Category Archives: Obituary

Obituary

Obituary of Sharon Short

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Sharon Lynn Short, 86, formerly of Fort Scott, passed away Monday morning September 7, 2020, in Overland Park, Kansas.

She was born November 6, 1933, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Roy G. and Leora Marian (Heitz) Miller.

She married Forrest E. “Skip” Short May 1, 1955, in Fort Scott, and he preceded her in death May 3, 2004.

Sharon graduated from Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1951 and earned her Associates Degree from Fort Scott Community College. Sharon was a homemaker, but she also worked for the telephone company, and then in 1986 became owner and operator of Leek’s Ladies Clothing, retiring after twelve years in 1998.

Sharon was a member of the First united Methodist Church, PEO, Pierian Beta, and was Chairperson for the Class of 1951.

Survivors include two daughters, Stacey Snodgrass and husband Kent of Prairie Village, Kansas, and Laurie Short, also of Prairie Village, Kansas; a brother, Don Miller of Fort Scott, and a sister, Diane Miller, of Smithville, Missouri.

In addition to her husband Skip, Sharon was also preceded in death by her parents, and a sister, Connie Miller Parks.

Rev. Steve Cole will conduct private family graveside services Tuesday, September 15, 2020, at the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lee’s Paws & Claws Animal Shelter and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Obituary

Obituary of Kenneth Wolf

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Kenneth Leroy Wolf, 86, of Fort Scott, passed away Monday morning, September 7, 2020, at his home.

Kenneth was born September 19, 1933, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the son of “Ted” Theodore Roosevelt and Mary (Milburn) Wolf.

He married Sharron Tucker on February 23, 1965 and they divorced in 2009.

Kenneth is survived by his daughter, Tammie Bunn of Deerfield, Missouri; his son, Alvin Wolf, of Fort Scott; a sister, Sue Wiley and husband Jim; Sharron Tucker, of Fort Scott; sixteen grandchildren, thirty-seven great-grandchildren and three more on the way.

He was preceded in death by parents, and a brother, Pete Wolf.

Pastor Larry Stevicks will conduct graveside services at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 12, 2020, at the Deerfield Cemetery in Deerfield, Missouri, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel Baptist Church and left in the care of the Konantz- Cheney Funeral Home, P.O. Box 309,15 W. Wall St. Fort Scott, KS, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at www.konantz-cheney.com.

Obituary

Obituary of Frankie Sustarsic

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Frankie Dean Sustarsic, age 74, a resident of Pittsburg, Kansas, passed away Thursday, September 3, 2020, at the Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg.
  He was born May 5, 1946, in Pittsburg, the son of Frank Sustarsic and Mae McCool Sustarsic.
Frankie attended Fox Town Grade School and went on to graduate from CCCHS at Arma.
He first married Linda Shomaker on October 15, 1966.  To this union a daughter, Melinda, was born.  Frankie and Linda divorced and he later married Phyllis Davis.
Frankie was employed for many years as the manager of the Continental Baking Company in Humboldt, Kansas and was known by many as “The Bread Man.”  Following his retirement from the bakery, he worked several more years in maintenance for Pitt-Plastics.
He had served for several years with the Kansas Army National Guard.
Frankie enjoyed collecting baseball cards and was an avid fan of both the Kansas City Royals and the Chiefs.  In his younger years, he enjoyed playing softball.

 

Survivors include his wife, Phyllis, of the home; his children, Melinda O’Brien and husband, Perry, of Brazilton, Kansas, Angela West and Robert Hood,  both of Pittsburg, Kansas, John Hood of Frontenac, Kansas and Kaden Sustarsic, of the home and nine grandchildren, Austin O’Brien, Christopher, Austin, Haylee, Bryan and Michael Hood, Rachel Sutton, Destiny Burdick and Logan Light and seven great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are a sister, Joyce Sustarsic, of Arma, Kansas, several nieces and nephews and his beloved dog, Chipper.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Gary Sustarsic and Larry “ Bubba” Sustarsic.

 

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, September 11th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Private burial will take place at a later date in the Garden of Memories Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Thursday at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

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Obituary of James Streeter

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James “Jim” Marshall Streeter, age 91, a longtime resident of Fort Scott, KS, passed away early Saturday morning, Sept 5, 2020, at Girard Medical Center in Girard, KS.

He had been a resident of Presbyterian Village in Fort Scott for the last six months.

Jim was born on Aug 7, 1929, on a farm north of Prescott Kansas, to Andrew Leo and Cora Alice (Summers) Streeter.

He married Jessie Margie Dikeman on Dec 31, 1950, in Eureka Springs AR.

He attended schools in Linn and Miami counties in Kansas, East Wenatchee in Washington State and graduated in 1947 from Prescott High School.

He was drafted in the army in 1951 during the Korean Conflict, had basic training in Fort Chaffee, AR, and was stationed in Yokohama Japan for 18 months. He was a lifetime member of both the American Legion Post #25 and VFW Post #1165.

Jim was also a member of the First Baptist Church, Scottish Rite, and Rising Sun Lodge.

He enjoyed many sports including his favorite, basketball. Others were softball, boating, fishing, bowling, scouting, square dancing, golf, horseshoes and another favorite, the KC Royals.

After retiring from the Western Insurance Company after 38 ½ years, he enjoyed traveling to all 50 States, Mexico and Canada in their camper trailer, including many years as snowbirds in Texas and Arizona.

Survivors include Jessie, his wife of 69 years; a son, David Streeter and wife Debra, Carl Junction, MO; daughter Susan Kern and husband Steve, Loa, UT; six grandchildren, Chris, Kelsie, Jason, Angela, Nicholas and Wesley; thirteen great-grandchildren; a sister Alice Hazelbaker and husband Norman, Redfield, KS; and one brother George and wife Linda of Ellisforde, WA; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; five half-sisters; one half-brother; and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at Cheney Witt Chapel in Fort Scott on Friday Sept 11th at 11:30 am with burial to follow in the Fort Scott National Cemetery.

Military Honors will be provided by the American Legion Honor Guard. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10:30 until the service.

Memorials are suggested to Wounded Warrior 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.

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Obituary of Merleen Dean

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Merleen Della Dean, age 76, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Friday, September 04, 2020, at her home.

She was born on April 7, 1944, in Canastota, NY, the daughter of William Harris King and Emma Wilma Kolar King.

She married Stephen Dean on January 28, 1961, in Peterborough, NY. She worked as a teacher’s aide, cooked for various restaurants in Parsons, KS, and ran her own daycare.

Merleen enjoyed gardening, cooking, watching Fox News and the Hallmark Channel, and spending time with her grandchildren. She was a member of Eastern Star and the Emmanuel Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband Stephen of the home; a son, James Dean, Ft. Scott; a daughter, Julie M. Van Becelaere and husband Ted, Monticello, MO; a sister, Karen King, Jamestown, NY; 5 grandchildren, Will Dean, Jerry Eddings, Micky Eddings, Rex David Lawhorn, and Rebekah Van Becelaere; 7 great-grandchildren, Cody, Canton, Will Jr., Ariel, Kenzly, Noelle, and Rex James; and 5 step-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Lois Kilroy; and her parents.

Pastor Larry Stevicks will conduct funeral services at 11:00 am Wednesday, September 9th, at the Emmanuel Baptist Church.

Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Tuesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to Emmanuel Baptist Church 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.

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Obituary of Roberta Davis

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Roberta Jean Davis, age 91, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Friday, August 28, 2020, at her home.  She was born November 24, 1928, in Hiattville, Kansas, the daughter of Otis Rolla Hixon and Bernice Boileau Hixon.

Roberta graduated from the Hepler High School with the Class of 1947.

She had worked for Key Industries for fifteen years.  She later went to work for the Western Insurance Company where she worked in the computer department.  Shen retired in 1987.

Roberta married Thomas Warren Davis on July 20, 1991, in Ft. Scott, Kansas.

She was a longtime member of the Grace Baptist Tabernacle.

Roberta enjoyed spending time outdoor, biking and gardening as well as spending time with the family and friends.

 

Survivors include her husband, Warren, of the home; a step-son, James Davis, of Republic, Missouri; a nephew, Lynn Hixon, Jr., of Independence, Missouri, six step-grandchildren and several step-great-grandchildren and great-nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by a step-son, Tom Davis, a step-grandson, Mark Davis and two brothers, William Hixon and Lynn Hixon.

 

Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, September 5th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery.

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.

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Obituary of Camille Parnell

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Camille Lynn Parnell

Camille Lynn Parnell, age 58, a resident of Fort Scott, died Sunday, August 23, 2020 at her home.

She was born July 11, 1962 in Ida Grove, Iowa, the daughter of Ronald Zimmer and Cherrie Clark Zimmer. Camille worked for Mid-Continental Restoration Company. She enjoyed reading, crocheting, and gardening. She loved spending time with her family especially her grandkids.

Camille is survived by her two children, Jimi Huntsman and husband, Garrett, of Peculiar, MO., Zach Parnell and, Cassidy Riley, of Harrisonville, MO.; three grandchildren, Athena Parnell, Collin Huntsman, and Riley Parnell; dad, Wayne Stehr, and wife Nell, of Newcastle, Ok.; three brothers, Chris Zimmer, of South Carolina, Andy Stehr, of Midwest City, OK., Adam Stehr, of Norman, OK., two sisters, Patti Sangster, of Norman, OK., and Karla Brinkley, of Blanchard, OK.

She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.

There was cremation. Pastor Michael Apfel will conduct a Memorial Service at 2:30 P.M. Friday, August 28, 2020 at the Trinity Lutheran Church.

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.

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Obituary of Audrey Crutcher

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Audrey Elaine (Golden) Crutcher, revered high school business educator and former Fort Scott resident, passed away Sunday, August 23, 2020, in Springfield, Missouri.

Her husband of nearly 65 years, James Samuel “Tex” Crutcher, preceded her in death on July 26, 2018.

 

Born October 1, 1931, on the Golden family farm and ranch near Garland, Kansas, she was the daughter of Walter Bryan Golden and Opal Louise (Pettibon) Golden.

 

Crutcher graduated from Fort Scott High School and then attended Fort Scott Community College where she was named homecoming queen in 1949. She continued her education at Kansas State Teacher’s College and graduated with a degree in business from what is now Pittsburg State University.

 

After college, she worked in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, as a secretary at the headquarters of Phillips 66 Oil Company and lived in an apartment building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. After two years she returned to Pittsburg, Kansas, where she was employed at the Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma Dairy Association.

 

She married James Samuel “Tex” Crutcher November 25, 1953 in Pittsburg, Kansas. They later moved to Columbus, Kansas where her husband was assistant coach of football, basketball, baseball and track at Columbus High School from 1955 to 1958.

 

In 1958, the Crutcher family, which now included son Greg and daughter Kim, moved to Garland, Kansas to help manage the Golden Farm and cattle operation with her father Walter B. Golden. They continued farming but moved to Eddy Street and later East National Avenue in Fort Scott where the farm and ranch operation was headquartered. For many years she was employed at Fort Scott Motors, an automobile dealership.

 

In the early 1970’s, Audrey Crutcher returned to college and earned a teaching certificate. She performed her student teaching obligations at Uniontown High School then took a position teaching business practices, accounting and typing at Fort Scott High School for many years. Her leadership and mentoring influenced many young women to pursue careers in business.

 

In their retirement, she and her husband Tex, former president of Citizen’s National Bank, managed a popular travel club for seniors called Funseekers for more than 20 years. The group traveled regionally and to countless destinations around the world. She was a longtime member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, an organization that supports women’s educational opportunities

 

The Crutcher’s moved to Springfield, Missouri, in June 2015, to be closer to their daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

 

Survivors include daughter Kimberley Hart and her husband James of Willard, Missouri; a son, Greg Crutcher, of Albuquerque, New Mexico; three grandsons, Aaron Hart and wife Kristi of Jefferson City, Missouri; Justin Hart and wife Sarah and Tyler Hart and wife Kayla of Republic, Missouri. She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren: Trysten, Mason, Grayson, Abe, Remington, Viv, Marion James and Eliza Mae.

 

Additionally, she is survived by her sister Bernita Hill and nephew John Hill, both of Fort Scott and Robb Hill of Des Moines, Iowa. In Texas, Crutcher is survived by brothers and sisters-in-law Paul DeWitt Crutcher, William Donald Crutcher, Diane Margaret Crutcher, Judy Jane Crutcher and numerous nieces and nephews.

 

Rev. Dr. Jared Witt and Rev. Steve Cole will conduct funeral services at 11:30 A.M. Friday, August 28th at the First United Methodist Church in Ft. Scott.

The family will receive friends on Friday from 10:30 A.M. prior to services at the church.

Private burial will take place at the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott.  Memorials are suggested to the Ft. Scott Community 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. 

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Obituary of George Hall

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George R. Hall passed away August 21, 2020 at KU Medical Center. He was born 4/4/1944 in Fort Scott Kansas the son of Donald and Hazel Hall. He was married to Mildered Brewer, they recently celebrated their 57th anniversary.

George worked for KG&E for 30 years, retiring in 1999. He had a passion for hunting and fishing that he shared with his family and friends. His love for travel took him to nearly all 50 states and Canada. He was an avid music lover and loved to share his favorite songs. George was an amazing storyteller whether he was telling stories of his travels with family and friends or fishing and hunting tales he always brought a smile to the listener.  Most of all he loved his family and time spent with his grandchildren

 

 

He is survived by his wife Mildred Hall of the home, son Don Hall, Norwich KS and daughter Dana Ussery and husband Tim of Pittsburg, KS. Seven grandchildren Ashten Hall, Erin Hall, Gabe Harris, Abigail Harris, Katie Ussery, Brooke Ussery, Ashten Hall and Erin Hall. Also surviving are his mother in-law Clara Brewer and brother in-law Charles Brewer and wife Paula.

 

 

A memorial service will be held at Cheney Witt Chapel at 10:30 A. M. Saturday, August 29th.

. The family will receive friends following the memorial service until noon.

Memorials may be made to the Get Busy Living – The Dylan Meier Foundation and may be sent to Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guest book at cheneywitt.com.

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Obituary of Orville Shinn

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Orval Edward “Dan” Shinn, age 72, a resident of rural Bronson, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, August 18, 2020, at his home.

He was born March 12, 1948, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the son of Danny L. Shinn and Wilma M. Eastwood Shinn.  At a young age, the family moved to Stinnett, Texas, where Orval graduated from the Stinnett High School with the Class of 1966.

Orval later served a tour of duty with the United States Army in Vietnam.  He later reenlisted as served as an air traffic controller for the Army.

Following his retirement from military service, he went on to receive his Bachelor’s Degree in Archeology from Troy University in Alabama and went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Archeology from the University of Alabama.  He was employed by the engineering firm of Burns & McDonnell where he worked in the Archeology Department.  This job had him working on construction sites throughout the United States.

Orval first married Jane Forgoress and they had a son, Gabriel.  They were divorced.

Orval later married Carla Morris on October 22, 2011, at Overland Park, Kansas.

Orval loved football and because of the time spent in Alabama was an avid fan of the Crimson Tide.  He also enjoyed golfing, fishing and hunting.

Throughout his life, both Orval and his dad, Danny, maintained a love for the Shinn family farm near Turkey Creek.  They often spent summers working on the farm.  Following his retirement, Orval and Carla built their retirement home on the farm.

He was a member of the First Missionary Baptist Church in Uniontown, Kansas.

 

Survivors include his wife, Carla, of the home; his son, Gabe and wife, Tracy of Mebane, North Carolina; Carla’s sons, Bryan Ballard and wife, Lynn, of Lathrop, Missouri and Sean Ballard and wife, Jackie, of Kenilworth, Illinois; seven grandchildren, Grayson and Parker Shinn and Kyle, Matthew, Blake, Evan and Addie Ballard and a great-grandson, Gunner.  Also surviving are two sisters, Dana Eudey, of Tulia, Texas and Lorrain Cook of Yuma, Arizona.

 

Rev. Marty DeWitt will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, August 22nd at the First Missionary Baptist Church.  Burial with military honors will take place in the Turkey Creek Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Friday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, PO Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

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Obituary of Norman Gates

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Norman L. Gates

Norman L. Gates, age 91, formerly of Uniontown, KS, died Thursday, August 13, 2020, at the Franklin House, Ft. Scott, KS. He was born November 2, 1928, in Mapleton, KS, the son of Albert and Grace (Brillhart) Gates. The family later relocated to Uniontown, where Albert ran the local blacksmith/mechanic shop.

Norman graduated from Uniontown High School. After graduation, he enlisted with the United States Navy at the age of 18 and served on the U.S.S. America, U.S.S. Roosevelt, U.S.S. Forrestal, U.S.S. Intrepid, U.S.S. Shangri-La and the PBY aircraft, and Naval bases throughout the world.

On June 25th, 1950, he married the love of his life, Wilma Jean Kegerreis. Together they made their home in many different cities including Yokosuka, Japan; Pretty Prairie, KS; Memphis, TN, and several years in Jacksonville, FL during his military career. After attaining the rank of Leading Chief Petty Officer of VA 64 (Black Lancers), he retired from military life and the family moved back to Uniontown in 1966 where he took over his father’s mechanic shop.

Later he accepted a position as a Driver’s License Officer for the State of Kansas attaining the position of Supervising Drivers License Examiner and served in that position for 20 years until retirement.

Norman and Jean had a wide circle of friends and loved to entertain. Most weekends you would find them with friends and family, frequently hosting a card game, dinner, picnic, or some kind of holiday gathering. An annual event was his birthday “Weenie Burn” at the farm every November.

Camping was also a favorite pastime and the family enjoyed trips to Colorado, New York, California, and various other destinations together over the years. They were very involved in many local activities and groups including the Masonic Lodge and Mirza Shrine. Norman loved participating with his friends in all the group activities such as Shriner’s Oriental Band and Funny Cars to name a few. He also served in the Honor Guard at the National Cemetery in Ft. Scott for several years.

Norman was an avid hunter and fisherman and he taught Hunter Safety Classes for many years. He loved teaching young people the proper way to use guns safely and to respect the great outdoors. He received recognition from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Conservation and was awarded The Order of the Buffalo pin for his devoted service. He collected guns all his life and enjoyed showing them off to anyone interested in weaponry.

He loved music and in his later years taught himself to play the harmonica. He often composed original music for family and friends and loved to entertain with originals as well as old standards. He loved to dance, and he and Jean belonged to a square-dance group for several years. He was always willing for one more dance…whether it was on a proper dance floor, out on the deck or just through the kitchen. He was a gifted woodcarver and was always creating some new something.

Norman loved life and people. He never knew a stranger and could find someone to talk to no matter where he went. Kids knew him as the man who always had candy to give and you could always count on him to teach or entertain you with a joke or a good story.

He loved his family and his friends and if you were his friend you WERE family. He shared his passions and love of life with everyone he knew. He will be missed by many but please remember him with a smile. The family wishes to thank the staff of the Franklin House and their wonderful caregivers.

Norman was preceded in death by his wife, Jean, his parents Albert and Grace Gates, his sister Viola (Gates) Bowers, and his brother Marvin Gates.

He is survived by his children, Linda Kay Gates Morgan (Bill), Overland Park, KS; Norman Dale Gates (Cheryl), Niceville, FL, and Michael Jon Gates (Brandi), Mapleton, KS; eight grandchildren, Andrew Gates (Erin), Christopher Gates (Holly), Ryan Morgan (Miki), Christin McCullough (Zeb), Shane Gates, Lauren Lindiakos (Rick), Jason Gates (Kyli), and Kathryn Morgan; and eighteen great-grandchildren, Lenny, Tyler, Alexandra, Layla, Bryar, Korie, Scarlett, Masen, Lilianna, Austin, Libby, Vivienne, Landon, Breckett, Lexi, Lizbeth, Sophia, and Nikolas.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct graveside services at 10:00 AM Tuesday, August 18th, in the Mason Cemetery south of Uniontown.

Military honors will be provided by the U. S. Navy Honor Guard.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 Monday afternoon at the Cheney Witt Chapel with Masonic services at 5:00.

Memorials are suggested to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital 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.