Obituaries

Allen Schellack, age 69, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, at the University of Kansas Medical Center. A celebration of Allen’s life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23 at the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene. ...

Donna M. Slacum, 58, of Fort Scott, died Monday, Oct. 7, 2024 at her home. Slacum was born Feb. 7, 1966 in Detroit, Mich., to John Hayes and Sherry Homminga. Slacum was preceded in death by a sister, Samantha Homminga. Slacum is survived by her father, John Hayes; mother, Sherry Homminga; sister, Laura; and her children, Justin, Corey and Alicia, plus numerous nieces and nephews and several grandchildren...

Wade Ralph Purcell, 84, passed away peacefully on Oct. 4, 2024, surrounded by family, after a recent diagnosis of lung cancer and bout of pneumonia. Born Jan. 6, 1940, preceded in death by his parents; Ralph and Arleen Purcell and his identical twin, Howard. Survived by loving wife, Rondi (nee Roberts) and their daughters, Rachel (Michael) and Jamie (David), grandchildren; Kyle (Natalie), Cooper (Carley), Nathan and Blake, as well as, great granddaughters; Abby and Reese...

Kenneth Wayne Keeney, age 94, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, at his home at the Presbyterian Village in Fort Scott. He was born Feb. 20, 1930, on the family farm near Pawnee Station, Kan., the son of Perry L. Keeney and Hazel Picht Keeney. ...

Allison Marie “Lissa” Gorman, 71, resident of Fort Scott, passed away early Tuesday morning, Oct. 8, 2024. She was born on Aug. 17, 1953, in Topeka, Kan., the daughter of Leroy Pitt and Martha (Wolf) Pitt. She married Kevin Gorman on May 28, 1977, in Topeka, and he survives of the home...

Allison Marie “Lissa” Gorman, 71, resident of Fort Scott, passed away early Tuesday morning, Oct. 8, 2024. Arrangements will be announced by the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

John Dale Wort, age 82, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed peacefully on Aug. 19, 2024. Graveside services for John will be held Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at 11 a.m. John will be receiving military honors and burial at the Fort Scott National Cemetery. Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com...

Janice Jackson, age 71, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. Private burial will take place at the Evergreen Cemetery in Fort Scott. Arrangements were under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS...

Jaqueline Delores Gunsaullus, age 87, a resident of Chanute, Kan., passed away Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. There was cremation. Private burial will take place later in Evergreen Cemetery, Fort Scott, Kan. Donations, gifts and memorials are suggested to the Allen County Animal Rescue Facility in Iola, Kan., and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com...

Gary Keith Wise, age 87, resident of Nevada, Mo., died Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024, at the Nevada Regional Medical Center, Nevada, Mo. He was born Sept. 7, 1937, in Fort Scott, Kan., the son of Alvin Elmer Wise and Audrey C. O’Dell Wise. Gary graduated from FSHS. ...

Gerald L. “Jerry” Mildfelt, age 92, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, at his home. He was born Dec. 13, 1931, in Perry, Okla., the son of Joe Mildfelt and Catherine Endres Mildfelt. Jerry faithfully served his country with the United States Army from 1952-54. ...

Billy J. Graham, age 92, a lifelong resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, at the Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, Kan. He was born Nov. 8, 1931, in Fort Scott, the son of Louis Graham and Helen Briggs Graham. Billy graduated from the Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1950. ...

David Parker, age 62, Mound City, Kan., passed away Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Mound City, Kan. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com...

Harry Eugene Smith, born on Jan. 9, 1956, in Fort Scott, Kan., passed away on Sept. 27, 2024, at 4:20 a.m. He was a dedicated family man and a distinguished law enforcement officer whose career spanned several decades, marked by his commitment to service and community engagement...

We bid farewell to our husband and father, Gerald Eugene Allen, who left this world on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, at the age of 82 years. He was a man of immense humor and wisdom, living his life to the fullest. His passion for his family, volunteer work with the Boy Scouts, his vintage Ford truck, cowboy poetry, and his unwavering spirit will be forever remembered. ...

Larry Eugene Sheridan, age 73, a former resident of Uniontown, Kan., passed away Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, at Azria Health Care in Olathe, Kan. He was born March 13, 1951, in Kansas City, Mo., the son of Bernard Sheridan and Fern Ackers Sheridan. Larry married Donna Marie Miller on April 1, 1978. ...

Iris Paulette Newton went home to be with the Lord on Sept. 22, 2024. Paulette was born on Aug. 28, 1948 in Fort Scott, Kan., the youngest of six daughters born to Ira Ellen (Joyner) and Vernon Smith.  She attended Fort Scott public schools and graduated from Fort Scott Community College as a licensed practical nurse...

Harold William Fritter, 92, of Richards, Mo., passed away on Monday, Sept. 23, 2024, surrounded by family. Harold was born on Aug. 29, 1932, to Louis W. Fritter and Stella Gardner Fritter in Fort Scott, Kan. He married Alice Poague on Dec. 10, 1951, in Hood River, Ore., and she survives of the home...

Aeron A. Hicks, age 74, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, at the Via Christi Village in Pittsburg, Kan. She was born Sept. 29, 1949, in Pittsburg, Kan., the daughter of Edward Slutter and Ruby Shelley Slutter. She grew up in Pittsburg and graduated from St. ...

Alvin Elwood Pellett, aged 94, passed away on Sept. 6, 2024, in Decatur, Texas. Born on July 25, 1930, Alvin affectionately known as Al, was raised on a farm, and learned the value of hard work early in life. His strength and determination were evident when he played football at Fort Scott Junior College. ...

Alvin Elwood Pellett, aged 94, passed away on Sept. 6, 2024, in Decatur, Texas. Born on July 25, 1930, Alvin affectionately known as Al, was raised on a farm, and learned the value of hard work early in life. His strength and determination were evident when he played football at Fort Scott Junior College. ...

Robert James Elbrader, 84, of Fort Scott, passed away Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 18, 2024, at his home. He was born April 21, 1940, in Bourbon County, Kan., the son of Robert N. Elbrader and Naomi (Brown) Elbrader. He married Julie Thompson on Aug. 14, 1964, in Fort Scott, Kan., and she survives of the home...

Lacy Francis "Bud" Clark, age 89, Mound City, Kan., passed away Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. A graveside funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024 at the Woodland Cemetery in Mound City, Kan. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24 at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Mound City Chapel. Memorial contributions are suggested to Good Sheppard Hospice.  Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com. ...

Robert James Elbrader, 84, of Fort Scott, passed away Thursday morning, Sept. 18, 2024, at his home. Arrangements will be announced by the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Gerald V. "Gary" Brown, age 79, of Fulton, Kan., passed away Saturday Sept. 14, 2024. He was born on Oct. 1, 1944, in Fort Scott, Kan., the son of Gerald and Vera Kohl Brown. He graduated from Hume High School. Gary served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. ...

Colee William Miller, age 38, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kan. He was born May 29, 1986, in Kansas City, Mo., the son of Douglas William Miller and Tammy Sue Marsh Miller. ...

Penny Rothrock, 74, of Mulvane, Kan., passed away peacefully at home on Sept. 4, 2024. Born in Missouri, Penny was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who touched the lives of many with her kindness and generosity. Penny was preceded in death by her father Arthur Piper, mother Shirley Kenny, sister Judy Piper, and brother Jerry Piper. ...

LaVaughn (Williams) Kastl Peak, March 5, 1930-Sept. 11, 2024 LaVaughn was born in Fulton, Kan., where she attended Fulton High School and then moved to Fort Scott, Kan., where she met her future husband, Calvin Kastl. They were married on March 15, 1947...

Katherine Aurora "Kathy" Koehler, age 39, Pleasanton, Kan., passed away Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2024. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024 at the Mound City Christian Church. Memorial contributions can be made to Southeast Kansas Mental Health, in care of Schneider Funeral Home, P.O. Box 525, Pleasanton, KS 66075. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com...

Michael Steven French, age 63, resident of Mulberry, Kan., died Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, at his home. There was cremation. Services for Michael French will be announced later by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St.

Carlene Mae (Trabert) Yakel, 64, passed away on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024 at Moore-Few Care Center in Nevada, Mo. She was born Feb. 15, 1961 in Garden City, Kan., to Carl and Verna (Keese) Trabert. Carlene was a resident of Garden City until 1994, when she then moved to Fort Scott, Kan., and lived there until 2018. She then moved to Blue Springs, Mo., and then to Nevada, Mo., in 2021...

Thomas Laverne “Tom” Peery, age 84, Fort Scott, Kan., formerly of Mound City, Kan., passed away Sept. 4, 2024. Born on Sept. 4, 1940 in Farlinville, Kan., the son of Edwin T. and Mildred L. Dean Peery. He graduated from Mound City High School in the Class of 1958...

Steven Douglas Cooney, age 62, of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away on Sept. 3, 2024. He was born on Nov. 22, 1961, to Robert and Freda Sue (Perry) Cooney in Glendale, Ariz. Survivors include his sons, Dustin Cooney, Shane Cooney and his daughter Janea Cooney; grandchildren Tai, Ella, Levi, Ava and Bennet; sisters Sheri McCann (Jimmy), Suzie Schropp (Brock); brother Robert Cooney (Laura) and many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends...

Doylene Chapman, age 77, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at her home. She was born Nov. 25, 1946, in Fort Scott, the daughter of Doyle Monroe Shoemaker and Betty Hathaway Shoemaker. Doylene graduated from the Arcadia High School with the Class of 1964. ...

Wesley “Limber” Levoy Miles, age 84, resident of Fort Scott, Kan., died Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Medicalodges of Fort Scott. He was born Aug. 11, 1940, in Worland, Mo., the son of Walter and Waneta Constable Miles. Wes served in the U.S. Army. He married Kathleen Marie Hill on March 28, 1980. ...

Mary Lou Mefford, age 89, resident of Fort Scott, Kan., died Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024, at Pleasant Hill Health and Rehab Center, Pleasant Hill, Mo. She was born Aug. 19, 1935, in Drumright, Okla., the daughter of Perry and Ethel Mae Coffman Johnson. Mary graduated from Moran High School with the class of 1953. ...

Shirley Jean Higgins, age 88, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Monday, Sept. 2, 2024, at the Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, Kan. She was born Feb. 24, 1936, in Richards, Mo., the daughter of John Logan Zimmerman and Effie Charlotte Debus Zimmerman. ...

Mary L. Mefford, age 88, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024, at the Pleasant Hill Health & Rehab Center in Pleasant Hill, Mo. Funeral services for Mary Mefford will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kan...

Wesley L. “Limber” Miles, age 84, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at the Medicalodges in Fort Scott. Funeral services will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kan.

Raymond Henry Kalm, Sr., age 87, a resident of rural Garland, Kan., passed away Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in Overland Park, Kan., surrounded by his family. He was born March 22, 1937, near Mulberry, Kan., the son of Lewis Hurl Kalm and Nellie Louise Pence Kalm. ...

Marjorie “Marjie” Rose Lauber, age 86, formally of Fort Scott, Kan., died Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, at the Galena Nursing Center, Galena, Kan. She was born on Nov. 11, 1937, in St. Paul, Kan., the daughter of Charles and Pearl Madl Lero. She was the middle child of seven children, three brothers and three sisters. ...

George Theodore "Ted" Pouch, age 66, of Prescott, Kan., passed away Monday, Sept. 2, 2024.   A graveside memorial service will be held 10 am Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 at the Farlington Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to Biker's for Babies, in care of Schneider Funeral Home, P.O. Box 525, Pleasanton, KS 66075.  ...

John Dale Wort, age 82, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed peacefully on Aug. 19, 2024. Graveside services for John will be held Oct. 10, 2024, at 11 a.m. John will be receiving military honors and burial at the Fort Scott National Cemetery. Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com...

Lois Ann (Query) Bunn, 83, resident of Hallsville, Mo., passed away Monday evening, Aug. 26, 2024, at The Stuart House Nursing Home in Centralia, Mo. She was born on Sept. 8, 1940, in Fort Scott, Kan., the only child of L.B. “Dick” Query and Ida Mae (Wolf) Query. She married Phillip Ross Bunn in March of 2015 at the Clarksburg Valley Chapel (Clarksburg Church of God Holiness) in Fort Scott, Kan., and he survives of the home...

Thomas Clark Johnson, age 90, resident of Bronson, Kan., died Friday, Aug. 23, 2024, at the Allen County Regional Medical Center. Services for Thomas Johnson will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St.

Sharon Faye Conner Ralls, age 78, passed away Aug. 23, 2024 surrounded by her family. Sharon was born March 7, 1946 in Fort Scott, Kan., to Floyd and Nadine Conner of Redfield, Kan. Sharon spent her childhood on her family’s farm outside of Redfield where she attended Paint Creek Church of the Brethren and the Rural Elementary School. She graduated from Uniontown High School in 1964...

Shirley Ann (Coultas) Motley, 86, saw her Savior face to face on Aug. 27, 2024, after a brief illness. Shirley was born Sept. 8, 1937, in Barry, Il. to H. Glenn Coultas and Georgia Ann (Smith) Coultas. She was a 1955 graduate of Barry High School and married John Roy Motley that same year. ...

Patsy Lee Scott, age 85, of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away peacefully at her daughter’s residence in Olathe, Kan., while surrounded by family on Aug. 24, 2024.  Pat was born on Feb. 8, 1939 to Max and Naomi Fanning in Fort Scott, Kan. She married the love of her life, John Scott Sr., in Arcadia, Kan., on March 28, 1961. Pat and John were blessed with 54 years of marriage. ...

Heaven became a lot more fun on Aug. 20, 2024, when Daryl Lee Roller, 79, of Lenexa, passed away suddenly while vacationing in France. This proud Navy veteran and his wife of 53 years, Christy (Larson) Roller, had just visited Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery in Normandy...

Lois Ann (Query) Bunn, 83, resident of Centralia, Mo., passed away Monday evening, Aug. 26, 2024. Arrangements will be announced by the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.