Category Archives: Obituary

Obituary of Mary Lou Schafer

Mary Lou (Peterson) Schafer, 87, passed away at her daughter’s home in Apache Junction, Arizona, on October 29, 2022. She had relocated to Arizona in July after having suffered a massive stroke at her home in Fort Scott in February 2022.

Mary Lou was born on November 28, 1934, to parents Willis H. and Verna (Likely) Peterson at their home in Hiattville, the third of nine Peterson siblings. She attended Hepler schools and graduated from Hepler High School in 1952. In 1953, she married Ralph Shoemaker and they moved to Colorado in 1955, where they resided until their divorce in 1965. She then moved to Fort Scott where she met and married John (“Joe”) Schafer in 1973.

Mary Lou worked at Cullor Limestone until she married Joe. After their marriage, she and Joe formed their own business, Schafer Monuments. She attended Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church and was an active member of the St. Anne’s Altar Society. She also served on the Fort Scott Housing Authority Board in recent years. Some of her favorite activities were bowling, gardening, fishing, and spending time with her family.

She is survived by her three children, Mickey Shoemaker (David) Webb of Apache Junction, Arizona, Brenda Shoemaker (Ron) Fritts of Paola, Kansas, and Martin Shoemaker of Paola, Kansas. She is also survived by four stepchildren, Ronnie (Phyllis) Schafer of Derby, Kansas, Kevin (Debbie) Schafer of Fort Scott, Janet (Joe) Watts of Clearwater, Kansas, and Joyce (Brian) Thorpe of Aurora, Missouri. She is survived by grandchildren Nick Shoemaker and Josh Shoemaker and several step-grandchildren. A great-grandchild, Dakota Fritts.  She is survived by siblings Frank Peterson, Margie Madison, Von (Susan) Peterson, Verna Mae (“Sissy”) (Jay) Mall, and sister-in-law Edith Peterson. She had many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Her great-nieces Kendall and Lauren Madison were a big part of her life through her involvement in their 4-H and other activities.

Preceding her in death were her husband Joe Schafer, parents Willis and Verna Peterson, infant sister Louise Peterson, brothers Sonny (“Harry”) Peterson, Bill Peterson, and Pat Peterson, brother-in-law William (“Bill”) Madison, and sisters-in-law Joyce Peterson and Sue Peterson. Two grandsons, Douglas Felt (son of Mickey Webb) and Kyle Fritts (son of Brenda Fritts), and niece and nephew Angela Madison Handke and Thomas Madison (children of Margie Madison).

A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 22, at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, where services are currently being held in the Kennedy Gym. A private burial will take place in Centerville Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Mary Queen of Angels Building Fund in care of Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary of Brian McDaniel

 

 

 

 

Brian Scott McDaniel, age 49, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly Monday, November 7, 2022, at the Via Christi Emergency Room in Ft. Scott.  He was born December 14, 1972, in Ft Scott, the son of Darrell McDaniel and Linda Kay Dunlap McDaniel.  Brian received an Associates Degree from Ft. Scott Community College.  He was currently employed by Winvent.  Brian will be remembered for his mechanical ability; he was always willing to help friends and family with car repairs.  Brian enjoyed the outdoors.  He enjoyed kayaking, but he really enjoyed riding his motorcycle.  He often participated in patriotic rides with the American Legion.  Brian also enjoyed shooting pool and was an avid fan of the San Francisco ‘49ers.

 

Survivors include his children, Kris Nickelson (Meganeira) of Lawrence, Kansas, Donna Luther (Justin) of Nevada, Missouri, Bre Bockes (Marc) of Kansas City, Missouri, Lenora McDaniel (Lazerick) of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Monica Rice, of Joplin, Missouri, Karah Beerbower of Ft. Scott, Angela McDaniel also of Ft. Scott and Brian Stumfoll of Nevada, Missouri and twenty grandchildren with another granddaughter on the way.  Also surviving are his father, Darrell McDaniel of Bentonville, Arkansas and a sister, Melissa McDaniel (Michael) of Bella Vista, Arkansas.  He was preceded in death by his mother and two sisters, Tammy Baglin and Angela Delaney.

 

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, November 12th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Centerville Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Friday 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.

Joseph O’Bryan Jr. Obituary

Joseph Gabriel O’Bryan, Jr., age 71, current resident of Overland Park, KS, and formerly of Ft. Scott, KS, passed away peacefully at his home Sunday morning, November 6, 2022, surrounded by his loved ones.

He was born June 23, 1951, in Ft. Scott, the son of Joe and Rosemary Rendina O’Bryan of Hiattville, KS.  Joseph attended St. Patrick’s Grade School in Walnut, KS, and went on to graduate from Mauer Hill Prep School in Atchison, KS, with the class of 1969.  Joseph then attended Pittsburg State University and graduated in 1974.

Joseph was very proud of putting himself through high school and college.  Joseph married Karen Willard on June 30, 2007, in Ft. Scott.  Growing up, Joseph worked on the family ranch.  After college he worked for Midwestern Distribution as a customer service representative and logistics design coordinator.  Later, he was employed by Shepherd Team Auto Plaza, then Names and Numbers, and finally sold and serviced credit card systems throughout the United States until retirement

Joseph enjoyed playing golf and being in nature on his horse Redbird during his time on the family farm.

 

Survivors include his wife Karen of the home and stepson Dustin Willard, Lenexa, KS.

Also surviving are his brothers and sisters W.W. O’Bryan, Hepler, KS, Savina Schoenhofer (Gwen Bussa), Jackson, MS, Mary Jo Van Walleghem (Mike), Stillwell, KS, Patrick O’Bryan (Tim), Pittsburg, KS, Maggie Meetz, Fairview, TX, Daniel O’Bryan (Lyn), Wichita, KS, and Katie McCroskey (Bob), Springfield, MO; sisters-in-law Sondra Cowen (Larry), Ft. Scott, Connie Hayden (Dale), Manhattan, KS, and Kim Sheets, Siloam Springs, AR; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Joseph was proceeded in death by his parents, Joe and Rosemary O’Bryan, Vicki Smith O’Bryan, Kenny and Ann Smith, Curtis and Wilda Insley, Mike and Susan O’Bryan, and John Meetz.

 

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, November 11th, at the John F. Kennedy Gymnasium in Ft. Scott.

Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

The Rosary will be prayed at 5:00 PM Thursday followed by a visitation from 5:30 until 7:00 at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church 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.

Obituary of Lois (Middleton) Cooney

Lois Lavon (Middleton) Cooney, age 89, a resident of Frontenac Medicalodge and formally of Ft. Scott, KS, left this world on Monday, November 7, 2022.

She was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister.  Lois was born to Lee Charles and Allie (Peterson) Middleton on February 3, 1933, in Pawnee, KS.  She graduated from Uniontown high School in 1951.  She married Alvin D. Cooney on November 25, 1953, at the Dry Ridge Baptist Church.  He preceded her in death on April 4, 1974.

 

After her husband retired from the Air Force in 1971, Lois returned to the area and worked for the Western Insurance Company as well as Newman-Young clinic.  Upon retiring, she worked for the Beacon until health issues forced her to move closer to her daughter in Frontenac.

Lois was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Garland, KS, and a past member of Eastern Star.  She enjoyed walking, reading, her church, volunteering and working at the Beacon, as well as spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

 

Survivors include a son, Michael Cooney (Ruth), Galveston, TX; a daughter, Lori Mendicki (Patrick), Frontenac, KS; five grandchildren, Haley and Shawn Bugni, Frontenac, KS, Rachel and Jeff Paxton, Houston, TX, Kadin and Lauren Mendicki, Frontenac, KS, Tanner Mendicki, North Kansas City, MO, and Bradley Cooney, Galveston, TX; eight great-grandchildren, Kyndal, Reid, Kanton, and Emersyn Bugni, Trip and Holden Mendicki, Stella Cooney, and Ivy Paxton.  She is also survived by a brother Kenneth Middleton, Uniontown, KS, and several nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, Carrie Elbrader, Carolyn Rourk, and Donna Williams, as well as a brother, David Middleton.

 

A special thanks to Pittsburg Guest Home Estates, Medicalodge Frontenac, and Gentiva Hospice especially Melissa and Sam.

 

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Monday, November 14th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

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

Memorials are suggested to either Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Alzheimer’s Association, or Gentiva Hospice, 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.

 

 

Obituary of Terry Lee Young Sr.

May be a closeup of 1 person and beard

The sun rose on Terry Lee Young Sr. on July 25, 1953 in Fort Scott, Kan. He was born to James Wheeler and Edith Fern Young. He was raised by his uncle Nelson and aunt Verna Mae (Young) Hackner.
Terry was affectionately called “Butch” by his family and friends. He had four sisters – Verna Jo, Alice, Anita Diane, and Pat. He had five brothers – Mitchell, Steve, Larry, Elmer, and Brian.
Butch matriculated through the Fort Scott public school system. He graduated from Fort Scott High school in 1971, after which time he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He was honorably discharged and received the following honors/medals: Rifle Marksman Badge, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, and National Defense Service Medal.
After active military service, Terry found his passion as a truck driver. His handle was, “Happy go Lucky.” He started a family and was the proud father of Larron Harrison (married to Leslie), Corey Young, Sanice Young, and Terry Young Jr. (married to Meghan). He was blessed with 15 grandchildren: Ti’yana Young, Kimara Rhea, Jalen King, Terry Young III, Ashlie Young, Tevaris Young, Danielle Young, Blake, Jace, and Ty Harrison, Nakesha, Keagen, Corbyn, Nakyah, and Nacoreyah Young. He had five great-grandchildren: Kynden Miller, Kaesyn Johnson, Niemah, Treyson, and Alyse Young. He is also survived by Uncle Roy Jean and Aunt Kathleen.
He is preceded in death by a daughter Alisa Ninette, his parents, and his aunt and uncle that raised him.
The sun set on Terry Lee Young Sr. on Oct. 5, 2022 when the good Lord called His son home. To know him was to love every part of him. He leaves an empty space in all of our hearts. His love, his devotion, wit, and his willingness to help and ABSOLUTE unconditional love will be missed.
He has been cremated.
DeeAnn Allen will conduct memorial services at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 21, at Fort Scott National Cemetery.

Obituary of Judith Long

Judith Kay Long, age 78, resident of Edwardsville, KS, died Sunday, November 6, 2022, at Advent Health Hospital, Shawnee, KS.  She was born March 6, 1944, in Fort Scott, KS, the daughter of Daniel Ernest and Margaret Eugenia Johnson Henderson.

Judy worked for J.C. Penney Warehouse, Overland Park, KS in the returns department for 18 years until her retirement.  She enjoyed shopping for anything on sale and kept most of her purchases through the years.  She also like to visit on the telephone.

 

Survivors include two sons, Trent Long, OK, and Travis Long, Al; a sister, Mary Adamson, Fort Scott; seven grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a son, Troy Long.

 

Graveside services will be held at 9:00 AM Wednesday, November 9th, in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Fulton, KS.

Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.

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

 

 

Obituary of Betty Button

Betty Jean Button, age 82, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Friday, November 4, 2022, at the Medicalodge of Ft. Scott.  She was born January 17, 1940, in Ellis, Kansas, the daughter of Henry Kutina and Stella Parsons Kutina.

Betty married Ronald Button on January 17, 1955, at Ft. Scott.  Betty along with her sister-in-law, Rose, completed beauty school in Nevada, Missouri.  Betty worked as a beauty operator in Ft. Scott for many years.  Later in life, she worked for Wal-Mart in Ft. Scott.  Betty liked to travel and watch gameshows.

 

Survivors include her three children, Johnny Button, of the home; Teresa Vanderpool (John) of Uniontown, Kansas and Cheryl Russell (Larry) of Ft. Scott, Kansas; seven grandchildren, Michael Russell, Justin Russell, Nick Russell (Jessy), Josh Vanderpool, Cody Vanderpool, Menda Candido (Jurandir) and Kayla Bunnel (Jeremy) and eleven great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Ronnie, on April 20, 2018.  She was also preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Ruby, twin brothers, Floyd and Lloyd, and a granddaughter, Melissa Russell.

 

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, November 9th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery.

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

Memorials are suggested to Paws & Claws Shelter 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 Minnie “Cricket” Likely

Minnie Lorene “Cricket” Likely, age 95, a longtime resident of Bronson, Kansas, and more recently of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at the Allen County Regional Hospital in Iola, Kansas, just two days shy of her 96th birthday.

She was born November 3, 1926, in Moran, Kansas, the daughter of LaMoyne Knapp and Bessie Mae Smith Knapp.  Cricket graduated from the Moran High School.  She married Harry Benjamin “Fuzz” Likely in June of 1947, at Bronson.  Together they raised three children.

In earlier years, Cricket worked as a cook for the Bronson school system.  She later worked at Miller’s Dress Factory in Iola.  She later began working at the Bronson Post Office and eventually served as the Bronson Postmaster.  She was a   long-time member of the Bronson Baptist Church.  Cricket enjoyed spending time with family and friends playing cards and dominos.

 

Survivors include her three children, Norma Pope (Rex) of Fredonia, Kansas, Kathy George (Gale) of Uniontown, Kansas and Tom Likely (Debbie) of Parker, Kansas; six grandchildren, Tanya Ostrosky (Dusty), Myra Barnett (Dee), Delta Pollock (Jared), Denise George, Tommi Compton (Chris) and Troy Likely (Lacey); twelve great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Cricket was preceded in death by her husband, Fuzz on May 20, 1997.  She was also preceded in death by her parents, a brother, four sisters, and a grandson Curtis George.

 

There was cremation.  Rev. Rusty Newman will conduct a memorial service at 11:00 A.M. Monday, November 7th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Bronson Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Monday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Bronson 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.

Obituary of Jan Fritter

Jan Fritter, age 79, a resident of Springfield, Missouri, passed away Sunday, October 30, 2022, at the Cox South Hospital in Springfield, Missouri.

She was born September 3, 1943, in Nevada, Missouri, the daughter of William Faulconer and Vera Beatrice Davis Faulconer.  Jan married Donald Fritter on November 7, 1975.  She had worked as a nurse at the Nevada State Hospital and later as a nurse in Ft. Scott.

 

Jan is survived by her daughter, Michelle Mott of Jeffersonville, Indiana and her granddaughter, Cheldon Mott of Havelock, North Carolina.  Her husband, Don Fritter, preceded her in death on August 23, 2019.

 

Graveside services will be held at 12:30 P.M. Thursday, November 3rd at the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Family and friends may meet at the Cheney Witt Chapel on Thursday until leaving for the cemetery at 12:45 P.M.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to t

Obituary of Franklin Brisbin

Franklin Emerson Brisbin, Jr., age 33, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away early Thursday, October 27, 2022, at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas.  He was born December 27, 1988, in Pittsburg, Kansas, the son of Franklin E. Brisbin Sr. and Vickie Lynn Brewer.  Frankie had worked for various construction companies over the years.  He could often be found outdoors; he especially enjoyed fishing. Frankie will be remembered for his kind-hearted spirit and his love for children.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

 

He is survived by his children, Braxton Hudson, Kylee, K’Dence, Karley, Ayden and Addison Brisbin; his mother, Vickie Crowe (Burt Hawkins) of Ft. Scott, his father, Franklin Brisbin, Sr., of Pittsburg; two sisters, Cara Guthrie (Andrew) of Ft. Scott and Courtney Heckert of Pittsburg.  Also surviving are nieces and nephews, Brandon, Blayke, Zachary, Bryleigh, Charleigh, Blayze, Skyleigh, Kolton, Dynver, Gracesyn, Arrow, Myrissa, Brantley, Shelbii, Lennox and Halon and his grandmother, Donna Brisbin-Hashgaen of Pittsburg.  He was preceded in death by his step-father, Charles Crowe, his grandfather, Vernon Brisbin and an uncle, Daryll Brisbin.

 

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 P.M. Wednesday, November 2nd at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Tuesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Frankie Brisbin Memorial 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 Daryl Roufs

Daryl M. Roufs, age 63, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, October 24, 2022, at his home.  He was born August 13, 1959, in Ft. Scott, the son of Harold J. Roufs and Catherine G. “Kay” Hill Roufs.

Daryl graduated from the Ft. Scott High School.  He worked as a heavy equipment operator and maintenance-man throughout the United States.  In addition, he helped on the family farm near Fulton, Kansas.  One could say Daryl was a collector.  He enjoyed showing off his many “treasures” to his friends and grandkids.  In earlier years, he enjoyed hunting and fishing.

 

Survivors include his children, Lonnie Roufs (Sara) of Uniontown, Kansas, Tabitha Hardesty (Kent), Kayla Bronson (Jeff), and Erica Bolton (Jason) all of Ft. Scott, five grandchildren, Kenzi, Morgyn, Cruz, Mason and Matthew and his beloved dog, Stan.  Also surviving is a brother, Gary Roufs (Cathy).

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Johnny Roufs.

 

There was cremation.  A memorial service will be held at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, November 1st at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Private burial will take place at the Evergreen Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Heath Cannon Memorial Hunt and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 666701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary of Linda HowlingCrane

Linda Darlene HowlingCrane, age 65, a resident of Fulton, Kansas, passed away Saturday, October 22, 2022, at her home following her battle with cancer.  She was born May 16, 1957, in Ft Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Willis Sanders and Patsy Eden Sanders.

Linda attended Ft. Scott Schools.  Shortly into her senior year, the family moved to Versailles, Missouri and she graduated from there with the Class of 1975.  Linda will be remembered as a loving and devoted mother and grandmother.  For the last several years, she has served as the primary care giver for her son and also took care of her grandchildren.

She loved taking trips to Branson with her family.  She was fortunate enough to make one last trip to Silver Dollar City and enjoy the pumpkins and fall colors; she returned home on Friday morning and passed away Saturday evening. Linda loved to do crafts of all kinds.  She also had a green thumb and could grow houseplants to gigantic proportions.

 

Survivors include two daughters, Jamye Coffman (Tom) of Ft. Scott and Patricia Brake of Mound City, Kansas; a son, Drew HowlingCrane of the home in Fulton and an adopted son, Doug Ekberg (Angela) of Independence, Missouri; ten grandchildren and a great-grandson. Also surviving are her mother, Patsy Sanders, of Ft. Scott; a brother Greg Sanders also of Ft. Scott and a sister, Pamela Owenby (Russell) of Deerfield, Missouri.

Linda was preceded in death by her father, Willis and her brother, Shannon.

 

Bert Severy and Robert Clark will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Thursday, October 27th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

(Linda will do her best to be on time.)

Following funeral services, there will be cremation.

Private burial will take place at a later date in the Lath Branch Cemetery east of Ft. Scott.

Services 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.