Category Archives: Obituary

Obituary of Lois M. Williams

Lois Maxine Williams, age 90, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Thursday, January 14, 2021.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, July 24th at the First Southern Baptist Church in Ft. Scott.

Burial will be in the Clarksburg Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the First Southern Baptist Church 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.

Obituary of Raymond Farmer

Raymond “Keith” Farmer, age 79, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Thursday, July 15, 2021, at his home.  He was born December 21, 1941, in Lockwood, Missouri, the son of John Howard Farmer and Helen Edith Sorden Farmer.

He graduated from the Lockwood High School and later went on to study at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri.  He was drafted into the United States Army where he was stationed in Germany.  Keith always had an interest in radio and served as a radio operator while in the service.

He continued to have a love for radio until his death.

Keith had worked in the printing industry for the majority of his life.  He had worked at Witt Printing in Eldorado Springs, Missouri and later for Master Printers and Mid-America Business Forms in Ft. Scott.  The last thirty years of his printing career were spent at Sekan Printing in Ft Scott.

Keith married Marsha Stewart on September 3, 1982, at Ft. Scott.

Keith enjoyed talking to and telling stories with his friends.  He enjoyed crafting walking sticks.  He also liked to cook and will be remembered for his homemade bread.  On occasion, he helped bake bread in the bakery at the Ft. Scott National Historic Site.

 

Survivors include his wife, Marsha, of the home; two daughters, Candice Bland and Kyle, of Eldorado Springs, Missouri and Kristal Wood and husband, James, of Ft. Scott and four grandchildren, Camille Bland, and Cainen, Lincoln and Landon Wood.  Also surviving are two sisters, Joyce Zinchuck and Linda Bennett, both of Eldorado Springs.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

 

Following cremation, Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct a graveside service at 11:00 A.M. Friday, July 23rd at the U. S. National Cemetery.

Family and friends may meet on Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel prior to leaving for the cemetery at 10:45 A.M.

Military honors will be provided at the cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Thursday evening 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.

Obituary of Stephen Riley

Stephen Kent Riley, age 79, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at St. Luke’s South Hospital, Overland Park, KS.  He was born May 17, 1942, in Ft. Scott, the son of Harlan Lindsey Riley and Thelma Marie Ruby Riley.

He married Sue Ellen Hicks on May 9, 1979, in Ft. Scott.  Steve worked as a tuck pointer by trade for 61 years until retirement.

He loved to fish, hunt, and be outdoors.

He was a member of the Rinehart Christian Church.

 

Survivors include his wife Sue of the home; five daughters, Sheila Hudson, Nevada, MO; Christina Strickland (Jerome), Carthage, MO; Jamie Lynn Riley (Anthony), Nevada, MO; Dawn Solko (Barry) Mesa, AZ; and Stephanie Harrison, Nevada, MO; a sister, Tina Lane (Darrel), Leavenworth, KS; nine grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Nancy Hess; and a brother, Gus Rohnke.

 

Rev. Kevin Moyers will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Saturday, July 17th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.

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

Obituary of Mae Mowen

Mae Mowen, age 97, a former resident of Shawnee, Kansas and Ft. Scott, Kansas, and more recently of Loveland, Colorado, passed away Monday, July 12, 2021, at her home in Colorado.

She was born May 14, 1924, in Beaver, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Harry Steffler and Pauline Bell Jamison Steffler.  She married Wilbur Eugene Mowen on July 22, 1944, at Monaca, Pennsylvania.

Following her husband’s military service, the couple settled in the Kansas City area.  Both Mae and Wilbur were employed for over thirty years with the Nazarene Publishing House.  Mae’s official job was receptionist, but she performed various duties and filled many roles while at the publishing house.  She was a longtime member of the Shawnee Church of the Nazarene.  Mae shared her musical talents with the church in various ways.  She enjoyed crocheting and made several elaborate pieces that her family will treasure.

 

Survivors include her three children, Jeanne Lynch (Jim), of Loveland, Colorado, Wilbur Mowen, Jr. (Patricia), of Ft. Scott, Kansas and Richard Mowen (Leta), of Shawnee, Kansas and nine grandchildren, Janice, Julie, James, Andrew, Jessica, Brent, Jeff, David and Sally and a host of great and great-great-grandchildren.

Mae was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbur E. Mowen, Sr. on November 18, 2020.  She was also preceded by an infant son, Ned Mowen, her parents and six brothers and sisters.

 

Rev. Jaren Rowell will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, July 20th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Halcyon Hospice 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.

 

Obituary of James R. Farmer

James Randall Farmer, born June 1, 1962, passed away Monday, July 5, 2021 in Chicago, doing what he loved most on a golf course.

Jim or “Jimmy” as he was affectionately known by friends and family, was starting his 21st year at Butler National Golf Course. He lived a life full of travel, golf, and time spent with friends and family. Jim was known for his avid story telling ability and his wicked sense of humor. He loved to golf, fish, cook and all things KU.

Jim never married, which left time for his travels and working at golf courses all over the world including Royal Poinciana as well as Old Florida, Naples, Florida. He also held positions at Heritage Golf Club in Pensacola, Innisbrook in Tampa and ran the golf operations at a club in Germany, close to the Alps for over 8 years. After spending summers in Germany, he would return to Naples for the winter months. He had a loyal following of German golfers who would travel to Naples and seek him out as an instructor as he had mastered the German language.

Even though he traveled he remained an avid Chiefs fan.

He was closely tied to his nephews Tucker, Hudson, Sutton, Dexter, Jax on, and Alex as he regaled them with his many stories.

Jim had a kind heart and he loved children and animals, often taking care of stray animals even in the middle of a cold night.

As much as he loved golf, his favorite recreational time for himself was fishing. Many of the golf courses he worked at had access to water and in the evenings, he would be seen with his fishing pole on one of the water sources making sure there were no extra fish.

Jim was preceded in death by his father Robert and mother Norma Jean Farmer.

Survivors include brother Robert Farmer, sister Carmen Palmer, nephews Ryan Farmer and Travis Palmer, niece Christa Horn and numerous great-nephews.

His remains will be returned to Kansas and a private family ceremony will be announced at a future date.

Based on Jim’s love for children, suggested memorials can be given to Bourbon County CASA, PO Box 146, Fort Scott, KS 66701 or to the Fort Scott High School Golf Team

Obituary of Lela Gier

Lela Ann Gier, age 88, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Monday, July 12, 2021, at Medicalodge of Ft. Scott. She was born March 19, 1933, the daughter of Oscar Jacob Gier and Lizzie Bell Goff Gier. Lela enjoyed reading, needlework, quilting, and flowers.

Survivors include four nephews, Gary Gier, Roger Gier, Kenneth Gier, and Dennis Meech; four nieces, Linda Murdock, Trudy Stultz, Cindy Bright and Kathleen Gier; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles Gier, and Merle Gier; 2 sisters, Opal Gier, and Estella Meech; a nephew, Jim Meech; a niece Charla Cambers; and her parents.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct graveside services at 10:00 AM Friday, July 16th, in the Hepler Cemetery.

Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary of Stan Fisher

Stan Douglas Fisher, age 72, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Thursday, July 8, 2021, at his home.  He was born October 23, 1948, in Ft. Scott, the son of Weldon Fisher and Ester McCracken Fisher.

Stan graduated from both Ft. Scott High School and Ft. Scott Community College.  He married Elaine Russell on August 20, 1972, at the Grace Baptist Tabernacle in Ft. Scott.  While in high school, Stan began working at Whiteside’s IGA.  He remained there for nearly thirty years where he served as grocery department manager.  He then worked for a short time at Ward/Kraft prior to going to work for the Burlington Northern Railroad.  He worked as a conductor for the railroad until his retirement in 2018.

Stan was a longtime member of the Grace Baptist Tabernacle.  He enjoyed gardening and keeping up his yard.  In his younger days, he was an avid quail hunter.

 

Survivors include his wife, Elaine, of the home; his daughter, Stana Wynn and her husband, Jeremy, of Windsor, Colorado and two grandchildren, Nolan Wynn and wife, Anna, of Chesterfield, Missouri and Payton Wynn, of Windsor, Colorado.  Also surviving is his brother, Steve Fisher and wife, Liz, of Ft. Scott.

 

Rev. Paul Rooks and Rev. Jeremy Wynn will conduct funeral services at 1:30 P.M. Monday, July 12th at the Grace Baptist Tabernacle.

Burial will follow in the Centerville Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 P.M. Sunday afternoon at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Grace Baptist Tabernacle 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.

Obituary of Daniel O. Longfell

Daniel Oscar Longfellow, age 80, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at the Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas.

He was born July 24, 1940, in rural Lawrence, Kansas, the son of Arthur Daniel Longfellow and Hazel Grammar Longfellow.  He served with the United States Army.

Daniel worked as a custodian for the Bonner Springs School District.

He married Mary Tharp on June 18, 1993, in Topeka, Kansas.  Together they enjoyed camping and attending Old West reenactments.

Survivors include Richard Longfellow of Ft. Scott, Jonathan Longfellow of Minnesota, Tammy Longfellow of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Hannah Longfellow of Ottawa and Becky Longfellow of Topeka, Kansas and several grandchildren.

His wife, Mary, preceded him in death on May 10, 2019.  He was also preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Alvin Dean, Dennis Arthur, and Delbert Olan Longfellow.

Rev. Rod Hillhouse will conduct graveside services at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, July 13th at the U. S. National Cemetery.

Family and friends may meet at the Cheney Witt Chapel on Tuesday prior to leaving for the cemetery at 9:45 A.M.

Military honors will be conducted at the cemetery.

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.

Obituary of Charles Bolling

Charles Edward Bolling, age 75, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at the Medicalodge in Frontenac, Kansas.   He was born July 23, 1945, in Ft. Scott, the son of Byron Francis Bolling and Lucille Julia Judy Bolling.

He graduated from the Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 1963 and went on to attend Pittsburg State University.

He worked for the Ft. Scott Tribune as a press operator for over sixty years.  Following his time at the Tribune, he worked for a few years at Valu Merchandisers.

Charles enjoyed spending time outdoors and tending to his garden.  He enjoyed baseball and basketball.  Charles valued his relationship with God and spent many hours reading Bible.

Survivors include his twin sister, Charlene Sipe and her husband, Roger, of Ft. Scott, a nephew, Ryan Bolling and three nieces, Melanie Alvares, Kristy Beshore and Leigh Ann Martin.  He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Gary, LeRoy and Lawrence Bolling and a sister, Doris Linville.

 

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, July 12th at the Evergreen Cemetery.

Family and friends may meet at the Cheney Witt Chapel on Monday prior to leaving for the cemetery at 10:45 A.M.

Memorials are suggested to the First 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.

Obituary of Patricia Johnson

Patricia Ann Johnson

Patricia Ann Johnson, age 85, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at her home. She was born June 29, 1936, in Eldorado, KS, the daughter of Clayton and Leona Clark Day. Patricia worked as a CMA for Mercy Hospital on Burke St. as well as Medicalodge and Ft. Scott Manor. She married Kenneth Johnson in March of 1982 in Miami, OK. In her younger years, she enjoyed fishing, crocheting, playing aggravation with Kenny, and visiting with family and friends.

Survivors include her husband Kenny of the home; 3 daughters, Teresa Stewart (John) Moran, KS, Tamaca Houk (Clay Price) Moran, KS, and Alisha Raines, Ft. Scott; a son, Tommy Tucker, Ft. Scott; 12 grandchildren; numerous great and great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by 2 daughters, Debra Lowry, and Donna Kay Long; 2 sisters, Betty Hill, and Donna Leech; and her parents.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, July 9th, in the Deerfield Cemetery, Deerfield, MO. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Thursday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

Obituary of Charles Lowry

Charles A. "Russ" Lowry

Charles Arthur “Russ” Lowry, age 65, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Thursday, July 1, 2021, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital, Pittsburg, KS. He was born October 2, 1955, in Ft. Scott, the son of Charles and Shirley Ledbetter Lowry.

Russ drove a truck for Arrow Trucking for many years. He was an avid photographer in his younger days.

Survivors include his brothers, Steven Lowry, Ft. Scott, and Louis Christopher Lowry, CA; five sisters, Jamie Hemphill, Ft. Scott, Artricia Lowry, Ft. Scott, Judy Whitchurch and husband Dick, Bartlesville, OK, Rita Lynch, Bartlesville, OK, and Yvonne Fiegener, Bartlesville, OK; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Gladys Barnes, and infant Cindy Lou Lowry; a brother, Donald Ray Lowry; and both of his parents.

Bourbon County Local News