Renea Lynn Gress, 37, of Fort Scott, passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at her home.

She was born June 17, 1982 in Kansas City, Kansas the daughter of Wesley Allan and Colene Janette (Summers) Gress.

Renea is Survived by her Father, Wes Gress, two sisters, Andrea Weak of Pocahontas, Illinois and Stephanie King of Pittsburg, Kansas, two nephews, Levi and Kyran Weak, and her boyfriend Neal Fishback. She was preceded in death by her Mother, Colene Janette Gress who passed away on January 15, 2020.

The family suggests memorials to the Diabetes Foundation, contributions may be sent to, or left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com

Funeral arrangements for Renea Gress are incomplete and will be announced later by the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home

Hubert Lee Adams, 82 of Westland, Michigan, formerly of Arma, Kansas and Rossville, Kansas, passed away Saturday, April 18, 2020 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Livonia, Michigan.

He was born December 19, 1937 on the Nord Family Farm in Bronaugh, Missouri the son of Clarence Kermit and Viola Lea (Mahan) Adams. He was the oldest of eight children.

He married Elizabeth Darlene Mentola June 20, 1964, she preceded him in death on October 25, 2017.

Hurb graduated from Nevada High School in 1955 and then received his Bachelor’s degree from Missouri School of Mines in Rolla, Missouri in 1959 and then, his Master’s degree from Wayne State University in Detroit Michigan. He served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as an Officer in 1961 and 1962 at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He was a Chemical Engineer for various chemical companies in his civilian career.

Hurb, being a man of faith, deeply believed in Heaven and lived his life accordingly.

Also, he was a Citizen of the Potawatomi Nation and was proud of his heritage.

He was a member of the American Legion of Lamar, Missouri.

He is survived by a son, Mark Adams and wife, Kathy of Westland, Michigan, a daughter, Michelle Miclea and husband, Christopher of Fairhaven, Michigan, 3 brothers, Paul Leroy Adams of Kansas City, Missouri, Joe Adams and wife, Ardy of Maryville, Tennessee, and Don Adams and wife, Terri of Nevada, Missouri, 4 sisters, Lois Dianne Richardson and husband, Don of Lebanon, Missouri, Barbara Jean Pierce and husband, Glenn of Tucson, Arizona, Viola Mae Wilson and husband, Aaron of Las Cruces, New Mexico and Sharon Schaeffer and husband, Jim of Glen Carbon, Illinois, and 5 grandchildren, Kayla, Christopher, Cristina, Joshua and Brandon.

In addition to his wife, Darlene, he was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters-in-law, Marge Shields Adams and Donna Galbraith Adams.

He will be interred with his wife, Elizabeth Darlene at the U.S. National Cemetery #1 in Fort Scott, Kansas in a private ceremony under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Memorials may be given to the New Hope United Methodist Church Food Bank of Allen Park, Michigan, donations may be sent to or 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 konantz-cheney.com.

Angela Kristin (Madison) Handke, 49, of Leavenworth, Kansas, passed away suddenly on Thursday, April 16, 2020, as the result of an automobile accident near Lansing in Leavenworth County. Angela was born August 30, 1970, the daughter of William “Bill” Madison and Margie (Peterson) Madison in Fort Scott, Kansas.

Angela’s family lived in Adrian, Missouri, during her early childhood, prior to moving to Columbus, Kansas, before moving to Fort Scott in 1980. She then attended Fort Scott schools and was in the FSHS graduating class of 1988. In high school, Angela was active in various sports and clubs. She earned her Associate of Science degree at Fort Scott Community College in 1990. She married Robert James Handke of Atchison on June 10, 2000. She met Robert on a blind date in Wichita, which was setup through their mutual friend Denise.

While living in Atchison, Angela worked for Blish Mize, Independent Living Center of Atchison, and K&L Greenhouse, she loved working at the greenhouse. Angela went back to college in 2004 and earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management from the University of Kansas in 2006. After graduation she worked for Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center in Kansas City as their Medical Records Manager until they moved to Lawrence in 2009.

Angela worked as a Practice Consultant for the Kansas Foundation for Medical Care, while Robert was attending the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy. Robert and Angela purchased a home in rural Leavenworth in 2016 and began their present careers with the U.S. Army at Fort Leavenworth, he as a Staff Pharmacist and her as a Voucher Examiner. Angela loved to travel and explore and lived in India for several months prior to marriage. Her favorite place was Hawaii where she and Robert took several long vacations during their years together. She was a fantastic cook and could grow anything, just ask Robert’s classmates and co-workers. She was known to have a contagious smile, funny personality, huge heart, and kind soul. She will be missed so much!

Angela is survived by her husband of twenty years come June, Robert Handke; her mother Margie Madison; brother Tom (Tally) Madison; two nieces she adored, Kendall and Lauren Madison, and their mother Lindsay; and, several pets special to her. In addition, she is survived by in-laws Robert and Frances Handke, brother-in-law’s Gary (Kathy) Handke, Wayne (Terri) Handke, Glen (Jennifer) Handke, Phillip (Robin) Handke; sister-in-law’s Peggy (Ron) Lutz, and Karen (Nelson) Birkinsha. Also surviving are aunts and uncles of the Madison family, Nora Karleskint, Norma Kramer, Warren Madison, Cathy (Pat) Thomas, Frank (Deb) Madison, Claude Madison; aunts and uncles of the Peterson Family Harry “Sonny” (Edith) Peterson, Mary Lou Schafer, Frank Peterson, Von (Susan) Peterson, Verna May “Sissy” (Jay) Mall and many cousins and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her father, Bill Madison, aunts Carol (Madison) Lefever, Joyce Peterson and Uncles Pat Peterson, Bill Peterson, Ben Karleskint and Bill Kramer.

Following cremation, memorial services will be announced for a later date by the Cheney Witt Chapel.

In Lieu of Flowers, Memorials may be made to Fort Scott Paws & Claws Animal Shelter or the Bill Madison Scholarship Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701.

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

Lorna May Smith, 79, of Redfield, Kansas, passed away suddenly on Monday, April 13, 2020, at Freeman Hospital West in Joplin, Missouri. Lorna was born August 23, 1940, the daughter of Albert Johnston and Mona (Shoemaker) Johnston in Tulare, California.

Lorna is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Glenn Smith of the home, daughter Glenna Hendrickson (Kevin) of Osceola, Missouri and son Craig Smith (Cathy) of Leavenworth, Kansas; siblings Earl Johnston (Sharon) of Ellsworth, Kansas, and Sharon (Lonnie) Horner of El Cajon, California; 5 nieces and 5 nephews.

Upon Lorna’s graduation from Fort Scott High School in 1958, she received her Associates of Arts Degree from Fort Scott Community College in 1960 before graduating from Pittsburg State University in 1962 with a BSED in secondary education and in 1991 with MSED in school counseling. Lorna also received her library science and journalism certifications while attending PSU.

Lorna put her education degrees to use by spending over 53 years in the field of education. Lorna taught for 2 years at Fort Scott Junior High, 35 years at Uniontown High School, and 19 years as an adjunct teacher at Fort Scott Community College. During her teaching career, Lorna taught English, speech, journalism, general business, psychology, and world geography along with being the school librarian and facilitator for the Interactive Distance Learning Center. As a coach, Lorna began the very successful volleyball program at Uniontown High School in 1969. Lorna was also the cheerleader coach, pom pom coach, Pep Club sponsor, student council sponsor, school newspaper sponsor, and play director. Lorna also assisted students in preparing for various contests in band, music, choir, FFA, and numerous other activities. Lorna has received numerous awards and honors during her educational and coaching careers. Lorna was also a member of numerous educational, coaching, professional, and community organizations.

Lorna has been a very active member of the Cherry Grove Baptist Church for the majority of her life. She has been the church organist and pianist for over 50 years. She participated in the Cherry Jammers musical group while performing throughout the community. Lorna used her musical talents in a variety of ways. She played for many weddings and funerals, accompanied many 4-H members and college students preparing for local, state, and national music contests. Lorna also spent 12 years playing for rodeos throughout the mid-west.

During her spare time, Lorna enjoyed spending time with her family, doing crafts, and traveling. She also enjoyed spending time with Glenn while he participated in sporting events, rodeos, team roping events, Corriente shows, and church.

The family will hold a private inurnment in Memory Gardens Cemetery.

A public memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Lorna’s name to Cherry Grove Baptist Church in Garland, Kansas, and may be left in care of Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Glen Richard “Rick” Singmaster, 74, of Arcadia, Kansas, passed away on April 13, 2020 at his home.

He was born March 19, 1946 in Fort Scott the son of Donald “Reece” and Luetta “June” Kitchen Singmaster.

Rick was a member of the Fort Scott High School graduating class of 1964. He married Phyllis Cullop in 1965 and from this union, a son was born. They later divorced. In 1985, he married Carol Jenkerson, and they lived a full and happy life together.

Rick was self-employed for most of his life, turning his passion for astronomy into a successful business, Starmaster Telescopes. In addition to astronomy, he had a great love for music, fast cars, motorcycles, and his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Carol, of the home, son Barry Rice and wife, Lynn, 2 daughters, Nicole Conner and husband, Russell, and Sylvia Stapleton and husband, Austin, all of Fort Scott, 7 grandchildren, Stephanie Rice, Madilyn Conner, Megan Conner, Alex Rice, Macey Conner, Donnie Stapleton and Reece Stapleton, sister, Judy Barrow and husband, Ron of Leawood, Kansas, brother, Gary Singmaster of Fort Scott, several nieces, nephews and extended family as well as, many friends in the amateur astronomy community.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Reece and June Singmaster, his beloved brother, Donnie Singmaster, an infant brother, William Singmaster, and a sister-in-law, Margie Singmaster.

Private burial will take place at Clarksburg Cemetery, and a celebration of life will be announced and held at a later date.

The family suggests memorials to the Leukemia Foundation in memory of his brother, Donnie Singmaster.

Donations may be sent to or left in the care of, the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, P.O. Box 309, 15 W. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Phyllis Norris, 88, of Fort Scott, passed away at her home Saturday morning, April 11, 2020. She was born March 11, 1932, in Liberty, Kansas, the daughter of Archibald Warren and Hazel Johanna (Johnson) Austin.

She married Claude Wayne Norris on September 24, 1950, in Cherryvale, Kansas, he preceded her in death on April 30, 2017.

Phyllis attended the Mercy School of Nursing and later worked at the Newman-Young Clinic from 1959 to 1997. She was a member of the Church of Christ.

She is survived by a daughter, Jonni Stanton, and husband, Steve, two sons, Mike Norris and wife, Kathy, and Phillip Norris and wife, Debbie all of Fort Scott, a sister-in-law, Joycelyn Malone and husband, Keith, grandchildren, Jerod Stanton, Lindsey Gulager, Linda Cabuay, Lisa Davis, Megan Vincent and Andy Norris, and 12 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, Claude, she was preceded in death by her parents.

Phyllis was cremated per her wishes.

Memorial services will be held at a later date under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made in Phyllis’s name to The Beacon, Inc. contributions may be sent to, or left in the care of, the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home at P.O. Box 309, 15 W. Wall Street, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701

The family encourages friends to sign Phyllis’s memorial book at the funeral home. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Elder James O. Johnson, age 74, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away early Tuesday, April 7, 2020, at the Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.

He was born June 16, 1945, in Supply, North Carolina, the son of Carlie Hughes and Laura Ruth Johnson.

He married Catherine Jackson on August 18, 1989, at Ft. Scott. James had served with the United States Navy during the Vietnam War.

He was currently serving as pastor of the Mt. Sinai Church of God in Christ.

Survivors include his wife, Catherine, of the home and his two children, Terrence Johnson and Elinor Johnson, both of Ft. Scott and a grandson, Isiah Johnson. Also surviving are a brother, Carl Johnson, Jr. (Barbara) of North Carolina and a sister, Orene Fullwood More, of Maryland.

He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Mia Johnson and a brother, Robert Johnson.

A memorial service will be held at a later date

. Private burial will take place Friday at the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott.

Memorials are suggested to the Mt. Sinai Church of God in Christ 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.

Marilyn Young, age 88, a resident of Leawood, Kansas, passed away Saturday, April 4, 2020, at the Glenwood Village of Overland Park.

She was born November 19, 1931, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Elmer Phillips and Marjorie Eagon Phillips. Marilyn graduated from the Ft. Scott High School and the Ft. Scott Junior College.

Shen married Jack A. Young in July of 1954, at Ft. Scott. Marilyn had worked as a reservationist for Braniff Airlines.

In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, tending to her flower garden and watching the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs on television.

She and Jack also enjoyed taking the occasional trip “down to the boats.”

Survivors include her son, John Young and his wife, Jeri, of Garland, Texas; her granddaughter, Lauren Minyard and her husband, Kyle and a great-granddaughter, Lucille Minyard.

Marilyn’s husband, Jack, preceded her in death on December 1, 2019. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Phil Phillips.

Private burial will take place Thursday, April 9^th at the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.

John Thomas Durbin Jr., 54, died suddenly on Monday, March 30th from complications related to illness.

John was born on May 21, 1965 in Salinas, California to John Durbin, Sr. and Mary Durbin, the youngest of five children.    

John is survived by his wife, Kelli Durbin (Long), his four children: Micheal Murphy, John, Micheal, and Jeffery Durbin; two step-daughters and a step-son:  Katelyn, Ladonna, and Dylan Long; his three older sisters: Kathy Biggert, Dee Anna Poole, and Faith Durbin; six grandchildren: Taylor, Rebecca, Ayden, Jorden, Knox, and Waylon; and one great-grandchild: Vincent, as well as four nephews and a niece: Jimmy Poole, Jr., Brandon Poole, Matt Brown, Jessica Brown, and Daniel Durbin.

 He was preceded in death by his parents:  John Thomas Durbin Sr. and Mary Durbin (Wicham); his older sister: Candy Brown, as well as his daughter, Justina Marie.

No public services will be held, nor are contributions necessary.

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