Doris Marie Cullor, 92, Beloved Stepmother, Grandmother, Aunt and Passionate Lifetime Educator
Doris Cullor, a beloved teacher and fierce advocate for education, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2025 at the age of 92 at Aberdeen Village Assisted Living in Olathe, Kansas. She was born in Crocker, Missouri on April 3, 1933 to Warner Otis McDowell and Augusta Jane (Van Loon) McDowell. Doris dedicated her life to nurturing the minds of young students, and encouraging them to embrace the joy of reading.
Doris grew up on a farm near Deerfield, Missouri, the youngest of seven children. She attended Nevada High School and was a member of the NHS Honor Society. She graduated second in her class and received a full five-year scholarship from the L.F. Richardson Foundation in 1950. She attended the University of Missouri at Columbia, Missouri where she earned her Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Education degrees, followed some years later by a Specialist degree in Education from the University of Kansas at Pittsburg, Kansas.
Her remarkable teaching career spanned over six decades, mainly at Winfield Scott Elementary School in Ft Scott, KS where she taught remedial reading and inspired generations of learners to read vigorously and widely. She sometimes repeated the humorous quote “You don’t need to read every day, just on the days you eat.” to students at reading award assemblies. Her faith and dedication to uplifting others through education were central to her life. She was an active member of the Alpha Etta chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma International Society of Women Educators. And in the course of her teaching career she received multiple awards in recognition of her commitment to excellence in teaching.
She married Reason William “R.W.” Cullor, a Ft. Scott businessman, on November 23, 1974. During their marriage of 20 years they enjoyed traveling the world together. Doris enjoyed her large family and she had many friends. She was a joyful person and was fun to be around. She learned to decorate cakes and over the years she gifted her friends and family members with dozens of beautiful birthday and wedding cakes. She also taught cake decorating and English literacy at the Ft. Scott Community college, and decorated cakes for the Village Market bakery in Nevada. She never wasted a minute living life to it’s fullest.
Doris was also known for her strong religious faith and her generosity, giving her time, energy and resources to many causes and charities. She was an engaged citizen and a life long member of the Democratic party, and helped work elections. She thought it an honor to live along the National Cemetery route. Driving by her home, one would often see her outside mowing her grass, keeping her yard extra tidy out of respect for the cemetery and her feelings of civic duty.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Otis and “Gussie”, and her three brothers and three sisters, including many of their spouses: Gilbert O. McDowell (and Irene), Hubert McDowell, Kathryn Hayes (and Walter), Bill McDowell (Mona, still living), Ruby “Tiny” McConnaughey (and J. R. “Buck”), and Eva Capelle (and Oscar). Also 2 nephews, 3 nieces and a great-nephew from her siblings side.
She is also preceded in death by her step-daughter, Janet Cullor and her grandson, Ty Cullor.
She is survived by her step-son, Gary Cullor (and Sally), and grandchildren, Chandler (and Cara), Spencer (and Sarah), Courtney (and Seth Thompson), and Jordan. Also 7 great grandchildren: Tyler Ann, Landon, Reese, Ty, Carter, Collins and Leighton.
On her parents side she is survived by 16 nieces and nephews, 29 great-nieces and nephews and 26 great-great nieces and nephews.
Doris’ legacy of enthusiasm for learning will surely live on in those lucky to have been in her classroom. Her wish for those who will miss her is to continue to support education and encourage reading in young people.
As she did not wish for a funeral, after cremation friends and family may pay their respects and sign Doris’ guest book at the Konantz-Cheney funeral home or share memories online at www.konantzcheney.com.
A charitable donation can be given in her name to:
-The Fort Scott Community College Doris M. Cullor scholarship fund for a future student pursuing a career in teaching
-The Walter Jeremy Hayes scholarship fund at Nevada High School
-The Kathy Hayes Thompson scholarship fund at Bronaugh High School
-or a charity of your choice
Doris Cullor will forever be remembered for her optimistic zest for life and her strong commitment to teaching and learning.