Joy Ann Whitesell O’Neal, age 82, resident of Nevada, MO, previously Ft. Scott, KS, died Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at Mercy Hospital, Joplin, MO.  Services for Joy O’Neal will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main.

Sandra Jill Fulcher, 87, of Fort Scott, passed away Sunday, October 9, 2022, at Girard Medical Center. She was born January 3, 1935, in Iola, Kansas, the daughter of John Joseph “Jack” Laird and Mary Hazel (Remington) Laird. She married Roy “Bruce” Fulcher July 28, 1953, in Sedan, Kansas, and he preceded her in death November 3, 1993.

Sandra is survived by her daughter, Alana Fulcher, of Raytown, Missouri, and her son, Jeffrey Bruce Fulcher, of Phoenix, Arizona

. In addition to her husband, Bruce, she was also preceded in death by her parents, and an infant son, Jack Troy Fulcher in 1967.

Following cremation, graveside services will be held at a later date at the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Milton “Junior” Yazel, 93, of Columbus, Kansas, passed away October 14, 2022, in Oswego, Kansas. He was born February 24, 1929, in Freeman, Missouri, the son of George Algon and Naomi (Wigginton) Yazel. He married Lily Mae Irvin, and she preceded him in death March 1, 1987.

Junior served in the US Army, and worked for many years as a machinist for 3M in Nevada, Missouri.

Junior is survived by his sister, Helen Wood, of Walker, Missouri; a grandson, Seth Allen Turner, of Raleigh, North Carolina; a nephew, Troy Wood, and close friend, Dave Turner of Columbus, Kansas.

Following cremation, graveside services will be held at a later date at the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Christy Dawn McHenry, age 43, a resident of Fulton, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly Friday, October 14, 2022, at her home.  She was born May 29, 1979, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Vern McHenry and Debbie Ballou.

Christy graduated from the Ft. Scott High School with the class of 1997 and went on to attend Ft. Scott Community College.

Christy had worked in customer service for the majority of her life.  She was last employed by Power Sales in Lenexa, Kansas.  Christy enjoyed going to concerts and tending her flower beds.  She will also be remembered as an avid fan of the Kansas City Royals.

Christy will be lovingly missed by her son, Dalton Womeldorff (Kaylin) of Joplin, Missouri, her mother, Debbie Ballou of Fulton, Kansas and her father, Vern McHenry (Kim) of Gardner, Kansas; her sister, Kelly McHenry (Jordan Stewart) and her brother, Keith McHenry (Kristen) all of Ft. Scott.  Also surviving are nieces and nephews, Declan, Konnor, Madalyn, and Greyson as well as many aunts and uncles and close friends and her beloved basset hound, Charlie.

Christy was preceded in death by grandparents, Virginia McHenry and David Ballou.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Thursday, October 20^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery.

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

Memorials are suggested to the American Stroke Association 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.

Lois Anita Henderson, age 83, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away early Wednesday, October 12, 2022, at the Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas.

She was born April 12, 1939, in Ft. Scott the daughter of Andrew James Rose and Veneta Marie Anderson Rose.  Lois graduated from the Ft. Scott High School.  She married Marvin Henderson on October 4, 1958, at Ft. Scott.

Lois began working for Key Industries in 1957.  She continued working at Key for over forty years.  Lois enjoyed her family, playing bingo and computer games with friends, watching soap operas specifically The Bold and The Beautiful and Days of Our Lives and also watching the Chiefs games with her son, Lyle.

She especially enjoyed making what she called cozy quilts to give to family members and friends and truly hoped that they would know the joy she had in planning and making them for each specific person.  Lois wanted her close friends to know how much she treasured their long friendships, talks, and laughter.  She was grateful for her dear friend, Jackie Webster, and their daily communications.

Lois also wanted her care-givers, Kim, Marlene, Clara and Mary (who named Lois “My Ms. Lou Lou and said God brought them together”) to know their help and talks got her through many long days.  To everyone that had ever met her and shared memories, the family’s favorite remarks about her will always be “sweet lady” and she was until the very end.

Survivors include her two children, Valorie Leblanc (Pierre) and Lyle Henderson all of Ft. Scott; five grandchildren, Lyle Henderson (Ashley), Ali Dixon (Kyle); Austin Jefferis (Emily), Jean-Francois Leblanc and Pierre-Luc Leblanc and three great-grandchildren, Kyler and Brooklyn, Nicolas, and  Baby Jefferis on the way.

Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin, her son, Kenneth Eugene Henderson; two brothers, Andrew Rose Jr and Gerald Rose and two sisters Jocelyn Rose and Kathryn Tanner.

There was cremation.

A private graveside service will be held at the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Friends and relatives are invited to sign the register book at Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the SEK Mental Health Center or 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.

Darrell Dean Crown, age 68, of Hollister, MO, left his earthly home, as a result of a stroke, to join his loved ones in Heaven on, Friday morning, October 7,2022, at Cox South, Springfield, MO. He was born May 4, 1954, in Fort Scott, KS to Mahlon Dale Crown and Wilma Lois (McBride) Crown. He had 5 brothers and one sister. His favorite pastime was exploring old Buck Run, doing math problems, and teasing his sister, Carolyn Sue. As a young boy, Darrell enjoyed collecting Marvel Comics, most of which he had for over 50 years. As an adult, he loved the Marvel Universe movies, with the Hulk being his favorite character. Many a Sunday afternoon he could be heard rooting the Kansas City Chiefs on and during the summer cheering on the Kansas City Royals.

He attended Fort Scott elementary and secondary schools, as well as Fort Scott Community Junior College. Following junior college, he went on to get a BS degree in Mathematics from Pittsburg State University and later received a MS in Teaching from the same University. Before being disabled, he had a long career in IT/Computer Programming, first with Western Ins, then American States Insurance and finally Safeco Insurance. The job he most fondly remembers however, is being a carhop at the Dairy Mug in Fort Scott and making lifelong friends with many of his coworkers. He moved around to several states with his jobs but will always consider Fort Scott, Kansas his home.

Although he came from a large family, he also considered his church community to be his family. Church is where Darrell truly shined. He was ordained into the ministry at age 17 as a deacon, from where he continued his ministry as a priest, an elder and pastor of 2 congregations. Physically he was slowing down some, but still felt he had two sermons left that he wanted to share with others. Even after his first stroke, he always maintained his “preacher voice”. Pryor to that he spent many years singing in his home congregation, at camps, conferences and even a few plays! His favorite song to sing was always “The Lord’s Prayer”. He loved having his sons sing the song with him as a trio. Darrell transferred his church membership to various congregations, due to his moves, but his last membership was held at the Community of Christ, Branson, MO

Darrell married Cynthia Ann George on August 14, 1981, at Nevada, MO in an evening ceremony at the Community Christian Church. They were married for 41 years but were high school sweethearts of 50 years. From their union two sons were born, Joshua and Kevin.

He is survived by his wife Cynthia, sons, Joshua Crown, and Kevin Crown (Lyndsey) and the loves of his life his two granddaughters, Annabelle Beverly (Lady Bug) and Piper Ruth (Bumble Bee). Brother, Steven Crown, Joplin, MO, and Sister, Carolyn Sue Hight (Danny) Oak Grove, MO and sisters-in-law, Marilyn Crown, and Jill Crown, along with several cousins, numerous nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Gary, Richard, David, and Dana Crown, his parents-in-law Delbert and Beverly George.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, October 21^st, at the Cheney Witt Chapel, Fort Scott, KS.  Interment will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday from 10:00 AM until service time at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorials would be made to the American Stroke Association 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 to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

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Gail L. Shrakes, age 72, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas passed away unexpectedly Friday, October 7, 2022, at the Via Christi Emergency Room in Ft. Scott.

She was born October 11, 1949, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Harlon Guffey and Velma Rhodes Guffey.  At an early age, she moved to Eve, Missouri where she grew up.  Gail graduated from the Nevada High School.  She married Frankie Shrakes, Jr. on June 6, 1966, at 6 o’clock in the evening.  Gail and Frankie enjoyed fifty-six years of married life together.

In earlier years, Gail worked as a cook at the Red Barn Restaurant and also as a cook at Mercy Hospital and area nursing homes while she was attending cosmetology school at Fort Scott Community College.  After completing cosmetology school, Gail owned and operated her own beauty salon, Gail’s Professional Touch, for several years.

Gail enjoyed spending time with her family, especially while fishing at the lake or gathering around the table for Thanksgiving dinner.

Gail will be lovingly missed by her husband, Frankie, of the home; three daughters, Teresa Shrakes (James Woolery) of Ft. Scott, Heidi Dixon (Rob), also of Ft. Scott and DiAnna Dakon (Ronald) of Smithville, Missouri; six grandchildren, Ricky Ann Vargas (Ariel), Austin Shelden, Alek Shelden (Megan), Ashton Dixon, Nickolas Dakon and Skylar Dakan and three great-grandchildren, Lola, Santiago and Laney Vargas.  Also surviving is a special cousin, J. R. Stewart (Wendy) of Ft. Scott.

Gail was preceded in death by her parents, Harlan Guffey and Velma Walker and a sister, Sharon Park.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, October 12^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Centerville Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Tuesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association or the National Kidney Foundation 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.

Eula Jean Zimmerman, age 67, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, October 5, 2022, at the Via Christi Emergency Room in Ft. Scott.  There was cremation, and no services are planned at this time.  Arrangements were 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.

Steven Joe LaRue, age 72, resident of Bronson, KS, died Saturday, October 1, 2022, at KU Medical Center, Kansas City, KS.  He was born on October 21, 1949, in Iola, KS, the son of Charles and Elaine Johnson LaRue.

He married Mary Jo Hall on December 7, 1969, in Bronson.

Steve worked for Diebold Lock and Key in Minneapolis, MN for 10 years.  After moving back home, he worked for Diebolt Lumber in LaHarpe, KS, for the next 30 plus years.  All during this time he was also working as a locksmith.

Steve loved his 1950 John Deere tractor.  He even had it parked outside his window these last few months so he could view it in the background of the hummingbird feeder.

In earlier days, he was very involved in his children’s activities, especially sports.  He also enjoyed calling bingo.

Steve never met a stranger and always had a joke to tell.  Every morning he would play several “oldies” including “Wake Up Little Suzie.”  He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion, the Masons, and the Shriners.

Survivors include his wife Mary Jo; 3 daughters, Sherry Dwyer and husband Terry, Linwood, KS, Linda Zibert, LaHarpe, KS, and Donna Kovacic and husband Jeff, Stark, KS; 2 sons, Donald LaRue and wife Janet, Overbrook, KS, and Dean LaRue, Linwood, KS; 3 brothers Larry LaRue and wife Mary Ann, Michigan, Roy LaRue and wife Amy, Florida, and Ray LaRue and wife Tami, Moran, KS, 6 grandchildren, Diana and husband Tyler, Julia and husband Chad, Bryson, Wade, Abby, and Orin; 3 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Hunter Kovacic; and a granddaughter, Makala LaRue.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, October 6^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Bronson Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 Wednesday evening at the Carriage House, 310 S. Main St., Ft. Scott.

Memorials are suggested to the Steve LaRue 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.

Russell Charles Snyder

March 10, 1935 – October 1, 2022

Russell Charles Snyder, 87, of Fort Scott, left this earthly home to join his loved ones in Heaven on Saturday evening, October 1, 2022 at Medicalodges Fort Scott.  He was born March 10, 1935 to Lawrence and Dora (Russell) Snyder at rural Redfield, KS.

Russell had many adventures as a young teenager, traveling the country by foot and train, working for various farmers. He married Clara Fern Wise on September 1, 1955. To this union they lovingly added two children, Shelly and Charles.

Through the years, Clara and Russell had many fur babies with which they shared their lives.  They always doted on their fur children and were very saddened when any of them were lost. Russell cherished their memory and loved to talk about them.

Clara preceded him in death on February 25, 2011 and was always fondly spoke of and remembered by Russell.

He served in the Korean War with the United States Army from January 1958 to December 1959 gaining numerous memories from his time stationed there.

He drove an over the road truck most of his adult life, hauling various products and obtaining many stories along the way. Later he worked for Peerless Products of Fort Scott until his retirement at age 62; he then hauled cattle and worked at Fort Scott Livestock Company until his full retirement at age 75.

He very much enjoyed sharing anecdotes of his life and journeys around the country.  There was never a time when visiting with Russell that you didn’t leave without hearing, very colorfully, quite a few of his life reminiscences. He has left his family with a multitude of stories to continue sharing and remembering with joy and laughter, as they hear his voice retelling them repeatedly.

Those left to celebrate his life include a son, Charles and wife Kerri of Fort Scott; a daughter, Shelly Shoemaker of Joplin, MO; four grandchildren, Jordan Snyder, Lakin Snyder, Christopher Snyder, and Jacob Snyder all of Fort Scott; three step-grandchildren, Kori Shoemaker and partner Jerry Morgan, Kyli Gates and husband Jason, and Kade Colegrove all of Fort Scott; one great-grandchild, Oaklynn Snyder of Fort Scott; three step-great-grandchildren, Joeli Morgan, Rystan Morgan, and Breckett Gates all of Fort Scott.  A wonderful friend and neighbor, Fred Mitzner and wife Ermalea of Fort Scott. Along with three nephews and a niece, Rick Snyder and wife Judy of Iola, KS, Wayne Hall and wife Julie of Sedan, KS; Mary Jo Larue of Linwood, KS and Larry Snyder and wife Danita of Pleasanton, KS.

Those Russell joins in God’s loving arms include his wife, Clara; his father and mother; a brother, Lloyd Snyder and his wife Treva; a sister, Marybelle Hall and her husband Joe; two nephews and a great-nephew.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Thursday, October 6, 2022 at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow at the Memory Gardens Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to Paws & Claws and may be left in care 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.

Dr. David Merle Wolf, age 82, resident of rural Deerfield, MO, passed away at his home early Tuesday, September 27, 2022.  He was born December 16, 1939, in the old Mercy Hospital in Ft. Scott, KS.  He was the son of Merle and Anna Mayme (Potter) Wolf.  He married Barbara Vaughn on March 1, 1963, in Miami, OK.

David (or Doc), as he was known by many, attended grade school in several of the country schools in Bourbon County, Ft. Scott Junior High, and High School.  He graduated from Kansas City College and Bible School in Overland Park, KS in 1957.  Shortly after graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy where he spent the next five years stationed on the U.S.S. El Dorado.

Having accepted Christ as his Savior at the tender age of four, and a call to preach at twelve, upon his return from the Navy, he began to prepare by returning to Kansas City College and Bible School.  With time out to pastor several churches, working with as well as starting a mission in the slums of Kansas City, MO, he did not graduate until 1971 with a Bachelor of Missions degree.  Immediately following that, he and his wife moved to Salem, OH, where he attended Aldersgate School of Religion, obtaining a Master of Arts degree in May of 1972.  While attending school, he held numerous revivals in area churches.  In August of 1972, he received a Doctorate of Theology from the University of Florida.  He continued to evangelize while working on his Doctorate of Christian Education from Berean Christian College, graduating in July 1975.  During the following years, he continued working in the evangelistic field and teaching in several schools.

When communism fell and the country of Albania was opened to missionaries, he was there presenting the plan of Salvation to a people who did not even acknowledge the very existence of God.  He helped establish several churches there over the next fourteen years.

After many years of living in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, California, Arizona, and Ohio, they returned to the Ft. Scott area where they lived until his death.  During this time, he continued to evangelize, and in the later years, was quite successful in a 1:1 ministry.  As a sideline, he raised cattle and horses, and farmed.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara, of the home; two brothers, Nathan (Kathleen) Wolf, Etter, TX, and Garen (Sheila), Cincinnati, OH; several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Merle, and Anna Mayme Wolf; his father and mother-in-law, Russell, and Cletta Vaughn; his sister, Virginia Crooks; as well as several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Monday, October 3^rd, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

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

The family will receive friends from 9:00 AM until service time Monday at the funeral home.

For many years, he said he did not want any flowers (except for a dandelion) at his funeral.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Albanian Ministries, 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.