Bud Troxel

(From Brenner Mortuary)

Lester Wayne “Bud/Doc” Troxel, 73, of Pittsburg passed away at 12:40 a.m. Thursday, October 26, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born March 28, 1944 to Carrel A. and S. Elizabeth (Colwell) Troxel. With the exception of four years in the Navy and one year in Wichita, he lived his entire life in Pittsburg. He attended local schools and was in PHS’s Class of ‘62’. From early childhood on, he was called by friends and relatives by his nickname, “Bud”.

After high school, he joined the U.S. Navy. While in San Diego, he was voted Sailor of the month. Graduating Navy Hospital Corps School, he was stationed on U.S. Marine Corps bases. Although he joined the Navy, he spent most of his tour in the desert. Seven months at Camp Pendleton MCB and three years at 29 Palms MCB, California. He was proud of his association with the Marine Corps. He was honorably discharged September 15, 1966 with the rank of HM3rd Class.

After a short stint working for Beach Craft and Cessna in Wichita, he moved back to Pittsburg. He worked at the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant in 1967 under National Gypsum and later Day & Zimmermann, Inc. He worked there until he retired in 2008, after over 41 years. While at the Plant, he was called “Doc”. A nickname tagged to him because of his being a Hospital Corpsman in the Navy.

Bud was a member of the First Baptist Church of Pittsburg, where he chaired and co-chaired the Diaconate Board, co-chaired the Trustees and served as Clerk, Treasurer, and Lay leader. He was devoted to his fellow Baptist. Bud did at one time belong to the Church of Christ in Pittsburg. He still holds dear the people he worshiped with there. Many had passed on, but he kept them in his heart and prayers.

Bud was also proud of his association with the Gideon’s. For a time, he served as Card Chairman. He enjoyed passing out bibles, especially to elementary students.

He is survived by two sisters, Sara Nell Jones of Pittsburg and Elizabeth Ann Dock of Rose Hill, Kansas; a brother, William Robert Troxel of Liberty, Missouri and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents, twin sister, Nancy Jayne Troxel and two infant brothers.

A Memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 4) at the Brenner Mortuary with Pastor Rick Bartlett officiating. Military rites will be given by the Benjamin Fuller American Legion Post No. 64 following the service at the funeral home. Private burial will take place in the National Cemetery at Fort Scott, Kansas at a later date. Friends may call from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday at the Brenner Mortuary to sign the register. The family suggests memorials be given to the First Baptist Church. These may be left at or mailed to the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS 66762. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg.

Ryan Beachner

(From Bath-Naylor Funeral Home)

Ryan Eugene Beachner, 36, of Frontenac, passed away on October 26, 2017.

Ryan was born on December 14, 1980 in Fort Scott, Kansas to Karen (Krumsick) Gorentz and Gary Beachner. He attended Frontenac Schools and graduated from St. Paul High School in 1999. He graduated from Pittsburg State University with a Bachelor’s in Automotive Technology and was currently employed at Sharp’s Auto Body in Pittsburg.

Ryan loved restoring antique cars and had a true passion for artistry and music. He also loved the outdoors, nature, fishing, and animals.

Survivors include his parents, Bob (Hippy) and Karen Gorentz, Frontenac, KS and Gary and Kim Beachner, Parsons, KS. He is also survived by family members, Kayler Smith, Mia Beachner, Ira Andersen-Beachner, Kaleigh Hobbs (Justin), Nathan Beachner, Cory Beachner (Kallie), and Craig Beachner. Additional survivors include paternal grandparents, Corky and Alice Beachner, Parsons, a niece and nephew, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Bob and Regina Krumsick, Frontenac.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 31 at 10:00AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Frontenac. The family will reside at his mother’s home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ryan Beachner Memorial Fund for his children. Memorials can be left at or mailed to Friskel Funeral Home 230 E. McKay Frontenac, KS 66763. Condolences may be left at www.friskelfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Friskel Funeral Home.

Constance Gangwer

(From Bath-Naylor Funeral Home)

Constance W. Gangwer 83, of Pittsburg, KS died 4:05pm Sunday, October 22, 2017 at the Medicalodge Nursing Home in Frontenac, KS following an illness. 

Connie was born November 24, 1933 in Coffeyville, KS the daughter of Herman V. and Irene E. Donovan. 

Connie graduated from Field Kindley High School in Coffeyville, KS; she later earned her associates degree from Coffeyville Junior College; later her diploma in nursing at the Mercy School of Nursing at Ft. Scott Community College. Next, she earned her B.S. Degree in Nursing at the St. Louis University in St. Louis, MO; lastly, she earned her Master’s Degree in Nursing at the Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. 

Connie also served her country in the United States Navy attaining the rank of Commander from 1968-1977. She served as a nurse. 

Connie later worked as a staff nurse for St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Hutchinson, KS; St John’s Hospital Springfield, MO; St John’s Mercy Hospital St. Louis, MO and taught nursing for 2 years at Ft. Hays State University Hays, KS. Connie worked for 16 years for Pittsburg State University Nursing Department, retiring in 1993 as a full nursing professor.

Connie was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church; St Mary’s Altar Society; Betty Lou Vilmer American Legion Post #394; Mt. Carmel Auxiliary; Red Hat Society; Humane Society of SEK, and in 1956 she entered the Religious Sister of Mercy in St. Louis, MO taking vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. 

Survivors include special friends Mark and Julie Redd and children Adam, Lucas and Taylor all of Pittsburg, KS. 

Constance was preceded in death by her parents. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be 2:00pm Friday October 27, 2017 at the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Pittsburg, KS with Fr. Michael Baldwin as celebrant. Rosary will be recited at 6:30pm Thursday October 26, 2017 at the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home in Pittsburg, KS; family will receive friends following the rosary. Public viewing will start after 12:00pm Thursday. In lieu of flowers the family asks expressions of sympathy to be in the form of memorials to the SEK Humane Society. Friends may drop off or mail memorials to the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home 522 S. Broadway Pittsburg, KS 66762. Condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor.com. 

Arrangements and services are under the direction of Bath-Naylor Funeral Home Pittsburg, KS.

Ethel Hardin

(From Bath-Naylor Funeral Home)

Ethel Irene Hardin, 103, of Frontenac, Ks died Thursday, October 12, 2017 at Medicalodge Frontenac.

Ethel was born in El Dorado Springs, Mo on January 10, 1914 to Charlie and Catherine Garland. She married Ernest F. Hardin on August 20, 1931 in Girard Ks.

Survivors include her sister, Wanda Cully; daughter, Velma Stroud and her husband Jack; son, Merle Hardin and his wife Janet; five grandchildren; several great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.

Services were held Monday, October 16, 2017 at Frontenac United Methodist Church in Frontenac, Ks. Burial followed at Hepler Cemetery in Hepler, Ks.

Doris Touchton

(From Bath-Naylor Funeral Home)

Doris Touchton, 77 of Pittsburg, KS died at 4:50pm Oct 11, 2017 at her home following a long illness.

She was born September 9, 1940 in Lawrence, KS the daughter of George and Zena (Ziegler) Bartz.

On April 20, 1963 she was united in marriage to Elijah E. Touchton in Eudora, KS, he survives her of the home.

Doris received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Kansas at Lawrence. She was a registered nurse working at the VA in Wichita, Lawrence Memorial Hospital and the KI Sawyer AFB in Michigan.

Doris helped her husband start Touchton Electric and continued to work there for 40+ years.

She was a longtime member of the Trinity Baptist Church in Pittsburg, KS.

Additional survivors include a son David (Susan) Touchton of Crestline, KS

two daughters: Janet (Scott) Graham of Weir, KS and Joanne (Brad)Wieneke of Quapaw, OK; nine grandchildren: Haley Touchton, Justin Graham, Hope Touchton, Anna Wieneke, Jared Graham, Eli Touchton, Rachel Wieneke, Brooke Wieneke, and Joy Wieneke and a great-granddaughter Blakely Hinman.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother LaVerne Guenther, and a sister Janice Colman.

Funeral services will be 10 am, Tuesday October 17, 2017 at the Trinity Baptist Church in Pittsburg with Pastors Bryan Jones, Brad Wieneke and Jordan Hodges officiating. Burial will follow in the Highland Park Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home from 6-8 pm Monday evening. Condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor.com. Memorials may be made to the Trinity Baptist Church (non-budget Mission Projects). Services and arrangements are under the direction of the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home of Pittsburg, KS.

Frank Bresnick

(From Brenner Mortuary)

Frank James Bresnick, 92, of Pittsburg, passed away at 10:55 p.m. on Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at home with his family. 

Frank was born July 18, 1925 in Frontenac, Kansas; the son of Frank Edward and Pauline Louise (Roitz) Bresnick. 

On June 6, 1947, he married his neighborhood sweetheart Betty J. Pummill in Pittsburg, KS. She survives him in Pittsburg. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Joy Vertz and her husband Dick, a son, Marc Bresnick and his wife Anna, and five grandchildren: Paula Dron (Vertz) and her husband Gordon, Caleb Vertz and his wife Mindy, Nik (Jennifer) Bresnick, Ryan Bresnick, and Angela Espinoza (Bresnick) and her husband Gene. He is preceded in death by his brother Paul Bresnick, and grandson Gabe Vertz. 

He served in the United States Army 703rd Tank Destroyer Battalion (TDBN) during World War II and was honorably discharged in December of 1945. Frank spent most of his 92 years as a builder. In just eight years shy of a century, he built: three houses, two motorboats, one sailboat, a car, three airplanes—one powered by a Volkswagen engine, a lake house, a workshop, one wooden go-cart with a lawnmower engine and aircraft wheels (thanks grandpa!), and—most notably—one long, loving marriage and two children. Frank was an enthusiastic pilot—founder and president of the local Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 463. In addition to a great love of flying, he enjoyed archery, shooting, and was one of Pittsburg’s notorious “airport bums”. For Pittsburg’s 1976 Bicentennial he helped restore the Miner’s camphouse and the civil war cannon and carriage, which formally resided at Lincoln Park, and is currently at the Crawford County Museum. Additional hobbies included furniture design, cabinetry, and creative projects too numerous to mention. He did all of this in his extra time while working as a foreman at McNally’s Pattern Shop. 

Frank was a quiet man, loving father, fun-loving grandfather, and devoted husband of 70 years. Additionally he was his son Marc’s best friend. He will be missed dearly, and the memories he created with his loved ones will always be cherished. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 21, 2017, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Frontenac, with Father Thomas Stroot as Celebrant. Burial will follow in the Highland Park Cemetery, Pittsburg, KS. The parish rosary will be prayed at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, prior to the service at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The family will receive friends following the rosary until service time. The family suggests memorials to the SEK Humane Society. These may be left at or mailed to the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS 66762. Friends may also leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com. 

Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg, KS.

J. D. Craig

(From Brenner Mortuary)

Joseph “J.D.” Craig, 80, of rural Arcadia, died at 3:54 a.m. Sunday, October 15, 2017, at his residence. 

He was born August 20, 1937, at Ft. Scott, KS, to Elmer and Marguerite Genevieve (Clements) Craig. He attended and graduated from Ft. Scott schools. On Aug. 23, 1960, he married Cheryl Mae Schiffler. She preceded him in death on October 4, 2006. J.D. was a hard working family man. He worked for a variety of companies as a metal finisher. 

Additional survivors include a daughter, Wendy D. Linsley of Tracy, CA, and son, Charles D. Craig of Arcadia, KS. He was preceded by his parents a brother, Arthur E. Craig and a sister, Claralice Westra. Mr. Craig has been cremated and no services are planned at this time. Friends may leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com. 

Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. Fourth St., Pittsburg, KS.

Charles Kellogg

(From Brenner Mortuary)

Charles Emery Kellogg, Jr., 95, of Pittsburg, passed away at 8:42 a.m. Sunday, October 15, 2017 at his home.

He was born November 29, 1921 at Hill City, Kansas, the son of Charles Emery Sr. and Hattie Mae (Beougher) Kellogg. Charles went to school in Kindergarten and First grade in Hill City. Then they moved to Palco, where they lived till he was ready to begin his junior year of high school. They then moved to Salina where he went to his Junior and Senior years of high school in Salina, then four years of college at Kansas Wesleyan University, a Methodist college. His main major was Music Education.

He then entered the United States Navy during World War II and became a radioman. At the end of his radioman studies, while on a short leave, Charles married his fiancé, Edna Pearce on April 10, 1944 at Niles, Kansas. As a Radioman 2nd class, his main job was to copy code. He served in the South Pacific, first in New Caledonia, then in American Samoa. After 28 months in the Navy, he was discharged in December of 1945.

The following two years, he taught Instrumental and Vocal Music in St. John, Kansas. They then moved to Lawrence, where he attended University of Kansas, studying Music Education for one year. Then he got a job in Iola, Kansas and taught Vocal Music in Junior High thru Junior College for twelve years. Then he taught Vocal Music in Wellington, Kansas for two years. He then moved to Pittsburg and taught Vocal Music at Lakeside Junior High for eleven years, where he retired after teaching Vocal Music for a total of 27 years.

Mr. Kellogg studied to become a piano technician and tuned pianos in Pittsburg and in all directions from Pittsburg for twenty-seven years. He retired when he was 80 years old, but has tuned one once in a while since.

Membership was held in the First Christian Church of Pittsburg; Lion’s Club and Retired Teachers Association.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Thomas Charles Kellogg of Pittsburg; two daughters, Charlotte Swaim and her husband, Larry of Fort Scott, Kansas and Marsha Butler and her husband, Robert of Olathe, Kansas; a brother, Wilmer Kellogg and his wife, Lorena of Hays, Kansas; three grandchildren, Eli Kellogg, Lisa Collier, and Aaron Swaim; 5 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death his parents, a sister, Eva Marie Will, and a son, Edward Phillip Kellogg.

A service for Mr. Kellogg is set for 2:00 p.m., Wednesday (October 18) at the First Church of Pittsburg with Rev. Pat Nixon officiating. Burial will follow in the Highland Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service at the First Christian Church. Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Brenner Mortuary to sign the register book. The family suggests memorials to the First Christian Church of Pittsburg. These may be left at or mailed to the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, Kansas 66762. Friends may leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg, Kansas.

Jim Hale

(From Paul Thomas Funeral Home)

James (Jim) A. Hale of Columbus, Kansas passed from this life on Thursday, October 12, 2017 at his home. He was 78.

Born August 25, 1939 to Barnet and Finita (Harrison) Hale. Jim grew up southwest of Columbus on the family farm, and attended Center Christian Church and CCCHS. Jim loved to work on the farm, and was always involved with his 2 sons Todd and Travis’ lives growing up, from numerous 4-H activities to coaching their little league baseball teams. Later in life Jim returned to a favorite past time of his, singing! Jim initially started singing in the choir in his high school days. After the birth of his 2 sons he started teaching square dance lessons at several nearby towns for the areas 4-H youth. After his sons were grown he and his wife Ruth started working summers in Branson, Missouri. Jim was a square dance caller at “Shepherd of the Hills” and during the day time worked at Silver Dollar City. Most of Jim and Ruth’s 55 years of marriage were spent out on the family farm southwest of Columbus. While living on the farm he and his wife Ruth raised and successfully showed their Samoyed dogs. After retiring from the farm he and his wife moved to town, and started their own catering business, Spotted Bull BBQ, traveling around the area to various county fairs and social events, showcasing and selling their delicious food.

Jim is preceded in death by his Parents Barnet and Finita (Harrison) Hale, 3 sisters Barbara (Hale) Evans, Betty (Hale) Rogers, and Linda (Hale) Alsbaugh.

Survivors include his wife, Electa Ruth (Pine) Hale, 2 sons, Todd & LeAnn (Blaich) Hale, Travis and Dawn (Duskey) Hale, and 6 Grandchildren: Jerrod, Lauren, Hazen, Kelsey, Brycen, and Scott.

The family will accept friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Center Christian Church in Columbus, KS on Friday October 13, 2017. Services will be held Saturday October 14, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at Center Christian Church, with interment to follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Columbus, KS.

Services will be entrusted to Paul Thomas Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Miami, Oklahoma.

Jim Zimmerman

(From Bath-Naylor Funeral Home)

James (Jim) Ray Zimmerman, 78, of Pittsburg, died October 2, 2017 at his home.

He was born June 12, 1939 in Pittsburg, Kansas the son of Thomas and Gertrude Zimmerman.
James graduated high school and attended Kansas State Teacher’s College for 4 years. He spent most of his life farming and served in the Army Reserve for a few years. 

Survivors include son; James (Ellen) Standlee of Derby, KS, 3 daughters; Tara Standlee of Pittsburg, KS, Tamara (Jay) Rogers of Girard, KS, Raylynn Painter (Michael) of Arma, KS, 7 grandchildren, and several nieces. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother; Thomas Zimmerman Jr., and 2 sisters; Ruth Pike, Betty Moore and friend; Verla Wagner.

A Graveside service will be held Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 1 pm at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, October 10, 2017 from 7 to 8pm at Bath-Naylor Funeral Home in Pittsburg. 

Condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Bath Naylor Funeral Home of Pittsburg.

Joy Rudnik

(From Brenner Mortuary)

Joy Mae Rudnik, 88, of Pittsburg, passed away at 1:36 a.m., Tuesday, October 3, 2017, at Via Christi Village, Pittsburg. 

She was born May 1, 1929, at McCune, KS, the daughter of Willard and Jessie Marie (Schaffer) Darland. 

On April 20, 1974, she was united in marriage to Frank Rudnik at Pittsburg, KS. He survives of the home, Pittsburg. Mrs. Rudnik was a homemaker. Membership was held in the Church of Christ, Pittsburg and the SEK Humane Society. In addition to her husband, she is survived by two sons, Jim Handshy of Opolis, KS, and Randy Handshy of Aurora, MO, one son-in-law, Bud Jones of Iola, KS, one sister, Jackie Bolte of Frontenac, KS, three grandchildren, Steven Handshy, Michael Handshy and Michelle Kearns and five great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, infant son, Steven Lee Handshy, one daughter, Jeri Ornelis, and one grandson, Dustin Ornelis. 

A service for Mrs. Rudnik is set for 1:00 p.m., Thursday, October 5, 2017, at the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg, with Minister Jerry Kendall officiating. Burial will follow in the McCune City Cemetery, McCune, KS. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, at the funeral home. The family suggests memorials to the SEK Humane Society. These may be left at or mailed to the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS 66762. Friends may also leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com. 

Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg, KS.

Marshall Madison

(From Bath-Naylor Funeral Home)

Marshall Craig Madison, 55 of Pittsburg, KS died at 11:19pm, Saturday September 30, 2017 at Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg.

He was born April 20, 1962 in Portsmouth, VA the son of Marshall Williams and Mary Madison.

Marshall worked at Pitt Plastics, Wal-Mart and Dillon's Grocery in the Meat Department.

He was a longtime member of the Mt. Hebron Baptist Church in Pittsburg.

Survivors include his mother Mary Harris of Pittsburg, a son Marshall J. Madison of Independence, KS; three daughters: Megan Jackson and Myia Madison both of Newton, KS, Olivia Drones of Wichita, KS, his significant other Allana Quigley of Pittsburg, two sisters: Johnnie Azode of Lenexa, KS and Christi Williams of San Jose, CA and a granddaughter Aliyah Marie Madison and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, maternal grandparents and an uncle.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, October 7, 2017 at the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home in Pittsburg with Edward G. Greene officiating. Condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor.com. Memorial donations may be made to the Wesley House Food Pantry Christmas Program; these may be left at or mailed to the funeral home. Services by Bath-Naylor Funeral Home 522 S. Broadway, Pittsburg, KS.