Earl Robert “Dink” Beerbower, age 96, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Thursday, February 10, 2022, at his home. He was born June 4, 1925, in Ft. Scott, the son of John Henry Beerbower and Ivy Myrtle Key Beerbower. Earl served with the United States Army during World War II. He married Sherry C. Slayton in September of 1958, at Wichita, Kansas. Earl owned and operated his own roofing, sheet metal and heating and air business for many years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Scottish Rite. He enjoyed fishing and listening to country music. He recently received the Elks National Veterans Service Award for the time he spent with the military.

Survivors include his wife, Sherry, of the home; grandchildren, Joey Beerbower, Scott Beerbower, Lisa Coyan and Chanel Thrush and great-grandchildren, Gracelyn and Laine Beerbower and Livia Varner. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews including, Dawn Parker and husband, Travis and their children, Tyler, Hunter and Jenna, and also, Marilyn Beerbower, Todd Beerbower (Sherry) and Gil Beerbower (Laina). He was preceded in death by preceded in death by two sons, Bobby Earl Beerbower and Gerald Dwayne Beerbower; seven brothers, Clyde, Cecil, Clarence, Albert, Lawrence, Carl and Nole Beerbower and three sisters, Mable Dodson, Lillie Wallace and Mae Uptegrove.

Rev. Chris Eshelman will conduct graveside services at 1:30 P.M. Monday, February 28^th at the U. S. National Cemetery.

Military honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post #25. 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.

Leesa Lynn Powell Silvers, of Fort Scott, died Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022, in Fort Scott at the age of 70. As many of her friends and family knew, Leesa was generous, kind and loving, and would often forego her needs to ensure those around her were taken care of. She was also very forthcoming, honest and a listening ear when someone needed it most.

Leesa was a fighter who battled through various illnesses in recent years. She would eventually bounce back with the same determination and spunk she always had. But sickness also took its toll, primarily on her body while her mind and spirit often remained vibrant.

In recent years, Leesa was in a great deal of pain, and the family is grateful that her spirit can rest easy now that her body is free of pain. Now there is lasting comfort and peace for a woman who gave her all to make sure her friends and family’s needs were met. She would give you the shirt off her back, or her last dime, while she went without. We will miss her smile and laugh, her witty remarks and her often risqué sense of humor, but we will learn to live with the love she left behind and know that her spirit is with us as she continues to guide those she loved.

Leesa was born Jan. 7, 1952, to Wallace Eugene Powell, Jr., and Norma Jeane Powell (Barnett) in Independence, Mo. With her dad being a golf professional, Leesa and the family moved from place to place throughout the Midwest during her younger years.

Leesa graduated from Neosho High School in 1970. She eventually went to beauty school and became a licensed cosmetologist after earning a certificate at Fort Scott Community College, working in Kansas and Missouri.

She was a carefree spirit who lived life on her terms. She loved Mountain Dew, iced tea, cheese and crackers and her fuzzy socks, among several other things she treasured. Many a laugh or “wow” were shared over stories of her youth, whether it was attending the Woodstock music festival in the late 1960s, or a hitchhiking adventure shortly after getting married. Even on her sickest days, she could make you laugh with a clever observation.

She married Danny Silvers in 1972 and the couple had two children, a son, Danny, Jr., who was stillborn in 1972, and Jason Eugene Silvers of Fort Scott, who was born in 1974. She was in a relationship with John Coleman in the mid-1980s and the couple gave birth to Leesa’s third child, Kasee Johnel Coleman Howard of Fort Scott, in 1985.

Leesa loved all things related to food and cooking, and could often be found watching the Food Network, with “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” “Chopped,” and “The Pioneer Woman” among her favorite shows. She also enjoyed arts and crafts and passed her skills on to her children and grandchildren. She loved helping her grandchildren with their projects.

In the 1990s, Leesa went back to school. She earned a two-year degree at FSCC in 1992 before venturing on to earn a bachelor’s degree in social work from Pittsburg State University in 1994. She briefly worked as a social worker in Mound City before leaving to pursue other ventures. She continued to show her love for helping youth in need by working for several years at Heartland Behavioral Health Services in Nevada, Mo., in the mid-to-late 1990s. Leesa worked as pageant director for America’s Youth Showcase and AmeriKids from about 2000 to 2005.

Leesa’s smile and personality lit up a room, and she drew people to her. She was engaging, loyal and funny, and often had a knack for being brutally honest. Leesa would “tell you like it is.” But if you were in her circle of family and friends, her love knew no bounds. Strangers were also on the receiving end of this love. A decline in her health led to several hospital stays in recent years. While she was often able to return home, her health issues led to a stay in Medicalodges of Fort Scott, which was her home for nearly the last year. But her spirit and willpower retained their strength as she fought many hardships through her love for her grandchildren, as she would say.

Leesa was preceded in death by a son, Danny Silvers, Jr.; her parents, Wally Powell (2012) and Norma Powell (2004); and a brother, Larry Powell (2011.) Survivors include a son, Jason E. Silvers; a daughter, Kasee Howard; six grandchildren, Braeden (Brady) Silvers, Kenli Coleman, Kaeda Stufflebeam, Kai Powell, Kross Powell and Krymsyn Howard; as well as many other treasured family and friends.

Following cremation, a memorial service is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 5, 2022, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home in Leesa’s honor to help with funeral expenses. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Paul Joseph Newton II, 64, of Fort Scott, Kansas passed away Friday evening, February 18, 2022, at the Ascension Via Christi Emergency Room in Fort Scott.

He was born July 4, 1957 in Fort Scott, the son of Paul J, and Jennie Zembal Newton. He married Sondra Simons, June 25, 1976 at the Grace Baptist Tabernacle.

Paul Joe graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1975, where he wrestled and played football. He then attended Fort Scott Community College. Over the years he owned and operated Newton Automotive, was employed by KDOT, Fort Scott Truck & Tractor, Mid Continental Restoration and Bourbon County Public Works.

He enjoyed fishing and hunting, spending time with his family, and watching his grandsons play sports. He didn’t know a stranger, and always kept us laughing. He enjoyed being the family Bingo Caller, Uber Driver, and was well known as the backup Umpire for Safe Valley Baseball and “never made a bad call”.

Paul Joe is survived by his wife, Sondra of 45 years, of the home, two sons, Paul J. Newton III (Trey) of Kansas City, Missouri, and Josh Newton and wife, Trisha of Fort Scott, a daughter, Sammi Simpson and husband, Kaleb of Fort Scott, a sister, Paulette Albright and husband, Richard of Fort Scott, and grandchildren, Ryder, Rush, Ridge & Rocki Newton, Willow Simpson and Treyton Newton, sister-in-law, Law Dawnell Newton of Rolla, Kansas, along with numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul & Jennie Newton, and siblings, Marlene, Scott, and Jeff Newton.

Pastor Matthew Hunt will officiate funeral services for Paul Joe at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at the Faith Church (South of Fort Scott) on Hwy 69, 2203 Deer Road, Garland, Kansas 66741.

Burial will be private (for family only) in the Clarksburg Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm Tuesday, February 22, 2022, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

The family suggests memorial contributions to IBT (services for families impacted by Autism), which may be submitted on their website: http://ibt-inc.org.

The family wants to make the memorial contribution recipient in the obituary a link to their website for ease in giving for those who want to give online:

http://ibt-inc.org

Rose Marie “Billie” Rivet née Corbin, age 88, died Thursday February 3, 2022, peacefully at her home in Fort Scott, KS. She was a former resident of Troy & Averill Park, New York. 

Billie was born July 29, 1933, in Berlin, New York, daughter of Maurice H. and Maria S. (Church) Corbin. 

Billie was an eccentric creature of beauty who loved garage sales, crafting, and collecting things for the people she cared for. She was an avid photographer; her favorite subjects were family and friends; once the photos were developed, she would proudly display them for all to see.  Billie had a love for animals, especially her cats.                     

She was known by her grandchildren for her tea parties, which we now know was an excuse to clean out the fridge. She was best known for her love of turquoise (the color and the stone). Quotes made famous by Billie included ‘in one ear and out the other’ and ‘tough titty said the kitty.’

As a member of the Sand Lake and Stephentown Seniors she and her sister Katherine took many adventures together including traveling on a cruise ship to explore Alaska and Hawaii. 

She is survived by two sons, Rodney Baisley (Teresa Weidman, former spouse) and Ronald (Sarah) Baisley, 8 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 3 1/2 great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 30 plus years, Thomas J. Rivet, her daughter Ruth A. (Baisley) Seror, her sister Katherine S. & (Lewis) Hoffman, her parents Maurice H. and Maria S. (Church) Corbin, and Robert G. Baisley (former spouse; father of their children Rodney, Ruth and Ronald). 

Per her request no services will be held. A celebration of life has been scheduled for Saturday February 26, 2022, for family and friends to gather, share memories, tears and laughter. 

Her remains will be cremated and sent to rest in Memory Gardens (Albany, New York) with her loved ones. 

The family requests those who wish to express sympathy consider donating to their local animal shelter to honor Billie’s love for animals.

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

Mary Josephine Spurgeon of Fort Scott, Kansas passed away peacefully early morning on February 15, 2022. She had been in assisted living for the last few years. Mary Jo was born on July 13, 1933, at home in rural Parsons, Kansas to Nicholas and Frances Glendenning Jones, they preceded her in death.

Mary Jo worked various jobs ranging from assembly worker at the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant, seamstress, convenience store manager, and railroad transport driver for BNSF.

She married George “Bill” Spurgeon on June 27, 1951, they later divorced, and Bill died in 1987.

She is survived by seven children; Vickie (Rod) Chaplin of Fort Scott; Terri (Jeff) Staton of Pleasanton, Kansas; Kenneth (Stacie) Spurgeon of Stockton, Missouri; Tony Spurgeon of Pleasanton; Patsy (Dale) Smith of Pleasanton; Bobbi (Scott) Williams of Columbus, Kansas; and Richard (Stacey) Spurgeon Fort Scott.

A son Tiff W Spurgeon died at the age of 18 in 1984.

Her children gave her 13 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. One great-grandson preceded her in death.

Mary Jo is also survived by two sisters Lois Anderson of Girard, Kansas, and Janet Post of Olathe, Kansas; two brothers Louis “Nick” Jones of Pittsburg, Kansas, and Lawrence “Dale” Jones of Paola, Kansas.

She was preceded in death by two sisters Wilma “Billie” Hinman and Rosadene Briner.

A private memorial service for the family will be held at a later date.

Burial will be at the Oakwood Cemetery in Parsons, Kansas.

The family has requested that in place of flowers donations be made to Hillside Guest Home in Mary Jo’s name 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.

John Carl Scheuerman, age 66, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Friday, January 28, 2022, at the Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas.

He was born December 7, 1955, in Wellington, Kansas, the son of Maynard Scheuerman and Evelynn Mae Seaver Scheuerman. John was a longtime resident of Ft. Scott. He worked in construction and enjoyed watching old movies.

Survivors include a sister, Sherry Carson and her husband, Terry, and a brother, Jim Reed as well as several cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Private services with burial in the Evergreen will take place at a later date.

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.

Todd John Madison, age 44, a resident of Fort Scott, KS went to be with the Lord on February 12, 2022,

Todd graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1996 and then attended FSCC on a rodeo scholarship.  Todd enjoyed his years of high school and college rodeo and the friends he made along the way. 

 Todd had many good horses and dogs throughout the years, however, you cannot talk about Todd and not include his best dog Elvis.  Elvis’ bloodlines are still sought after, he was a dog like no other.  

Todd was a man who enjoyed the outdoors.  He was a cowboy at heart and felt most at ease on a horse working cattle. 

 He enjoyed fishing and that is where you might find him when he had things on his mind to be sorted out. 

 He would have referred to himself as a master at smoking meat and his family enjoyed many of his wonderful dishes. 

 Todd was a friend to all and never knew a stranger.  He had a larger than life personality and a laugh to match it.  

He will be missed by many but his kind nature and great personality will continue to live on in those that knew him. 

Todd is survived by his parents, Frank and Debbie Madison of Fort Scott.  His fiancé, Lacy Nutter and two sons; Ty and Terron Nutter of the home.  His children, Talli, Taitlyn, and Tucker Madison of Butler, Missouri.  His brothers and sisters; Mike Rose (Nicole) Aurora, CO, Dani Fine (Todd) Nevada, MO, Nicki Traul (John) Fort Scott, KS, Jeff Madison (Heather) Fort Scott, KS, Charlie Madison Fort Scott, KS, Jessi Smith (Brandon) Fort Scott, KS.  He has many nieces and nephews whom he loved very much. 

 He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Bill and Blanch Madison as well and his maternal grandparents, Don and June White. 

Father Yancey Burgess will conduct the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, February 17^th at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church.

The Rosary will be prayed at 10:15 A.M. prior to the service at the Church.

Visitation will be held Wednesday from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Bourbon County AA association 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.

Robert Lee Hull, age 89, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Medicalodge of Ft. Scott. He was born October 24, 1932, in Ft. Scott, the son of James and Ruby Terrill Hull.

Robert served in the U. S. Army and later the reserves.

He married Norma Jean Delashmit in 1953. She preceded him in death in 2003. He later married Violet Hale in 2006.

Robert worked for the Postal Service until his retirement.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, dancing, and woodworking.

He was the kindest man you will ever meet.

Survivors include his wife Violet of the home; a son, Robert E. Hull, Kansas City; 3 brothers, Earl Hull, Harold Hull and wife Naomi, and Leland Hull and wife Barbara, all of Ft. Scott; a sister, Beulah Adkins and husband Bob, Independence, MO; and numerous step-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Besides his first wife Norma Jean, he was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Joe and Charles Hull; and 2 sisters, Virginia Hull and Liz Mills.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 AM Wednesday, February 16^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.

Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Honor Guard.

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

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

Robert Eugene Jackson, 90, formerly of Fort Scott, passed away the afternoon of January 28, 2022, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He was born December 10, 1931, the son of L. C. Jackson and Katherine (Harris) Jackson in Fort Scott Kansas. He married Regina (Matthews) Branch on March 9, 1952, and she preceded him in death June 19, 2017.

As a senior in high school, Bob enlisted in the Kansas National Guard, and was later called to active duty in the U. S. Army and served in Korea. He saw battle and served until he was Honorably Discharged on January 16, 1953.

Upon returning to Fort Scott, Bob and Regina started raising their family of three children, Debora, Bobby and Mary K. Bob worked on the Frisco Railroad and worked for his father-in-law at the Coca-Cola Bottling Company in Fort Scott. Later in life he acquired an insurance agency and worked there for several years before retiring and purchasing a farm. Bob frequently spoke of his enjoyment of working on the farm, raising livestock, and crop farming. During this time, he also opened a family-owned business, Rough Jack Stalls, and installed horse stalls all over the country. He had many stories of time on the farm and enjoyed making memories with his grandkids.

Bob was an active Christian, and a faithful servant of the Lord. He would read the Bible daily, write often, and share his understanding of the Gospel. In his final years he returned to drawing all types of pictures such as horses, animals, landscapes, and people’s faces. Bob worked tirelessly to get the faces correct, and was never really happy with the final drawing, but he sure tried hard to get them right.

Bob is survived by his three children and their spouses, Debora and Jim Barnes of Ash Grove, Missouri, Bobby and Dara Jackson of Fort Scott, and Mary K and Leonard Auler of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; eight grandchildren; Jason Barnes, Tonya Dill, Christopher Jackson, Amanda Brooker, Hallie Findley, Drew Zimmerman, Tucker Jackson, and Sullivan Jackson; his two sisters, Virginia Keal and Sarah K. Jackson, both of Overland Park, Kansas; sixteen great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife Regina, he was also preceded in death by his parents L.C. and Katherine Jackson, a grandson Jeremy Barnes, and his best friend, Fred Geneva.

Following cremation, graveside services will be at 11:00 am, Thursday, March 3, 2022, at the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Military Honors will be presented by the US Army Funeral Honors Detail, Fort Riley, Kansas, at the Cemetery.

The family wishes memorial contributions to be made to Crossings Community Church, 14600 N Portland Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73134. Contributions may also be left in the care of Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W Wall Street, PO Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may also be submitted to the online guestbook at Konantz-Cheney.com.

Terry Terry Lee Culp, 70, of Eureka, Kansas, passed away Friday, February 4, 2022, after battling liver disease.

He was born in Fort Scott, Kansas, on November 27, 1951.

  He married Diane Culp on January 12, 1974, in Hooper, Nebraska, they later divorced.

They have a son, Billie Culp (Carrmann), of Ackworth, Iowa, and grandchildren Blake Culp of Claremore, Oklahoma and Kristin Culp of Newton, Iowa; a daughter, Buffy Weber (Ryan) of Eureka, Kansas, and grandchildren Kaitlynn Smith (Jeff) of Madison, Kansas, and Trenton Kuhn of Eureka; a daughter, Terri Spigarelli (Jeff) of Frontenac, Kansas, and grandchildren Jay Karleskint, Becca Karleskint, and Gianna Spigarelli of Frontenac, and great-grandchildren Bowen & Lylah Smith.

He later married Andrea Carr, on June 28, 2002.

Terry served thirty years in the U.S. Army/Army Reserves as a mechanic, including a station in Germany from 1975-1977 with his wife and children.

He enjoyed repairing vehicles as well as helping friends and family with various projects. He was always a jokester and loved telling jokes and playing tricks on everyone he met. Who all fell for his “dog jaw” prank?!

Services will be held at 12:30 p.m. Friday, February 11, 2022, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, Fort Scott, Kansas, with burial following at the Fort Scott National Cemetery.

Military Honors will be presented by the US Army Funeral Honors Detail, Fort Riley, Kansas, at the Cemetery.

Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Sandra Lee Rich, age 64, a resident of rural Uniontown, Kansas, passed away early Saturday, February 5, 2022, at the Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas. She was born December 8, 1957, in Bryan, Texas, the daughter of Kenneth K. Young and Leona M. Murray Young. Sandy graduated from the Guntersville High School in Guntersville, Alabama with the Class of 1976. She went on to receive an Associates Degree from Gadsden State Junior College. She married Bobby Rich on July 1, 1979, at Guntersville, Alabama. Following their marriage Bobby and Sandy moved to the farm near Uniontown. Together they worked side by side as over the road truck drivers for many years. In 1997, Sandy began employment with Key Work Clothes where she worked in the shipping and receiving department. She was still working in this capacity at the time of her death. Sandy accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior and was an active member of the First Missionary Baptist Church of Uniontown where she served on various committees and as a church trustee. She had a zest for life and a love for adventure. Together, she and Bobby had traveled to all fifty states and made trips to Europe and Australia. She also enjoyed quilting, cross-stitch and sewing. In spite of the many health issues Sandy has had over the years, she will be remembered for her positive outlook on life.

Survivors include her husband, Bobby, of the home and her sister, Marilyn Swallow, of Franklin, Texas. Also surviving are her mother-in-law, Ivanell Thompson of Gadsden, Alabama and brothers-in-law, Randy Rich of Uniontown and Ted Rich and wife, Barbara Hartman, of Savonburg, Kansas. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Rev. Marty Dewitt will conduct funeral services at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, February 12th at the Frist Missionary Baptist Church in Uniontown. Burial will follow at the Hatch Cemetery Southwest of Uniontown. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the church. Memorials are suggested to the First Missionary 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.

Melissa Lynn Hays-Mitchell, 48, left our world unexpectedly on Dec 21, 2021. Melissa was born on July 4, 1973, to James Hays and Joann Sipe Hays in Fort Scott, Kansas. She graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1991, and continued her education at Pittsburg State University, earning her bachelor’s degree in social work.

She was preceded in death by both of her parents.

Melissa’s beloved spouse, Dean Zimmerman also left our world on December 21, 2021.

Continued prayers for both families are appreciated.

She was previously married to Jerald Mitchell (Fort Scott) for 18 years, they raised three children together. Dayton, Dawson, and Katelynn Mitchell were always their mother’s world. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers while they navigate through this difficult time.

Left behind are her three children: Dayton Hays (Jessica Powers) Mitchell, Dawson James Mitchell, and Katelynn (Taylor Harrison) Mitchell. She also leaves behind a brother Jason Hays, and sister Sheila Hixon (Robert Hixon).

Besides her own children, Melissa’s pride and joy lay with her grandchildren. This Mimi never missed a beat and will be missed by them all: Bryant, Bentley, Kinsley, Hayden, Brayden, Kase, and Dylynn. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews.

As a caring mother, wife, and grandmother, Melissa never knew a stranger and lived on her own terms. Her funny wit, intelligent comments, and unique personality are what those who knew her will miss the most. She was one of a kind, unapologetically being herself when it came to what she believed in.

A celebration of Melissa’s life will be at Buck Run Community Center on Saturday, February 26th, 2022, at 1:00 PM. Please feel free to stop by and share your memories of Melissa with her family and close friends.