Category Archives: Obituary

Obituary of Justin Calvert

 Justin James Calvert, age 45, of Madison, WI passed away on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. He was born on Sept. 21, 1974, in Girard, Kansas, the son of Douglas Calvert and Marcia (Hughes) O’Neal.

Justin graduated from Caney Valley High School in Caney, Kansas in 1993.

He served in the U. S. Marines from 1995-1999.

He moved to Wisconsin in 2003 and married Dr. Mindy Haseleu on May 1, 2011.

Justin worked as a finance manager at Smart Motors for the last 12 years.

Justin was a big, tall and muscular guy with an incredibly loving heart. He was very protective of his family and friends. He loved spending time with them and especially relished teasing his nieces and nephew.

Justin was very generous, caring and sweet. He was very hard working, dedicated and successful in his job.

He loved classic cars and started his collection with a red 1967 Chevelle. His pride and joy was a Verdoro Green 1968 Pontiac GTO, owned by his father-in-law since 1971 and restored in 2017 by his high school friend Scott Mills. Justin and his GTO won numerous awards including Best of Show at multiple shows.

He enjoyed working out, watching football, going to car shows, swimming in his pool, collecting anvils and vises, and eating home cooked meals.

Many who knew him may not have guessed how much he loved his cats, Bibi and Vitto.

Justin was very patriotic and extremely proud of his service in the Marines. He was thrilled to reconnect with his Marine Corps brothers after 20 years.

Justin is survived by his wife, Dr. Mindy Haseleu; his mother, Marcia (Hughes) O’Neal and her husband, Dan; his father, Doug Calvert and his wife, Ilana; his brother, Matt Bowersock; niece, Madison; in-laws, Bob and Beth Haseleu and Vance and Teppy (Haseleu) McCaw; and niece, Rowan and nephew, Lane. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Mari-Katherine Bowersock; and grandmother, Mary Hughes.

A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 12 p.m. until the time of service on Sunday. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Following services for Justin in Madison, WI, there will be Cremation, then, services with burial at the Fort Scott National Cemetery will be announced by the KONANTZ-CHENEY FUNERAL HOME, 15 W. Wall St., Fort Scott, Kansas.

Obituary of Shirley Stephens

Shirley Lorene Stephens, 84 of Fort Scott, passed away Friday evening September 27, 2019, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas.

She was born April 17, 1935, in Fort Scott, the daughter of Dan and Edith Amelia (Tucker) Freer. She married Roger Boyles on September 19, 1952, in Piggett, Arkansas, he preceded her in death. She married John Albert Stephens on June 19, 1972, in Girard, Kansas, he preceded her in death on October 20, 2007.

During her life Shirley had several jobs one of which was nanny/cook/housekeeper for several different families including her own.

She is survived by four daughters, Gail Byrd of Webb City, Missouri; Leanna and Mike Burke of Blue Springs, Missouri; Moria and Darrin Gauthier of Fort Scott; and Michelle and Doug Walton of Mildred, Kansas; four sons, Gus and Heidi Boyles of Frontenac, Kansas; Chuck and Holli Boyles of Pittsburg, Kansas; Mike Stephens of Westphalia, Kansas; and Matt and Jennifer Stephens of Milton-Freewater, Oregon; a sister, Raylene Freer of Fort Scott, and a brother, David Freer of Fort Scott; 15 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husbands, Roger Boyles and Johnnie Stephens, she was preceded in death by a grandson, Roger Burke, a sister, Joan Collins and her parents.

Funeral Services for Shirley Stephens will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, October 1, 2019, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home with Rev. Bill Hawk officiating, burial will follow at the Evergreen Cemetery. The Family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, September 30, 2019, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Condolences may be submitted to the online guest book at konantz-cheney.com.

Obituary of Rex Bryant Moore

Rex Bryant Moore

Rex Bryant Moore, age 56, a resident of Redfield, Kansas, passed away Thursday, September 26, 2019, surrounded by his loved ones at the Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas.

He was born on April 22, 1963, in Lawrence, Kansas, the son of William Lee Moore and Shirley Jean Rogers Moore.

On May 21, 2004, Rex married the love of his life, Stacy.

Rex and his father traveled across the United States so he could pursue his dreams of racing professional motocross. Although his career was cut short, the love he had for the sport never stopped. He enjoyed watching his favorite rider, Austin Howell. He lived week to week to watch this young man aspire at his dreams.

He also played his motocross video games and took pride in them knowing that “Rocket Rex” was still out there whooping everyone even though it was not in person.

His favorite thing to do was attending his daughter, Hannah’s activities. He enjoyed every minute of watching her in action. She was his pride and joy and he loved her very much, just as she did him. They had an unbreakable bond. Hannah was his “baby girl.”

Rex loved being around his family and friends. Rex will forever be remembered for his beautiful smile, gentle eyes, caring heart, loving embrace and unconditional love.

Rex loved so many and was loved by so many more.

He had an energy that with just one encounter with him you would remember for life; he definitely left his mark.

He made friends everywhere he went including Hannah’s friends which all adopted him as their dad.

He brought so much joy to our lives and those around him. Although our hearts are heavy, we will celebrate his life and find comfort in knowing that he has no pain and is in heaven watching over us. Yet, we continue to hurt as he has left us. He yearned for that place in which he could breathe. Now he sits with God in the natural beauty and astounding light of heaven and he can finally breathe.

Survivors include his wife, Stacy, of the home; six children, Hannah Moore, of Redfield, Kansas, Sarah Powers, of Eldorado Springs, Missouri, Austin Moore, of Boliver, Missouri, Shelby Morillo, of Bronson, Kansas, Tyler Wilkerson, of Kincaid, Kansas and Dalton Church, of Coleman, Alabama and six grandchildren. Also surviving is a brother, Ronald Moore, of Shawnee, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

 

Obituary of Lyle Leo Comstock

Lyle Leo Comstock

Lyle Leo Comstock, age 96, resident of Redfield, KS, died Saturday, September 21, 2019, at his home surrounded by family.

He was born August 7, 1923, in Ft. Scott, KS, the son of Mack and Lena Edna Smith Comstock. He graduated from Ft. Scott High School with the class of 1940. He attended Ft. Scott Community College for two years and then the University of Missouri for one

year. Leo joined the Navy in January of 1943. He retired after 20 years of service as a Chief Petty Officer. Leo married Natalie Beatrice Post on August 20, 1945, in Kansas City, KS.

After his Navy service, Leo co-owned and operated the Nu-Grill from 1963-1968 with his brother Mack. He also raised cattle and worked for the post office. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and gardening. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was a member of Ft. Scott Masonic Lodge and the V.F.W.

Survivors include his wife of 74 years, Natalie; three sons, Gary Comstock and wife Dianne, Topeks, KS, Steven Comstock and wife Vicki, Alma, KS, and Rick Comstock and wife Chris, Ft. Scott; two daughters, Connie Thomas and husband Phil, Yukon, OK; and Judy Ditch, Topeka, KS; 19 grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and nine step-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two granddaughters, Kristen Kam Thomas, and Michelle Stephanie Ditch; three brothers, Smith, Cecil and Mack Comstock; four sisters, Eunice Shubert Clark, Fannie Taylor, Margaret Middleton, and Thorea Jane Ramsey; and his parents.

Rev. Chub Bolling will conduct graveside services at 1:00 Friday, September 27, in the Uniontown Cemetery.

Military honors will be provided by the Olson Frary Burkhart Post #1165 V.F. W.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 8:00 Thursday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to Integrity Hospice 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 Gary W. Harper

 

Gary William Harper, age 74, a resident of rural Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away early Tuesday, September 17, 2019, at his home.  He was born September 16, 1945, in Ft. Scott, the son of Richard LeRoy Harper and Mary Ellen Hite Harper.  Gary had worked as a mechanic and truck driver for trucking companies in both Ft. Scott and Kansas City.

Following the death of his father, Gary moved from Kansas City and helped maintain the family farm.  In earlier years, Gary enjoyed hunting and fishing.  He also liked to repair lawn mowers.  Later he enjoyed working on and building computers.  While in Kansas City, Gary and his wife raised exotic birds.  He was a member of the Devon Masonic Lodge.

Survivors include his wife, Marguerite, of the home; his children, Charles “Chuck” Harper (Connie), of Ft. Scott, Donna Jean Headley (Darran), of Valley Center, Kansas, Betty Weber (David), of Ft. Scott, Kansas, Mandy Ruble (Matt), of Lebanon, Missouri, Cynthia Harmon, of Bigelow, Arkansas, David Owen, of Little Rock, Arkansas, Annette Owen, of North Little Rock, Arkansas, James Owen, of Indonesia, Sylvia Closterman (Robert), of Carney, Missouri, Jeffrey Stuckey, of Seattle, Washington and Les Stuckey, of Kansas City, Missouri, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his mother, Mary Ellen Harper, and two sisters, Linda Harryman and Katherine Johnson, all of Ft. Scott.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Harper and a brother, Melvin Harper.

Pastor Rick Hite will conduct a graveside service at 1:30 P.M. Monday, September 23rd at the Centerville Cemetery.

Masonic rites will be conducted at the cemetery.

Family and friends may meet at the Cheney Witt Chapel on Monday prior to leaving for the cemetery at 1:15 P.M.

Memorials are suggested to the Gary Harper 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 Kara Niemeir

Kara Rebekah Niemeir, a resident of Lenexa, Kansas, age 37, beloved daughter of Doug and Diana Niemeir, and beloved sister of Kristin Niemeir passed away unexpectedly on Friday morning, September 13, 2019, at Ascension Via Christi emergency room in Fort Scott, Kansas.  At the time, Kara was staying with her parents in their home for a few days in Fort Scott as she recuperated from a knee surgery.

Kara was born on August 27, 1982, in Newton, Kansas.  She was welcomed home by one sister, Kristin, 4 years her senior, and immediately they became “best buds”, despite the age difference.  This never changed and not a day went by that they didn’t talk, no matter how many miles separated them.  At the age of 2, Kara moved with her family to Fort Scott, where she attended the public schools and graduated from Fort Scott High School in 2001.  After high school graduation, she attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, Nebraska, and graduated with honors from there in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Systems Engineering; then in 2007 a Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering.  Kara enjoyed school and always excelled in her studies.

After college, Kara began working at Agricultural Engineering Associates, Inc. in Uniontown, KS.  She worked there for 11 years, from 2007 until 2018.  During that time, she had the opportunity to advance her engineering knowledge in many areas as well as work with some wonderful colleagues.  Also during that time, in 2009, she passed her state boards qualifying her as a licensed professional engineer.

In September, 2018, she began work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the Hydrology section of the Kansas City district.  She had just completed a year of working there and was very happy, feeling she had found her niche in the Corps and some really special colleagues with whom to work.  She had also recently found and purchased a home in Lenexa, Kansas — a home in which she was looking forward to living for many years.

Kara turned her life over to Jesus when she was only 3 years old, and she followed Him faithfully, never looking back, for the rest of her life.  Wherever she moved, whether in Lincoln, Nebraska as a college student; in Iola, Kansas, where she lived while working at Ag Engineering; or most recently, in the Kansas City area, she looked immediately for a “Bible believing church” with which to become involved.  It is a wonderful blessing to her family, in the tremendous pain of her loss, to know they will see her again when it is there time to follow her home to Heaven.

Kara leaves behind her immediate family, whom she cherished and loved deeply: her mother and father, Doug and Diana Niemeir of Fort Scott, Kansas, and her sister, Kristin Niemeir of Oak Point, Texas.  She further leaves behind numerous much-loved aunts, uncles, and cousins, and a plethora of well-loved friends.

Rev. Kevin Moyers will conduct funeral services at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, September 21st at the Rinehart Christian Church, 9443 S. 900 Rd., Richards, Missouri.  Burial will follow in the Deerfield Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to Cru Missions; the ministry of Anne and Ryan Mansfield, missionaries and dear friends of Kara, whom she loved and financially supported.  They work in mission fields around the world under the auspicious of Global Aid Network (GAiN).  Donations 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 Arlone Golden Blevins

Arlone Golden Blevins, age 85, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Friday, September 6, 2019, at her home.

She was born November 12, 1933, in Hume, Missouri, the daughter of Robert E. Lee and Sylvia Fern Teagarden Lee.

She graduated from Hume High School where she played the piano and basketball. Arlone married Charles M. Blevins on February 24, 1952, in Hume. They were married for sixty-six years. To this union, two daughters, Ronda and Robin, were born. From an early age, Arlone sewed her own clothing and designed beautiful ruffled dresses for her two girls. She was employed by the Post Office at Foster, Missouri while Charlie served in the Korean War. After the war, Arlone helped her husband on the farm milking dairy cows, planting and harvesting crops and raising beef cattle. After leaving the farm, Arlone worked at Litwin’s Clothing Store, the Western Insurance Company and Lincoln National.

Arlone loved spending time with her family and enjoyed cooking their favorite dishes. She loved bowling, working in her numerous flower gardens, playing the piano and organ at churches she attended and teaching Bible classes. She was a member of the Grace Baptist Tabernacle.

Survivors include two daughters, Ronda Hastings and husband, Bradley, of Grants, New Mexico and Robin Miller and husband, Stephen, of Ft. Scott, Kansas; five granddaughters; seven great-granddaughters and two great-grandsons. Also surviving are a brother, J. R. Lee and wife, Mary, of Tulsa, Oklahoma; two nieces and a nephew.

She was preceded in death by her husband and her parents.

Arlone requested cremation and limited services following her death. Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct graveside services at 1:30 P.M. Friday, September 13th at the U. S. National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel from 12:30 P.M. until leaving for the cemetery at 1:15 P.M.

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 Robert Johnson

Robert Michael (Bob) Johnson, age 69, a resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, went home to be with his Lord, Friday, September 6, 2019, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri. 

He was born February 13, 1950, in Fort Scott, Kansas the son of Robert Wayne Johnson and Margie Ladine Clark Johnson.

  Bob graduated from Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1968.  He then graduated from Pittsburg State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources.  He married the love of his life, Linda Boyd, on November 20, 1976, in Fort Scott, they had two children Derrick Wayne and Michael Randell.

  Bob loved spending time with his family. They took many trips to Roaring River, traveled to Pittsburg to see his son perform for the Pitt State choir, and went on numerous debate trips. Recently Bob loved spoiling his grandson, Randell Matthew. 

Bob also enjoyed sports; he was an avid Chiefs, Royals, and St. Louis Blues fan.

 

After graduating, Bob worked as Human Resources Director for Midwestern Distribution.  He then worked as Human Resources Director for the City of Fort Scott, where he served as a reserve Lieutenant and interim Chief of Police. Following retirement, he assisted with the debate and forensics program for Unified School District 234.

 

Survivors include his loving wife and best friend of 44 years Linda Linnett Johnson, his sons Derrick, and Michael and wife Jana, and their son Randy all of Fort Scott.  Survivors also include several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

  He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, Walter and Gertrude Johnson, an uncle, Raymond Johnson, as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

 

Rev. Rob Carr will conduct funeral services at 10:00am Friday, September 13, 2019 at the Cheney Witt Chapel. 

Burial will follow at the Memory Gardens Cemetery. 

The family will receive friends and loved ones for a visitation viewing from 5:00-7:00pm Thursday, September 12th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

 

Memorial donations are suggested to the Bob Johnson Memorial Fund or Fort Scott High School Debate and Forensics Program and can be left in the care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary of Lorna L. Carlton

Lorna Lucy Carlton

Lorna L. Carlton, age 103, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died early Friday, September 6, 2019, at Guest Home Estates in Ft. Scott.

She was born January 14, 1916, in Osborne, KS, the daughter of Laurence Edward Heywood and Annie Stephens Heywood, both born and raised in England.

She married Homer Mix in 1938. They divorced after 20 years. She married Hubert Carlton in June of 1982 and moved to Ft. Scott. He preceded her in death in August of 1989.

She worked for Western Insurance Co. for 17 years. Lorna transferred her membership in the Bronson United Methodist Church to First United Methodist Church in Ft. Scott. Over the years she played the piano, sang, taught Sunday school, provided food and much more. She played piano for Senior Swingers Band for 19 years, helped with congregate meals, and was a member of Marmaton Valley Fiddlers and Pickers. Lorna was a member of Eastern Star and Pioneer Harvest Fiesta.

Survivors include a sister, Coral Face, Dewey, AZ;  four grandchildren, Alisa, Curtis, Ron and Matt; several great-grandchildren; and a nephew, Jim Gardner.

She was preceded in death by a son, Curtis Roy Mix; a daughter, Cristine Deer; and four sisters, Norma Cheney, Jessie Gardner, Daisy Heywood, and Lily Knight.

There was cremation. Rev. Steve Cole will conduct memorial services at 11:00 AM Saturday, September 14th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Eastern Star services will be provided.

Private family burial will take place at a later date in the Bronson Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Pioneer Harvest Fiesta 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 LeLola Martin

LeLola Ruth Martin

 

LeLola Ruth Martin, age 93, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Thursday, September 5, 2019, at her home at the Presbyterian Village in Ft. Scott.  She was born September 14, 1925, in Newkirk, Oklahoma, the daughter of Arthur Greenhagen and Ruth Bare Greenhagen.  LeLola’s children remember her as a wonderful woman of faith who provided a loving and caring Christian home.  LeLola enjoyed cooking, sewing as well as spending quality time with her family.  She was a member of the Community Christian Church.

Survivors include three children, Garry Brauser, of Wichita, Kansas, Carolyn Munsell (Johnnie Walker), of Ft. Scott, Kansas and Dan Brauser (Pia), of Cody, Wyoming; eleven grandchildren, twenty-six great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson.  Also surviving are dear family friends, David Harney and Jon Hutchinson.  She was preceded in death by her parents, two daughters, Thay Hall and Brenda Welch and three brothers, Eldon, Donald and Leland Greenhagen.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, September 14th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will take place at 1:00 P.M. Monday, September 16th at the Newkirk City Cemetery in Newkirk, Oklahoma.  Services are under the direction 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 David Mowrey

John David Mowrey

John David Mowrey, age 78, a resident of rural Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly, Sunday, September 1, 2019, at the Via Christi Emergency Room in Ft. Scott. He was born March 11, 1941, in Ft. Scott, Kansas and was the son of Raymond William Mowrey and Isabelle Ida Ramsey Mowrey. John graduated from the Ft. Scott High School and the Ft. Scott Junior College.

He later served for four years with the United States Air Force. John later returned to Ft. Scott where he worked as HVAC service and maintenance for the U-234 School District.

John was very mechanically minded and loved rebuilding and restoring antique cars, tractors and engines of all kinds. One of John’s favorite past times was sitting on his dock and watching the stars and moon.

John was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Fort Scott, Kansas. He was a devoted volunteer in his community and helped and served many from behind the scenes. John will always be remembered for packing, delivering and serving Thanksgiving dinner with the First United Methodist Church.

He was an active member of the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta Committee, always willing to help this organization in any capacity.

He volunteered for Good ‘Ole Days and drove his vintage vehicles in the parade.

John was very proud of his military service and helped place the flags on the graves to honor veterans at the U.S. National Cemetery.

In addition, he volunteered with chili and soup fundraisers including the Beacon soup line. John was always willing to help in a time of need and many benefitted from his kindness and generosity.

Survivors include his sister Marjorie Midili; his nephew, Jeff Midili and wife, Jenifer and a great-niece, Sophie Midili, all of Vienna, Virginia. He was preceded in death by his parents.

  A memorial service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Friday, October 11th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial with military honors will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made, to the First United Methodist Church or Paws and Claws and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P. O. Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.