of the Kansas City Royals and the Kansas City Chiefs, a car nut, and a hard-working jack-of-all-trades handyman and mechanic.  He spent his free time working on cars, caring for his pets, going on daily walks with his wife, and watching ballgames. He was a selfless and kindhearted man who would always go out of his way to lend a helping hand to those who needed one and was especially devoted to his wife and son. Dale had a laid-back personality and a goofy sense of humor. He was generous in spirit and loved by everyone who knew him. Dale was a gentle, patient, and loving soul. A man with all the answers who is already greatly missed.

Dale was baptized into Christ in February of 2000 and was a member of Community Christian Church. A devoted Christian with a servant’s heart, Dale showed Jesus’ love to others through endless acts of service.

Survivors include his wife Shelly of the home, one son Braden, two sisters Linda Evans and Lana Beerbower (Gil) of Fort Scott, sister in law Sue Shelton of Redfield and aunt Lora Mason of Pittsburg, mother in law Sharon Ashcraft, sister in law Tammy Pruitt (Terry) of Fort Scott, as well as numerous other nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Everett and Mildred Shelton, a brother Dennis Shelton, and beloved pet Barkley.

Rev. Dusty Drake will conduct funeral services at 1:00 PM Monday, July 29^th, at the Community Christian Church.  Cremation will follow.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 PM Sunday the 28^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the DALE SHELTON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP 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.

Dale Lee Shelton, age 67, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Monday, July 22, 2024, at the Nevada Regional Medical Center Emergency Room.  Services for Dale Shelton will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main.

Donald “Butch” Keith Hutchison age 81, a resident of Fort Scott Kansas, passed away at his home Sunday July 21, 2024.  He was born in Nevada, Mo on September 15, 1942, to Fred and Leota (Withrow) Hutchison.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Frederick Hutchison.  Butch graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1960 and then served in the US Navy for 3 years.

He returned to Fort Scott and worked at John Deere for many years, then worked at P&M Coal company in Lacygne Ks, then Kemmerer Wyoming.  He retired, returning to his farm in Fort Scott, Ks, where he loved to farm, hunt and fish, while assisting his community as a mechanic.

Butch married his wife, Karen (Dunsworth) on June 10^th, 1962, in Hammond, Kansas.

Don is survived by his wife Karen of the home, daughter Donna (Hutchison) Hughes, husband Wade of Neosho, Mo, Cindy (Hutchison) Turner, husband Bill of Millington, Tennessee, and son, Brian Hutchison and Natasha of Fort Scott, Ks.  Sister Kay Arnold of Fort Scott, Ks and brother Denny Hutchison of Wyoming.  Grandchildren Michael Hutchison (Amy), Amanda Steffen (Sam), Brent Cagle, Brandy Hutchison, Elijah Lindo, Braydon Hutchison, and Andrew Hutchison.  9 Great grandchildren, along with multiple nieces and nephews.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. in the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Private family burial will take place at the U. S. National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel

. Memorial are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project 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.

Patsy Cordelia Herman, age 90, resident of Lake Ft. Scott, passed to her Lord, Thursday, July 18, 2024, in comfort at her son’s home in Ft. Scott following a complicated illness.

Patsy was born May 9, 1934, in Dyer County, TN, the oldest child of W. Doyle Beasley and Belva P. (Tucker) Beasley. She graduated from Cardwell High School, Cardwell, Mo. in 1952 and continued her education to become a dental assistant, upon receiving her certification, and began her career in that position in Butler, Mo.

Patsy married Glen R. Herman on May 5, 1956, in Butler, Mo, which continued for 54 years until Glen’s passing in 2010. This union produced 3 sons, all born in Butler, Mo.

Patsy was a committed follower of Jesus Christ and longtime bible teacher within the home, life, and as a member of the church of Christ. Within that context she was a faithful wife, dedicated mother, and a loving grandmother.

Patsy was a creative entrepreneur and wore many business hats through the years, sales in Tupperware, Amway, and established 2 businesses, The Echo (woman’s resale clothing, Pittsburg, Ks) and The Wicker Shop (wicker furniture and home décor, Hutchinson, KS). She was also active and an officer within Altrusa International, a women’s organization dedicated to community service. She also volunteered at the Fort Scott National Historic Site for many years and drew in many families and friends to also volunteer. You could find her every Monday at the bookstore in her “Sargeant Herman” uniform.

Patsy and Glen loved playing golf and the Colorado Rockies. They traveled for 22 years to Colorado from late May until the first real snowfall. They loved the mountain life and Arrowhead Ranch community. They hosted and invited any and all to come and spend time with them.

Survivors include 2 sons, Tim Herman and wife Lois, and Jim Herman, all of Ft. Scott, and daughter-in-law Paula Herman, Baton Rouge, La., sister Renee Gerteis (Ft. Scott), and brother Billy Beasley (Bakersfield, CA). She is also survived by 9 grandchildren, Jeremiah, Molly, Hannah, Paige, Annette, Lydia, Jon-Max, Christopher, Tori, and 17 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family.

Patsy was preceded in death by her husband Glen, a beloved son Linn Herman, Bonnie Troll (sister), brother in-laws (Jim Gerteis, Red Troll) and her parents.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 AM Friday, July 26^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 PM Thursday evening at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to either Care to Share or Mt. Carmel Hospice 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.