Category Archives: Obituary

Obituary of Glenn Isaac

Glenn Galen Isaac, 86, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died on Friday, June 12, 2020, at Country Place Assisted Living.

He was born to Glenn Charles Isaac and Thelma Charlaine Weathers Isaac in Kansas City, KS, on August 11, 1933.

Galen married Iva Jean Isaac, and they were blessed with six children. He later married Shirley Ann Isaac on March 22, 1985.

Galen graduated from Elsmore High School in 1951, where he was salutatorian of his class. After high school, he briefly worked in Ohio on a pipeline construction job before being drafted in 1956.

While in the Army, he served in Japan.

He spent most of his working career owning and operating his own trucking company. From 1987 to 1994, he served as an instructor in the Driver Transportation Program at FSCC. Then he moved to Texas to work with his eldest son in his cabinet building company. In 1999, he returned to Kansas to retire, but he occasionally helped his middle son with his landscaping business and transporting cars for Shephard Team Auto Plaza. He enjoyed driving the open highway and visiting with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Galen is survived by two sisters, Priscilla Sellers, Ft. Scott, and Miriam and Forest Tennant, West Covina, CA; five children, Steve and Kimberly (Isaac) Irby, Holiday Island, AR, Randall and Kelly (Isaac) Goss of Jasper, AR, Barry and Frankie Isaac, Pittsburg, KS, Mike and Tammy (Isaac) Townsend, Fort Scott, and Cody Isaac, Mission, KS; 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Galen was preceded in death by his father and mother, his brother Eldon Isaac, his wife Shirley Isaac, and one son Randall Isaac.

Private family burial will take place in Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Care to Share 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 Charles Lee Clark

Charles Lee  Clark

Charles Lee Clark, age 83, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, June 9, 2020, at his home in Ft. Scott.

He was born June 22, 1936, in Ft. Scott, the son of Guy Clark and Minnie May Majors Clark.

Charles graduated from the Hume High School. He married Nina L. Orear on May 17, 1955, at the family farm near Foster, Missouri. Charles served with the United States Air Force from 1955 to 1958 where he was stationed in Germany. Following his military service, Charles was employed by the Johnson County Water Department. He later owned and operated his own dairy east of Hammond, Kansas, for many years. After retiring from the dairy business in the mid-1980’s, Charles began working for the Ft. Scott Water Department and later for the Bourbon County Landfill.

Charles enjoyed spending time outdoors and looking after his horse. He was a member of the West Liberty United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his son, Anthony Clark and wife, Linda, of Lebanon, Missouri and his daughter, Lozana Zimmerman, of Pittsburg, Kansas.

His wife, Nina, preceded him in death on November 8, 2010. He was also preceded in death by a son-in-law, John Zimmerman and three brothers, Joe, Kenneth and Gene Clark.

There was cremation.

Private burial will take place at a later date in the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to the West Liberty United Methodist 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 Ellis Lee Beth

Ellis Lee Beth, age 95, resident of rural Ft. Scott, KS, died June 10, 2020, at his home. He was born February 21, 1925, in Ft. Scott, the son of Clifton and Edna White Beth. He graduated from Fulton Kansas High School in 1943. He lived his entire life as a farmer in the West Liberty community. He accepted Jesus Christ as his savior at an early age. He loved fishing, golfing, bowling, square dancing, sports, and spending time with family. He was always willing to offer a helping hand. He married his high school sweetheart, Catherine Costin, on November 12, 1944. They celebrated their 75th Anniversary in 2019.

Survivors include his wife Catherine of the home; two daughters, Marilyn Sipe and husband John, and Marsha Bell and husband Doug; a sister, Carol Jean Smith; a brother, Albert Beth and wife Jan; a daughter-in-law, Sandra Beth; grandchildren, Shana and Mike Emerson, Clifton and Whitney Beth, Beth Ann and Casey Alexander, Catherine Bell and Nick Sterner, and Elizabeth and Ray Berrens; and great grandchildren, Cali, Nick and Austin Emerson, Ella and Carter Beth, Isaac and Eli Alexander, Bryn and Claire Sterner, and Kiya Berrens. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Cathy Lee, a son, Darrel Beth; and a brother Merle Dean Beth.

There was cremation. Private family burial with take place at a later date in the West Liberty Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association 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 Dale James

Dale C. James, age 87, resident of Kemah, TX, died Wednesday, April 1, 2020, at Afton Oaks Nursing Home in Houston, TX, from chronic respiratory failure.

He was born June 16, 1932, in Crawford County, KS, the son of Kenneth and Jessie Coonrod James. After graduation from Arcadia High School, he served two years in the U. S. Army. Dale worked for the Western Insurance Company until retirement in 1990, then moved to Texas. Dale was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the American Legion for over 65 years.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Sue Herrill James; one daughter, Kelly Singer; one granddaughter, Autumn Singer; and four great-grandchildren, Davin, Hailey and Daniel Sanford, and Payton Broach.

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

There was cremation.

Private graveside services will take place Tuesday, June 16th, in the U. S. National Cemetery, Ft. Scott.

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

Obituary of Larry Tinsley

Lawrence K. (Larry) Tinsley, 63, of Fort Scott, passed away Monday morning, June 8, 2020 at his home.

He was born on June 9, 1956 in Overland Park, KS the son of Lawrence O. and Jacqueline (Day) Tinsley. He grew up in the Overland Park and Paola, KS area and attended schools there.

He served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War era from 1973 to 1975 and a member of the American Legion.

He graduated from Pittsburg State University (Welding) in 1982.

He enjoyed living life, bowling, reading, gardening, watching TV, and fishing.

Known to his family as Larry, LT, and Papa Larry/LT. Most of all he loved his family and enjoyed calling, texting, and visiting with them when well. He lived his life loving and was loved.


Larry is survived by his wife, Mary of the home, a brother: Mark and wife Cindy Tinsley of Paola, Kansas, a son, Michael and wife, Kayla Tinsley of Fort Scott and a daughter, Raechelle Tinsley of Rancho Cucamonga, California, grandchildren, Maggie, Kailen, Tesla, and Deacon, his aunt Charlotte and husband, Gary Earley, brothers/sisters In-Law: Vincent (Evelyn) Morales, Virginia (Tom) Moody, Christopher (Estella) Morales, Martha (Dennis) Miller, Abigail (Randy) Berning. As well as, several close loving relatives including: aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and large extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by, his grandparents, parents, and brother, Randall James (Randy) Tinsley.

Rev. James Collins, Chaplain of Post #25, American Legion will conduct Graveside Funeral Services for Lawrence K. Tinsley, 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 12, 2020 at the Fort Scott National Cemetery with the American Legion and the V.F.W. Post #1165 coordinating the Military Honors.

Attendance will be limited and social distancing rules still apply.

Masks are required and are not supplied by the cemetery.

The Family suggests memorials to the American Legion Post #25, donations 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.

Obituary of Vicky Hawkins

Vicky Sue Hawkins, age 56, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, May 30, 2020, at the Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas.  She was born July 3, 1963, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Albert Richard Hawkins and Clara May Love Hawkins.  Vicki graduated from the Ft. Scott High School and received training as a CNA.  She had worked for over thirty years at Mercy Hospital in Ft. Scott.  She loved taking care of people and her family.  She often babysat for family and friends.  She also cared for all kinds of animals.  Vicky enjoyed watching the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs and the KU Jayhawks.

 

Survivors include her son, Dustin Hawkins, of Ft. Scott and a brother, Tim Hawkins, Sr. and wife, Cheryl also of Ft. Scott.  Also surviving are three nieces, Kayla Hill, Darcy Hawkins, and Shelby Hawkins and two nephews, Tim Hawkins, Jr. and Donathan Hawkins; and great-nieces and great-nephews, Landon, Donavan, Maylynn, Morgyn, Laney, Lane, Sadie Sebastian, Izzy and Annistyn.  She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Rick Hawkins.

 

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, June 4th at the Maple Grove Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.

Obituary of Linda Chambers

Linda Maxine Chambers, a resident of Fort Scott, died Monday, May 25 at the hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas.
Linda was born June 18, 1947 in Corvallis, Oregon, the oldest child of Earl and Maxine Wagner Priest. Linda attended most of her school years at Pleasanton, Kansas and graduated in 1965 at Arvada West High School in Arvada, Colorado.
She married Gerald “Jerry” Chambers in 1971 in Denver, Colorado. They have one son, Eric, who lives in Oswego, New York.
The family moved to Fort Scott from Denver in 1980  and have remained in Bourbon County most of the time since, except for a couple of years in Ely, Nevada.
  Linda worked hard all her life, obtaining her first job when only 13 years old at the drugstore in Pleasanton, making 35 cents an hour. Linda loved crocheting and reading.  Her family was very important to her. Linda cared for her mother in her later years. She helped raise her nephews, Levi and Daniel Priest. She also babysat for great-nieces and a great-nephew.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Earl Dean Priest and Maxine Wagner Engle, her step-father, James McKinney, and a brother, Anthony “Tony” Priest.
She is survived by her husband, Jerry, her son, Eric Chambers and his wife, Jennifer and two grandchildren, Kaitlynn and Trevor Chambers of Oswego/Mexico, New York, a step-son, Mike Chambers and wife Amy of Denver, Colorado, a step-daughter, Susan Harris of Boise, Idaho, two step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren, her sister Judy Hall of Mineola, Iowa, brothers, Earl Dee Priest of Iola, Kansas and Mark McKinney and his wife, Jane, of Fort Shaw, Montana, an uncle, J V Wagner and wife Ila, of Moran, and aunts, Eva Wagner of LaHarpe, Audrey Wagner of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Delana Wagner of Hepler, Kansas, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 from 3:00 – 5:00 P.M.at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Private burial will take place in the U. S. National Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Hospital 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.

Why Me, Lord? By Pastor James Collins

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8

“Why me?” is the first question we ask when tragedy strikes. “Why me, Lord? Why did my loved one have to die?”

Some of us have the same question when we have a flat tire. “Why me, Lord? My car broke down and it cost $600 to get fixed… $600 that I don’t have. Why me? After all, I am as good as most people. In fact, I’ve been better than most. Why are You treating me this way? Why are You punishing me this way?”

Some of us have the same question when the internet goes out, or when the dishwasher quits working, or when the weed eater string gets tangled, or when the bathroom sink is clogged. “Why me, Lord? Why am I wasting time trying to fix this stupid thing? This is going to cost me more money to get this fixed. Jesus, You know I don’t have any money. By the way, why, at my age, should I still be having financial problems? Why have You denied me opportunities for fame and fortune that You have given to others? Why me, Lord?”

I don’t know about you, but when I find myself starting to think like this, which I often do, it sometimes helps for me to ask the same question about other aspects of my life. “Why me, Lord? What have I done that’s so great that You should have blessed me with a car, internet, a dishwasher, a weed eater, and a home? Why did You give me all these things anyway?”

Sometimes, it helps for me to ask, “Why me, Lord? Why did You permit me to be born in America with all its wealth? I could have been born in a poverty-stricken country like Ethiopia, or Haiti, or Afghanistan. Why was I born in rich America? Why me, Lord? Why did You allow me to have a job when so many, who are just as deserving as I am, are without work?”

Sometimes, it helps for me to ask, “Why me, Lord? Why am I in good health? Others my age have died of heart attacks. Others were crippled by accidents or disease. Others have cancer. Why should I escape sickness and injury when other people who believe in You are either suffering or dead?”

Sometimes, it helps for me to ask, “Why me, Lord? Why have You spared me from the heartaches that assault other families? Others, wonderful people, are seeing their families torn apart, but you have blessed me.”

The point is: Life is about perspective. If you would just stop and remember all the ways the Lord has blessed you, even though you don’t deserve it, I wonder how you could complain about the relatively insignificant things that go wrong in your life from time to time. If you and I could only remember to count our blessings.

Furthermore, if you are a Christian, it helps to ask, “Why me, Lord? Why would You go to a cross and die for me? Jesus, why would You love me so much when I am so unlovable?”

Years ago, the great songwriter, Kris Kristofferson, wrote a song titled, “Why me, Lord?” The song begins with Kristofferson pouring his soul out to God:

Why me Lord, what have I ever done
To deserve even one
Of the pleasures I’ve known
Tell me Lord, what did I ever do
That was worth loving You
Or the kindness You’ve shown.

Jesus showed kindness, grace, and love for us by dying for us. Even though, we are sinners, even though we don’t deserve it, even though we are ungrateful, Jesus died for us.

Why? Why me, Lord? Why would You love me? Why would you die for me?

Why me, indeed…

James Collins is the senior pastor at First Southern Baptist Church. For more information on his ministry, go to the website www.fortscottfsbc.com.

Obituary of Paul Schnichels

Paul David Schnichels, age 68, a resident of Topeka, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2020, at the Midland Care Hospice in Topeka.

He was born June 21, 1951, in Cautemoc, Mexico.  He and his three siblings were adopted by Elfie M. Schnichels, a Baptist missionary.

Growing up, Paul attended a country school and went to Junior High in Ft. Scott.

He enjoyed playing baseball, basketball and swimming.

Paul was naturalized at the federal building in Ft. Scott, Kansas on May 3, 1963.

Paul enlisted in the U. S. Navy in 1969.  He served aboard the destroyer USS Henderson.  He served in a hostile fire zone in the South China Sea, the Tonkin Gulf and patrolled the coast of North Vietnam.  Paul served under the Johnson and Nixon administrations.  He earned four medals and a letter of commendation.  Paul was honorably discharged in 1975.

Paul attended Ft. Scott Community College from 1973-1974.

He had several jobs including being a farm hand for four years.  He was a station attendant at the Derby Station in Ft. Scott.  He also made aluminum frames for Extrusions and Peerless.  Paul was active at the VA where he enjoyed volleyball, handball, lifting weights, ping pong, cards and chess.  He also enjoyed cars, listening to music and had a lot of girlfriends.  Paul was an avid reader and enjoyed reading about history, English, God and the Bible.

Paul struggled with mental health issues and was in treatment for mental illness for forty-five years.  After struggling with alcoholism, Paul stopped drinking in 1986.

Paul had a strong faith as a Baptist Christian for Christ.  He was converted in a jailhouse in August of 1971 and was baptized in 2000 at Emanuel Baptist Church in Ft. Scott.

Paul had a godly mother and loved the Lord.  He will be glad when he sees the Lord face to face.

 

Survivors include his mother, Elfie Schnichels, of Ft. Scott, Kansas and two sisters, Rose Brown and Linda Wurtz.  He was preceded in death by a brother, Mark Schnichels.

 

Pastor Larry Stevicks will conduct a private funeral service on Wednesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Private burial will take place in the U. S. National Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to the Emanuel 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 Carolyn J. Stancer

Carolyn Jean Stancer, age 67, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2020, at the Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.

She was born May 15, 1953, in Lawrence, Kansas, the daughter of Howard Wayne Cash and Wilma Leona Hillman Cash.

Carolyn married Kevin E. Stancer on August 24, 1974, at Ft. Scott.

In earlier years, Carolyn had worked for both Great West and Lincoln National Insurance Companies.  Carolyn has worked the last several years at Wal-Mart in Ft. Scott.

 

Survivors include her husband, Kevin, and her son, Terry Tarter, both of Ft. Scott; two brothers, Tommy Cash of Boston, Massachusetts and Everett Cash of Wichita, Kansas and a sister, Evelyn Page, of Windsor, Missouri.  Also surviving are several nieces and nephews including Nick and Alex Nuzum whom she helped raise and her beloved dog, Spike.

 

There was cremation and no services are planned at this time.  A celebration of Carolyn’s life will be held at a later date.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Obituary of Michael Johnson

Michael "Pookie" Louis Johnson

Michael Louis “Pookie” Johnson, age 69, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Friday, May 22, 2020, at his home.

He was born October 18, 1950, in Kansas City, Kansas, the son of Donald Leroy Walker and Mary Louise Johnson.

He graduated from the Ft. Scott High School. He then attended Ft. Scott Community College and later attended Baker University on a football scholarship. He had worked for several years for Bourbon County. Pookie loved spending time with his family and playing cards with his friends.

Survivors include three sisters, Joyce Johnson, Glenda Kimani, and Diana Johnson, all of Ft. Scott and a special cousin, Cadillac McNack, also of Ft. Scott. Also surviving is a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Janice Ray and Barbara Wilburn and two infant brothers.

Private burial will take place on Friday, May 29th at the U. S. National Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Michael Johnson 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 Susan Schnichels

Susan Kay Schnichels, age 68, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Saturday, May 23, 2020, at Yates Center Health and Rehab in Yates Center, KS.

She was born on September 18, 1951, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Donald and Betty Powell Wiggans.

She married Paul Morris, Sr. in 1974. They later divorced. She married Mark Schnichels on January 4, 1980. He preceded her in death on February 6, 2007.

Susan worked for Tri-Valley Developmental Center for 10 years. She loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Survivors include a son, Paul Morris, Jr., Ft. Scott; 3 daughters, Brandi Johnson, Yates Center; Kayla Schnichels, Ft. Scott, and Kara Schnichels, Pittsburg, KS; a step son, Mark Schnichels, Ft. Scott; 3 step daughers, Annette Blevins, Colorado, Frankie Kimmel, Iowa, and Sara Schnichels, Ft. Scott; her mother, Betty Wiggans, Ft. Scott; a sister, Carla Fowler and husband Mike, Ft. Scott; one brother, William Wiggans and wife Amy, Ft. Scott; 17 grandchildren; 13 step grandchildren; and 1 great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by a son, Richard Wiggans; 2 sisters, Mary Sampson and Dawnie Sharp; a granddaughter, Mia Johnson; and her father.

Graveside services will be held at 11:30 Tuesday, June 2nd, in the Clarksburg Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Care to Share 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.