Gerald L. “Jerry” Mildfelt, age 92, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Thursday, October 3, 2024, at his home.  He was born December 13, 1931, in Perry, Oklahoma, the son of Joe Mildfelt and Catherine Endres Mildfelt.

Jerry faithfully served his country with the United States Army from 1952-1954.  He later went on to graduate from Ottawa University with a degree in finance.  Jerry married Sue Karleskint on August 23, 1968, in Ft. Scott.

Throughout his life, he worked at several banks, FDIC and RTC as an investigator.

Following retirement, Jerry enjoyed fishing and gardening.  One year, he raised over two hundred tomato plants.

He was a member of the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church.

Survivors include his wife, Sue, of the home; four sons, Tom Mildfelt (Sandy) of Parsons, Kansas, Mike Mildfelt (Debi) of Winfield, Kansas, Dan Mildfelt (Lisa) of Chanute, Kansas, and Todd Mildfelt, (Kelli) of Baldwin, Kansas, and a daughter, LeAnne Wiles (Kevin) of Parsons, Kansas.  Also surviving are ten grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Gene and Tom Mildfelt, and two sisters, Nellie Mitchum and Ruth Steichen.

Father Yancey Burgess will conduct the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, October 8^th at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church (Kennedy Gym).

The Rosary will be recited at 9:30 A.M. prior to the Mass.

Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Cemetery.

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.

Gary Keith Wise, age 87, resident of Nevada, MO died Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at the Nevada Regional Medical Center, Nevada, MO.  He was born September 7, 1937, in Fort Scott, KS the son of Alvin Elmer Wise and Audrey C. O’Dell Wise.

Gary graduated from FSHS.  He served in the U. S. Army Signal Corp from 1960 until 1962.  Gary worked on the farm with his father growing up and throughout his working life.  He was employed by Whiteside’s IGA both East and West stores for 30 years.  Gary later drove the transportation bus for Bourbon County Senior Citizens for several years.  He married Judy Alexander on January 4, 2005, in Fort Scott.  He enjoyed driving country roads checking on all the local crops and tinkering with all things mechanical, especially lawn mowers.

Survivors include his wife Judy of the home; a daughter, Linda Moore (Lynn), Dallas, TX; a son, Mark Wise (Candida), Wichita, KS; 4 grandchildren, Jason Brown, Jordan Brown, Commora Wise, and Tristen Wise; 2 great grandchildren; a step-daughter, Deana Amicone (Greg), Eldorado Springs, MO; and 2 step-sons, Troy Shankel (Linda), and Matthew Shankel, all of Nevada, MO.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a step-son, Todd Shankel.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 12:30 PM Tuesday, October 8^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott.  The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 12:30 prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to Bourbon County Senior Citizens 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.

Jaqueline Delores Gunsaullus, age 87, a resident of Chanute, KS, passed away Saturday,

September 28, 2024. She was born July 29, 1937, in Salina, KS, the daughter of Les and Dorothy Stucker Culp.

Jackie graduated from Fort Scott High School and attended Fort Scott Community College for one year.

Jackie married Jack Gunsaullus in 1956. He preceded her in death in 2003. Jackie worked as a clerk for the Bourbon County Treasurer’s office for many years. In her younger years, she enjoyed teaching Sunday school classes at First United Methodist Church, playing in a bowling league, reading and spending time with her children.

Later in life, Jackie enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, taking care of her beloved pets, and keeping in touch with friends and family. She was always an avid KC Royals and Chiefs fan, loved watching Days of Our Lives and watching a good movie.

Survivors include her son Steve Gunsaullus (Chanute, KS) and daughter and son-in-law, Debraand Rodney Perkins (Chanute, KS), and 6 grandchildren, Angie Hall, Tabetha Lane, Amanda Harper, Brandy Cruse, Chadley Cruse, and Tatum Cruse and many great and great-greatgrandchildren. Jackie was preceded in death by her father and mother, Les and Dorothy, herhusband, Jack, daughter, Nancy Hembree, daughter, Donna Gunsaullus, and granddaughter,Danielle Cruse.

There was cremation. Private burial will take place later in Evergreen Cemetery, Fort Scott, KS.  Donations, gifts and memorials are suggested to the Allen County Animal Rescue Facility in Iola, KS 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

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 12th 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.

Larry Eugene Sheridan, age 73, a former resident of Uniontown, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at Azria Health Care in Olathe, Kansas.  He was born March 13, 1951, in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Bernard Sheridan and Fern Ackers Sheridan.

Larry married Donna Marie Miller on April 1, 1978.  They made their home in the Kansas City area where Larry was employed as a plant manager at Central Bag, a company that manufactured sacks and bags.  In earlier years, Larry enjoyed fishing and coaching basketball.  After retirement, he and Donna relocated to Uniontown, Kansas, to be near their daughter.  As Larry’s health failed and he became more homebound, time was spent watching old western movies and listening to music.  He was of the Catholic faith.

Survivors include his daughter, Christy Pritchett (Danny) of Uniontown, Kansas and a son, Eric Sheridan, of Independence, Missouri, and eight grandchildren, Aubree, Asenath, Brendan, Cayman, Mike, Melissa, Samantha and Shawn, twenty great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are a sister, Teresa Martin of Olathe, Kansas and two brothers, Pat Sheridan of Pittsburg, Kansas and Jimmy Sheridan of Jacksonville, Florida.

Larry was preceded in death by his wife, Donna, on October 3, 2018.  He was also preceded in death by a great-grandson and two brothers, Fred and Mike Sheridan.

Father Yancey Burgess will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, September 28^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Uniontown Cemetery

.  Memorials are suggested to St. Martin’s Academy 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.

Harold William Fritter, 92, of Richards, Missouri, passed away on Monday September 23, 2024, surrounded by family.

Harold was born on August 29, 1932, to Louis W. Fritter and Stella Gardner Fritter in Ft. Scott, KS. He married Alice Poague on December 10, 1951, in Hood River, Oregon and she survives of the home.

After graduating from Richards High School in 1951, Harold enlisted in the US Navy and served in the Construction Battalion (Seabees) from 1952-1956 in the Korean Conflict. He enjoyed sharing stories from his time in Japan and was grateful to be selected for the Heartland Honor Flight in May of 2017.

Harold and Alice moved back to Missouri from Oregon after his time in the Navy to begin farming. Nearly all his life, he held a second job while farming to provide for his family. Throughout the years, these jobs included working for the State Highway Department, over the road and local trucking and Railway Express Agency. He was also the owner of a grocery store in Stotesbury and Main Street Coin-O-Matic in Ft. Scott.

Harold was baptized in 1964 along with his wife and 2 sons. Over the years he faithfully attended Richards Christian Church where he served as an elder and treasurer and made many lifelong friends. In addition to his leadership in the church, he served as a missionary with Northwest Haiti Christian Mission for many years.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Kenneth and Donald. In addition to his wife Alice, he is survived by his sons, Mike Fritter and wife Joe’ of Ft. Scott, KS; Dennis D. Fritter of Nevada, MO; Grandchildren Justin Fritter (Sarah) and their children Hayden and Colin of Holt, MO, Jamie Sisseck (Kris) and their child Konner of Deerfield, MO, Lacinda Schneider (David) of Lenexa, KS, Marc Fritter (Melissa) and their children Derrick and Kali of Nevada, MO, Jill Arnold (Chad) and their child Alivia of Newton, KS, Trevor Swim (Katie) and their children Crew and Cove of Knoxville, TN, and Wesley DeHaven of Ft. Scott, KS. As well as other extended family.

Pastor Matthew Hunt will conduct funeral services at 12:00 PM Thursday, September 26th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 Wednesday evening at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either Tunnel to Towers Foundation or locally to the Jim Meech Agri-Med Crisis Foundation 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.

Aeron A. Hicks, age 74, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Thursday, September 19, 2024, at the Via Christi Village in Pittsburg, Kansas.

She was born September 29, 1949, in Pittsburg, Kansas, the daughter of Edward Slutter and Ruby Shelley Slutter.  She grew up in Pittsburg and graduated from St. Mary’s-Colgan High School with the Class of 1967. Following high school, Aeron worked as the assistant director of medical records at Mt. Carmel Medical Center in Pittsburg.

Aeron was united in marriage to Harold W. Hicks on August 29, 1978.  After their marriage, Harold was a commissioned officer with the United States Navy and they were stationed in San Diego, California.  During this time, Harold was stationed onboard the USS Ranger.  Aeron served as the Social Chairperson for the ship’s Officers’ Wives Club.  Some of her responsibilities included helping prepare the ship for Queen Elizabeth II’s royal visit and serving as the family liaison after a serious fire onboard the ship.  While in California, Aeron took the opportunity to further her education and obtained her BA Deree in Psychology from the University of San Diego.

In 1992, Harold and Aeron moved to Harold’s hometown of Ft. Scott, Kansas to help care for his elderly father.  While in Ft. Scott, Aeron worked with the Adult Education Program at the Ft. Scott Community College.  She also served as the online education coordinator for the college.  This was at the time when online learning was in its infancy.

Aeron had a desire to help others, and in addition to her work at the college she also played a key role with the Bourbon County Network for Families program.  Aeron and Harold became active with the First Christian Church in Ft. Scott.  They went on to become Commissioned Ministers through Education for Ministry.  Together, they co-pastored the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Yates Center, Kansas from 2008-2018.

As her health failed and Covid set in, Aeron became more and more homebound.  In spite of this, Aeron continued supporting Harold’s ministry at the Disciples Christian Church in Nevada, Missouri.  During Covid, Aeron played a vital role in maintaining the church’s online presence.  Throughout her life, Aeron did her best to serve God and humanity.  The world was made a better place because of her endeavors.

Aeron is survived by her husband, Harold, of the home in Ft. Scott and her cousins, Brent Richey and Jan Brimm and husband, Jerry, all of Joplin, Missouri.

Rev. Laura Agee will conduct a service of remembrance at 10:30 A.M. Friday, September 27^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Music will be provided by Janie Aita.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery

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

he died on Wednesday Afternoon, Sept. 18. Natasha Thompson and Randi Clements both live in Fort Scott.

Robert James Elbrader, 84, of Fort Scott, passed away Wednesday afternoon, September 18, 2024, at his home. He was born April 21, 1940, in Bourbon County, Kansas, the son of Robert N. Elbrader and Naomi (Brown) Elbrader. He married Julie Thompson on August 14, 1964, in Fort Scott, Kansas, and she survives of the home.

Robert earned his Machinist Certification from Pittsburg State University, and worked as a machinist at Peerless for many years. He briefly served in the US Navy from 1958 to 1959.

In addition to his wife Julie, Robert is also survived by his children, Jessica Shapiro and Matt Bower, Iola, Kansas; Ambrosia Shapiro and James Greene, Oakland, California; Tara Peters and Jason, Puyallup, Washington; Natasha Thompson of Fort Scott,  Richard Thompson and Artie, Colorado Springs, Colorado; Marty Thompson and Dena, Fort Scott; brother Roneil Elbrader and Jeff Neely, Webb City, Missouri; sisters Rowena Otipoby, Neosho, Missouri; Randi Clements, Fort Scott and Regina Swisher, Eerie, Kansas. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and great-great niece Claire Bower, of the home.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, with burial following at the Fort Scott National Cemetery.

Visitation will be prior to services, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Military honors will be provided at the cemetery by the US Navy Funeral Honors Detail.

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

Alvin Elwood Pellett, aged 94, passed away on September 6, 2024, in Decatur, Texas. Born on July 25, 1930, Alvin affectionately known as Al, was raised on a farm, and learned the value of hard work early in life. His strength and determination were evident when he played football at Ft. Scott Junior College. His athletic prowess continued in the Air Force, where he also served in Vietnam as a reconnaissance analyst. His commitment to his country was a significant part of his identity and remained a source of pride throughout his life.  Al was not only a veteran but also an avid sports fan, often spending time with fellow veterans at the VFW, where he forged many lasting friendships. In retirement, he and his beloved wife, Brenda, settled in Rhome, Texas, enjoying a quieter life together.
Alvin is survived by his wife, Brenda Pellett, his son, Daniel Pellett, and his daughter, Bari Gaylor. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Pellett Jr. and Bertha Pellett, his brothers Harlan and Loren Pellett, and his sister Eloyce Parker.
A service to honor Alvin’s life will be held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, September 26^th at the Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel.  Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery where military honors will be provided by the United States Air Force Honor Guard.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the V.F.W., an organization that was very dear to Alvin’s heart.  Donations 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 gues

Michael Steven French, age 63, died Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at his home in Mulberry, KS.  He was born August 2, 1961, in Fort Scott, KS the son of Ralph E. (Ed) French, Jr. and Mary Ann (Biles) French.  He attended school in Spring Hill, KS from 1968 until 1974 when the family returned to Bourbon County.

He graduated from FSHS in 1978, where he enjoyed classes in art and history.  Mike was very proud of the debate awards and medals won by his squad.  He was also on the track team.  Mike attended Southwestern College in Winfield, KS.  He had an extended career in restaurant management.  His final employment was for Honeywell Corporation.

In 2018 he retired and returned to Southeast Kansas.  Mike made his home in Mulberry where he enjoyed gardening, reading history and science fiction books.  He also had an interest in National politics.

He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents.  Survivors include his mother; sister Laura (Randy) Phillips; brothers Tony (Patsy) French, and Daniel (Rachel) French, all of Fort Scott; nieces and nephews Jessie (Zach) Marsh, Tori (Tim) Murphy, Haley (Derek)  Houdashelt, Grace French, and Sophia French, all of Fort Scott, Danielle (Paul) Sutton, Olathe, KS, Rachel (Tommy) Burns, Augusta, KS, Ashley (Jared) Keylon, Uniontown, KS, and Nic (Brooke) French, South Dakota; Aunts and Uncles Jan Biles, Lawrence, KS, Rick (Linda) Biles, Wichita, KS, Bub (Deanna) Biles, Leander, TX, and Nancy (Phil) Wimmer, Pittsburg, KS; and several great nieces, nephews and many cousins.

There was cremation.  Services will be announced at a later date by the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Fort Scott Public Library 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.

Colee William Miller, age 38, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Sunday, September 15, 2024, at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas.  He was born May 29, 1986, in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Douglas William Miller and Tammy Sue Marsh Miller.

Colee attended school in Ft. Scott and graduated from the Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 2004.  As a child, Colee attended the Grace Baptist Tabernacle with his great-grandmother, Irene Baysinger.  He also was active with the AWANA program at the Bethel Community Church.

After graduation, Colee worked for Klein Products.  He later owned and operated his own business D & C Sanitation and also helped with Miller’s Mowing.  Colee was naturally gifted when it came to technology and electronics.  He was often called on by friends and family whenever they needed some “tech-support.”

Growing up, Colee enjoyed spending time with his friends whether it be cruising, hunting or fishing or going to concerts. He was given the nickname, Lolo, by his cousin, Brynlee. Colee was always the life of the party.  He will be remembered for his quick wit and lively sense of humor; every family needs a Colee!  Colee dedicated his time to making memories with his son, Rivver.  Together, they enjoyed many hours riding the side by side, spending time outdoors and at the arcade.   Colee will be lovingly missed by his family and friends.

Survivors include his parents, Doug and Tammy Miller and his son, Rivver, all of Ft. Scott and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.  Colee was preceded in death by his grandparents, Frank and Laura Miller and Donnie and Barbara Marsh as well as his great-grandmother, Irene Baysinger who took such good care of him as a child.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday, September 20^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.

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

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.

Ronald George Waddell, age 85, a resident of Pittsburg, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at the Via Christi Village in Pittsburg. He was born October 20, 1938, in Marion, Missouri, the son of George Shaw Waddell and Leota Mae Adams Waddell.

Ron graduated from the Kincaid High School with the Class of 1956. He went on to further his education and earned Masters Degrees from both the University of Kansas and Columbia College of Missouri. In earlier years, Ron had taught science at the Gardner, Kansas High School. He later pursued a career in the pharmaceutical industry. He worked in quality control and as a computer programmer for various pharmacy labs.

Ron is survived by his children, Hilary, Michael and Gregory and three grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Kathy Waddell of Walnut, Kansas and two brothers, Jerry Waddell of Mapleton, Kansas and David Waddell of Ottawa, Kansas.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents and five brothers, Walt, Larry, Dale, Danny and Terry Waddell.

Private burial took place in the Kincaid Cemetery, Kincaid, 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.