Mary Elaine Allen, age 68, of Fort Scott, KS, passed away Monday, February 25, 2019, at Olathe Medical Center. She was born August 15, 1950, in Nevada, MO, the daughter of Alfred Leon and Betty Ruth (Anderson) Barker. She graduated from Fort Scott High School with the Class of ‘68 and attended Fort Scott Community College. She married Larry Lee Allen on February 2, 1969, in Fort Scott. They just celebrated their 50^th Anniversary.

Mary worked for USD 234 as a paraprofessional for over 37 years before retiring due to her health. She enjoyed working with the students and staff. Her love for her students was evident in all she did and her impact on her students was immeasurable. Mary believed that her job extended well beyond school hours, helping her students however she could. She was a member of Fort Scott Nazarene Church. She loved to bake and decorate sugar cookies, make wedding flowers and cater meals. Mary was a loving wife, mom and mema. Her kids and grandkids were so important to her and she rarely missed an event they were involved in. She was a big supporter of the Fort Scott Tigers. During the summers, she enjoyed volunteering at Cross Trails Cowboy Ministry Rodeo Bible Camp. Whether it was helping in the kitchen, talking to the kids or just watching the activities that were taking place, you would always find a smile on her face.

Survivors include her husband, Larry, Fort Scott; two sons: Jason Allen and wife Dana, Fort Scott; Jeff Allen and wife Tara, Fort Scott, and daughter, Darlinda Harris and husband Chuck, Hepler; nine grandchildren: Kolby and Karson Harris, Karlea Hyman and husband Zack, Gabrielle, Marissa, and Julia Allen, and Alaina, Parker, and Paxton Allen; two brothers: Melvin Barker and wife Marilyn, Raymond Barker and wife Marie, both of Fort Scott; and brother- in-law, Terry Allen and wife Donna of Rowlett, Texas; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leon & Betty Barker; and in-laws, Edward & Leota Allen.

Rev. Virgil Peck will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Thursday, February 28^th, at the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 Wednesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to Cross Trails Cowboy Ministry Rodeo Bible Camp and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Tammy Jewel Irene Conklin, age 51, resident of Pittsburg, KS, died Monday, February 25, 2019, at her home.

She was born on September 16, 1967, in Independence, KS, the daughter of Lawrence Leon and Betty Whinery Wade. Tammy grew up in Coffeyville, KS, before moving to Pittsburg, KS, in the early ’90s. Her life was devoted to her kids and grandkids. She was a licensed foster parent for many years. Tammy loved Mexican food and cooking for family gatherings. The more people and the louder the better.

Survivors include her children, Tamara Dawn Logan, Kandi Leeann Conklin, Donald Eugene Conklin, Jr., Rusty Conklin, Laura Wallace and many more; grandchildren, Tamara and James Logan, Jr., Sara Dawn Betty Logan, Kandace Logan, James Logan, III, Alexander Logan, all of Pittsburg, KS, Donald and Lindsay Conklin, McKenzie Moors, Kendall Weatherbie, Reese Conklin, Paisley Conklin, and Kennedy Conklin, all of McPherson, KS; a brother, Rockey Wade and wife Lynette and son, Dalton, Salem, MO; and a special aunt and second mother, Barbara Wheeler.

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

There was cremation. Rev. Jim Sukraw will conduct memorial services at 1:00 PM Friday, March 1^st, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Tammy Conklin Memorial 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.

Franklin Lee Davis, age 66, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Friday, February 22, 2019, at his home.

He was born November 11, 1952, in Wichita, Kansas, the son of Donald Lee Davis and Carol Lee “Kay” McCracken Davis.

Lee graduated from the Uniontown High School with the Class of 1970. He later graduated from Pittsburg State University in 1974 with a degree in plastics engineering. Following his education at Pitt State, Lee worked for a time for Wichita Testing Laboratories. He later began a career as Noxious Weed Director for Bourbon County. He served in this position for over thirty years. Following his retirement, he worked as a bus driver for SEKAP. Lee enjoyed making and collecting knives. In earlier years, he enjoyed fishing. At an early age, he became a member of the Hiattville United Methodist Church.

Survivors include a brother, Dallas Lee Davis and wife, Sue, of Leadville, Colorado and a sister, Cindy Lee Davis, of Highland, Kansas and a nephew, Joshua Lee Davis, also of Leadville. Also surviving are several cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.

There was cremation. A memorial visitation will be held from 5 to 7 P.M. Thursday, February 28th 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.

Robert Lee Comstock passed from this world on February 18, 2019, at the age of 50. He had been unable to overcome health issues. Robert enjoyed playing pool and became very proficient at the game, he began competing in many tournaments with his team from Denny’s sports center in Iola. Robert also enjoyed tinkering with old vehicles, fishing, listening to Johnny Cash music, and playing BINGO. Robert was born on June 15, 1968 to Raymond and Shelby Jean (Grant) Comstock. He was the sixth born of what would become a group of eight.

Robert is survived by his seven siblings- Patricia Darnell Derrick and husband Ricky, Ripley, MS; Raymond Comstock, Jr., Holton, KS; Jeffrey Comstock and wife Tami of Humboldt, KS; Anna Smith and husband Joe, Clinton, MO; James Comstock, Claremore, OK; Doris Decker and husband Robert, Bronson, KS; Cathy Comstock, Kansas City, MO. Many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, many cousins and friends including a special friend, Julia Luke. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Robert has chosen to be cremated. Inurnment will be in the Bronson Cemetery in Bronson, KS, at a later date. A memorial service is planned for Sunday February 24th at 2:00 pm at the Bronson community building. A potluck reception will follow at 2:30. Friends and family are welcome. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Doris Reola DeMott, age 85, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, February 19, 2019, at the Olathe Medical Hospice House in Olathe, Kansas. She was born December 29, 1933, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Walter Eugene Knox and Hattie India Martin Knox. Doris graduated from the Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 1952. While in high school, she worked at the YMCA. This is where she met her future husband. She married Charles L. DeMott on December 28, 1952, in Bentonville, Arkansas. Doris later served as the Bourbon County Treasurer for twelve years and later worked for thirty-seven years for the Department of Motor Vehicles. Doris was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She lovingly cared for her husband following his stroke at a very early age. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a member of the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Garland.

Survivors include her four children, Gary DeMott and wife, Linda, of Ft. Scott, Janet McLaughlin, of Topeka, Kansas, Shawnee Clary and husband, Ken, and Stephen DeMott, all of Ft. Scott; ten grandchildren, Trenton, Trevor, Ty, Lacey, Kelsey, Stephanie, Chadd, Jessica, Adrienne, and Matthew and eighteen great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a brother, Gene Knox and his wife, Lucille, of Little River, Kansas. Her husband, Charles, preceded her in death on April 19, 2016. She was also preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Robert and Paul and five sisters, Louise, Virginia, Marcella, Marguerite, and Rachael.

Robert William Findley, age 70, of Fort Scott, KS, passed away February 11th surrounded by his family.

The son of Eldon and Ula (Carr) Findley, Robert was born in Fort Scott, at Mercy Hospital, on January 10th, 1949. In his youth Robert helped his father on the family farm. While in school Robert was active in 4H & FFA. He graduated from Fort Scott High school in 1967. Robert married the love of his life, Linda S. Rhynerson on May 28th, 1970, in a private ceremony in Miami, OK. Robert & Linda started a family in 1975 with the birth of their daughter Brenda.  Robert was fortunate enough to make a career out of one of his favorite hobbies and Findley Body Repair was opened in 1975. It has been going strong ever since. Anyone who had the chance to visit the body shop could count on a friendly greeting from not only Robert but also his beloved weenie dogs. Robert took great pride in his business and worked right up until his accident on February 7th.

Robert began giving back to his community at young age. He enjoyed his membership in various philanthropic and civic organizations. Joining in 1977, he was a lifetime member of The Elks Lodge B.P.O.E 579. During his time with The Elks he served as a district deputy and a state Vice President. He truly enjoyed delivering Christmas baskets every year and spent several years as a hoop shoot coordinator. Robert was also a member of the Shriners Mounted Patrol. He was active in the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce for many years.

In his younger days Robert could be found racing cars at the Mo-Kan speedway, participating in demolition derby’s as well as tractor pulls. Later in life he traded in racing cars for watching NASCAR. Jimmy Johnson was his favorite driver. When he wasn’t watching NASCAR, he was enjoying reruns of The Rifleman & Gunsmoke. John Wayne was one of his favorites. Robert also enjoyed hunting & fishing. He would participate in fishing tournaments every year. For over a decade now Robert has found joy in taking trips to Cloud 9 ranch to ride his ATV alongside his friends. The muddier the better! 

Robert loved sightseeing and a good Diner. His love for life was contagious and those who knew him all agreed that he was always a happy man. His desire to make others laugh and to forever be the better prankster new few limits. As did his generosity towards others. Robert didn’t know a stranger & he was well known not only for his wit & zingy one liners but also for his kindness towards his fellow man.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents Eldon & Ula Findley; his sisters, Rose Mary Findley, Doris Query, and Helen Hixon; and 2 brothers, John Findley and Floyd Findley. He is survived by his wife of 48 years Linda Findley; their daughter, Brenda Findley Tapp (Mountain Home, ID) and her husband David & his 3 grandchildren, who he adored, Lauren, Aubrey & Pierce; a brother, Donald Findley; and 2 sisters, Rita Findley & Janice (Rollin) Camp. Robert is also survived by countless nieces & nephews including a very special nephew, Von Jason Findley and his family; wife Tiffany & their 2 children, Tyler & Megan. 

There was cremation. A public Celebration of Life will be held at The Elks Lodge starting at 3:00 PM on Saturday, February 23rd.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Care to Share, 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. 

Robert Earl Lightwine, age 72, passed away Monday, February 11, 2019, in Mesa, Arizona.  He was born February 28, 1946, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the son Harold Lee Lightwine and Maida Belle Parker Lightwine.

Bob graduated from the Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1965.  He joined the Navy in August of 1965 and served for six years.  One defining year of service was spent in the “Brown Water Navy” Riv-Ron 112-11 division from February 1967 to February 1968 where he patrolled the waters of the Mekong Delta.  Bob was very proud of his military service and was a member of the Mobile Riverine Association.

He married Esther Connolly Graves on February 7, 1970.  They had just celebrated their 49^th wedding anniversary on Thursday prior to his passing. Bob retired from Sears after thirty years in the appliance repair business.  During his retirement years Bob enjoyed fishing and traveling across the United States in his RV reminiscing with family and friends.  Bob and Esther enjoyed spending the winters in Apache Junction, Arizona.  Bob was a member of the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, a life member of the VFW and the Joplin Elks Lodge #501.

Survivors include his wife, Esther; sisters and brothers-in-law, Helen and Sid Colwell, of Ft. Scott, Kansas, Carol and Alan Lytle, of Spring Hill, Kansas and Harold Connolly, also of Ft. Scott.  Also surviving are nieces and nephews, Pam Hightower (Wayne), of Ft. Scott, Kelli Matlock (Robert), of Deerfield, Missouri, Les Lightwine (Mary), of Clever, Missouri, Howard Lee Lightwine (Anne), Zionsville, Indiana, Anthony Lightwine (Jamie), of Nevada, Missouri, Michael Lightwine, of Deerfield, Jana Walker (Shane), of Ft. Scott, Katrina Colwell, of Jackson, Missouri, Alissa Thompson (James), of Jackson, Missouri and Matt Lyman, of Leonardville, Kansas.  Also surviving are numerous great-nieces and great-nephews and many special friends across the United States.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle Lynn Graves Poteet, a sister, Eula Irene Hays; two brothers, Harold Leon Lightwine and Howard Lee Lightwine and two cousins that his parents raised as his brothers, Charles “CJ” Hamilton and William “Bill” Hamilton.

Father Yancey Burgess will celebrate the Funeral Mass at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, February 19^th at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church.

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

  The Rosary will be recited at 6:00 P.M. Monday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Visitation will follow 6:30 to 8:00 P.M.

Memorials are suggested to Wreaths Across America or 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

Anna Margaret Gibson, resident of Carthage, MO, formerly of Ft. Scott, KS, passed away on February 10, 2019, into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at Joplin Gardens, Joplin, MO.

She was born May 15, 1928, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Ralph, Sr. and Julia Karleskint Sluder. Anna attended Liberty school where she graduated and received her certificate of education from the State of Kansas.

She married the love of her life, Samuel Gibson on September 10, 1945. They were married for 63 years, until Samuel preceded her in death on April 12, 2008.

Anna worked for Key Industries for 38 years and was plant supervisor at the time of her retirement in 1993.

Anna attended the Community Christian Church in Ft. Scott. She was a remarkable woman.

She had a green thumb and enjoyed working in her flower gardens, cooking for family and friends, and singing, especially hymns.

She was most passionate about being a witness for her Savior, Jesus Christ. Anna was a devoted mother and grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with her family and was fondly known as “Granny Bird”. She will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Survivors include her two daughters, Kimberly Brillhart, Jasper, MO, and Julie Howard and husband John, Joplin, MO; Also surviving are four granddaughters, Brooke Campbell and husband John, Kate Sears and husband Matthew, Ashley Osborne and Samantha Burk and husband Stephen; great-grandchildren Maddie and Lucas Campbell, Blake and Joey Jean Sears, Ian and Jasper Osborne, and Samuel and Anna Burk; one sister, Erma Knight and husband Warren, Ft. Scott; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and a very special friend, Ralph Stapp.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by four brothers, William, Ralph, Jr., Charles and Joseph Sluder; 3 sisters, Marcelia Cox, Mary Moore, and Ruth Helen Sluder; and her parents.

Rev. Kevin Moyers will conduct graveside services at 11:00 AM Thursday, February 14^th, in the U. S. National Cemetery, Ft. Scott.

Memorials are suggested to the Pediatric Cancer Unit of Children’s Mercy Hospital Kansas City 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.

Larry Lee Shirley, age 52, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Thursday, February 7, 2019, at his home, following a battle with cancer.

Larry was born September 6, 1966, in Fort Scott, KS, the son of Larry H. Shirley and Shirley (Thurston) Goltra.

He was a 1984 graduate of Ft. Scott High School. After graduation, he worked for B&D Distribution, Ft. Scott, then Mid-Continental Restoration, Ft. Scott. He then worked for Chamberlin Waterproofing, Kansas City, and belonged to BAC Local 15 Bricklayers Union.

Larry loved watching NASCAR races, the KC Chiefs, and the KC Royals. He also loved spending time with his family and many friends. He enjoyed fishing, riding his dune buggy and playing with his grandson, Easton.

Larry married the love of his life and best friend, Tami (Arnold) Shirley on May 1, 2018.

Survivors include his wife Tami Shirley of the home; his father, Larry H. Shirley, Independence, MO, and Sharon Shirley, Ft. Scott; his mother, Shirley Goltra and husband Tim, Ft. Scott; two sons, Codi Winningham and fiancé Jasmine Clayton, Ft. Scott, and Matthew Cassell of the home; one daughter, Skylar Felt and husband Tyler; one grandson, Easton Cox, Ft. Scott; one brother, Steven Weddle and Tricia, Ft. Scott; two sisters, Lisa Nation and husband Rick, and Tessa Feagins and husband Adam, all of Ft. Scott; mother-in-law Vicky Arnold, Ft. Scott; father-in-law Dale Arnold and wife Loretta, Ft. Scott; and brothers-in-law Troy Arnold and Trenton Arnold and spouses. Larry was loved by and survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; as well as many special friends and co-workers.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Lee and Iona Shirley; and maternal grandparents, Lester Thurston and Pearline Thurston Loubier.

There was cremation. The family will receive friends at a memorial visitation from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Thursday evening, February 14^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Private family burial will take place at a later date.

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.