Helen J. Sailors

Helen J. Sailors

Helen J. Sailors, age 94, resident of Presbyterian Village, Fort Scott, Kan., died Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, at Fort Scott Mercy Hospital. She was born Dec. 3, 1919 in Cedar Vale, Kan., the daughter of Ben H. Sheldon and Frances Gaston Sheldon. Helen graduated from high school and attended one year at Pittsburg State University. She married Lot William Sailors on Dec. 22, 1939 at Cedar Vale. He preceded her in death on Jan. 6, 1995. She worked for the Western Insurance Company followed by 13 years of employment as treasurer at Fort Scott High School. Following retirement she enjoyed traveling with her husband delivering cars for Shepherd Motors. Helen was a member of the First United Methodist Church, two bridge clubs, a sewing club, Mercy Auxiliary and the Dorcas Circle.

Survivors include one son, William T. (Bill) Sailors and wife Kristy, Overland Park, Kan.; and a daughter, Kay McClure and husband Sid, Sulphur Springs, Texas. Also surviving are six grandchildren, John Durham, Glen Durham, Noelle Miller, Jeff Sailors, Joe Sailors and Carlie Pichler; ten great-grandchildren and ten great-great grandchildren. In addition her husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Nancy Ann Sailors and a sister Marjorie Hurst.

Rev. Dr. Ken Van assisted by Rev. Don Flanner will conduct graveside services at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 13 in the U.S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. Friday until leaving for the cemetery at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to either the First United Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society and may be sent to Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com,