Lifelong Fort Scott resident Maybelle Mertz, 100, passed away comfortably at her home on November 15, 2021.

Mrs. Mertz was born and was raised in Fort Scott. She was born on February 6, 1921, the daughter of Harlan and Mabel (Hicks) Spencer. She graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1939. She and Jim Mertz were married January 20, 1945, at their home in rural Fort Scott, and he preceded her in death May 30, 1982.

She was the owner of The Horseshoe Ranch where she and Jim had horses and cattle throughout their lives. She worked as a bookkeeper at Montgomery Wards and at The Vogue, she was Deputy Clerk of the District Court, then started Mertz Tax Service at their home in the country. After moving to “town” she continued Mertz Tax Service until she was appointed to the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals in 1989 and served a four-year term. During this tenure, she was proud to attend college classes at the University of Reno, Nevada. She worked several years as an Enumerator for the State of Kansas, she was a House Mother for Baker University, University of Kansas, and Kansas State University in her “retirement” years!

Mrs. Mertz was full of spirit and energy; age was never a factor! She was a member of numerous organizations and clubs throughout her life, and she served as president of many as she loved to help lead and make things better for people. She worked tirelessly on the Gaited Horse Show during the Bourbon County Fair to help earn monies for improvements to the fairgrounds. She was a horsewoman and especially loved parade horses. She participated in parades and horse shows with her silver-mounted saddle and fancy parade outfits first on her paint horse Buck and then palomino Sonny through the course of her life. Following her horsewoman days, she became an avid golfer. She was a member of Fort Scott Country Club, Crestwood Country Club, Topeka Country Club, and golfed with Women’s leagues throughout the state and the world when she traveled to Africa and golfed at Victoria Falls, as well as in Europe.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, a member of the Bourbon County Conservation Supervisors Board, Federated Women’s Clubs, Beta Sigma Phi, The Area on Aging for Kansas, Elks, United Methodist Women’s Club, PEO. She was a volunteer at Mercy Hospital, volunteered with the Red Cross, American Heart Association, and Meals on Wheels. She was a member of the Daughters of the Nile, a former Mother Advisor for Rainbow Girls, attended Fort Scott Shrine Club events, and Mirza Temple Pittsburg, KS women’s events.

Mrs. Mertz is survived by a daughter Melessa Demo (Brad), Fort Scott, grandchildren Mandy Symons, Centennial, CO, J.T. Symons (Angie) Corolla, NC, and a great-grandson Hunter Symons Norfolk, VA, and grand-dogs Beans and Frank. In addition to her husband Jim, she was also preceded in death by her parents, a son, Jim “Sandy” Mertz on March 15, 2021, and two brothers, Joseph Spencer, and George Spencer.

Rev. Steve Cole will conduct funeral services at 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 19, 2021, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home with burial following at the Evergreen Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Thursday evening November 18, 2021, from 5:00-6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Donajean Bauer, age 76, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, went to be with her Lord on Friday, November 12, 2021, at her home. She was born June 30, 1945, in Moran, KS, the daughter of Leland and June Enos Mattson. Donajean attended old Elsmore rural grade school and graduated from Elsmore high school. She also attended Fort Scott Community College.

She married Duane Bauer on September 1, 1963, in Elsmore, KS. She worked for the Western Insurance Company in Ft. Scott in her early years. Donajean then worked for Security State Bank and later UMB for a total of 42 years until retirement.

She served selflessly and faithfully at Mt. Zion church where she was a member. At church she was a continuous supporter of Walk of Faith for Missions, taught Sunday school, served as VBS director and organized Gospel Tribe youth nights. Donajean was tireless in her efforts to show people Jesus and lead them in accepting Him as their Savior.

Many local organizations also benefitted from her dedication including Care to Share, FCE, United Way, founding member and board member for the Keyhole, and 31-year perfect attendance at Pioneer Kiwanis, serving as president multiple times.

Donajean loved God and her family. She delighted in her grandchildren and never missed attending a sporting event or performance.

She enjoyed flower gardening, personalizing greeting cards, decorating at Homes for the Holidays, serving on Good Ol’ Days committees, and helping with the Bourbon County Fair. She generously shared her love and was loved by so many.

Survivors include her husband Duane of the home; a daughter, Danna Wilson and husband Jeff, Pittsburg, KS; grandchildren, Mattson Gromer and husband Dylan, and Peyton Steele; a sister, Diana Fewins, Moran, KS; brothers-in-law Don Bauer and wife Donna and Darrell Bauer and wife Jan; sister-in-law Mary Ann Magnuson and husband Max Patterson; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a son, Daniel Bauer; and her parents.

Pastor Rick Womack will conduct services at 11:00 Tuesday, November 16^th, at the 1^st Baptist Church, Ft. Scott.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Monday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to either Care to Share or Mt. Zion Baptist Church Garland and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Thorene F. Roberts, 93, of Fort Scott, passed away peacefully Monday afternoon, November 8, 2021. She was born February 29, 1928, in Mount Hope, Kansas, one of 4 children to Scott and Dollie (Lumbert) Johnson. She married Kale Lee Roberts on February 1, 1947, in Mount Hope, Kansas, and they had two sons, Kent and Kim. Kale preceded her in death on April 14, 2021.

Thorene and Kale were long-time residents of Wichita, Kansas, and were founding members of West Heights Methodist Church. Thorene and Kale moved to Fort Scott, Kansas in 2012 and have lived here up until the time of their deaths.

Thorene is survived by her children, Kent L. Roberts and wife Becki, of Fort Scott, and Kim A. Roberts and wife Kalyn, of Plano, Texas; three grandchildren, Brooke Roberts-Higgins, of Carthage, Missouri, Scott Roberts, of Longview, Texas, and Ryan Roberts, of Plano, Texas; four great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband Kale, she was also preceded in death by her parents, and three brothers, Paul Johnson, Garlan Johnson, and Irwin Johnson.

Following cremation, private memorial services will be held at a later date. The family requests memorial gifts be made in Thorene’s memory to: Care to Share – The Sharing Bucket, 2478 Limestone Road, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701, or may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Louis J. Chermok, age 82, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Saturday, November 6, 2021, at Arma Health & Rehab, Arma, KS. He was born June 24, 1939, in Berhoud, CO, the son of Louis Chermok, Sr. and Ann Kouma Chermok. The family moved to David City, NE. He met his wife to be, Darlene Vachal, in Columbus, NE and the two were married on May 14, 1960, in North Bend, NE. Lou moved to Ft. Scott, KS, in 1971 to run Craft Fabricators which built shower doors and enclosures. Lou and Darlene moved to Virginia in 1993 to launch Craft Diston, a branch of Craft Fabricators. They moved back to Ft. Scott in 2003. He was a long-time member of Mary Queen of Angels Church and Knights of Columbus 4^th Degree. Lou enjoyed hunting, bowling, yard work and gardening. He was a master hunter safety instructor for 20 plus years and officiated high school football. He loved time spent with family, especially traveling.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Darlene; 4 children, Michael Chermok and wife Kristin, Parker, KS, Richard Chermok, Garland, KS, Teresa Chermok, Ft. Scott, and Daniel Chermok and wife Dalene, Fruita, CO; 4 grandchildren, Nathan, Jessica, Kalene, and Jacob and wife Megan; and 2 great grandchildren, Weston and Lilly. He was preceded by a son, Patrick Chermok; a brother, John Chermok; and his parents.

Father Yancy Burgess will conduct the funeral mass at 11:00 Friday, November 12^th, at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church. The Rosary will be prayed at 10:30 prior to the service. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 PM Thursday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to St. Mary’s Catholic School and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Willis Karl Hamilton a.k.a. Will Hamilton went home to be with the Lord on October 29, 2021. He was born to Garfield (Willie) and Marie Turner Hamilton on January 11, 1963. He was raised in South Bend, Indiana and graduated from John Adams High School.

He moved with his wife, Joy, and daughter, Varonica to Lee’s Summit, Missouri in 2006. While living in Missouri, they were members of Evangelistic Center International Ministries where he participated in the EC Kids Ministry engaging the children with the life-sized puppets, he hand-crafted. The products of his Mid-West Puppet Designs business.

Anyone who knew Willis was touched by his kindness, humor, and mild temperament. His greatest joys were his Savior Jesus Christ, family with whom he loved spending time, his numerous musical instruments, photography, and motorcycles.

Willis was a truly talented and creative singer, songwriter, and musician with a catalog of over 300 songs including his very first cut—an LP 45—at age 16 entitled “Jesus is Knocking” to his newest song that will be shared posthumously, entitled “Dream Machine.”

His creativity also extended to the radio station WUBS where the jingle he wrote, “If you keep us locked in, we’ll keep you lifted up,” can still be heard.

In addition, he designed a “Guard Dog” (logo) that still stands watch today outside the Eaton Corporation, where he previously worked, in South Bend, Indiana.

One of his greatest creative works was “Lord, Have Mercy,” an original movie, that premiered locally at the Glenwood Theatre in 2015.

Willis earned college hours related to computer networking at Metropolitan Community College, KCMO. He also completed certifications in 2D and 3D digital drafting and design as a participant in RW2 Career and Technical Education.

Willis also loved his job in shipping and receiving at Corbion in Grandview, Missouri as well as the people with whom he worked.

Willis was preceded in death by his parents Garfield and Marie Hamilton.

He is survived by his loving wife, Joy to whom he was happily married for 28 years; three sons and one daughter – Abner (Shawna), Elijah (Erin), Willis II (Faith), and Varonica Hamilton. Also surviving are two sisters, Anna Marie Dorsey (Phillip), Judy Eady (Ken); and two brothers, Garfield Hamilton, and Gary Hamilton; a special sister Kewana Lawshea (Charles) and five grandchildren, Jacob Hamilton, Azariah Hamilton, Bear Hamilton, Ember Hamilton, and Pearl Hamilton; and nephews and nieces Melissa Lehman, Terance Gamble, Kaitlyn Eady, Xavier Lewis Tunnage, LaDonna Johnson, and John Rybolt; and life-long friend, J. Findley May

. We will all miss him more than words can say.

Willis’ Favorite Scripture: John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, November 11^th, at the Evangelistic Center International Ministries, 1800 Washington Blvd., Kansas City, KS. Services will be live streamed on the Evangelist Center Church YouTube channel.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until 11:00 prior to the service

. Burial will take place at 2:00 PM Friday, November 12^th in the West Plains Cemetery, Fort Scott, KS. Memorials are suggested to RW2 Career and Technical Education scholarship fund for students in need at https://bit.ly/3kE7qIK or mailed in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

John Paul Haggard, age 77, of Forsythe, Montana left this world for his place in Heaven on October 28, 2021. He was born November 6, 1943, in Manhattan, Kansas to Rev. Hilburn Ray Haggard and Ellen Eileen Stickley. His mother died when he was very young, and he moved frequently with his father to wherever the ministry called them.

He graduated high school in Quapaw, Oklahoma in 1961. He served his country valiantly in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, and a sister. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Barbara Lou White. They were joined in marriage August 10, 1968, in El Dorado, Kansas. He is also survived by his son and daughter in law, Johnny Joe Haggard and Julia Fern Falletti Haggard, all of Pittsburg, Kansas.

In his early employment years, he worked for the Missouri Pacific Railroad out of El Dorado, Kansas.

He later moved his family to Belle Creek, Montana where he was employed as a maintenance engineer with the oil fields there. He loved living in Montana and considered it his true home.

He was happiest when fixing anything mechanical, whether it be a small engine or the wonderful miracle of the internal combustion engine of his automotive brand of choice, Ford. He was a true softie when it came to the down on its luck animal. He never turned away a fur baby in need.

He was definitely a talker; he could carry on a substantive conversation on almost any topic. He often shared his knowledge and gave out mechanical advice whenever the need arose.

Although gone from this world he will never be forgotten. His colorful conversations and sometimes very different sense of humor will be greatly missed by his family.

There was cremation.

Private family interment will take place at a future date in the U. S. National Cemetery, Ft. Scott, KS.

Memorials are suggested to the John Haggard Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.