William Carl Jowers, age 69, formerly of Ft. Scott, KS, recently of Joplin, MO, died Wednesday, March 24, 2021, at Mercy Hospital, Joplin, MO. Memorial services for Carl Jowers will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, April 3rd, at the First Southern Baptist Church. Cheney Witt Chapel will publish a full obituary in the next edition.
Category Archives: Obituary
Death Notice of Marilyn Barker
Marilyn M. Barker, age 76, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Friday, March 26, 2021, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, KS.
Funeral services for Marilyn Barker will be held at 11:30 AM Friday, April 2nd, at the First Baptist Church.
The family will receive friends from 10:30 until service time at the church.
The family committal will take place in the U. S. National Cemetery.
Cheney Witt Chapel will publish a full obituary in the next edition.
Obituary of Lisa Heenan
Lisa Marie Heenan, age 52, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, March 24, 2021, at the Via Christi Emergency Room in Ft. Scott.
She was born June 22, 1968, in Bakersfield, California, the daughter of Larry Heenan and Sandra Criswell Heenan.
Lisa was a devoted mother to her children. She occasionally worked as a waitress in area restaurants. She enjoyed crocheting, coloring and doing crafts.
In earlier years, she had attended the Bethel Community Church.
Survivors include her children, Anthony Heenan, of Ottawa, Kansas, Tamra McReynolds, of Ft. Scott, Tiffany Heenan, of Nixa, Missouri, Ally Heenan of Columbus, Kansas and Wayne Shaffer also of Ft. Scott and seven grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers, Robert Heenan of Ft. Scott and Adam Heenan of Ottawa, Kansas and a sister Robyn Heenan also of Ottawa.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Russell Heenan.
Services are pending and will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.
Obituary of Linda Zornes
Linda Lou Zornes, age 64, a resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, went to be with the Lord, her Heavenly Father on Monday, March 22, 2021 at the Via Christi Emergency Department in Fort Scott, Kansas.
She was born November 11, 1956 in Iola, Kansas.
Linda graduated from Iola High School with the class of 1974. She had worked as an aide in the home health care field for many years.
Linda enjoyed gardening and tending to her flowers, this was her favorite summertime activity.
She enjoyed putting together puzzles and loved the companionship of her three dogs.
Linda always enjoyed going to garage sales, she stopped at everyone she could. She loved adding to her knick-knack collection as well.
She treasured the time she spent with her grandchildren and family. Her grandchildren were the light of her life.
Linda was a devout Christian and her faith was of the upmost importance to her. She loved sharing her love of Christ with others.
Linda was blessed with a large and loving family. She had eight children who will love her and miss her forever.
Linda is survived by her children, Tisha Crump, Mt. Washington, KY, Richard Springston, Melissa Springston, and Kenneth Springston, all of Fort Scott, Sarah Gilpin, Lenexa, KS, Kelsey Lampe, LaHarpe, KS, Sara Burris and Kaci Peres, Iola, KS.; two brothers, Terry Zornes, Iola, KS. and Tracy Zornes, Weatherford, TX., a sister Joyce Vest, Crawfordville, FL.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Karen Dible, and a brother, Larry Zornes.
There was cremation. A celebration of Life will be held at Fellowship Regional Church in Iola, KS. Friday, March 26th at 11:00 am.
Burial will take place at the Highland Cemetery in Iola. Local arrangements are being handled by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St. Fort Scott, KS. 66701.
Obituary of Gary Dixon
Gary Lee Dixon, 71, formerly of Fort Scott and most recently of Greenbrier, Arkansas, passed away early Thursday morning March 18, 2021, at his home.
He leaves behind his loving wife Debbie A. (Smith) Dixon, of the home; his mother, Ann Chow, of Fort Scott; two daughters, Regina Marie Dixon, and Megan Elizabeth Brown; six siblings; five grandchildren, Savanah and Gavin Dixon, and Xander, Briar, and Reese Brown. He was preceded in death by his step-father, Dr. Stanley Chow, and a sister, Michelle Chow Sauder.
Gary was an amazing husband, father, and Poppy. He was a man of many talents. He was an accomplished singer-songwriter and his stage name was Scott Summer.
He served in Vietnam with the 95th Evac as a Medic, and in civilian life, as an RN.
He leaves behind many friends who truly loved him.
Josh Smith will conduct funeral services 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, 2021, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
Burial will follow 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 25, 2021, at the Fort Scott National Cemetery with Military honors provided by the Kansas National Guard Military Funeral Honors Detail.
Per National Cemetery COVID guidelines, graveside services are limited to family only.
The viewing will be Tuesday evening, March 23, 2021, from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Due to COVID restrictions, gatherings are limited to 30 persons and visitors are asked to wear masks and observe social distancing during the visitation and funeral at the funeral home. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
Obituary of Christopher Paul Osborn
Christopher Paul Osborn was born June 26, 1991. He passed away March 15, 2021, at his home at the age of 29 ¾ years.
To his paintball friends, he was better known as “Ducky”. He was loved by many and will be sorely missed by his friends from paintball, Wasted Youth Car Club and by his co-workers from Wal-Mart and McDonalds, and by his many other family and friends.
Chris donated his body to the University of Kansas Medical Center for research purposes as he died from a rare form of sarcoma known as ASPS.
He touched many lives, was a hard worker, an avid environmentalist, a paintball ambassador and an avid reader. Chris loved to restore old tractors, raise bunnies, rescue turtles and take care of his mom and dad.
Survivors include his parents, Paul Osborn and Elaine Gray Osborn. He is also survived by his three sisters, Dyalah Gadberry (James), Amelia Black (Stephen) and Meghan Ford (Davey) and a brother, Franklin Osborn (Erin) and six nephews and one niece.
He was preceded in death by a nephew, Aiden.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Care to Share, Integrity Hospice or the charity of the donor’s choice 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 Jim Spencer “Sandy” Mertz
Jim Spencer “Sandy” Mertz, age 68, a resident of rural Ft. Scott, Kansas passed away Monday, March 15, 2021, at the Via Christi Emergency Room in Ft. Scott. He was born August 20, 1952, in Ft. Scott, the son of Jim I. Mertz and Maybelle L. Spencer Mertz. Sandy graduated from the Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 1971. He had served with the Kansas Army National Guard. Sandy was a cattleman and maintained his own cow/calf operation and also owned his own lime hauling company. In addition, he also kept a sizeable heard of donkeys. Sandy was always willing to help others and volunteered his time for several area organizations including the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta, the Cato Historical Preservation Association and the Bourbon County Fair Association. Sandy often sponsored youth softball and baseball teams. He liked watching the Food Network and enjoyed recreating the cuisine. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church.
Survivors include his mother, Maybelle Mertz, of Ft. Scott; his sister, Melessa Demo and husband, Brad, of Kansas City, Missouri, a nephew, Jim “J.T.” Symons and wife, Angie, a niece, Mandy Symons and a great-nephew, Hunter Symons. Also surviving are extended family, Richard and Deanna Cullison and Sydney Cullison who have helped and cared for Sandy in innumerable ways.
Sandy was preceded in death by his father, Jim Mertz.
Rev. Steve Cole will conduct funeral services at 11:00 A.M Friday, March 19th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Thursday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the Cato HPA 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 Joe Johnson
Joseph Edward Johnson, age 35, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, March 9, 2021, at his home in Ft. Scott.
He was born October 8, 1985, in Ft. Scott, the son of Sherrie Jean Johnson and Thomas Powell, Jr.
Joe had worked for ten years as a CNA.
He enjoyed fishing.
Survivors include his mother and step-mother, Sherrie Johnson and Paula Schweikhardt of Ft. Scott and his grandmother, Beverly Brind of Ft. Scott, his uncle, Steve Johnson and two aunts, Kelly Black and Twila Russell and his grandfather, Thomas Powell, Sr., of Ft. Scott.
He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Powell, Jr., his grandmother, Bea Powell and his cousin, Scott Felt.
There was cremation. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are under the direction 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 Nole Edward Beerbower Jr.
Nole Edward “Eddie” Beerbower, Jr., age 63, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Friday, March 12, 2021, at his home. He was born August 17, 1957, in Ft. Scott, the son of Nole E. Beerbower and Ruby Schilling Beerbower.
Eddie graduated from the Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 1975. Eddie married Brenda Read on September 20, 1980.
Eddie’s first job was shining shoes in his uncle, Art Wolf’s, barber shop. He later was employed by his uncle, Earl Beerbower, as a roofer. He then took a position as a custodian for the USD #234 School District.
Eddie enjoyed restoring vintage cars and motorcycles. He attended and participated in many car shows and cruise nights. He was known for keeping his red Chevy truck spotless. Eddie also enjoyed fishing and hunting. Eddie was privileged to go on a quail hunt with Harold Ensley, the Sportsman’s Friend.
Survivors include three sisters, Pam Korinek and husband, Eldon, and Debbie Isaac, both of Ft. Scott, Kansas and Carol Mooney, of Independence, Kansas; and two brothers, Gil Beerbower and wife, Lana and Todd Beerbower and wife, Sherry, all of Ft. Scott. Also surviving are his former wife, Brenda, his mother, Ruby Myers and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Nole E. Beerbower, Sr.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 P.M. Tuesday, March 16th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Clarksburg Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Monday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Hospital or the Shrine Transportation 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 Daniel Karleskint
Daniel Joseph Karleskint, age 68, a resident of Fort Scott, KS, died Wednesday, March 10, 2021, at Life Care Center of Osawatomie, Osawatomie, KS.
He was born December 20, 1952, in Fort Scott, KS, to Leo James Karleskint and Alwilla Boyd Karleskint. He graduated from Fort Scott High School.
He was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He married Iris Jarrett on July 15, 1983, in Fort Scott, KS. They had two daughters: Sarah and Molly. He had a daughter, Angie, from a previous marriage. He was a salesman for many years. All who knew Dan knew he was a people person, a storyteller and a jokester.
Dan is survived by wife Iris Karleskint; daughters Sarah Long and husband Ryan and Molly Willow and husband Josh; grandsons Kenneth Perry III and Jareth Long; brother Mark and wife Mary Jo; sisters Marilyn Miller, Barbara Marchant, and Sharon Manahan and husband Glen.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Howard Karleskint, and daughter Angie Perry.
There was cremation.
Elder Greg Brown will officiate memorial services via Zoom at 1:00 PM Sunday, March 14th, viewable at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Saturday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to jw.org. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Obituaryof Rhonda Oliver
Rhonda Elaine Oliver, 62, of Fort Scott, passed away early Tuesday morning March 9, 2021, at KU Medical Center. She was born July 17, 1958, in Monroe, Michigan, the daughter of Robert Daniel and Hallie Mae (Seitz) Navarre.
She married James Henry Oliver, Jr. November 3, 1977, in El Paso, Texas, and he survives of the home.
Rhonda served in the U.S. Army from November of 1976 until April of 1980. She worked for Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas in Pittsburg, Kansas as a Personnel Administrative Assistant in the Medical Records department. Rhonda enjoyed playing cards and bingo, cooking, traveling, shopping, social media, and collecting antiques.
In addition to her husband James, Rhonda is also survived by her children, Noelle N. Oliver, and James H. Oliver, IV, both of the home, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Graveside services for Rhonda will be at 12:30 p.m. Monday, March 15, 2021, at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Scott, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
Military honors will be provided by the Kansas National Guard Military Funeral Honors Detail. Due to COVID restrictions, attendance is limited to family. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
Obituary of Leverna Garoutte
Leverna Louise Garoutte
Sept 7, 1946 – Feb. 8, 2021, born in Brooklyn New York she moved at a young age to Wyandanch on Long Island and passed away in her home in Oak Hills, CA.
She is survived by her husband Michael Garoutte and 3 adult children Gregg Higgins and wife Allie Higgins, Gary Higgins and wife Sandy Higgins, Geniece Higgins and spouse Diego Torices, and stepson Jeff Garoutte.
Grand Children: Matthew Higgins, Josh Higgins, Tim (Bethany) Higgins, Isabel Higgins, Claira Higgins, Cade Higgins, Reed Garoutte, Ariel Garoutte, and Great Grandson Milton Garoutte.
She was very adventurous. She enjoyed hot air ballooning, traveling to various places including Hawaii, Germany and Austria. She spent numerous months in her RV in Fort Scott Kansas to be with her family here. She rode dirt bikes, went camping, fishing, bowled in a league, did line dancing and was a proud member of the Spring Valley Lake Red Hat Ladies. Her adventurous spirit rubbed off on those who were lucky enough to know her.
She was a gentle lady with strong opinions on most topics and would argue the Yin and Yang of those topics with any and all of us. She loved harder than she fought. She was in constant communication with everyone in her life. Family and friends could never doubt how much she loved them and she lived for that love that was returned.
She was a big personality with a big heart who left a lasting impression and she will be sorely missed.