On May 4, 2021, the curtains closed on the life of John Phillip “Phil” Hammons after being on life’s stage for 77 years with his quick wit, his roaring laughter, and his irrepressible personality.

The world was graced with Phil’s presence on March 23, 1944 in Fort Scott, KS.  The second son of Carol and Paul Hammons, brother to Stephen Carson.  He was best described by his sainted mother Carol…”He’s never been quite right.”  Following an idyllic childhood he attended the University of Kansas where he was an active, proud member of the Sigma Chi fraternity…”How’d he get in?” you might ask…we’re not sure either!  Phil graduated with a major in Math in 1966 and moved to St. Louis, Missouri to work for Ford Motor Company.

In 1968 he married Susy Sheaks. Their children, Josh and Carey, were born in Missouri, which caused considerable consternation because this clashed with his deep Kansas Jayhawk roots.

The family moved to Fort Scott in 1975, where Phil joined Hammons Realty to work with his dad.  The doors of Hammons Realty Company closed in 2018 after more than 50 total years in operation.

In retirement, Phil continued his real estate activities at H&H Agency and his independent appraisal business. Additionally, he was the treasurer for the Fort Scott USD 234, treasurer for the First United Methodist Church, treasurer for the Class of 1962, and treasurer for his golf group (which was his most challenging pro bono task).

A childhood bout with polio left Phil with a weak upper left arm, and rather than become the target of jokes about his disability, he became the jokester of the room, targeting anyone around him, politically correct or not.  He used it to his advantage.  Most any time he found himself at a disadvantage, he’d cry “But I had THE polio as a child!”

He laughed as uproariously as anyone else at his own jokes; he was his own laugh track.  You may have been at the receiving end of Phil’s witty comments and comebacks.  Even if some of them stung, the secret is…that meant he cared about you.

Admittedly more of a brain than an athlete, believe it or not, Phil had FOUR holes-in-one in his lifetime playing the game he loved with a group of guys he treasured.  An avid KU basketball fan, in February 2020, he took great pride in taking his grandson, Nate, to his very first basketball game in Allen Fieldhouse complete with a pre-game stop at The Wheel.  Another very special moment was singing a duet in church with granddaughter Avery.  Although he didn’t much like hearing that she was the lead and he was her backup.

While recovering from his first round of chemo in March 2021 at Nottingham Health and Rehab in Olathe, KS, his Sigma Chi brothers serenaded him.  The weather was perfect and Phil was able to sit by a large open window and even sing along until becoming verklempt.

Phil’s hometown community rallied around him during his battle with lung cancer.  Phil said, “I’ve had more people at my house in the last 30 days than I had in the previous 30 years!” (Phil was more of a professional guest than host).

The town he loved really came through for him in a big way during these difficult 11 weeks since the diagnosis.  He was miraculously able to stay at home with his dog, Roxy, for the last several weeks of his battle because of the selfless community support.  On May 2nd, 2021, an impromptu, surprise, friendship parade was organized in a couple of hours, and approximately 100 people passed by his bedroom window with messages of love and support.  He greeted each person by name and was deeply touched by their presence.

Beyond his witty and larger-than-life personality, Phil was a good man, a good father, and grandfather (Pop to his grandchildren), a good community man, a staunch member of the First United Methodist Church, a talented tenor, and well-known local real estate broker/appraiser.

Although they were divorced, he and Susy worked to maintain good relations which made it possible for many combined family celebrations over the years. Most recently, the family had several “Fridays with Pop” for favorite family meals of the past and good conversations.

He will be dearly missed by his family and friends, who when reunited with him on the other side, MAYBE by then, all of his old, tired jokes will finally seem new again.  No question, he will greet them asking, “Did we go to high school together?” OR “Are you here for the cheerleaders’ convention?”

Phil leaves behind his devoted children, Joshua John Hammons (Pittsburg) and Carey Carson Hammons Parks (Overland Park), grandchildren, Avery Jane Parks and Nate Carson Parks, and last but not least, the famous Roxy the Doxy (as Phil called her), his devoted dog.  She was a particular comfort in his last days (when she wasn’t standing on his chest!).  Fortunately for Phil, his children were committed to him in spite of the fact that he said to a home health nurse, “Help, my kids are trying to kill me!” during her very first home health visit.  If you knew Phil, this surprises no one (other than that unsuspecting home health nurse).

Greeting Phil on the other side are his father, Paul Leroy Hammons; mother, Emily Carol Carson Hammons; brother, Stephen Carson Hammons, and countless other treasured family members and friends both human and canine.  The Hammons family LOVES dogs and in particular, Phil looked forward to reuniting at the Rainbow Bridge with his loving companion of 15 years (who he stole from his neighbors…that’s a story for another time) Maggie the dachshund.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Phil’s memory to the organizations that brought the Hammons family its most pedigreed members:

Roxy,  Phil’s dachshund: The SE Kansas Humane Society in Pittsburg, KS, – Humane Society, P.O. Box 783, Pittsburg, KS 66762 (https://www.thesekhumanesociety.com/donate).

Abe, Josh’s cocker spaniel mix:
Golden Paw Rescue out of Joplin, MO – Golden Paw Rescue, 2300 N Main St., Joplin, MO 64801, (https://www.goldenpawrescue.org/).

Willow, Carey, Avery, & Nate’s beagle mix:

Always & Furever Animal Sanctuary in Spring Hill, KS – Always & Furever, 23595 W 223rd St., Spring Hill, KS 66083 (https://www.alwaysandfurever.org/donate/).

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 21, 2021, at The First United Methodist Church in Fort Scott under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Due to COVID restrictions, the attendance is limited to 100 attendees maximum. The family is investigating options to stream the service online. Buck Run Community Center will be set up with chairs and a large screen for church overflow to watch the service.

When available, details to join the live stream of the service will be shared on Phil’s CaringBridge site at https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/philhammons, on Facebook, and also available from Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS, 66701.

Immediately following the church service, a procession to the cemetery will be held.

The family encourages all to join in the procession to the cemetery and at the graveside. The family requests that you please submit stories and memories to the online guestbook at www.konantz-cheney.com.

Gloria Delonia Luker, age 87, of Uniontown, KS, died Friday, May 07, 2021, at Moran Manor in Moran, KS. She was born February 21, 1934, in Troy, AL, the daughter of J.P. Colquitt and Lillie B. Griggs Colquitt. Gloria spent her childhood years in Troy, graduating from high school in 1953. She married Eldon D. Luker on April 7, 1955, in Troy. They made their home in Uniontown, KS, working together on the farm. Gloria was a friend to many, someone who never met a stranger. She was a member of the Paint Creek Church of the Brethren where she taught Sunday School and served as moderator of the church for many years.

Survivors include her husband Eldon of the home; a daughter, Marita J. Tanner and husband Albert, Uniontown, KS; a son, Brent D. Luker and wife Andrea, Overland Park, KS; and 3 granddaughters, Meredith Luker, Alyssa Luker, Brittany Jo Tanner. She was preceded in death by a son, William K. “Bill” Luker, 5 brothers, 2 sisters and her parents.

Rev. Chub Bolling will conduct memorial services at 10:00 AM Thursday, May 13^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial of cremains will follow in the Marion Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to either the Beacon or Uniontown High School 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.

Jessie Leona Hicks, age 74, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Sunday, May 2, 2021, at her home. She was born May 11, 1946, in Lebanon, MO, the daughter of Alexander Lee Williams and Jewel Lonnie Sherrer Williams. Besides raising her family, Jessie managed multiple rental properties. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, fishing, and shopping. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband Larry of the home; 5 sons, Eddie Piatt and wife Glenda, Nevada, MO, Michael Piatt, Lenexa, KS, Donald Piatt and wife Heather, Reno, NV, Troy Piatt and wife Tonya, Ft. Scott, and Nathan Hicks and wife Latisha, Ft. Scott; 2 daughters, Julie Tavis and husband David, Jasper, MO, and Joie Moore, Ft. Scott; 3 brothers, John, Joe, and Jeff Williams; 2 sisters, Janet Jackson-Materanek, and Pat Nance; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Jerry and James Williams; a sister, June Loomis, a great grandson, Canaan Rons; and her parents.

Rev. Kevin Moyers will conduct funeral services at 1:00 PM Thursday, May 6^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:00 Noon until 1:00 Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested the American Kidney 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.

Otis Wayne Atkins of Nixa, Missouri, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2021, surrounded by his loving children and grandchildren. Wayne was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, on January 11, 1944, to Ola Wilma Owens and Otis F. Atkins. He had one sister, Coleen Leavel. Wayne attended public schools and graduated from Appleton City High School in Appleton City Missouri in 1961.

Wayne earned a football scholarship and attended Fort Scott, Kansas Community College from 1961-1963. From Fort Scott, Wayne attended Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, Missouri, on a football scholarship from 1963-1965. Wayne returned to Fort Scott in 1965 after college and went to work for Mid-Continental Restoration Company. He had loved the time spent in Fort Scott while going to college and was happy to return. He worked in the waterproofing industry from 1965-2018 when he retired from Atkins Weatherproofing, a family business.

In 1971, Wayne met and married Karen Mabery, a hometown Fort Scott girl. They had two children: Karalee Michelle Taylor and Frank Dewayne Atkins, both of Nixa, Missouri. Wayne was a loving father to both of his children. He never missed a school function or sporting event for his kids. They will always remember their father as their biggest cheerleader. He was a doting grandfather to Madison, Tru, and Kelby. AND, an adoring great-grandfather to Sophie, Taxen, and Asher. He took pride in everything his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren did and accomplished.

Wayne had a special relationship with Karen’s family. He considered Frank and Faye Mayberry as his other parents. He loved them dearly. He felt a special bond with the entire Duncan “clan.” He had loving aunts in Lois and Ruth and hunting buds in uncles Hurschel and Livian.

Wayne Atkins was a hard-working man who dearly loved his family. They WERE his life and his greatest accomplishment. All he achieved was for his family. Wayne was a man who didn’t ask for much and appreciated all he had. He was a great example to the men who he worked with in his younger years and to his employees in his later years. He worked hard and taught by example. He was a gentle man who never raised his voice to make his point. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Graveside services for Wayne will be 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at Memory Gardens under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Center and 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.

Raymond Claude McIntosh, age 83, was born at home, December 9, 1937, in Freedom Township, Bourbon County, Kansas, and died April 10, 2021. He died in a car crash returning to Buffalo, KS where he lived.

He married (1), Ida Rae Staten, December 18, 1959 in Pleasanton, KS, later divorcing. Their 4 sons were: Donald Ray and Daniel Dean, both of Bourbon Co., KS; David Scott and Debbie of Buffalo, KS and Cecil Earl of Phoenix, AZ. Raymond married (2), Delores Elaine “Hamilton” Owen, June 18, 1994. She brought to the marriage three children: Janet Sue Owen, Jeff Ronald Owen and Jack Allen Owen. Raymond was especially close to Jack Owen and his son.

Raymond was a high school graduate of Blue Mound, KS High School and took many educational and technical classes through the years. He was known to read advanced math books in his leisure. His intelligence, love of music, keen insights and love of all animals greatly impressed those around him, though he was a bit of a recluse. Raymond held various jobs (selling sewing machines, building boats and farm work) before his long-term job with the prison system of Phoenix, AZ. He then moved to the Los Angeles area of CA, building bridges, and finally worked with the Water Dept. of Buffalo, KS. Raymond was a member of the Carpenters Union of St. Louis-Kansas City.

He is survived by his first wife and their four children and two stepchildren of the second wife; many grandchildren and nieces and nephews; his brother: Gary McIntosh of Iola, KS and his sister: Linda Lou Heidner of Lawrence, KS and his first cousin of Mapleton, KS: Edith “Chaplin” Post and Howard. Passing before him were his brothers and a sister: Robert Louis, Richard Earl; William Edwin and Patricia Ellen Schwepker; and his parents: Nora Ellen Atherton and Earl Edwin McIntosh; and first cousins: Iren, Charlie, George and Cecil Chaplin. At life’s end, Raymond’s dog, Ellie, who survived the accident, was his constant companion. He will be greatly missed.

Cremation has occurred and a Graveside Service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. May 1, 2021, at the Maple Grove Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, Fort Scott, Kansas. Memorials should be directed to, ‘Your Community Foundation’ for the benefit of animals (a special account established by Raymond); Box 44, Iola, KS 66749, or may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Agnes Post, 96, of Fort Scott, passed away Thursday, April 8, 2021 at Diversified Care in Chanute. She was born September 22, 1924, in Moran, Kansas, the daughter of Elmer E. and Susie Agnes (Judge) Norman.

Agnes worked as a Nurse Aide for Mercy and also at area nursing homes.

Survivors include her daughter, Vickie K. McWilliams, of Redfield, Kansas; three sisters, Thelma Main, Bernice Bryson, and Faye Yockey; two grandchildren, Norman Bockover, and Robin Kerr; and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, Harold Norman, Glen Norman, Marvin Norman, and Tommy Norman; two sisters, Marvelle Blackburn, and Othie Norman; and a grandson, Robert Kerr.

Chub Boling will conduct graveside services at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 10, 2021, at the Uniontown Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Elsie Jean Sellen, 93, of Fort Scott, passed away Monday morning, April 5, 2021, at Guest Home Estates, Fort Scott, Kansas. She was born June 16, 1927, in Whiting, Kansas, the daughter of Clifton and Grace (Koger) Belden. She married William Walker Sellen July 13, 1947, in Topeka, Kansas, and he preceded her in death June 14, 2015.

Elsie graduated from Whiting High School in 1945. She graduated from Clark’s Business School in Topeka, Kansas and went on to manage a restaurant, a deli, and a hearing aid company. She was a member of the Wakarusa Presbyterian Church, and attended the First United Methodist Church in Fort Scott. Elsie served as Worthy Matron of the Beulah Chapter of O.E.S. of Carbondale, Kansas, and she sang with the Sweet Adelines in Topeka until she was 80 years of age and sang with them at Carnegie Hall.

Elsie is survived by her children, Patricia Harry and husband Steve of Fort Scott, Kansas, Richard Sellen of Olathe, Kansas, Marcia Sellen and husband Richard DeVoe of Gladstone, Missouri, and Pamela Miller and husband Ross of Houston, Texas; six grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband William, she was also preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Minnie Belden, and a brother, Walter Belden.

Following cremation, Rev. Steve Cole will conduct memorial services 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 12, 2021, at the First United Methodist Church in Fort Scott under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Elsie will be buried with her husband William in the Spring Hill Cemetery in Whiting, Kansas.

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