Hubert Owen Thomas, “Tommy” to JoAnn, passed away Monday, February 24, 2025, at his home in Pawnee Station, Kansas where he resided with his wife, JoAnn Thomas.  Hubert was born June 22, 1940, in Fort Scott Kansas, the son of Earl Owen and Edna Mae Thomas and later the brother of Karen “Sue” Thomas.

Hubert was a man of many trades, but most of all he loved providing and caring for his entire family.  He grew up on a farm east of Fort Scott where he attended the Diamond School and built life-lasting friendships.  He later graduated from Fort Scott High School.

Like many young men, Hubert ran from the farm and started his young adult life working for Mid-Continental Restoration where he only added to his friend list.  Hubert met the love of his life sometime around 1958 while on another date in Hepler, Kansas.  He married JoAnn in April 1963 and loved her until the day that he passed.  Being one who was always leaning forward, he didn’t wait for a draft and voluntarily joined the Army during a period of severe unrest in Vietnam.  Fortunately, Hubert was able to serve out his two years as a medic in Germany with his beautiful wife by his side.  Their first child was born six months after they returned to the US.  It was then, Hubert decided, life on the road was not fit for “his” family.

For the remainder of his life, Hubert would build his legacy.  He learned how to run a dozer, purchased it, and turned it into a General Construction business by the early 1980’s.  Thomas Construction is still alive today and has made its mark all over Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.  After his father passed in 1970, Hubert was drawn back to the farm. What began as 300 acres of inherited “leased” land and an “M” Farmall tractor became the four square miles of property his next three generations of Thomases, Wrights and Snyders enjoy today. Today his legacy can be witnessed through the love these three families share and continue to cultivate.

As the years went on, Hubert found his true passion was the one he ran from as a young man. He leaned into the cattle business, as a “Cattleman”.  He could often be found with a big smile on his face sitting at the livestock auctions, working cattle, and watching grandkids show cattle in shows in multiple states.  In fact, he was just at a show with grandkids three weeks ago in Texas.  There was always a freezer full of beef for anyone in his family to grab a steak from.

Hubert is survived by his wife JoAnn Thomas, his sister Sue Gray, his three children Gregory Owen Thomas, Elizabeth (Joe) Wright, Natalie  (John) Snyder, his seven grandchildren, Bart (Nicole) Wright, Nicholas Owen (Chelsea) Thomas, Drew (Hannah) Wright, Zachary (Stevie) Snyder, Lucas Snyder, Ella Snyder and Thanya Brown-Thomas, and four great grandchildren, Raelynn Wright, Sofia Thomas, Brooks Wright, and Ellison Owen Thomas.  Hubert was preceded in death by his parents Earl Owen and Edna Mae Thomas, his future daughter-in law, Nong Brown, and his grandsons Nathanial Wright and Hunter Thomas.

Hubert Owen Thomas lived big and loved even bigger!  He will be missed by all he touched!

Funeral services for Hubert are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 27, 2025, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, with burial following at the Clarksburg Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Wednesday evening, February 26, 2025, 6:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home

. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School, 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.

Thomas “Tom” Frederick Karleskint (age 81), resident of Fort Scott, KS., left this earthly body and went to be with Jesus on Feb. 21^st, 2025, in the comfort of his home. He was born July 14^th, 1943, in Fort Scott, KS, the youngest of 13 siblings (Rita, Esther, Helen, Leo James, Marjorie, Joan, William, Rosalie, Alice, Carol, Patricia, Ruth, Tom) to Frederick and Caroline Karleskint. Tom married Nancy Ann Brooker on July 24^th, 1965, and together they had four children – Michael, Richard, Randy, Matthew.  They also had thirteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. Tom was a local farmer and rancher in the Fort Scott area for many years. In addition to his love for farming/ranching, he enjoyed hunting, eating fish that someone else caught, shooting, arrowhead hunting, and had a passion for antique guns and western memorabilia.  He loved spending time with his family and friends.  Tom had a deep love for God and His word. He always had a video camera in his hand, recording his grandkids any chance he could. Tom was faithful about picking up the phone, at any given time, to check on and catch up with any and everyone.

If you were acquainted with Tom, you know that everyone was special to him no matter the length of time you had known him. He was an amazing, Godly example, who lived out what he believed in and loved to tell anyone he could about Jesus. Tom served in the Army National Guard as an Engineer from 1964-1971, and had as many stories from that experience also.

He is proceeded in death by his son, Matthew Karleskint (1997) and his two great-granddaughters, Kimber and Kennedy (2024). Survivors include his wife, Nancy Karleskint, his three sons Mike Karleskint (Thosha) of Fort Scott, KS., Richard Karleskint (Sheryl) of Park City, KS., Randy Karleskint (Michelle) of Skiatook, OK.; daughter-in-law Shawna Karleskint-Cooper (wife of Matthew Karleskint), Arkansas; thirteen grandchildren: Aaron, Amber, Jeremy, Josh, Jonathan, Kari, Jordan, Savannah, Kristin, Ashley, Andrew, Luke, Shayne; and eleven great-grandchildren: Gus, Gaige, Jayston, Jayva, Case, Jalen, Jadyn, Joelle, Matthew, Kyndal, Milo.

Rev. Rod Hillhouse and Rev. Shane Swint will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Saturday, March 1^st, at the Apostolic Pentecostal Church, 1330 215^th St., Fort Scott, KS.  Burial will follow in the West Plains Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Apostolic Pentecostal Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Gayle Diane Farris, a beacon of love and courage, passed away on February 4, 2025, in Greenville, South Carolina, at the age of 63. Born on November 30, 1961, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, Gayle’s life was a testament to her unwavering spirit and the joy she brought to those around her.

Gayle’s journey began as the cherished daughter of Eldon and Donna Hall, both of whom, along with her siblings Margie Singmaster, Larry Hall, and Glen Hall, predeceased her. Her life was enriched by her loving family, including her late husband, James Farris. She was a devoted mother to her three daughters, Rachelle Knotts (Morgan), Niki Wielgus (Paul), and Ashley Thornton. Her legacy continued to flourish through her eight grandchildren, Mikaela, Rylee, Liam, Jordan, Abbigail, Ethan, Jaxton and Emma, and one great-grandchild, who were the light of her life.

A woman of exceptional intellect and determination, Gayle graduated summa cum laude from Pitt State with a bachelor’s degree in social work. She achieved this remarkable feat while raising her three daughters, a testament to her strength and dedication. Her professional life was marked by a deep commitment to helping others, and she carried this passion into every aspect of her life.

Gayle’s resilience was evident in her personal battles as well. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1999, she faced the disease with characteristic tenacity. Even as her health declined significantly 12 years ago, she remained a fighter. Her indomitable spirit shone through once more when she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer six weeks before her passing. Through it all, Gayle’s humor, love, and courage never wavered.

An avid Kansas City Chiefs fan, Gayle’s enthusiasm for football was infectious. She could often be found cheering on her beloved team, a cup of coffee in hand, surrounded by the laughter of her family.

Her role as “Mimi” was one she embraced wholeheartedly, pouring love and attention into her grandchildren and great-grandchild. The moments spent with them were among the most precious of her life.

Gayle’s interests extended beyond the football field and family gatherings. She was a woman who found joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as savoring a good cup of coffee and loving on her grandchildren. Her presence was a source of comfort and happiness to all who knew her.

Those who were fortunate enough to know Gayle will remember her as a funny, loving, and courageous soul. Her laughter was contagious, her heart generous, and her bravery an inspiration. Gayle’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven with the love of her family, and the countless lives she touched through her work and personal endeavors.

Following cremation, services for Gayle are scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 28, 2025, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, Fort Scott, Kansas

. Interment will follow at the Evergreen Cemetery in Fort Scott.

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

Danny Lee Hall, age 72, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at the Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas.  He was born November 3, 1952, in Ft. Scott, the son of Forrest Elvin “Slim” Hall and Betty Jean Wratchford Hall.

Danny was disabled since birth, and his life revolved around time spent at home with his mom and dad.  To occupy his time, Danny enjoyed listening to and recording country music as well as playing video games.  On nice days, he enjoyed walking around the Horton Street neighborhood.

He was a great fan of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Following his mother’s death in 2023, Danny moved to the Ft. Scott Medicalodge.  The staff and other residents became his second family.  He enjoyed all the activities, especially Bingo.

Survivors include an uncle, Cletis Hall, of Ft. Scott and two aunts, Wilma Wilson, also of Ft. Scott and Marilyn Hall of Dadeville, Missouri as well as several cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Slim and Betty Hall.

Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct funeral services at 1:00 P.M. Monday, February 24^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Private burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Medicalodge Activity 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.

Patricia Margaret “Trish” Scott, age 63, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, KS.  She was born January 12, 1962, in Brooklyn, NY, the daughter of John Andrew Cleary and Catherine Horne Cleary.  Trish worked for Tri-Vally for several years prior to her disability.  In her younger years, she enjoyed deep sea fishing.  She would regularly welcome neighborhood kids for meals.  Trish liked animals especially dogs.  She loved spending time with her family.

Survivors include her companion of 21 years, Robert Jones; her children, Frank Scott (Caitlyn) Fort Scott, Kym Drum (Shawn) Elmira, NY, and Kenny Patrick, Leavenworth, KS; a brother, John Cleary (Despina); grandchildren A.J. Drum, Kaisley Scott, and two more on the way; and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Susan Fischer and Catherine Yuster; and her parents.

There was cremation.

Memorial services are scheduled for 10:00 AM Friday, February 28th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorial donations are suggested to the Trish Scott Memorial Fund 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.

Penelope Sue Reasoner, age 73, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Monday, February 17, 2025, at Research Medical Center, Kansas City, MO. She was born on December 23, 1951, in Fort Scott, the daughter of Eugene and Grace Berniece Pottorff Coombs. She attended early school years in St. Paul, KS. Sue graduated from Fort Scott High School with the class of 1970. She married Randy Reasoner on August 17, 1979, in Miami, OK. Sue worked multiple jobs throughout her career including Mercy Hospital, Tri-Valley, Walmart, and Dollar General. She enjoyed different crafts including quilting and diamond art. Sue liked to visit Branson, MO regularly. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband Randy of the home; a son, Tim Ames (Chris), Bronson, KS; 2 daughters, Dolly Russell (Chad), Fort Scott, and Molly Giltner (Noah) Abilene, TX; 3 brothers, Paul Hawkins (Connie) Carterville, MO, Hugh “Leo” Hawkins (Brenda) Kearney, MO, and Mike Hawkins (Wanda) Kansas City, MO; 14 grandchildren, Tater Ames, Dawson Russell, Jodee Russell, Cameron Haviland, Hunter Russell, Mackynzee Russell, Rayleea Russell, Zandon Russell, Joseph Wunderly, Amber Johnson, Kincaid Hurst, Issac Hurst, Meda Hurst, and Trinity Giltner; 8 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Melisa Wunderly; a sister, Carol Hull; 3 brothers, Jerry “Butch”, Gary, and Larry Coombs; and her parents.

Rev. Kevin Moyers will conduct funeral services at 11:30 AM Tuesday, February 25th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:30 until service time Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to help with animal care at either Mill Creek Veterinary Clinic or Animal Care Center 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.

Charles Robert (Chuck) Smith of Kansas City, Missouri passed away at Research Hospital on Tuesday 2/18/25 after a brief illness. Charles was born on 8/8/1965 to Gerald (Firpo) and Patricia Smith.  Chuck grew up in Fort Scott, Kansas and graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1983.  During his high school days, he played football and basketball. After graduation Chuck attended Pittsburg State University and was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, Chuck graduated PSU in 1988 with a degree in business.

Chuck moved to Newport Beach, CA after college and was employed at ITT Commercial Finance.  During his time with ITT, he also attended The University of Southern California and earned his MBA degree, this accomplishment was his pride and joy!  Chuck sported many shirts with the USC logo!

After many years in California, Chuck moved back to Fort Scott to take care of his mother Pat.  Chuck was a very dedicated caregiver to his mother for many years until her passing.  After his mother’s passing, he moved to KCMO where he resided until his passing.

While taking care of his mother, Chuck spearheaded the drive to get dialysis in Fort Scott.  Pat and Chuck made many trips to Pittsburg in order for her to receive the treatment she needed.

Chuck was an avid KC Chiefs and Royals fan, as well as KU and PSU. You could find him sporting his Chiefs jerseys every Sunday. Chuck loved Chicken Annie’s restaurant and always made a point to go anytime he was in the area. He spent many hours researching our family in his spare time and became the family historian. Chuck set up a family tree on Ancestry.com with many pictures from years back.

No matter if it was a family reunion or class reunion, Chuck always attended and made many memories with everyone.

Charles Robert Smith was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald (Firpo) and Patricia Smith, many aunts and uncles as well as cousins.

There was cremation.  There will be a celebration of life at a later date.  Memorials are suggested to the Charles Smith Memorial Fund 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.

Opal Maxine Hunziker, age 84, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, died unexpectedly Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at her home.  She was born July 29, 1940, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Leland Christy and Eileen Colvin Christy.  Maxine graduated from the Uniontown High School.  She married Donald Glen Hunziker in 1957.  Maxine worked as a bookkeeper for Tower Metal for several years.  She also kept the books for her family’s drilling and restaurant businesses, Max’s Enterprises and Max’s Way Station.  She enjoyed reading and crocheting.  She was also an accomplished seamstress and made many outfits for her grandchildren.  Maxine loved sports and was a great fan of the Dallas Cowboys and the KU Jayhawks.  She also faithfully attended her grandchildren’s sporting events.  Maxine loved time spent outdoors working in her yard and watching and feeding the birds and squirrels.  She was currently attending the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.

Survivors include her son, David Hunziker of Kansas City, Missouri, thirteen grandchildren and several great and grandchildren.  Also surviving are a son-in-law, Dwight Belcher, a daughter-in-law, Carol Hunziker both of Ft. Scott and two brothers, Gene Christy of Girard, Kansas and Sam Christy of Poplar Bluff, Missouri.  Maxine was preceded in death by her husband, Don, a daughter, Christie Belcher, a son, Doug Hunziker, a grandson, Drew Pelzer and two great-grandchildren, Noel Belcher and Tyler Claypool.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, February 21^st at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery.  The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Hospital 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.

Opal Maxine Hunziker, age 84, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, died unexpectedly Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at her home.  She was born July 29, 1940, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Leland Christy and Eileen Colvin Christy.  Maxine graduated from the Uniontown High School.  She married Donald Glen Hunziker in 1957.

Maxine worked as a bookkeeper for Tower Metal for several years.  She also kept the books for her family’s drilling and restaurant businesses, Max’s Enterprises and Max’s Weigh Station.  She enjoyed reading and crocheting.  She was also and accomplished seamstress and made many outfits for her grandchildren.  Maxine loved sports and was a great fan of the Dallas Cowboys and the KU Jayhawks.  She also faithfully attended her grandchildren’s sporting events.  Maxine loved time spent outdoors working in her yard and watching and feeding the birds and squirrels.  She was currently attending the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.

Survivors include her son, David Hunziker of Kansas City, Missouri, thirteen grandchildren and several great and great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are a son-in-law, Dwight Belcher, a daughter-in-law, Carol Hunziker both of Ft. Scott and two brothers, Gene Christy of Girard, Kansas and Sam Christy of Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

Maxine was preceded in death by her husband, Don, a daughter, Christie Belcher, a son, Doug Hunziker, a grandson, Drew Pelzer and two great-grandchildren, Noel Belcher and Tyler Claypool.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, February 19^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Hospital 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.

Jean Russell, age 74, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, February 8, 2025, at her home.  Leota Jean Russell was born September 9, 1950, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Charles Gruver and Doris Hillman Gruver.  Jean’s father passed away when she was very young and she was raised by her mother and stepfather, Floyd Camp.

Jean graduated from the Shawnee Mission West High School with the Class of 1968.  She married Wayne Russell on August 17, 1968, in Lenexa, Kansas.  Jean and Wayne lived most of their married life in Easton, Kansas.  Jean was employed as a management analyst for the United States Government based out of Ft. Leavenworth.  Following retirement, Jean and Wayne returned to Ft. Scott.

In her spare time, Jean enjoyed reading and coloring.  She also loved to crochet.  The many blankets she made for her children and grandchildren are cherished heirlooms.

Jean is survived by her husband of fifty-six years, Wayne Russell of the home; four children, Angela Mishler of Ft. Scott, Wayne “Tony” Russell (Dawn) of Easton, Kansas, Cindy Russell of Ft. Scott and Jesse Russell (Angie) of Liberty, Missouri; eight grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren with one more on the way.  Also surviving is a brother, Charles Gruver.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Cheryl and Beth.

Rev. Connie Edgerton will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Friday, February 14^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the St. Michael’s Cemetery in Fulton, Kansas.

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

Memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Children’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.

Gordon Leon Phillips, age 67, recently of Englewood, Colorado, passed away peacefully in his sleep while at home on Sunday, February 2, 2025.

Gordon was born August 28, 1957, in Fort Scott Kansas, the son of Thomas E Phillips and Josephine Marie(nee McDaniel) Phillips.

Gordon worked as a mechanic for various businesses throughout his career.

He was a graduate of the Fort Scott Senior High, class of 1975.
He had a passion for music and played several types of guitars. He also had a passion for gardening and cooking, often sharing his garden harvests and food creations with his neighbors and friends.

Gordon is survived by his eldest daughter, Heather Phillips, a son Robert Phillips, a daughter Nicole Phillips Sweat, a son Adam Phillips, grandchildren are Shyanne, Skylar, Shane, Shelby, Cody, Mindy, Kaden, Jase, and great-grandchildren Trinity, Gabriel, Raelynn, and twins Brantley and Lilyana.

He is also survived by several cousins, friends, and his dog Chico.

He was preceded in death by his mother and his father, a brother Thomas Phillips Jr., half-brothers James and Robert Hughes, and a half-sister Nancy Hughes Wells.

He was a baptized Christian.

There are no services planned. His final resting place will be chosen at a later date.