JoAnn Copelin, age 89, of Mansfield, TX passed away peacefully, Saturday, October 12, 2024 at her home in the Isle at Watercrest Mansfield.  She was born June 23, 1935 in Enid, Oklahoma, the daughter of Alfred and Dulsa Clark.  She graduated from Rogers High School in Arkansas with the class of 1953.  Shortly after, she married the love of her life, Buddy Copelin, on May 18, 1953.  They built a life in the Kansas City area and had 69 wonderful years together.  She worked as a cosmetologist at Mr. Emery’s Salon for over 30 years.  JoAnn enjoyed gardening, sewing, knitting, oil painting and spending precious time with family and friends.  She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Peculiar for 50 years where she taught Sunday school and sang in the choir.

JoAnn will be lovingly missed by her daughter, Debbie Taylor,  (husband, Steve), her 3 grandsons, Nathan Taylor, (wife, Sonya), Nick Copelin, (wife, Jennie), and Zack Copelin; 3 great-grandchildren, Presley, Foster and Judah Copelin; 2 sisters, Esther Tanner; Wanda Daniels, (husband, Tom), brother, Dean Clark, (wife Ardythe), and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Preceded in death by her parents; 2 sisters, Ruby Rounds and Melva Varnell; a brother, Eugene Clark and her husband, Buddy and son, Randy.

Graveside services will be held at 1:30 P.M. Thursday, October 24^th at the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Family and friends may meet at the Cheney Witt Chapel on Thursday prior to leaving for the cemetery at 1:15 P.M. Arrangements are 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.

Jacquin “Jacki” Lorraine Provence went home to meet our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday October 15th, 2024, at KU Medical Center.

Jacki was born on May 5^th, 1952, in Lenexa, KS to Donald and Neva Provence. Jacki grew up in Kansas City, KS but she spent many of her favorite childhood summers in Fort Scott, where she decided to move and raise her two children, Nic and Erika Provence.

Jacki worked as an insurance claims processor for Cobalt MedPlans/First Source until she retired and moved from Fort Scott, back to the Kansas City area.

She was an avid movie lover and frequent attendee of many cinemas across multiple cities. She will be remembered for not only her big laugh, but her even bigger heart. Anyone who frequented her household were not only guests but were welcomed with open arms into what many considered a second home, and this home will live on in the hearts of everyone she loved.

Jacki is survived by her oldest son Nicolas and wife Kelly Provence of Springfield, MO, their children Niccon Provence and Christian Provence-Harmon and husband Garret of Springfield, daughter Erika Provence and children Gideon Provence of Gardner as well as Isabella Virtue and husband Shaun of Topeka. She is also survived by her beloved sister and one of her best friends Trudy Briones of Kansas City, as well as nephews Isreal Briones and Angelo Briones, Angelo’s children Gisele and Gian Briones as well as niece Jessica Briones and son Zekiah Briones Hardgraves all of the Kansas City area.

She was preceded in death by her parents Donald and Neva.

A celebration of life will be held in her honor at a later date and time to be announced.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

“In the twinkling of an eye” on October 12, 2024, Alma Jean (Heer) Wright of Gardner, Kansas, slipped from this world and entered Heaven’s joys. The automobile accident that claimed her earthly life had no control over her eternal destiny. She is, without a doubt, present with the Lord whom she loved so well.

Alma Jean was born February 7, 1945, in Marion, Indiana, into the home of Leo Andrew and Alma Mae (Allison) Heer. As her father was a minister, the family lived in several locations throughout Alma Jean’s childhood.

Alma Jean graduated from high school in Eskridge, Kansas. After graduation, Alma Jean attended Kansas City College & Bible School for a year. Her jobs included telephone operator at Southwestern Bell, cook in the KCCBS cafeteria, and clerk in the KCCBS business office.

In 1963, Alma Jean moved to Kansas City and lived with some other young ladies – Kathy Wright among them. A young Joe Russell prodded Kathy’s younger brother Gary toward Alma Jean by saying, “You need to ask that girl for a date! She’s dying to date you.”

Gary calmly answered, “I could…I’ll think about it.” On June 1, 1968, the day after Gary’s college graduation, Gary and Alma Jean were married in Chanute, Kansas.

Life in Overland Park, Kansas, saw Alma Jean and Gary welcoming their daughter Sharmen Sue into their family, followed by their son Michael Jay the next year. Son Jonathan Lee completed their family unit seven years later. The family’s home on Craig Drive in Overland Park, KS, was the site of many family gatherings. 2008 brought change and a move to Gardner, KS, but no matter where she lived, Alma Jean LOVED having company. Family events sometimes included slideshows, but they always included memories and laughter. Lots of laughter.

Alma Jean may not have worked outside the home while raising her children, but she was rarely idle. She prioritized her family and shepherded her children well, modeling how to love God and people.

Alma Jean had several hobbies – genealogy, scrapbooking, quilting, and more – but she was passionate about ministry. Her pet projects have included Women Alive, 60+, vacation Bible school, and more than forty years of Sunday school teaching. She blessed many with calls, texts, personal visits, and her monthly newsletters. She sent letters to college students, missionaries, prisoners, and shut-ins for years. Alma Jean’s big heart had her and Gary visiting many hospitals, nursing homes, and prisons.

Alma Jean has served well in every church she has attended. Most recently, the Olathe Church of God (Holiness) has benefited from her project vision, organizational skills, and outreach efforts. One ministry very close to Alma Jean’s heart was Samaritan’s Purse and their Operation Christmas Child shoebox distribution project.

Alma Jean Wright is enjoying the glorious sights of Heaven alongside her parents Leo and Alma Heer, her aunt Ila Heer, her son Michael Wright, and her son-in-law Rob McCollum.

Survivors include Gary Wright of Gardner, Kansas; daughter Sharmen McCollum, son Jonathan (Darla) Wright, and daughter-in-law Shawna Wright; grandchildren Luanna (Austin) Tolley, Esther (Timothy) Replogle, Julianna Wright, Joseph Wright, Karson Wright, and Leo Wright; great-grandchildren Evelyn Jay Tolley and Gage Harrison Tolley; and truly a host of family and friends, all of whom look forward to meeting Alma Jean Wright in Heaven someday.

Visitation will be held from 4:30-6:30 PM on October 24, 2024, at the Overland Park Church of God (Holiness), 6801 W 74th St., Overland Park, KS. The funeral will be held at the same location at 10 AM on October 25, 2024. Interment at Memory Gardens of Bourbon County, 2193 Indian Rd., Fort Scott, KS, will follow at 2:00 PM, October 25, 2024.

Robert Merrill McCollum, 72, of Gardner, Kansas, passed away on October 12, 2024, as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He gave so much of himself to us, and the family is devastated that such a kind, creative, and loving soul has left this earth.

Rob was born January 22, 1952, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Walter Leroy & Nela Mae (Rodgers) McCollum. He graduated from Shawnee Heights High School in 1970.

Rob married Lora Jane Lewis in Olathe, Kansas, on July 29, 1972. They had been married for forty-three years when Lora preceded him in death on October 7, 2015. Rob and Lora shared two children: Brandon Michael McCollum and Jeffrey Allen McCollum.

Later in life, Rob was fortunate enough to fall in love with Sharmen Sue Wright, and he went on to marry her on May 4, 2019. They shared a home outside Gardner, Kansas. They liked traveling, gardening, and spending time with family.

Rob worked for Cities Service Gas Company (now Southern Star Gas Company) for thirty-eight years, retiring from there in 2011. For over thirty years, Rob also had an upholstery business in addition to his normal day job.

Rob especially liked riding his motorcycle and working on classic cars. He enjoyed driving his 1956 Chevy Bel Air and taking it to car shows.

Rob was a member of New Life Community Church in Gardner. He served as a deacon and was an important member of the men’s Bible study group.

Remaining to cherish Rob’s memory are his spouse, Sharmen Sue Wright McCollum; children Brandon (Karen) McCollum and Jeffrey (Stacy) McCollum; grandchildren Ty (Lauren) Thorp, Tyler (Karie) McCollum, Chance Thorp, Austin McCollum, Jarit (Alexis) Sparks, Carter McCollum, Ryan McCollum, and Emma McCollum; ten great-grandchildren; brothers Rodger (Tina) McCollum and Rodney McCollum; nieces and nephews Scott (Heather) McCollum, Drew (Melody) McCollum, and Sara (Miguel) McCollum.

Preceding Robert in death are his spouse Lora McCollum and parents Walter Leroy McCollum and Nela Mae McCollum.

Visitation will be held Saturday, October 26 at 10 AM at the New Life Community Church, 29200 W 188th St., Gardner, KS 66030. A funeral service will follow at 11 AM in the same location. Interment will be at 2:30 PM in Memorial Park Cemetery, 3616 SW 6th, Topeka, KS 66606.

Memorial donations in Robert’s memory may be directed to the New Life Community Church of Gardner, Kansas and may be left in care of the church or 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.

Rob McCollum, age 72, a resident of Gardner, Kansas, passed away Saturday, October 12, 2024, as the result of an automobile accident west of Clay Center, Kansas.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 P.M. Saturday, October 26^th at the New Life Community Church, 29200 W. 188^th St., Gardner, Kansas.

The family will receive friends on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the church.

A graveside service will follow at 2:30 P.M. Saturday at the Memorial Park Cemetery in Topeka, Kansas.

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

Alma Jean Wright, age 79, a resident of Gardner, Kansas, passed away Saturday, October 12, 2024, as the result of an automobile accident west of Clay Center, Kansas.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Friday, October 25th at the Overland Park Church of God (Holiness), 6801 W. 74^th St., Overland Park, Kansas.

A graveside service will follow at 2:00 P.M. on Friday at the Memory Gardens Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas.  The family will receive friends on Thursday from 4:30 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. at the Overland Park Church of God (Holiness).

\Memorials are suggested to Operation Christmas Child 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.

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.