DEATH NOTICE

Kenneth L. Judd, Jr., age 79, passed away Wednesday, December 31st, 2025, at Moran Manor in Moran, KS. Services for Kenneth Judd will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St.

John Oscar Younggren, 78, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away on January 3, 2026.
He was born on March 30, 1947, in Hugoton, Kansas, to Jean and Oscar Younggren. In the summer of 1962, the family left their homestead in Hugoton and moved to Redfield, Kansas, where they settled on a new farm to build a lasting family legacy. John graduated from Uniontown High School in 1965 and later attended heavy equipment training in Beloit, Kansas.

A lifelong farmer and cattleman, John also owned and operated a successful heavy equipment construction business providing service primarily to agricultural & water conservation. He had an incredible talent for working with dozers, motor-graders and  scrapers—able to set grade by eye with unmatched precision. His skill and dedication earned him the respect of many, and he took great pride in shaping the land and caring for his herd.

On March 30, 1968, John married Linda Louise Colvin; they had two children Meleesa and Jason. They later divorced. In his later years, John shared his life with Joann Hays, who preceded him in death. Their relationship was meaningful and brought him steady companionship and comfort—a chapter he truly valued.

John was grateful for the help and visits from Jason & Maddi Thorpe, and their kiddos.  Whether it was checking on the cattle, making him a bowl of chili, or grabbing the mail, their thoughtfulness meant so much. He looked forward to their check-ins—catching up on the new calves or getting the latest copy of the Tribune which was most often a fair exchange between he and the kids for a few pieces of candy, was often the highlight of his day.

John deeply appreciated his treasured nurse, Irene, who cared for him not only physically but spiritually as well. Her presence brought him comfort and peace during difficult times. He was also blessed with hospice nurses and attendants who provided exceptional care and companionship—often sitting with him to watch a rodeo or an episode of Ag News. Their kindness and dedication meant the world to him and his family.

John will be remembered for his strength, determination, and love for family and friends. Survivors include his children: Meleesa Grate and husband Dan of Manhattan, KS, and Jason Younggren and wife Monica of Louisburg, KS; four grandchildren: Maddi Pruett, Allea Ruby Davis and Gage (and their soon-to-arrive son), Alec Blayne, and Reece Adlin. He is also survived by his sister Connie Neil, brother Mike Younggren and wife Mary, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother- in- law, Dwayne Neil and special friend Joann Hays.

John’s legacy lives on in the fields he worked, the land he shaped, and the family he loved. His hands built more than ponds and pastures—they built a life of purpose and pride.

Chaplain Derek Harman will conduct a funeral services at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7. 2026 at Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Centerville Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Bourbon County Fair and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, Kansas 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

In loving memory, Carolyn Sue Wenderott passed away on December 23, 2025, at the age of 89 in Fort Scott, KS. Born on November 17, 1936, in St. Mary’s, KS, Carolyn’s journey through life was marked by her unwavering strength and kindness.

Carolyn attended local Fort Scott Schools. Her professional life was devoted to clerical and administrative roles in the Fort Scott area.

Carolyn had a strong devotion to her family and friends. She was the beloved wife of Charlie Wenderott, who predeceased her in 2014.

Carolyn was a devoted mother to her children: Dave McGrew of Colorado Springs, CO; Christine Brown of Pittsburg, KS; Mark McGrew of Great Falls, MT; and Tamela Phalen of Hurricane, UT. She was also a stepmother to Mary Burcham, Julie Wenderott, and Debra Bell. Her life was further enriched by the joy and laughter of many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who will carry forward her spirit of generosity and affection.

She was cherished by all her siblings. Those surviving include Clifford Burke of Springfield, MO, and Jim Rohrig of Gainesville, TX. Carolyn was predeceased by 5 of her siblings Frances Cox, David Burke, Delores Dighero, George Burke, and Myrna Turner.

In her younger years, Carolyn enjoyed bowling and raising her family. She also took great joy in nuturing her flower gardens. Carolyn was also an excellent cook, a skilled seamstress, and had a natural flair for decorating. Her home was a haven of warmth and beauty, welcoming to all who entered.

Carolyn Sue Wenderott’s memory will be cherished by her family and friends. She will be greatly missed. Her Family would like to thank all the caregivers of Credo Memory Care for their affection and compassion. Their dedication was unwavering and we are eternally grateful.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 AM Tuesday, December 30^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott.  The family will receive friends from 10:30 AM until service time Tuesday at the funeral home.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Sammy  Elaine Winship, a cherished member of the Fort Scott community, passed away peacefully at the age of 86 on December 22, 2025, in Fort Scott, Kansas.

Born on February 4, 1939, Sammy was a beacon of selflessness and kindness throughout her years. She attended Fort Scott High School, where she laid the foundations of a life dedicated to service and care. Sammy’s warmth and nurturing spirit led her to own and operate her own daycare, where she touched the lives of many families, guiding their young ones with love and dedication. Her commitment to her community extended to her work as a line worker for the Avon Company, where she was known for her work ethic and friendly demeanor.

Sammy’s life was a testament to the joy of giving. She found her greatest happiness in the laughter and achievements of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her daughter, Laura Rasmussen of Independence, Mo., and her daughter Carolyn Fisher and husband Roy of Kansas City Her granddaughter Sammi Bailey and husband Josh of Festus, Mo., along with Aaron Fisher and Carrie Fisher and Claudio, of Kansas City, will carry forward her legacy of kindness. Sammy’s four great-grandchildren, Canyon, Bella, Lennon, and Wilder Bailey. Her Family will cherish the memories of her steadfast support and endless encouragement.

Although Sammy has joined her late family members, including her parents, William S. Bailey and Deloris Likely Bailey, her brother Joe Bailey, and sister Alice Hallin, her spirit of selflessness and devotion lives on through those she has left behind.

Sammy Winship was a woman whose life was defined by her unwavering love for her family. She will be remembered as a nurturing soul who brought joy to children and comfort to parents, a woman who built a life on the foundation of kindness and care. As we say farewell to Sammy, we reflect on a life well-lived, a journey marked by the countless hearts she touched and the smiles she inspired. Sammy Winship’s legacy is one of love, and it will continue to shine brightly in the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Cremation has taken place, a Celebration of will be held at a late date  Memorials are suggested to the First Baptist 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.

DEATH NOTICE

 Barbara Lou Haggard, age 76, resident of Pittsburg, KS passed away Thursday, November 27, 2025, at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, MO.  There was cremation.  Memorial services will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, December 29^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Interment will take place at a later date in the U. S. National Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to the Barb Haggard Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Brian Karl Housman, age 67, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, December 22, 2025, at the Medicalodge in Ft. Scott.  He was born December 28, 1957, in Westwood, New Jersey, the son of Russell and Dorthy Housman.  Brian used to work landscaping with his friend, Frank Lopez at a business they named L. & H. Homeowner’s Services, in Emerson, New Jersey.  He later met the love of his life, Donna.  They were united in marriage on August 19, 1989, in her mom’s backyard.  He then followed his wife to Ft. Scott, Kansas in 1991.  After settling in Kansas, he worked as a maintenance man and then for Ft. Scott Burial Vault Company.  He was always willing to help his wife with any of her various projects and volunteer work.  Brian and Donna were also members of Community Christian Church where they helped found the Christian Motorcycle Association (CMA).  He also made sure to attend his grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s events whenever he was able.  He loved working in his garage on various projects and could always be found outside maintaining his yard and property to make it look good.

Brian is survived by his brother, Russell Housman of Westwood, New Jersey; two stepdaughters, Jacqueline Arbogast of Nevada, Missouri (SIL Charles Arbogast, Jr of Oklahoma), Stephanie Smith-Hinson and husband, Darrin of Garfield, New Jersey; a stepson, Christopher Smith of Utah; eleven grandchildren and their spouses, twenty-two great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna; two sisters, Candice and Nancy; a step-son, John Enos; his parents, Russell and Dorthy Housman, a great-granddaughter, four rainbow babies; a niece, Dawnelle Ornstein and a great-nephew, Christian Golden.

Rev. Dusty Drake will conduct funeral services at 1:00 P.M. Monday, December 29^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Large Cemetery south of Ft. Scott.  Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of 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.

Mickey Louis Shoemaker Webb, 70, passed away on December 8, 2025.

Mickey was born on June 12, 1955, in Fort Scott, Kansas, to Ralph Shoemaker and Mary Schafer. She was raised with strong family values that guided her throughout her life.

Mickey was blessed with her beloved son, Douglas Wayne Felt, born on March 12, 1982. Douglas preceded her in death on January 11, 2002, a loss she carried in her heart always.

On January 4, 1998, Mickey married David Webb in Paola, Kansas. Together, they later made their home in Apache Junction, Arizona.

Mickey is survived by her loving husband, David Webb; her sister, Brenda Fritts (Ron); her brother, Martin Shoemaker; two stepdaughters, Shanna and Heidi; and five cherished grandchildren, Dakota, Amaralis, Havana, Colton and Ginger. She was preceded in death by her son, Douglas Wayne Felt; her nephew, Kyle; her parents, Ralph Shoemaker and Mary Schafer; and both sets of grandparents.

A memorial service will be held at1:00 P.M. Sunday, December 28^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Please, no flowers. If you would like to make a donation to a charity of your choice, you may do so in her memory.

Mickey will be remembered for her devotion to family, her enduring faith, and the love she shared with all who knew her. She is now at peace, reunited with loved ones, and resting in the arms of her Lord and Savior.

Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Darlena G. Durossette, age 76, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Friday, December 19, 2025, at the Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.  She was born January 13, 1949, in Lafayette, Indiana, the daughter of J. B. McBeath and Donna Harboldt McBeath.  Darlena was raised by her mother and stepfather, Bill Payne.  Darlena married Jimmie V. Durossette on March 2, 1968, at Belton, Missouri.  While living in Belton, Darlena was employed by Christian Missions and was able to take a trip to the Holy Land.  Darlena and Jimmie then moved to Peculiar, Missouri where she was employed by Kuhlman Die Casting.  After moving to Ft. Scott, Darlena worked for Superior Industries in Pittsburg, Kansas until that factory closed.  She was currently employed as a checkout clerk at the Ft. Scott Walmart.  Darlena loved Elvis music and collecting Elvis memorabilia.  She was also a great fan of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Survivors include her two children, Jimmie Durossette (Orpha) and Michelle Houser (Mack) all of Ft. Scott; four grandchildren, Michael, Samantha, Matthew (Autumn) and Denver; three step-grandchildren, Genna, Virgil and James and nine great-grandchildren, Deven, Annie, Zane, Joanna, Logan, Chase, Everleigh, Brynlee and Tomi.  Darlena was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmie, on October 31, 2015.  She was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Rachelle and her twin sister, Marlena Young.

There was cremation.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Saturday, December 27^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Darlene Jo Doherty, 81, of Fort Scott, passed away Monday, December 8, 2025, at the Freeman Hospital of Fort Scott. She was born on June 25, 1944, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the daughter of Brenard J. and Delores G. Walker Doherty.

Darlene was a registered nurse having graduated from St. Mary’s College and getting her Nursing Degree from L.S.U., and retired from Tulane Medical Center after 20 years, she lived in New Orleans for over 40 years. She traveled all over the world working in Missions in Hong Kong, and several African countries. She moved back to Fort Scott, after Hurricane Katrina.

She is survived by 5 sisters, Judith and Larry Maura of Nassau, Bahamas, Margaret and Merl Humphrey, of Fort Scott, Barbara Woodward, of Fort Scott, Denise and Dave Brezik of Fort Scott, Michelle Youngdoff of Overland Park, Kansas, 3 brothers, Dan and Marie Doherty, of Fort Scott, Don and Roxie Doherty of Fort Scott, and Brian Doherty of Fort Scott. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Edward Doherty and Steve Doherty, 3 nephews, Todd Woodward, Gabriel Stinson and Elijah Doherty, and 2 nieces, Maggie and Jules Daly.

The Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am, Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, Father Yancey Burgess as Celebrant. The Rosary will be prayed at 5:30 pm, Friday, December 12, 2025, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, with Visitation following from 6:00 to 7:00 pm.

Memorials may be made to either the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, the St. Mary’s Catholic School or Care 2 Share 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.

Melvin Eugene Barker, age 83, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. He was born on May 24, 1942 in Hume, MO to Alfred “Leon” Barker and Betty Ruth Anderson. He married Marilyn Margaret Tarvin on June 1, 1968, and together they had three children, Mark Eugene Barker (Renea) of Bettendorf, IA, Paul Leroy Barker (Tammy) of Peculiar, MO, and Ruthanne Renee Barker of Kansas City, KS.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1963-1966 during the Vietnam War, before he earned an Associates degree in Drafting from Pittsburg State University. He retired in 2004 from Superior Industries. Melvin was devoted to his family; loved fishing, listening to music, target shooting, and Chevy Corvettes. His Christian faith was very important to him, and he served as a Deacon at various churches he attended over the years.

Melvin is survived by his two sons and one daughter, four grandchildren, Ethan William Barker, Ellie Elizabeth Barker, Tessa Margaret Barker, and Isaac Eugene Barker, a brother, Raymond Barker (Marie), and numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and sister, Mary Allen (Larry).

Funeral services will be held at Community Christian Church, 1919 Horton Street, Fort Scott, KS on Monday, December 15th, 2025. The visitation will be from 10:30-11:30 a.m., with a Celebration of Life Service immediately following the visitation at 11:30 a.m. Interment with military honors will follow at the U.S. National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions for the Honor Flight may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.