Category Archives: Obituary

Obituary of Larry Joe Beck

Larry Joe Beck, age 65, a resident of Mt. Vernon, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, August 21, 2019, at his home.

He was born April 11, 1954, in Ft. Scott, Kansas.  He graduated from the Ft. Scott High School and Fort Scott Community College.

  He went on to receive his BS Degree in Nursing from Pittsburg State University.  Larry Joe married Mary E.Evans on September 19, 1975, at Devon, Kansas.  He worked as a nurse at Mercy Hospital in Ft. Scott.

He later served with the United States Air Force during Operation Desert Storm where he served as a clinical nurse.  Following his military service, he worked as a surgical nurse for Doctor’s Hospital in Springfield, Missouri and Cox Hospital in Monet, Missouri.

Larry Joe enjoyed reading, welding and playing golf.  He also was a licensed pilot.  He was a past member of the Devon United Masonic Lodge.

Survivors include his wife, Mary, of the home in Mt. Vernon; his daughter, Samantha Beck-Paciorek (Andrew), of Baxter Springs, Kansas and his son, Jordan Beck (Angela) of Willard, Missouri and six grandchildren, Gaige, Danielle, Jaden, Maycie, Jackson and Adalyn.  Also surviving is his mother, Yvonne Beck; a sister, Susie Arvidson (Chris) of Ft. Scott and three half-brothers, Charles Jajdelski, of San Diego, California, Ron Jajdelski, of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Bob Jajdelski of Arizona.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Beck; a granddaughter, Charlotte and a half-brother, Mike Jajdelski.

Graveside services with military honors will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, August 26th at the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Family and friends may meet at the Cheney Witt Chapel prior to leaving for the cemetery at 10:45 A.M.

  Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society 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 Estella E. Meech

Estella Elizabeth Meech, age 84, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Sunday, August 11, 2019, at the Guest Home Estates in Ft. Scott.

  She was born June 7, 1935, in Hepler, Kansas, the daughter of Oscar Jacob Gier and Lizzie Belle Goff Gier.  She graduated from the Hepler High School where she excelled in basketball.  While still in High School, Estella would take the Katy Railroad train on Friday evening from Hepler to Fort Scott to work at the Frisco Café.  She stayed at Elizabeth Bowman’s boarding house on Wall Street.  She would take the Katy train back to Hepler on Monday morning and had to miss her first class.

  Estella married the love of her life, Dennis Walter Meech on June 6, 1953, by Judge Sam Mason in Ft. Scott.  They had two sons, Dennis J. Meech and James W. Meech.  Estella helped her husband, Dennis, on their dairy farm milking cows, gardening and raising their sons.

Estella also worked for Key Industries.  In October of 1972, she started working for Ward-Kraft.  She retired in 2003 as Credit Manager.  Estella loved to write poems and stories.  She also loved hosting family reunions and was famous in the family for her homemade noodles.  She also loved to travel for business and taking her children and grandchildren on cruises and vacations.  Estella was a caregiver to many family members and never hesitated helping anyone in need.  She touched many lives with her generous heart.

Survivors include her son, Dennis J. Meech and partner, Barb Kirk, of Ft. Scott, grandchildren, Chris and CJae Meech of Ft. Scott, Cody and Taysha Meech of Canyon, Texas, and daughter-in-law, Diane Meech; also her son, James W. Meech and wife, Marita, of Ft. Scott and grandchildren, JW Meech of Canyon, Texas and Elizabeth Meech of Borger, Texas.  Also surviving are a sister, Lela Ann Gier, of Ft. Scott, sisters-in-law, Juell “Julie” Ross of Topeka, Kansas, Joyce Meech, of Ft. Scott, Geneva Gier of Girard, Kansas, and Itha Jean Turitine, of Topeka, Kansas, and many nieces and nephews

. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Charley and Merle Gier and a sister, Opal Gier.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Friday, August 16th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 P.M. Thursday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s 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 Winifred Daly

Winifred Ada (Winnie) Daly, age 89, a resident of Fort Scott, died early Tuesday, August 6, 2019, at the Medicalodges of Fort Scott.

She was born January 18, 1930 in Richards, Missouri the daughter of Ross Albert Leek and Hazel Gwendolyne West Leek

. She graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1947.

She married Bob Daly on November 1, 1950, in Ft. Scott.

She taught in a one room schoolhouse near Hiattville, Kansas, and then later Deerfield, Missouri. She then got a position as the first Head Start teacher and worked there for 30 years.

Winnie enjoyed quilting, crocheting, and gardening. She loved fishing and attending her grandchildren’s sporting events.

Survivors include her children, Becky Davis and husband, Don, of Ft. Scott, Judy Hayden and husband, Sam, of Maxville, Kansas, Gwen Lancaster and husband, Don, of Ft. Scott,  and Max Daly and wife, Laurie, daughter in law Sharon Daly, all of Ft. Scott; fifteen grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters, twin sister Wanda Giddens, Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Fleeta Antrim, of Fort Scott.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, parents; a son Jeff Daly; two grandsons, Eric Hayden and Joel Daly, Four brothers, Hollis, Wayne, Max, and infant brother Wilbert Leek.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 10:00 am Friday, August 9, 2019 at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5 – 7 pm Thursday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

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 Marjorie Faye Bowen

Marjorie Faye Bowen, age 91, a former resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, and more recently of Spring Hill, Kansas, passed away Friday, August 2, 2019, at the Spring Hill Care and Rehab Center.

  She was born January 7, 1928, in Plew, Missouri, the daughter of Orval Sparks and Olga Baker Sparks.

She married William R. Bowen on August 3, 1946, in Columbus, Kansas.

Marjorie passed away one day prior to their 73rd wedding anniversary.

Marjorie worked in the housekeeping department at Mercy Hospital in Ft. Scott.  She retired as Head of Housekeeping after twenty years of service.

She enjoyed sewing and crocheting as well as cooking, reading and working puzzles.  She loved spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband, Bill, of the home; three children, Linda McClanahan, of Paola, Kansas; Billy Bowen and wife, Barbara, of Willard, Missouri; and Jim Bowen and wife, Pam, of Alma, Nebraska.  Also surviving are eight grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers, Girvan, Wallace, Willard, Kenneth and Carol Sparks and two sisters, Jean Burnett and Mary Means.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, August 10th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Children’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.

Obituary of John Coyan

Jesus stretched out his loving arms and took John to live in his heavenly home on Wednesday evening July 31, 2019, at Country Place Memory Care in Fort Scott. John was born on February 7, 1945, at the family farm home near Redfield, Kansas. He was the oldest child of Daniel George and Clara Alice (Todd) Coyan.

John attended county grade schools and graduated from Uniontown High School with the Class of 1963. He was employed by Peerless Products from 1963 until 1966. He was then employed by Key Industries for over 28 years. At the time he left, John was the supervisor over shipping and receiving, with responsibilities which included ordering and purchasing of new equipment including tractors, trailers and various warehouse equipment. During the 1986 flood, John waded through the flooded Key Building to turn off the electricity, thus averting a potential fire.

He then obtained the position of his dreams when he was hired by USD 234 as a bus route driver and bus maintenance. He first drove both a regular route and a kindergarten route. He thoroughly enjoyed the kindergarten children and was proud of the fact that he was able to teach the children the days of the week. He then became the route driver for physically handicapped children. He loved the constant interaction with the school children. He retired in 2013 after 18 years of service.

During this entire time, he maintained a small cow-calf operation raising Beefmaster Cattle and baling hay for the cattle. John was very proud of the fact that his cows were gentle enough to pet and eat range cubes out of his hand. John continually had St. Bernard dogs. The dogs always accompanied him to check cows and were his constant companions. Also, John was very fond of cats.

In his younger days, he enjoyed racing stock cars. He was an avid NASCAR fan, having attended many races including the Dayton 500.

He was a member and worshiped at First Baptist Church in Fort Scott; having been baptized at an early age. He also held memberships in Xenia Lodge #47 and Olive Chapter #13 Order of the Eastern Star. John was a lifetime member of the Bourbon County Fair Association. For several years he was a community leader for the Pawnee 4-H Club. Until his health declined, he was a regular blood donor. John was happiest when he was outside enjoying the beauty of God’s creation, and visits from his all of his grandchildren.

On February 14, 1966, he married Barbara Ann Rhoades. To this union two daughters were born; Bernetta Alice and Suzann Denise. Barbara preceded him in death.

On July 2, 1993, he married Karen Endicott in Fort Scott, Kansas, and Karen survives at the home. He is also survived by his daughters and their families; Bernetta and Sean Stewart of Henderson, Nevada and their sons Rhoades and Victory; Suzann and Ahmad Audi of Prairie View, Illinois and their children Ali, Jawad and Layla. A stepson Joe Raines and wife Gina of Norfolk, Virginia, two step-granddaughters; Madelyn Raines of Alliance, Ohio, and Arminda Raines and John Drexler of Irwin, PA.

He is also survived by a brother and his wife, George and Lois Coyan of Redfield and two sisters Sharon Shirley and Janette Danley both of Fort Scott; a brother-in-law and his wife, Oscar and Ruth Endicott; two sisters-in-law and their husbands, Billie and Steve Young and Michele and Greg Schick, all of Fort Scott, and a sister-in-law Debbie Endicott, also of Fort Scott. Also surviving are three nephews, Doug Coyan, Mike Coyan and David Lee; two nieces, Rhonda Jantz and Dawn Nichols, and two girls who were very special to his heart – Katie Racy and Samantha Racy.

Pastor Norman Tillotson will conduct a Celebration of Life on Wednesday, August 7, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, 123 Scott Avenue under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Burial will follow in the Pleasant View (Large Cemetery).

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 6, 2019, from 6 pm to 7 pm at Konantz-Cheney.

Memorials are suggested to either Care-to-Share or the First Baptist Church 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.c

Obituary of Jean Isaac

Jean Isaac, 81, formerly of Uniontown, Kansas, passed away Tuesday morning, July 30, 2019, in Mission, Kansas. She was born February 18, 1938, in Uniontown, Kansas, the daughter of Earl and Iva (Holt) Wittsell.

Jean was a school teacher for twenty-five years, retiring in 2000 from the Uniontown School District, USD235. Her life centered around her children and grandchildren, and teaching.

Jean is survived by her children, Kim Irby and husband Steve of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Kelly Goss and husband Randall of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Barry Isaac & wife Frankie of Pittsburg, Kansas, Tammy Townsend and husband Mike of Fort Scott, Kansas, and Cody Isaac and partner Randy McPherson of Mission, Kansas; twelve grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her son, Randy Isaac.

Following cremation, the family will receive friends for a visitation Saturday afternoon, August 3, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Memorial contributions are suggested to USD235 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.

Obituary of Terry Leon Hubenett

Terry Leon “Slim” Hubenett, age 82, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, July 23, 2019, at the Ascension Via Christi Emergency Room in Ft. Scott.

He was born September 11, 1936, in Stafford, Kansas, the son of Claus H. Hubenett and Olive E. Blad Hubenett.  The Hubenett family later moved to Iantha, Missouri.  Terry graduated from the Lamar High School with the Class of 1954.  He then graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in animal husbandry.  Following his education, Terry traveled to ranches throughout the United States where he groomed cattle for auctions and livestock shows.  He was also active with the American Royal in Kansas City.  He later settled on the family farm near Devon, Kansas where he took care of the farm and his beloved mother.

He was a member of the Bourbon County Fair Board and donated countless hours to the upkeep of the Bourbon County Fairgrounds.  The recently constructed Hubenett Pavilion on the fairgrounds in named in his honor.

Terry is survived by several cousins including Judy Wilson, of Uniontown, Kansas, who provided for his care.  He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Marcia Seevers and a brother who died in infancy.

Pastor Rick Hite will conduct funeral services at 6:00 P.M. Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

  Private burial will take place at a later date in the Bean Cemetery in Little River, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to the Bourbon County Fair Board 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 Maxine Harris

Maxine Harris

Maxine Harris, age 86, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, July 22, 2019, at the Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas. She was born May 23, 1933, in Greenfield, Missouri, the daughter of William B. Cagle and Effie Norris Cagle. Maxine graduated from the Lockwood, Missouri High School.

She married David Donald Harris, on May 27, 1950, at Greenfield. They later moved to Ft. Scott. Maxine worked in the shipping department for Key Industries for over thirty years. In earlier years, she attended the Nazarene Church. She enjoyed spending time with her family and going to garage sales.

Survivors include her daughter, Ludean Evans and husband, Gene; her son, Jim Harris and wife, Susie, all of Ft. Scott; four grandchildren, Jenny Pryor, Billi Jo Shoemaker, Matthew Harris (Tera) and Mark Harris and six great-grandchildren, Ericah, Zack, Jarrett, Kyra, Hayden and Luke. Also surviving are two sisters-in-law, Faye Cagle of Jay, Oklahoma and Cleo Cagle of Ft. Scott. Her husband, David, preceded her in death on March 30, 1987.

She was also preceded in death by a son, Don Harris and two brothers, Richard and Carl Cagle.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 11:00 A.M. Friday, July 26th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at 10:00 A.M. prior to the service on Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

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 Robert Swank

 

Robert L. (Bob) Swank, age 71, resident of Arma, KS, died Thursday, July 18, 2019, at Arma Health and Rehab in Arma.

He was born November 25, 1947, in Ft. Scott, KS, the son of Robert C. and Lucille M. Ward Swank.

He married Patty Hubbard on February 26th, 1973, in Miami, OK.

Bob worked for Cessna Aircraft, Beachner Construction, Cobalt Boats, and the Iola and Yates Center nursing homes prior to his disability. He liked playing bingo, singing at the Rehab Center, and visiting the casinos. He loved playing Santa Claus for children and nursing home residents. Bob was baptized in the Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife Patty, Pueblo, CO; a daughter, Bobbie House, Cherryvale, KS; a stepson, Charles George, Burlington, KS; a sister, Hazel Brown and husband Ron, Ft. Scott; a sister-in-law, Cassie Swank, Ft. Scott; four grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Terry Lee Swank; and his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, July 22nd, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the West Liberty Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 AM Monday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to Arma Health and Rehab 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 BEATRICE C. PALET

Beatrice C. Palet, 73, of Fort Scott, passed away early Tuesday morning at the Medicalodge of Fort Scott. She was born December 25, 1945, in Kansas City, Missouri, the daughter of William V. and Laura Amanda Beatrice (Rountree) Dunnam.

She married Larry E. Palet and he survives of the home.

Beatrice grew up in the Sugar Creek, Missouri area before eventually moving to Bronson, Kansas, and then to Fort Scott. She worked for Peerless Products for four years, and for the Marmaton Valley Nursing Home as a CNA and CMA for ten years.

In addition to her husband Larry, Beatrice is also survived by her children; Lorrie Cameron and husband Shawn, Albert Tanner and wife Marita, Flo Tanner, and Archie Alexander, all of Fort Scott; five brothers, Earl Dunham, Russell Dunnam, Wesley Dunnam, Billy Dunnam, and Bobby Dunnam; three sisters, Betty Warren, Margaret Williams, and Norma Wood; nine grandchildren,, eleven great-grandchildren, and a huge family with lots of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Nina Allen, a brother, Thomas Dunnam, and great granddaughter Emma Miles.

Trevor Jacobs will conduct funeral services at 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 19, 2019, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home with burial following at the Oak Grove Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Thursday evening, July 18, 2019, from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

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

Obituary of Margaret Winter

Margaret Mae Winter

Margaret Mae (Boyle) Winter, age 88, of Fort Scott, passed away on July 13, 2019 at Moore-Few Care Center in Nevada, Missouri.

She was born June 29, 1931, in Las Vegas, New Mexico, the daughter of Charles and Agnes Boyle of Cuervo, New Mexico. Orphaned early in life, Margaret was raised by her grandparents Charles and Minnie Phelps in Fort Scott, Kansas.

She attended the First Baptist Church and was baptized into Christ as a young girl. Margaret attended Fort Scott schools graduating in 1951. On June 24, 1951, Margaret Boyle married the love of her life, Eugene Winter, in her grandparents’ home. Margaret and Eugene recently celebrated 68 years of marriage.

After raising three daughters, she enjoyed working at Western Insurance Company in the coding department for 17 years, retiring in 1987. Upon her retirement, Margaret became active as a volunteer with CASA, Vacation Bible School, organizing church dinners and potlucks at Community Christian Church, CCC 55+ group, and her Thursday Deerfield breakfast crew.

Margaret was well-known for baking amazing pies, raising beautiful roses, loving her children, spoiling her grandchildren, and adoring her great grandchildren.

She is survived by husband Eugene of the home; three daughters–Joyce (Brad) Cowen, Fort Scott; Irene (Rick) Langerot, Mulvane, Kansas; Gina (Mike) Armstrong , Springdale, Arkansas; eight grandchildren– Amanda (Cowen) Hall, Amber (Cowen) Malone, Jill (Cowen) Cobb, Blake Cowen, Nathan Langerot, Nicholas Langerot, Erin (Armstrong) Merrill, Stacy (Armstrong) Meier; and 14 great grandchildren.

Margaret was preceded in death by her brothers Harold Richard Boyle, William Lewis Boyle, Robert Lee Boyle, Jimmy Ray Boyle; one sister Mildred Louise Leonard; grandson-in-law, Danny Hall; and great granddaughter, Blakely Jane Langerot.

Rev. Kevin Moyers and Rev. Tim Woodring will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Thursday, July 18th, at the Community Christian Church, 1919 S. Horton, Ft. Scott, KS.

Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5:30 until 7:00 Wednesday evening at Community Christian Church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Show-Me Christian Youth Home (www.ShowMeHelpingKids.com), PO Box 6, La Monte, MO, 65337, or 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.