Category Archives: Obituary

Obituary of Bruce Hemphill

Bruce Edwin Hemphill, age 68, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, May 4, 2019, at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas.

He was born October 11, 1950, in Lamar, Missouri, the son of Emmett David Hemphill and Beulah Marie Slates Hemphill.

Bruce married Jamie Marie Lowry on October 3, 1985, at Ft. Scott. Bruce served with the United States Air Force for eleven and a half years where he served as a boom operator on mid-air refueling missions.

Following his time with the military, Bruce worked in maintenance for various manufacturing businesses. He then served as a service technician for Peddinghaus Corp. for nineteen years. While with Peddinghaus, he traveled throughout the United States and Canada and even made a service trip to England. He later worked in maintenance for Sugar Creek Packing and Russell Stover. Because of his time with the Air Force, Bruce had a love of airplanes and enjoyed attending air shows.

He also enjoyed stock car racing and was an avid NASCAR fan. He loved fishing with his children and grandchildren and watching programs on the History and Discovery channels.

Survivors include his wife, Jamie, of the home; his six children, Mary Reynolds and husband Brian, of Maple Falls, Washington; Christopher Lowry and wife Renee, of Long Island City, New York;Michael Waring and wife Alicia, of Nevada, Missouri; Cynthia “Squirrel” Hemphill-Witham and husband Adam, of Ft. Scott; Sean Hemphill, of Ft. Scott and Nicholas Hemphill, also of Ft. Scott; nine grandchildren, Jeff Reynolds and wife Malia, Thomas Reynolds and wife Monica, Alexys and Rachael Lowry, Ryan, Kale, and Idessea Waring and Koda Miller and Crysta Witham; four great-grandchildren, Beckett and Sawyer Reynolds and Jaxon and Ashlynn Reynolds; as well as several adopted grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his mother, Beulah Hemphill of Lamar, Missouri; his sister, Barbara Lee, also of Lamar and Clifford Hemphill, of North Carolina.

He was proceeded in death by his father, Emmett D. Hemphill, former Police Chief of Lamar, Mo.

Private burial with military honors will take place in the U. S. National Cemetery in Fort Scott, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to the Bruce Hemphill 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 David Eugene Gonzales

David Eugene Gonzales

David Eugene Gonzales, age 63, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Saturday, May 4, 2019, at K.U. Medical Center.

He was born January 4, 1956, in Las Cruses, NM, the son of Mary Bellman. He lived in Ft. Scott since 1980. David had a larger than life smile and never met a stranger. His passion was God and family. He enjoyed country cruising and cutting others hair, usually for free. David loved life and made those around him feel valuable.

Survivors include two sons, Mikhail Gonzales and wife LaKeisha, and Jason Martinez and family, all of Ft. Scott; two daughters, Danica Gonzales, Gardner, KS, and Chasidy Sharp and husband Michael, Louisburg, KS; three brothers, Tudy Bernal and wife Maryann, Donnie Gonzales and wife Delores, and Michael Bellman, all of Las Cruses, NM; three sisters, Lisa Bernal, Rachel Flores and husband Eddie, and Christina Archuleta and husband Ruben, all of Las Cruses, NM; 12 grandchildren, Mannie, Mikiylah, Jalynn, Jeremiah, Hallie, Marcus, Marissa, Maxwell, Miya, Alexis, Alianise, and Anastasia; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother.

Rev. Matthew Hunt will conduct funeral services at 11:00 AM Thursday, May 9th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Dayton Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. Wednesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the David Gonzales Memorial Fund 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.

Obituary of Ralph “Pete” Barr

Ralph Edward “Pete” Barr, age 97, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Monday, May 06, 2019, at Medicalodge of Ft. Scott. He was born May 23,1921, in Ft. Scott, the son of Ed and Pearl Lowe Barr. Pete worked for the railroad early in his career before entering the service. He served in the Army during WWII. He married Mary Blanche Shankles on June 21, 1947, in Ft. Scott. She preceded him in death on October 4, 1997. He eventually began working for KG&E as a lineman and later as a sub station operator for a total of 36 years. He was a member of the IBEW union. Pete enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially quail. He always had a birddog. In later years, he was a regular for afternoon coffee at 5-Corners. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

Survivors include a son, Lynn Barr and Genea Bruner, Ft. Scott; one grandson, Hayden Barr and fiancé Katie Brown, Lincoln, NE; and several nieces and nephews. Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Daniel and Joe Barr; and a sister, Grace Herwig.

Rev. Dusty Drake will conduct graveside services at 11:00 AM Monday, May 13th, in the U. S. National Cemetery, Ft. Scott. Military honors will be provided. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until leaving for the cemetery Monday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. 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.

Obituary of Marjorie Tate

Marjorie Elinor Tate, age 92, a former resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, and more recently of Rockaway Beach, Missouri, passed away Thursday, May 2, 2019, at her home in Rockaway Beach.

She was born October 29, 1926, in St. Louis, Missouri, the daughter of Forrest Bobbitt and Matilda Jane Mapes Bobbitt.

She married Marvin E. Tate on April 5, 1946, at the Mt. Zion Bible School in Ava, Missouri.  Marjorie was a devoted wife and mother.  She did bookkeeping for her husband’s carpentry and antique businesses.

She faithfully attended the Parkway Church of God (Holiness) where she served for many years as a Sunday School teacher.  She was a long-time supporter of Ft. Scott Christian Heights and the youth activities of her church.  After moving to Rockaway Beach, she attended church at the Bridge of Faith Community Church where she volunteered with the church thrift store.

Survivors include two daughters, Nancy Martinez and husband, Juan, of Eagle Pass, Texas and Jane Peck and husband, Daryl, of Rockaway Beach, Missouri and her son, Kelly Tate and wife, Jan, of Ft. Scott, Kansas.  Also surviving are fifteen grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.

 Her husband, Marvin, preceded her in death on June 17, 2010.  She was also preceded in death by a granddaughter.

Pastor Jonathan McGuire and Rev. Eric Going will conduct funeral services at 2:00 P.M. Monday, May 6th at the Parkway Church of God (Holiness).

  Private burial will take place in the U. S. National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Sunday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Bridge of Faith Church or Central Mission of Faith 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 John Darwin Hastings

John Darwin Hastings, age 89, resident of Nevada, MO, formerly of Bronaugh, MO, passed away at his home Tuesday, April 30, 2019.

He was born on March 21, 1930, in Lindsay, CA, the son of John Raymond and Dora Beatrice Fry Hastings. He graduated from Bronaugh high school with the class of 1948. He served three tours of duty in Korea in the Navy. John married Mary Ann Stumfoll on August 9, 1952, in Bentonville AR. She preceded in death on June 24, 2017.

John was a hard-working farmer. He loved the Lord and served as deacon and Sunday School teacher. He was an avid reader, especially his Bible. When not working, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching westerns, and tending his vegetable and flower gardens. Iris was his favorite flower. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, Pleasanton, KS.

Survivors include his son, Rev. John Bradley Hastings and wife Ronda, Grants, NM; two daughters, Renee Clemons and husband John, Oronogo, MO, and Lexi Strickler and husband Doug, Iola, KS; two sisters, Betty Smith and husband Jerry, Haysville, KS, and Joan Owens, Saginaw, MO; three brothers, Donald Hastings and wife Doris, Elkhart, IN, Gary Lee Hastings, Bronaugh, MO, and Billy Ray Hastings, Philippines; 9 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Alisa Ann Hastings; a brother, Robert Hastings; three sisters, Laverna Drummond, Lorene Hopkins, and Jo Ellen Jones; and his parents.

Rev. Bradley Hastings will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Monday, May 6th, at the Grace Baptist Tabernacle.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 9:00 until service time Monday at Grace Baptist.

Memorials are suggested to Native American Baptist Missions 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.

Obituary of Eugene “Red” Troll

Eugene Norbert “Red” Troll, age 86, a resident of Nevada, Missouri, died Monday, April 29, 2019, at Freeman Hospital West in Joplin, Missouri.

Red was born December 22, 1931, in Minot, North Dakota, the son of Eugene Carl Troll and Lottie Clue Rettinghouse. He graduated from Julian High School in 1949.

He served in the United States Army from 1953 – 1955. Red married Bonnie Beasley on September 15, 1956 in Butler, Missouri.

In his younger years, Red was a rodeo cowboy competing in bronc riding and team roping. He was part owner of a dune buggy racing team that raced in the desert between California and Mexico.

He loved to play football while in the army at Fort Riley; when the family moved to San Diego, he was a season ticket holder for the Chargers before they were part of the N.F.L.

He was a member of the Church of Christ. Red enjoyed hunting, camping, and spending time with his family. He was secretly a Jitterbug King.

Survivors include his wife Bonnie, of the home; two sons, Robert Troll, Oregon, and Gerald Troll, of Missouri; two daughters, Catherine Stevenson (Harold), of Arkansas, and Karolyn Jean McEntee (Jerry), of Michigan; nine grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

John Haggenbuth will conduct funeral services at 12:30 P.M. Thursday, May 2, 2019 at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the U.S. National Cemetery, with military honors provided by the Olson Frary Burkhart post #1165 V.F.W.

The family will receive friends from 11:30 until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation and may be sent to Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary of Irma Hughes

Irma A. Hughes, age 83, a resident of Fort Scott, KS, passed away on April 26, 2019, due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident.  She was born September 17, 1935, in Swart, Missouri, the daughter of James and Iris (Wilson) Endicott.

 

Irma enjoyed crafts, quilting, rummage sales, sewing, and puzzles.  She was always more than happy to patch up some clothes for her grandchildren or make curtains for her daughters. She enjoyed spending time with friends and family, traveling, and stopping by the occasional casino.  Her favorite vacation destination was Hawaii, where she loved to watch the ocean and enjoyed the warm weather.

 

Irma is survived by daughters Rhonda Lee and Regina and husband Rick Cruse of Fort Scott, KS; six grandchildren, Brent and Kenda Lee, Keifer, Skyler, Raifen and Jentry Cruse; and siblings Alice Fink, Marilyn Ward, James Endicott, Robert Endicott, and J.W. (Jingles) Endicott.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Lavern Harrison, Mary Lee Heathman, Carol Ybarra, Leona Endicott, Wayne Endicott, and Lucille Quick.

 

She will be greatly missed and remembered by her loved ones always.

 

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Thursday, May 2nd, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Clarksburg Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5:30 until 7:00 PM on Wednesday, May 1st, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association in the memory of Irma’s sisters and may be left in the 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.

 

Obituary Of Earnest Ryan Phillips

Earnest Ryan Phillips, age 64, a resident of Fort Scott, KS, and more recently of Lake Frances, Redfield, KS, died Monday, April 29, 2019, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, MO.

Ryan was born July 2, 1954, in Wellington, KS, the son of Ernest Phillips and Hazel Lemon Phillips. He graduated from Wichita State University with a bachelor’s degree.

He married Shannon Petty on May 31, 1980. She preceded him in death on July 8, 2004. He married Kathleen Miller Hermreck on June 28, 2008.

Ryan was career military having served 21 years in the Air Force and Marine Corp.

He was a member of the Community Christian Church. He loved to fish, hunt and follow Cardinal baseball. His passion was to witness about Jesus to anyone around him especially children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Kate, of the home; a son, James Ryan Phillips, Tulsa, OK; two daughters, Sarah Schilling, Broomfield, CO, and Laura Fraley, Lenexa, KS; three step-sons, Gene Hermreck, Levi Hermreck and John Hermreck; two step-daughters, Jessica Zillner and Amy Sitler. Also surviving are three sisters, Norma Jean Martin, Arkansas City, KS, Vicky Hernandez, Wichita, KS and Carolyn Hain, Wellington, KS; 24 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter.

In addition to his first wife, he was preceded in death by a son, Joshua Phillips.

Rev. Kevin Moyers assisted by Tim Woodring will conduct funeral services at 11:30 A.M. Friday in the Community Christian Church.

Burial will follow in U. S. National Cemetery with Military Honors.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Thursday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Community Christian Church and may be sent to Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary of Mike Naccarato

Mike Naccarato, age 90 passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Friday, March 8, 2019 in Conroe, Texas.

Mike was born March 20, 1928 in Carona, Kansas to Gaetano and Antonetta Ferraro Naccarato.

He is survived by his children, Bettiann Barnard of Montgomery, Texas and Steven Naccarato and wife Suzanne of Wimberley, Texas, five grandchildren-Adam Barnard, Emily Barfield and husband, Steve, Mike Naccarato, Sam Naccarato and wife Karli and Thom Naccarato. Other survivors include his companion Mary Jo Hampton, sister in-laws Angie Naccarato and Mary Gleason and many nieces, nephews and other family members.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Betty Smith Naccarato, his parents, Tom and Anna and siblings-Frank (Nora), Mary (Glen) Haskell, Edith (Joe) Embesi, Sibio (Shirley) and Vic.

He attended Fort Scott Jr. College in Fort Scott, Kansas where he received his degree in engineering and where he excelled in basketball and football.

Mike served in the United States Army Survey Control 13th Field Artillery Battalion of the 24th Division Korea Duty.

His love for his work included 35 years of experience in the surface coal mining industry. He worked for Pittsburg & Midway Coal Mining Company from 1947-1970. He also worked for Consolidated Coal Company, Peabody Coal Company and Morrison-Knudsen residing in Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, Arizona, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Colorado and Texas.

He was an amazing gardener and enjoyed sharing his fruits and vegetables with family and friends. Other talents included excelling in basketball and football throughout his school years, being a great dance partner to his wife and others and in recent years enjoying his trips to Coushatta playing blackjack and socializing.

He leaves the legacy of love, hard work and love for his family. Anyone who knew him enjoyed his humor, friendly smile and generous heart and he will be missed by all.

Mike’s funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 3, 2019 at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main Street Fort Scott, Kansas.

Internment with Military Full Honors will follow at 11:00 a.m. where he will be joined with his wife, Betty at Fort Scott National Cemetery 900 East National Avenue Fort Scott, Kansas.

Family and friends are invited back to the Carriage House 301 Main Street following the cemetery service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made by check or on-line in his name to: (check) Honor Flight, Inc. 175 South Tuttle Road Springfield, Ohio 45505 or (on-line) email: https://www.honorflight.org/donate

Obituary of Angela Clark

Angela Jo Clark, age 50, a resident of Chanute, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, April 23, 2019, at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas.
She was born November 25, 1968, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Richard Francis Pent and Janice Ilene Smith Pent.  Angela graduated from the Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 1987.
She married Kevin Clark on June 3, 2006, in Ft. Scott.  Angela worked as an insurance customer service representative for Epoch Group and then Cobalt.  She was currently employed by Cognizant.
She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren and trying to beat her husband, Kevin, at Phase 10.  She also liked to read romance novels and make regular shopping trips to Wal-Mart.
Survivors include her husband, Kevin, of the home; her son, Mitchell Pent and wife, Rebecca and their daughter, Kairi, of Park City, Kansas; her two daughters, Kelsey Grubb and husband, Sam, and their child, Sammy, of Ft. Scott, Kansas; and Amber Ripple and husband, Steven, and their children, Olivia and Maverick, also of Ft. Scott; two step-sons, Jerry Schultz and wife, Lisa, and their children, Hunter, Haydon, Libby, Jessica, Jordan, Mercedes and Koltan, of Ft. Scott; Steven Schultz and his daughter, Danyelle, of Chanute and a step-daughter, Amanda Wolfe and her children, Breana, Chloe, Caleb, Tanner and Mason, of Chanute, Kansas.  Also surviving are her mother, Janice Pent, of Ft. Scott, a brother, Patrick Pent, of Gardner, Kansas and two sisters, Ronda Eastwood of Overland Park, Kansas and Tracy Jordan, of Hamilton, Ohio.
She was preceded in death by her father and a brother, Richard Pent, Jr.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Monday, April 29th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 P.M. Sunday afternoon at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the American Heart 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.

Obituary of David Bird Ashcraft

David Bird Ashcraft

David Bird Ashcraft, age 72, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, April 16, 2019, at his home following a brief cancer illness.  He was born April 23, 1946, in Wichita, Kansas,  the son of Jay Ashcraft and Helen Ashcraft.  He married Sharon Colvin on January 25, 1978.  Dave owned and operated his own business, Ashcraft Pest Control, for over fifty years and which continues on today.  Dave grew up in Silverton, Colorado where he participated in cowboy reenactments for tourists and loved all things western and Native American including collecting arrowheads and Indian artifacts and watching old westerns on tv.   He also enjoyed hunting, especially elk hunting during his many trips to Silverton and Durango, Colorado.  Dave was known for his kindness, generosity and friendly personality. He loved people and never met a stranger.  Dave especially loved his family and spending time with them.  We will miss our dear Papa.

Survivors include his wife, Sharon, of the home; five children, Margie O’Dell, of Pittsburg, Kansas, Jocie Clary and husband, Tim, of Smithton, Missouri, Shelly Shelton and husband, Dale, of Ft. Scott, Kansas, Tammy Pruitt and husband, Terry, also of Ft. Scott and David Allen Tauber and wife, Casey, of Rogers, Arkansas; thirteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are two brothers, Dan Ashcraft, of Wichita, Kansas and Richard Ashcraft, of Topeka, Kansas and his loyal canine companion, Tug.  He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Becky Tauber and Ruth Ann Ashcraft.

Following cremation, a memorial service will be held at 1:30 P.M. Monday, April 22nd at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  A graveside service will be held at a later date in the Centerville Cemetery near Devon, Kansas.  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.

 

Obituary of Suzanne Street

Suzanne Street, 72, of Fort Scott, passed away at her home Saturday evening, April 13, 2019.

She was born June 27, 1946, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Carl S. and Martina D. (Kirker) Street.

Suzanne graduated from Fort Scott High School with the Class of 63. She also attended and graduated from Pittsburg State University, and Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. She held a BA in Foreign Languages, and an MA in Spanish. She taught for forty years in Rich Hill, Missouri; Chanute, Kansas; Holden, Missouri; Tonganoxie, Kansas; Iola, Kansas, and Fort Scott, retiring in 2013.

Suzanne managed the bookstore at the Fort Scott National Historic Site and did volunteer work. She was a member of Area Women Educators (AWE), Iola Symphony Orchestra, and Fort Scott Area Orchestra. She traveled to several European countries with students and family.

Suzanne is survived by her sister, Carla J. Felt, of Fort Scott; nephew Carson Felt and wife Morgan, and great-niece Ryker Felt, all of Fort Scott.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Following cremation, the family will have a Celebration of Life Visitation Thursday evening, April 18, 2019, from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

A private family interment service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Care to Share, and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, PO Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.