Obituaries

Arnot Franklin "Frank" Baldwin Jr. age 92, formerly of Butler, Mo., passed away on Aug. 18, 2024, in Topeka, Kan. He was born the son of Arnot Franklin and Ethel Payne Baldwin on Dec. 6, 1931, in Independence, Mo. Frank graduated from Kansas City Northeast High School in 1948. ...

Deloris Marie Baldwin, age 88, formerly of Butler, Mo., passed away on Oct. 1, 2024, in Topeka, Kan. She was born the daughter of Orville Glen and Leora Ellington Brownback on Sept. 7, 1936, in Centerville, Kan. Deloris graduated from Parker High School and continued her education by obtaining an associate degree from Fort Scott Community College. ...

Harry Lee Meek, age 81, resident of Fort Scott, Kan., died Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, at his home. He was born July 27, 1943, in Fort Scott, the son of Frank and Virginia “Tootie” Poyner Meek. Harry graduated from Richards, Mo., high school. He married Bonnie Mann in 1969 in Nevada, Mo. They later divorced...

Timothy Edward Phillips, age 37, made it through the checkered flag on Nov. 14, 2024, as he raced his way into Heaven's gates. Born June 18, 1987, to Kenny Edward Phillips, Jr. and Tammy Ann (Harper) Phillips, he resided in the rural Fort Scott area his entire life. ...

Daryl Lee Roller, 79, of Lenexa, passed away suddenly while vacationing in France on Aug. 20, 2024. A graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 25, at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Scott. Memorial contributios may be made to Lenexa United Methodist Church, Tunnels to Towers or a veterans' charity of your choice...

Sherri Marie Crane, age 55, Hume, Mo., passed away Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024 at Research Medical Center In Kansas City, Mo.   Visitation will be held 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18, 2024 at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Pleasanton Chapel. Sherri will be laid to rest at a later date. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Sherri Crane Memorial Fund.  Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com...

Timothy Phillips, age 37, a resident of rural Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, at his home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 21. at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Centerville Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. ...

It is with great sadness that we announce that Ralph Allen Schellack Jr. passed on to his Heavenly reward on Oct. 8, 2024, at the age of 69. Allen, as he was known, was born on Dec. 12, 1954, in Joplin, Mo., to Ralph Sr. and Clova (Foster) Schellack...

Betty Jean Tucker, age 92, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., met Jesus face to face on Nov. 13, 2024, after battling Parkinson’s Disease the last several years. She was born Aug. 18, 1932, in Splitlog, Mo., the first child of Arzy “Lee” and Elsie Chandler Bergen. ...

Karl E. Umphenour, 84, of Fort Scott, passed away at his home on Wednesday morning, Nov. 13, 2024. He was born on July 22, 1940, in Vernon County, Mo., the son of Roy Ellsworth Umphenour and Lottie Belle (Kleitz) Umphenour. He married Sharon Kathleen Erie on April 25, 1959, in Fulton, Kan. She preceded him in death on Jan. 8, 2013...

Karl E. Umphenour, 84, of Fort Scott, passed away at his home on Wednesday morning, Nov. 13, 2024. Arrangements will be announced by the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Kent Eugene Mitchell, age 91, resident of Zionsville, Ind., died Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, Ind. Rev. Christopher Eshelman will conduct funeral services at 12:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U.S. National Cemetery. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com...

William Thomas Wiggans, age 75, resident of Fort Scott, Kan., died Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, at Mercy Hospital, Pittsburg, Kan. He was born June 25, 1949, in Kansas City, Mo., the son of Ralph and Mabel Endicott Wiggans. Tom worked for various businesses in Fort Scott including Bruce Marble and Granite, Peerless, and lastly Walmart for 17 years until his retirement. In his spare time, he enjoyed making flower bouquets, collectibles, attending dirt track races, paint-by-numbers, and his dog, Roland...

Ruth Maxine Larsen Burchett passed away peacefully on her 89th birthday on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, surrounded by loved ones! She was born Nov. 8, 1935, in Richards, Mo., the daughter of George Christian and Myrtle Elizabeth (Schnedler) Larsen. Ruth was first a mother, but she did have several jobs in the business field. Most...

Larry Gene Bloomfield, age 72, Prescott, Kan., passed away Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024.   Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Pleasanton Chapel. Burial will be in the Prescott Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. to service time at the Pleasanton Chapel.  Memorial contributions are suggested to a charity of choice. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com. ...

Ruth M. Burchett, age 89, a resident of Fort Scott, passed away Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. Funeral services will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kan.  

Claude Franklin (Frank) Durossette, age 73, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away at his home on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. He was born to Grover William Durossette and Maxine Lavon (Gibson) Durossette on Dec. 17, 1950, in Fort Scott, Kan. He married his best friend and the love of his life Ethel Mary (Michalek) Durossette on July 20, 1968...

Billy Eugene Koppa, age 78, of Topeka and formerly of Manhattan, passed away Nov. 5, 2024, at his home in Topeka. Billy was born on June 8, 1946, in Fort Scott, Kan., the son of Murrel and Goldie (Page) Koppa. Billy grew up in Hiatville, Kan., and graduated from Uniontown High School with the class of 1964. ...

Marilyn Fay Nuzum, age 91, resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, at the Horton House, Fort Scott. She was born May 16, 1933, in Vernon County, Mo., the daughter of William Dewey Ferguson and Leona Myra Dugan Ferguson. Marilyn graduated from Arcadia High School with the class of 1951 as Valedictorian. ...

John Leroy Taylor, 80, Fort Scott, Kan., passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024 at Guest Home Estates in Fort Scott following a lengthy illness. John was born on Nov. 27, 1943 in Fort Scott, Kan., to John and Bertha (White) Taylor.  John was raised in Fulton, Kan., and attended Fulton High School. ...

Ruth Isabel (Evans) Jackson, 93, our beautiful mother went to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, October 30, 2024, at 12:50 p.m. at St. Luke’s East Hospital, Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Our plan was getting her back to her home on hospice. Instead, the Gates of Heaven opened up and the Angels began to sing as our mother reached her destiny, her eternal home, her loving father, God, awaiting her. The heavens lit up and the angels rejoiced!...

Ruth I. Jackson, 93, of Fort Scott, passed away Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 30, 2024, at St. Luke’s East Hospital in Lee’s Summit, Mo. Arrangements will be announced by the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Jo Carol Herrmann was born March 18, 1952, in Pittsburg, Kan., and died Oct. 28, 2024, in Wichita, Kan. She married Gary Herrmann in Arma, Kan., on Aug. 31, 1974. Jo received her sonographer certificate and began working at Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott in 1975 and continued there until 2001. ...

Jo Herrmann, age 72, a resident of Girard, Kan., passed away unexpectedly Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, at the Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kan. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6 at the Countryside Christian Church, 1901 E. Fourth St., Pittsburg, Kan. ...

Phyllis Jean Plaster, age 82, resident of Hiattville, Kan., passed away Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, at her home. Rev. Joel Crippen will conduct funeral services at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 31, at the Hiattville United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the Hiattville Cemetery. ...

Kathryn "Irene" Holsman, age 95 of Pleasanton, Kan., went to be with her Lord and Savior on Oct. 18, 2024 with her family by her side at her Anew Healthcare Home. Irene was the oldest child of William Louie Holsman and Ella Ada (Umphenour) Holsman, born Dec. ...

Rachel Elinor Greenfield, 97, formerly of Fort Scott, passed away early Tuesday morning, Oct. 22, 2024, at Medicalodge of Fort Scott. Arrangements will be announced by the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Alberta Grace Weddle, 90, formerly of Fort Scott, passed away Thursday morning, Oct. 17, 2024, at Ascension St. John’s Hospital in Tulsa, Okla. She was born on April 2, 1934, in Kansas City, Mo., the daughter of Lars Huggins and Hazel Leona (Hawks) Huggins. She married Russell Marvin Weddle on July 21, 1949, in Kansas City, Mo., and he preceded her in death May 26, 1994...

William “Will/Bill” James Sampson, Jr., age 45, native of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Cremation will follow. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. ...

JoAnn Copelin, age 89, of Mansfield, Texas, passed away peacefully, Saturday, October 12, 2024 at her home in the Isle at Watercrest Mansfield. She was born June 23, 1935 in Enid, Okla. Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24 at the U.S. ...

Larry E. “Chopper” Gatewood, 73, lifelong Parsons resident, died at 3:50 p.m., Friday, Oct. 18, 2024 at his home. He was born Dec. 18, 1950, in Parsons, to Henry A. and Maxine (Darkis) Gatewood. He attended Parsons schools and graduated from Labette Community College. From 1968 to 1972 he served with the United States Army, doing basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood and serving overseas in Korea and Japan...

Sheryl Irene Harper (Garten) 85, formerly of Peculiar, Mo. passed away Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024 at her home in Fort Scott, Kan. A memorial service will be held on Monday, Oct. 28 at 1 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Freeman, 303 N. Washington St., Freeman, MO 64746. ...

Kathryn “Irene” Holsman, age 95 of Pleasanton, Kan., went to be with her Lord and Savior on Oct. 18, 2024 with her family by her side at her Anew Healthcare Home.   Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Pleasanton Chapel. ...

Jacquin “Jacki” Lorraine Provence went home to meet our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday Oct. 15th, 2024, at KU Medical Center. A celebration of life will be held in her honor at a later date and time to be announced. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com...

Rob McCollum, age 72, a resident of Gardner, Kan., passed away Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, as the result of an automobile accident west of Clay Center, Kan. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m.. Saturday, Oct. 26 at the New Life Community Church, 29200 W. ...

Alma Jean Wright, age 79, a resident of Gardner, Kan., passed away Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, as the result of an automobile accident west of Clay Center, Kan. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 25 at the Overland Park Church of God (Holiness), 6801 W. ...

Alberta Grace Weddle, 90, formerly of Fort Scott, passed away Thursday morning, Oct. 17, 2024, at Ascension St. John’s Hospital in Tulsa, Okla. Arrangements will be announced by the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Laura Lea Wratchford-Weikel, born on Feb. 9, 1973, in Fort Scott, Kan., passed away on Oct. 15, 2024, at St Luke's Hospice House, in Kansas City, Mo. She is survived by her husband, John Weikel, married on July 28, 2001, and her cherished children, Krislyn Hunter, Garrett Ellis, and Jenna Weikel, along with her granddaughter Kam...

Darlene Agnes Chermok, age 85, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, at the Arma Health and Rehab, in Arma, Kan. She was born on a farm near Prague, Neb. on June 20, 1939, the daughter of Adolph Vachal and Tillie Fencl Vachal. ...

Betty June Millard, age 90, formerly of Pleasanton, Kan., passed away Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, in Liberty, Mo.  A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024 at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Pleasanton Chapel. A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the Celebration. Betty will be laid to rest in the Pleasanton Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to Samuel's House. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com. ...

Darlene Agnes Chermok, age 85, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, at the Arma Health and Rehab, in Arma, Kan. Father Yancey Burgess will conduct Mass of Christian Burial, 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 18 at the John F. Kennedy Gymnasium. ...

Tate Anthony West, age 55, La Cygne, Kan., passed away Friday, Oct. 11, 2024. He was born on Nov. 21, 1968 in Fort Scott, Kan., the son of Carl and Maurita Russell West. Tate graduated from Fort Scott High School and joined the United States Army Reserves and after five years, he became active duty, making a career in the military with 26 years of total service, also 18 years law enforcement service. ...

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...