Obituaries

James E. (Jim) Gladbach, of rural Deerfield, Mo., passed away in the early morning of Dec. 2, 2025, at Freeman Hospital, Fort Scott, Kan. Jim was born April 29, 1931, on a farm outside of Mendon, Mo. He was the son of Frederick W. Gladbach and Catherine A. Gladbach (Ryan.)...

Barbara Lou Haggard, age 76, resident of Pittsburg, Kan., passed away Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Mo. Services for Barb Haggard will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St.

Randal Lloyd "Randy" Bresee, age 62, Blue Mound, Kan., passed away Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025.   Visitation will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 5, 2025 at the Schneider Funeral Home, Mound City Chapel. Funeral service and military honors will be held at 6:30 p.m. Memorial contributions are suggested to the family of Randy Bresee...

Jim (James) L. Scott, age 79, a former resident of Fort Scott, peacefully passed away on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, in Excelsior, Minn., of heart failure. Jim was born on Nov. 18, 1946, in Kansas City, Mo., to Lucille Smith. He was raised by his mother, Lucille, his Grandma Eva, and later his stepfather, Gene Smith. ...

Roberta May Staton, age 100, Pleasanton, Kan., passed away Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at the Schneider Funeral Home, Pleasanton Chapel. Burial will be in the Pleasanton Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to service time at the chapel. Memorial contributions are suggested to Vintage Park or Ascend Hospice. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com...

James Lee “Jim” Scott, age 79, formerly of Fort Scott, Kan., and more recently of Excelsior, Minn., passed away Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, at the Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia, Minn. Services for Jim Scott will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel...

Garin Richard Williams, 50, died on Nov. 19, 2025. He was born on Jan. 4, 1975, in Fort Scott, the oldest child and only son of Steve and Marci Williams – parents whose steady love shaped him, grounded him, and was returned to them a thousandfold. From an early age, they nurtured in him a deep devotion to family, a lifelong passion for sports, and a profound love for his heritage. ...

Marlean J. Roberts, age 66, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Oct. 12, 2025. Her husband, Weldon B. Roberts preceded her in death on May 9, 2020. A memorial service for both Marlean and Weldon Roberts will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 28, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U.S. National Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kan...

Ronald Charles Palmer, age 82, resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, at his home. He was born Nov. 23, 1942, in Fort Scott, Kan., at Burke Street Mercy Hospital. He was the son of Dorothy (Elbrader) Palmer and Charles Palmer. He attended Fort Scott public schools and graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1960. He graduated from Fort Scott Junior College in 1962...

Ronald Charles Palmer, age 82, resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, at his home. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, at the First Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the Clarksburg Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. ...

Sharon Kay Smith, age 80, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away early Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, at the Medicalodge in Fort Scott. She was born Dec. 7, 1944, in Wichita, Kan., the daughter of Rex Hurst and Dolores Swartzetrub Hurst. The family left Wichita when Sharon was young and relocated to Mountain Grove, Mo. ...

Sharon K. “Sherry” Willard, 73, of Willard, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. She was born April 1, 1952, in Fort Scott, Kan., to William Richard and Leta Faye (Hudson) Hite. On August 7, 1970, Sherry and Jack “Greg” Willard were united in marriage and shared over 55 years together...

Tabitha Ann Nuzum, age 51, passed away at Mercy in Springfield on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. She was born Jan. 10, 1974, to Cleon James and Kathy Rossmen in Parsons, Kan. Tabby married the love of her life, Billy Nuzum, on Feb. 24, 2017 and they attended the Flag Church in Fort Scott...

Lavon K. Middleton (Richard), 84, of Uniontown, Kan., passed away Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, at Moran Manor in Moran, Kan., surrounded by her loved ones.  She was born on Nov. 30, 1940, in Redfield, Kan., to Vern Richard and Mary Richard (Reinecke). Lavon graduated from high school in Uniontown, Kan., in 1958. She was Uniontown’s first ever homecoming queen. She went on to marry Kenneth Middleton, her high school sweetheart, on July 22, 1961, at Paint Creek Church in Redfield, Kan...

Billy Joe Cowan, 95, originally of Devon, Kan., and later of Nevada, Mo., passed away Nov. 10, 2025, at the Crystal Coast Hospice House in Newport, N.C. He was born in Walnut, Kan., April 11, 1930, the son of Charles Oscar and Grace Olive Boileau Cowan. He married Norma Jean Riggs on Aug. 12, 1951. She preceded him in death on Sept. 21, 2021. His son, Phillip Cowan, also preceded him in death Aug. 8, 2022...

Leland Ray Underwood, age 79, Fulton, Kan., passed away Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025. He was born on July 16, 1946 at Fort Scott, Kan., the son of Clifford and Wilma Clayton Underwood. He served time in the United States Navy. He then became an equipment operator in the Army National Guard where he retired from. ...

Donald E. Johnson, 85, passed at home after a battle with pancreatic cancer on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025. Don was the youngest of five born in Blue Mound, Kan., to William McKinley and Alma Ida Tinsley Johnson. He attended Blue Mound schools, and graduated from Blue Mound High School in 1958. ...

Marilyn K. Edgar, 82, a longtime resident of Springboro, Ohio, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, at Ohio's Hospice of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio. She was the daughter of Marion and Ruth Quick of Redfield, Kan., and she graduated from Fort Scott (Kansas) High School class of 1961. Marilyn married Roy L. Edgar of Fort Scott on Jan. 24, 1964, in Redfield and they lived in Parsons, Kan., until moving to Springboro in 1982...

Janet Irby Braun, 84, of Fort Scott, Kan., passed into eternal life at the University of Kansas Medical Center on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025. She was born in Oklahoma City, Okla., on March 28, 1941 to Dr. Pratt and Pauline Robinson Irby. She grew up in Fort Scott as the proud big sister of Robert and Mary. ...

Janet Irby Braun, 84 of Fort Scott, passed away Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, at the Kansas University Medical Center in Kansas City, Kan. Funeral services are set for Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. The full obituary will be available later.

Billy Joe Cowan, 95 formerly of the Fort Scott, Kan., and Nevada, Mo., areas, passed away on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, at the Crystal Coast Hospice House in Newport, N.C. Funeral arrangements for Bill Cowan are incomplete and will be announced later by the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home...

Jason Perryman, age 58, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, at his home. Arraignments are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St.

Glenn Thomas Darlington, 97, passed away on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, at Silver Creek Senior Living in Joplin, Mo. Glenn was born on Dec. 18, 1927, to Thomas Eugene (Gene) Darlington and Pearl Rose Harrison Darlington in Rural Barton County Mo., near Oskaloosa. ...

Jane Ray Clements, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on Nov. 6, 2025, at the age of 78 in Joplin, Mo., due to complications from dementia. There will be a memorial visitation from 5 until 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the S.E.K. Humane Society and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com...

Anthony “Tony” Wayne Ogle, a cherished soul known for his kind heart and unwavering spirit, passed away in his hometown of Fort Scott, Kan., on Nov. 4, 2025, at the age of 56. Born on Feb. 28, 1969, to the late Burton Wayne Ogle and Daisy Ruth Duerson Ogle, Tony’s life was a testament to the values of love, dedication, and joy that he inherited from his beloved parents...

Leo Patrick Reagan, fondly known as Pat, passed away on Nov. 2, 2025, at the age of 96 in Kansas City, Mo. Born on Sept. 5, 1929, in Mantey, Kan., Pat graced this world with his infectious presence for 96 remarkable years. Pat had a long-lasting career at Armco Steel, where he dedicated himself with professionalism and pride. ...

Constantina Vasilasi, age 85, resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, at Freeman Hospital, Fort Scott. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Constantina Vasilasi Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. .Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com...

Terry Koester, age 73, passed away at his home in Fort Scott on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025. He was born on Oct. 24,1952 in Iola, Kan., to Archie and Arlene Koester. Terry graduated from Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1971 and received his Masters of Microbiology from Pittsburg State University. He married Marla Stanbrough on May 24,1975 and they recently celebrated their 50th Anniversary. He was a member of Rinehart Christian Church...

Mona Emery McDowell, 95, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, at her residence at The Bungalows, Nevada, Mo. Mona was born on July 13, 1930, in Deerfield, Mo., the daughter of K.L. and Nettie Carpenter Emery. She spent her entire life within the Deerfield community, graduating from Nevada High School in 1948...

Donald Eugene Tully, affectionately known as Don to his friends and family, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, in Fort Scott, Kan. Born on Aug. 22, 1951, Don’s life was marked by his kindheartedness, friendly demeanor, and generous spirit. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him...

Gladene Rose Reavis, age 92, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, at the Guest Home Estates in Fort Scott. She was born July 29, 1933. Gladene grew up in Cato, Kan. She married Henry A. Reavis on May 14, 1956, at Miami, Okla. Gladene was a devoted wife and a loving mother to her three children. She was employed for a time with the Western Insurance Company and later in the library at Fort Scott Community College...

Virgil G. Uttinger, 73, Nevada, Mo., passed away on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025 at Medicialodges of Nevada following a lengthy illness. Virgil was born Jan. 18, 951 in Fort Scott, Kan., to Claud and Mable M. (Barnes) Uttinger Virgil, was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Raymond Uttinger of Springfield, Mo. ...

Lynn Brown, age 67, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, at the Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, Kan. He was born Sept. 10, 1958, in Fulton, Kan., the son of Derald Dean Brown and Fern Rexine Wardrip Brown. Lynn grew up in Fulton and attended Fulton school until it consolidated with Fort Scott. ...

Monica Joy Mullins, 59, of Fort Scott died Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, at the home of her father in Mound City, Kan. Monica was born on Dec. 30, 1965 in Kansas City, Kan., to Gary Richard and Eva May (Alumbaugh) Goebel. Monica attended schools in Mound City and graduated from Jayhawk-Linn High School with the Class of 1984. ...

At 12:13 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, Debbie Wolken, 69, of Girard, surrounded by her loved ones, joined the love of her life, Bub. Debbie was born Feb. 6, 1956 in Fort Scott, a daughter of Virgil Keith and Wilma Carol (Gilmore) Murrow. She graduated from Mapleton High School in Mapleton, Kan...

At 12:13 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, Debbie Wolken, 69, of Girard, surrounded by her loved ones, joined the love of her life, Bub. Debbie was born Feb. 6, 1956 in Fort Scott, a daughter of Virgil Keith and Wilma Carol (Gilmore) Murrow. She graduated from Mapleton High School in Mapleton, Kan...

Monica Joy Mullins, 59, of Fort Scott died Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, at the home of her father in Mound City, Kan. Monica was born on Dec. 30, 1965 in Kansas City, Kan., to Gary Richard and Eva May (Alumbaugh) Goebel. Monica attended schools in Mound City and graduated from Jayhawk-Linn High School with the Class of 1984. ...

Doris Cullor, a beloved teacher and fierce advocate for education, passed away peacefully on Oct. 15, 2025 at the age of 92 at Aberdeen Village Assisted Living in Olathe, Kan. She was born in Crocker, Mo., 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...

Arleen Louise Wilson, 89, of Iola, Kan., passed away at her home early Friday morning, Oct. 17, 2025, surrounded by her daughters and granddaughters. She was born in Walnut, Kan., the daughter of Wayne and Pearl Blanche Wright Geiger. She graduated from high school in Hepler, Kan...

Doris Marie Cullor, 92, of Fort Scott, passed away Wednesday morning, Oct. 15, 2025, at Aberdeen Village in Olathe, Kan. Arrangements will be announced by the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Arlene L. Wilson, of Iola, Kan., passed away early Friday morning, Oct. 17, 2025. Arrangements will be announced by the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Darvin Theon Willard, known affectionately to friends and family as Theon, left this world to paint the heavens on Oct. 11, 2025. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 17 at the Cheney Witt Chapel. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. ...

Marlean J. Roberts, age 66, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, at her home in Ft. Scott. Arrangements will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kan. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com...

Geneva Darlene Jennings, age 85, Pleasanton, Kan., passed away Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, 2025 at the Schneider Funeral Home Pleasanton Chapel. Burial in the Pleasanton Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. to service time at the Pleasanton Chapel. Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Heart Association. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com...

Virginia Viel, 74, of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away peacefully on Oct. 12, 2025. She was born on Dec. 22, 1950, in Hope, Ark., to Clinton and Bertha Lee. Virginia was known for her sharp wit, loud laugh, and even bigger heart. She spent many years working in customer service for Lincoln National, Mass Mutual, and UniCare Insurance before later retiring from Cavalry Crossing. No matter where she was, Virginia made friends easily and never hesitated to speak her mind...

Nancy Ann Ellifrits, age 65, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, at her home. She was born Oct. 9, 1959, in Gardner, Kan., the daughter of Vernon Charles Fortner and Anna Mae Deilman Fortner. Nancy had worked at area nursing homes as a nurse’s aide for 30 years. ...

Chester Kruse, 85, of Hepler, Kan., died at 11:50 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025 in the Landmark Hospital in Joplin, Mo., where he entered Sept. 22. Chester was born Aug. 5, 1940 in Claflin, Kan., a son of Allen and Josephine (Friedel) Kruse.  He grew up in Hepler and graduated from Hepler High School...

Esther Ruth Arnold, 72, of Fort Scott, passed away Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at the Fort Scott Freeman Hospital. She was born in Kirksville, Mo., on Aug. 26, 1953, the daughter of Maynard Land and Ethel Elizabeth Grogan Osborn. She married Victor Arnold on June 21, 1986, in Kirksville, Mo., he survives of the home...

Family and friends of Marlene Arndt are invited to a Celebration of Life on Sunday, Oct. 12 at the Empress Event Center, 7 N. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kan. Guests are welcome to come and go from 1 to 3 p.m. Marlene Naomi Arndt, 76, of Fort Scott, Kan., and formerly of Dillsburg, Pen., passed away Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, at the U.P.M.C. Harrisburg Hospital...