Michael Morris “Mick” Bradbury, a cherished husband, father, and friend, passed away on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at the age of 82. Born in the family home north of Uniontown, Kansas, near the Dry Ridge area on December 1, 1942, Mick’s roots ran deep into the country soil. His early years were marked by the simplicity and richness of rural life, and he carried those values with him throughout his life.

Mick was a proud graduate of Uniontown High School, where he was a member of the football team. His love for sports was a thread that ran throughout his life, as he later enjoyed playing slow pitch softball and basketball on the Hammond Community Team.

For thirty-two years, Mick dedicated his career to Hammond Seed and Elevator, where his diligent work ethic and integrity were well known. Simultaneously, he managed his own farm and cattle operation, a testament to his tireless work ethic and love for the land. Even after his retirement, Mick’s days were filled with the responsibilities of tending to his farm, ensuring that everything was run with precision—a “tight ship,” as many would say. His pride in his work was evident in the meticulous care he took of his yard, trees, and garage.

A man of faith, Mick was a devoted member of the Rinehart Christian Church, where his Christian beliefs shaped his actions and interactions with others. He was known for his willingness to lend a hand to his neighbors, embodying the spirit of community and service.

Mick’s interests were as varied as they were passionate. In his earlier years, he enjoyed the thrill of bird hunting and the companionship of his horse, Buck. Fishing and golfing provided him with a sense of peace and a chance to connect with nature. His love for sports persisted as he became an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, rarely missing a game.

His joy for life extended to his cherished “toys,” his tractors, and farm equipment, which he operated with the same joy a child has with their favorite playthings. These tools of his trade were also his hobbies, and he spent many happy hours on them.

Mick’s legacy is carried on by his loving wife, Wilma; his devoted daughters, Debbie Nafzger (Jerry) and Buffie Eskridge (Elvis); his six grandchildren, Jace Wright, Mackenzie Salgado (Rick), Shelby Shaw (Kenny), Madison Wright (Mark), Bryce Wright (Shelby aka “Red”),and Katalaya Eskridge and his ten great-grandchildren, Mahayla, Laiken, Logan, Harlow, Hollyn, Ellison, Eli, Everly, Emrie, and Escher. Also surviving are his three brothers, Bill Bradbury (Carole), Tom Bradbury (Myrna) and Max Bradbury (Betty) and his sister, Margaret Epp (Glendon) as well as the countless lives he touched with his generosity, humor, and indomitable spirit. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew him, but his memory will continue to inspire and guide us.

In his life, Mick Bradbury was a man who loved deeply, worked hard, and gave generously. His story is one of a life well-lived, marked by the values of family, faith, and community. As we say farewell to this remarkable man, we celebrate the enduring impact he has made on all of us. Mick’s journey on this earth may have come to an end, but his spirit lives on.

Rev. Kevin Moyers will conduct funeral services at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, September 23^rd at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Uniontown Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday at 10:00 A.M. prior to the service. 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.

Sharon Kay Button, age 70, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at her home. She was born on March 22, 1955, in Tulsa, OK, the daughter of Lloyd and Barbara Ivey.

Sharon graduated from Fort Scott High School. She worked for two different Insurance Companies as well as USD234. She loved spending time with family, especially the grandchildren and their activities. Sharon attended Community Christian Church and lived out her Christian faith.

Survivors include her children Kelley Tucker and husband Darren, Kimberly Graham-Coon and husband Robert, Kristy Sickles and husband Jeremiah, Scotty Button and wife Samantha, and Kaylee Button; grandchildren Garrison, Nathan, Jenna, Ashlyn, Addisyn, Brock, Dana, Delci, Delaney, Keith, Brooklyn, Allie, Lily, Cooper, and Lillian; and a brother, John Ivey and wife Teresa. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Lloyd, Jr. and Randy Ivey, and grandchildren Karissa, Benjamin, and other heavenly grandbabies.

Rev. Kevin Moyers will conduct funeral services at 1:00 PM Friday, September 19^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Roy Gene Colum, Sr., age 91, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, Missouri. He was born August 6, 1934, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the son of Elbert Alexander Colum, Sr. and Melinda Amanda Mae Smith Pigford. Roy graduated from the Ft. Scott High School and then went on to serve with the United States Navy from 1952-1956.

Roy was united in marriage to Kathleen Young on December 12, 1952. He was stationed in San Diego and upon completing his military service, he decided to remain in that area. He took a job with the City of San Diego where he worked for the City of San Diego Park and Recreation and Street Division. After many years, he retired from the City and began working for both Avis and Hertz rental car companies.

Roy enjoyed watching the news, keeping up with current events. Following retirement, he took a “part-time” position with the San Diego Voice & Viewpoint, a San Diego newspaper. In earlier years, he enjoyed bowling and playing softball. He enjoyed sports of all kinds and was a great fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Roy and Kathleen later returned to Ft. Scott where they have made their home for the last several years. While living in Ft. Scott, Roy took an active role in sharing studying Ft. Scott history and family genealogy. In preparation for the annual Gordon Parks Celebration, he was often called upon to identify people and places surrounding Ft. Scott’s African American community. Roy loved life and his family. He worked hard to provide for his family and faithfully cared for his wife as their health declined. Roy has left a legacy of hard work and perseverance and a strong family who will carry on in the days ahead.

Survivors include his wife, Kathleen, of the home in Ft. Scott and five children, Roy Gene Colum, Jr., Kimberly Joyce Colum-Wright, Byron Arthur Colum, Larren Scott Colum and April G. Davis. Also surviving are a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and Great Great Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Elbert A. Colum, Sr., his mother, Melinda Amanda Mae Pigford and his brother, Elbert A. Colum, Jr.

There was cremation, and he will eventually be laid to rest at the Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California. Arrangements were under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Charlotte Elaine Lucas, age 77, a long-time resident of Humboldt, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at the Medicalodge in Ft. Scott, Kansas. She was born June 15, 1948, the daughter of Gerald Lee Stephens, Sr. and Evelyn Nadine York Stevens. Charlotte grew up in Humboldt and graduated from Humboldt High School. She was united in marriage to Lewis William “Bill” Lucas on April 25, 1981. Charlotte worked as a CNA and CMA at the nursing home in Humboldt for many years. She had been an active member of the First Baptist Church of Humboldt. Charlotte loved her grandchildren dearly and always wanted to spend time with them or hear about their activities. She also enjoyed spending time with her friend group known as the “Golden Girls.” She could often be found socializing at the senior citizens center or visiting the Humboldt Library. She also never missed Humboldt’s annual Bibelesta Parade.

Survivors include a daughter, Karon Schnichels (Troy) of Linn Valley, Kansas; ten grandchildren, Brandi Robertson, Heather Hillis, Megan Sherbon, Courtney Miller, Kyle Schnichels, Zayne Schnichels, Madgelene Harper, Eric Lee Lucas, Sarha McCormick, and Heath Lucas; twenty-eight great-grandchildren and twelve great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a daughter-in-law, Mandy Lucas, a sister-in-law, Lorraine Stephens and a nephew, Simon Stephens. Charlotte was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, on December 28, 2017. She was also preceded in death by a son, Eric Lucas, a daughter, Melody Lucas, a brother, Gerald Stephens, Jr. a grandson, Earnest Lucas and a great-granddaughter, Oaklynn.

Pastor Jerry Neeley will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Monday, September 8^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas. Memorials are suggested to Tri-Valley Developmental Center and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

David Michael Harney was born on 7 March 1935 in Winchester, Massachusetts, one of nine children of the late Edward Francis “Ted” Harney and Mabel Garland, of Arlington. In the late 1950s, David served in the US Army in Korea. He then studied to be a landscape architect and started a successful landscaping business in southern California.

In the 1970s Dave moved to Fort Scott and went into the truck-transport business. While Dave spent years traveling throughout the United States he maintained a home in Fort Scott, Kansas, where he had many close friends that he considered family. He enjoyed his friends, enjoyed life, and always had his many projects to work on.

In 2007 Dave built his dream home in Fort Scott and held a family reunion for his brothers and sisters and their offspring in 2008, including his “favorite nieces”. He received many offers to purchase his dream home and later sold it and moved into a smaller home which he then landscaped beautifully so that it became a showplace. In retirement David continued landscaping which he loved.

His family was important to David, and over the years he amassed a large collection of family photographs from the 1890s to present, as well as family letters, which he organized and digitized in preparation to creating a family book or video. David’s work on this project will be continued by his sister Linda and his niece Susan “Suki” Vierra.

David is survived by his brothers Richard Harney, Oregon; Peter Harney, Washington; and sister Linda (Harney) MacDonald, Wyoming; as well as his many “favorite” nieces and nephews on the East Coast, Gulf Coast, and West Coast.

There was cremation.  Private burial will take place at the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas.  Arrangements were under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Edward Lee Ramsey, age 60, went to meet his Lord and Savior on August 28, 2025. Ed was born in Independence, Missouri on May 2,1965. He was the beloved son of Leonard Roscoe Ramsey and Mary Louise Ramsey and nephew of Martha Ann Gentry. He was the proud and loving father to Garrett and Rebecca Ramsey, Tanner Ramsey, and Yheana Josol.

He was an even prouder Granddad to Grady Ramsey, Emery Ramsey, Remington Ramsey and Waylon Ramsey. Ed was the loving brother to Dana Ramsey, Bob Padgett and Terry Fritz. He was a loving uncle to Ross and Brenna Nolan, Spencer Nolan, and Brook Roberts. Ed was married to his beloved and caring wife IanLou Matanod Ramsey and loved and appreciated all of his family here and in the Philippines.

Ed was a loving husband and good father. He preached the family motto “Family over everything”. Ed (Eddie) graduated from Uniontown High School in 1983 and then continued his education and football career at Ottawa University where he earned the name “Big Ed”. Ed was a passionate lifelong teacher, coach and mentor to many. One his favorite motivators was to say “Pin your ears back and go”. His entire life Ed loved spending his time hunting (especially with Max, Chip, Gunner and Molly), fishing, and riding his ATV. There were many memories made enjoying the great outdoors.

After retirement, Ed was fortunate enough to be able to return home to the Uniontown community where he worked as a bus driver and served First Missionary Baptist Church as a deacon. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9.

Following cremation, services will be held for Ed at the First Missionary Baptist Church (100 5th Street) in Uniontown, Kansas on Friday, September 5, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. After the service, we will lead a procession to Ed’s favorite spot on the hill- we will have a prayer fire and fellowship for all who wish to attend. If you feel led to give, your donations will go towards an education fund for Ed and Ianlou’s daughter Yheana. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.

Kenneth Bradley Hart age 88 of rural Garland, quietly slipped away on August 30, 2025 at his home. He was born September 1, 1936, the son of Merle Franklin Hart and Martha Lou (Bradley) Hart at the end of a long, hot summer at the home of his grandparents Henry and Louisa (Corn) Bradley in Chetopa, Kansas.

He spent his early years in Kansas City, Missouri playing in the woods, climbing trees, shooting wasp nests with a slingshot, flinging mudballs at clean cars on the highway and annoying his older brother and baby sister.

Halfway through his 8th grade year, His parents sold their house in Kansas City and purchased Hart’s Shoe Shop on Wall Street and the family made their home in the back of the shop. Kenneth graduated from Fort Scott High School as part of the Greatest Class of 1954. He attended Fort Scott Community College and Pittsburg State University graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1960 and completing a master’s degree in secondary school administration later.

Seeing Vietnam on the horizon, he joined the local National Guard unit, serving 6 months in Army basic training at Fort Leonard Wood and 6 years in the National Guard with training in survey and artillery. During basic, without knowing it, he won the medal as Battalion marksman.

He held several jobs during his lifetime starting with the soda fountain next to the shoe shop, assistant manager of the Fox Theater, a short stint on the railroad, and Bruce Marble and Granite Works. It was while he was at Bruce’s that he was hired by the Metz, Missouri superintendent to teach English, Business, and Social studies. After seeing the class of 1964 through their high school years, he accepted a position at Fort Scott High School teaching English and sponsoring the Crimson yearbook, the junior class and the Junior-Senior Prom. While the community college was housed in the same building as the high school, he also sponsored the Maroon yearbook and taught some classes there.

After leaving teaching in 1982, he worked at Lincoln National Insurance processing claims and working in the mail room until the company left Fort Scott. He formally retired from there New Year’s Eve 1992 and was a full-time father and cattleman.

In 1957 he married Pauline Sue Coonrod with whom he traveled to 49 of the 50 states. He never made it to Michigan but he circumnavigated it so he didn’t care that he never made it there. He and Pauline also traveled internationally to Canada, Mexico, El Salvador, Grand Cayman, Great Britain and Ireland (where he ate some terrible peas).

After he and Pauline divorced, he hung up his travel bags and focused on his relationship with God, family, and hunting.

On April 20, 1983 he married Evangeline Faith Simpson in Pittsburg, Kansas and began a new adventure. Late that summer he received Jesus as his savior and began attending church and singing in the choir at Independent Bible Baptist Church in Pittsburg. He later served as song leader, Sunday school superintendent and VBS director.

Kenneth and Evangeline became interested in genealogy tracing their family histories for several years until their sons were born then he focused on raising his sons, playing video games and watching movies with them and rewriting the story books they tossed in his lap. He introduced them to really good music from the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s. He often sang along to the radio much to his son’s chagrin.

As part of that focus, he moved his growing family to worship closer to home at Cherry Grove Baptist Church and later moving with them to Freedom Spirit Church. He stopped attending church when his hearing failed but continued to support the church his wife called home which is presently Faith Church.

He spent his retirement taking over his father-in-law Stanley Simpson’s cattle operation, deer hunting with his brother Merle Jr and reading and listening to books. He also loved target shooting and was a proud member of the National Rifle Association. He often lamented that he hadn’t purchased a lifetime membership when he was only $50 away from it.

He loved watching birds and over the years he put up houses and feeders for Carolina wrens, bluebirds, Cardinals, Purple Martins and hummingbirds. He was especially pleased with the number of Cardinals and hummingbirds he attracted.

In the last decade or so of his life he became a fan of Royals and Cardinals baseball, football (he thought college was more interesting than the NFL) and NASCAR (for the crashes).

Survivors include his wife of 42 years Evangeline of the home, five sons Keegan, Trevor, Justin, and Dalton Hart of the home and Zachary Hart of Fort Scott. His sister June (Gene) Christy of Girard, his sister-in-law Dolores Daum Hart of Fort Scott, one nephew Mark (Angela) Christy, five nieces Candice Hart (Craig Dunn), Kimberly Hart-McBride (Ron McBride), Kelly Hart (John Lane), Gina Christy, Samantha Christy-Dangermond (Tom Dangermond), nine great nieces and nephews, seven great grand nieces and nephews and his lifelong best friend Don (Mim) Carlson and his devoted cat Perce Blackborow.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved brother Merle Hart Jr and all his first cousins. He was also preceded in death by his good friends Howard Kivett, Hubert Leonard, and Norman Cross and his beloved dogs, Patrice Lamumba, Boromir, Butterrum, Codi, Galadriel, and Rommel Panzer and cats Chubby and Ash Chippy.

The family extends their thanks to everyone at Gentiva Hospice for their care, especially Christina, Treva and Michelle. You are superstars!

Memorial services will be held at 4:00 PM Tuesday, September 9^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  The family will receive friends from 6:30 until 8:00 PM Monday the 8^th at the funeral home.  Burial will take place at Pleasant View Cemetery.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the National Rifle Association, the Fort Scott Public Library, or Faith Church building fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, Kansas 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Robert Lee (“Bob”) Russell, 89, of Fort Scott, KS, was surrounded by family when he was called home to be with his Savior on August 24, 2025. He was born June 21, 1936 at home in Redfield, KS to Grant Eugene Russell and Echo Mae (Neth) Russell. Bob graduated as valedictorian from Uniontown High School in 1954.

In 1958, he left the family farm where he had worked alongside his father and joined the army. During his time in the service, he trained as a radio repairman in the army signal corps and was stationed in France and Germany. He earned the rank E-5 prior to completing his service and returned home in 1961.

He married his one true love and best friend, Alvena Carol Bloom, on April 22, 1962. During their 60 years of marriage, they reared their three daughters, Laurie, Barbie, and Shelly, with faith and strong family bonds. As a family, they were active in Grace Baptist Tabernacle and undertook many memorable family adventures.

Bob had an impressive and wide-ranging career. After his military service, he was the morning DJ at KMDO radio, where he was an integral part of production in a variety of roles over the years. Because of his considerable mechanical and electronic expertise, he was afforded the opportunity to work as a contractor for NASA at Cape Canaveral, FL during the Space Race of the 60’s. In this capacity, he worked in telemetry on the Apollo missions, including the Apollo 11 moon landing. After returning to Kansas, for a brief time he was the proprietor of Bob’s Fix-it Shop, on East Wall Street, where he repaired small appliances. The Kansas City Power and Light power plant in La Cygne, KS was where he spent the rest of his career as a pneumatic instrument technician. Upon his retirement from KCP&L in 1994, he built their ideal home in the country, just south of Fort Scott.

Bob embraced the role of a faithful steward of God’s creation, and loved all things outdoor – gardening, hunting, fishing, and just appreciating the beauty around him. He was an expert woodworker and craftsman and was committed to preserving traditional practices and ways of life. Bluegrass music was a particularly enjoyable pastime, and he was a regular at bluegrass festivals and performances.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Alvena Carol Russell, his parents, Grant and Echo Russell, and a brother, Gail Russell. He is survived by his daughter, Laurie Ann Center and her husband, Bill of Lolo, MT; his daughter, Barbara Lynn Johnson, of Fort Scott, KS; and his daughter, Dr. Sharon Michelle (Shelly) Allen and her husband, Brett, of Fountain, CO. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Grant Center and wife, Pearl, of Lolo, MT, Lindsey LaRocque and husband, Brandon, of Missoula, MT, Katie, Kellie, and Keriann Johnson, all of Fort Scott, Kylie Allen, of Fountain, CO, and Zaine Allen and wife, Ash, of Colorado Springs, CO. Other survivors include five great-grandchildren (and another on the way), his brother, Jerry Russell, of Fort Scott, and his sister, Shirley Thompson, of Kechi, KS.

A celebration of life services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, August 30^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Private burial will take place in the Centerville Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta 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.

With a joyful heart, moved to her heavenly home on Aug. 22, 2025, just six days before her 92nd birthday.  She had no fear of death, as she had been preparing all her life for the inevitable change.  All of her confidence was placed in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and when the summons came, she passed away as peacefully as twilight falls upon a perfect day.

Kara Jeneane was born in Fort Scott, Kansas on August 28, 1933, to Earl Marion and Billie Douglass Wood.  Growing up on a small farm with two brothers gave her plenty of opportunities to explore and enjoy the outdoors.  She walked to a one-room country school and was a good student, but always admitted recess was the best part of her day.  She loved sports and never

missed a chance to get in a game.  While in her forties, she played softball and volleyball on

her daughter’s teams.  Literally until her last day, she watched the Royals games on TV and could tell you all about the players.

One unique ability she had was saying the alphabet backwards. Being left-handed, she often did things backwards.  So her dad bet her that she couldn’t learn the letters in reverse order.  She did!  Another of her special abilities was to recall details.  At the age of 90, she wrote a book about her life which was published and distributed to family and friends.

Kara Jeneane married her childhood sweetheart, James Oliver Baker, on Valentine’s Day, 1953.  They moved to Colorado and lived in a little mountain cabin with no running water or electricity.  She loved it!  After daughter, Linda, was born they moved back to Fort Scott where she and J. O. made their home until moving to a little family cabin at Crawford State Park in 2014.  Watching wildlife was one of her passions and living at the lake suited her just fine.

Throughout her life, her optimism and kind heart touched many lives.  She always found the good in every circumstance and every person.  It would be fair to say she never met a stranger.

She greatly enjoyed vacationing in Branson and going on camping trips all across the country with her daughter.  She never turned down a chance for adventure!

Kara Jeneane spent ten years working in the “Behavior Disorder” room at Eugene Ware Elementary and had a heart for helping those who were struggling.  She enjoyed teaching Sunday School, being a Room Mother, leading 4-H project meetings, organizing family parties, and taking meals to anyone who might need them.  Kara Jeneane was a member of the Farlington Methodist Church and attended as long as she was physically able.  She battled the effects of pesticide poisoning for 28 years and never missed a chance to share non-toxic options for pest and weed control

Survivors include the three children who were born to Kara Jeneane and J. O. Baker:  Linda Jeneane Baker of Fort Scott, Connie Jo (Brent) Malone also of Fort Scott, and Dr. Michael Pierce (Becky) Baker of Crawford State Park.  Also surviving are grandchildren Bethany Baker, Lexington, Kentucky, Jordan Baker, Lenexa, Adam (Megan) Malone, Aaron (Amber) Malone, and Alyssa (Matt) Glades all of Fort Scott.  She is also survived by 8 great grandchildren: Londyn, Rhiley, Trey, Dayton, and Lucas Malone, Bishop and Maddox Glades, and Alexia Robinson.  She dearly loved her family and cherished the moments she got to spend with them.  She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Dr. Robert Wood and Jack Wood, and her husband, J. O.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Beyond Pesticides, 701 E. St. SE, Washington, D. C. 20003 or to the Farlington Methodist Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words or remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Although Kara Jeneane will be greatly missed by her family and friends, we rejoice in knowing we will all be together again in Heaven some day.

Dr. Robert Wayne Stark, known affectionately as Wayne to his friends and family, passed away on August 19, 2025, due to heart complications. Born on April 14, 1937, in Blue Mound, Kansas, the son of Nolan Vern Stark and Mary Maxine Stark.

Wayne’s life was a beacon to all who knew him and to the Lord Jesus Christ.  He departed this world in Fort Scott, Kansas, surrounded by the warmth of his family’s love.

Wayne grew up in the rolling plains of Kansas and carried the spirit of his homeland throughout his life.  He graduated Fort Scott High School in 1955 and furthered his education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he completed a 2-year Farm & Industry Short Course.

At the age of 22, after attending a revival service at Grace Baptist Tabernacle, he knelt down in the milking barn on their dairy farm and asked Jesus to forgive him of his sins and to be his Lord and Savior.  Wayne’s faith played a central role in his life, guiding him to the Arlington Baptist Seminary, where he earned his Bachelors of Divinity in 1965.  His profound impact on the community and unwavering dedication to his faith were recognized with an Honorary Doctorate of Theology degree from Salt Lake Baptist College in 2015.

Wayne was also deeply patriotic and served his country in the US Army National Guard in Kansas, Wisconsin and Texas from 1955 to 1964.

Wayne was a man of many talents and passions.  He found joy in the demanding life of dairy farming and his entrepreneurial spirit shone through as he owned and operated several businesses.  Wayne’s calling as a pastor and evangelist was a testament to his faith-centered life, touching the hearts and souls of countless individuals.  He pastored churches in both Chapman and LaCrosse, KS.  He invested the last years of his life traveling the Western United States as an Evangelist with the Baptist Circuit-Riding Mission.  He loved helping small congregations of believers in rural areas, Wayne often said, “There is no small work with God”.  He was a faithful member of First Bible Baptist Church in Great Bend, KS.

Beyond his professional and spiritual accomplishments, Wayne was a family man at his core.  He leaves behind his beloved wife, Nina Sue Gaunt-Stark, brother, Dick Stark and sister, Nancy Erwin.  His legacy continues through his son, James Stark; daughters, Jennifer Ballou and Julie Buchta; step-son, Neal Morgan; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; fifteen step-great grandchildren; and six step-great-great grandchildren, all of whom will miss him deeply.

An avid outdoorsman, Wayne found great joy in hunting and fishing.  His skill and passion for training and showing Welsh ponies were renowned.

To know Wayne was to know a man whose life was a reflection of the values he held dear – friendliness, hard work, and an unshakeable faith.  His presence was a comforting and steady force, and he approached each day with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit ready to serve others.  He would want everyone to know the promise of eternal life though faith in Jesus Christ who sacrificed himself on the cross to offer forgiveness of our sins!

As we bid farewell to Wayne, we do so with heavy hearts, yet we are comforted by the hope of the resurrection of Jesus Christ knowing that we will see him again!

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Monday, August 25^th at the Bethel Community Church west of Ft. Scott.

Burial will follow in the Pleasant View Cemetery at Blue Mound, Kansas.

The family will receive friends on Monday at 1:00 P.M. prior to the service.

Memorials are suggested to the Baptist Circuit-Riding Mission 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.