Ruth McGlachlin

(From Carson-Wall Funeral Home)

Ruth Shepard McGlachlin, 94, of Parsons, passed away at 4:20 p.m., Monday, January 28, 2019 at the Good Samaritan Society.

She was born September 25, 1924, in Parsons, to Jacob and Hazel (Tranberger) Shepard. She grew up in Parsons and attended local schools.

In 1943 she moved to Long Beach, California to work in the shipyards. From 1946 to 1960 she was employed by Woolworth’s Stores.

She married John Saunders in 1946 and they later divorced. On October 8, 1966 she married William F. “Bill” McGlachlin and moved to Maricopa, California. They retired and moved to Parsons in 1990. Bill preceded her in death on January 20, 2000.

Ruth enjoyed going to auctions, reading and eating homemade pie.

She is survived by three sisters, Barbara Gofourth, Jo Good and her husband Gene, of Parsons and Kay Good of Chanute; sister-in-law Doris Shepard of Wichita; numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents, three sisters, Frances “Sally” Morgan, Harriet “Ellen” Cornwell and Helen Good; sister-in-law Reva Shepard and three brothers Raymond Shepard, Donald Shepard and Russell Shepard; and four brothers-in-law Roy Morgan, Mark Cornwell, Delbert Gofourth and Kenneth Good.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Friday, at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home, with Rev. Wayne Mason officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home Thursday afternoon and evening and the family will be present for visitation from 1 to 2 p.m., on Friday.

Memorials are suggested to the Good Samaritan Society or the First Baptist Church. They may be left at or sent to the funeral home at Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357. Online messages may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.

Cindy Kindrick

(From Carson-Wall Funeral Home)

Cindy A. Kindrick, 39, of Parsons, passed away Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at her home in Parsons.

She was born at Rayville, Louisiana to Lanny Natt and Gloria Kindrick. She grew up at Rayville and Parsons where she attended schools there graduating from Parsons High School in 1999.

Cindy volunteered at Southeast Kansas Independent Living Center as a disability advocate. She successfully advocated for the installation of handicapped accessibility at various apartments in Parsons. Cindy loved spending time with her family and having family cook outs. She was new Orleans Saints fan and enjoyed the friendly rivalry Dallas Cowboys fans within the Kindrick family. She also enjoyed going to the casinos.

She leaves to cherish her memory her father, Lanny Natt of Parsons; her siblings, Bobby R. Kindrick of Parsons, Cassandra Harris and Larry Harris of Parsons, Angela Thompson and Roger Thompson of Parsons, Victor Kindrick and Patrice Kendrick of Parsons, Nicole Burges and Marcus Burgress of Parsons, Lanny Natt Kindrick, Jr. of Parsons, Marilyn Kindrick of Parsons, Lance Banks and Kimberly Banks of Rayville, LA, Joyce Kindrick of Parsons, and Cindy’s boyfriend, Harold White of Parsons; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, February 2, 2019 at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home with Larry Harris officiating. Burial will follow in the Oakwood Cemetery. Friends may call the funeral home at their convenience. Memorials are suggested to Southeast Kansas Independent Living (S.K.I.L.) and these may be left at or mailed to the funeral home 112 N. 26th St. P.O. Box 942 Parsons, KS 67357. Online condolences may be left www.wallfuneralservices.com

Esthermae Talent

(From Brenner Mortuary)

Esthermae Talent, 70, went to be with the Lord peacefully at 6:40 p.m. Sunday, January 27, 2019 at her home surrounded by her family.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday (January 30) at the Open Door Fellowship Church, 918 W. 20th St., Pittsburg. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be given Open Door Fellowship Church Youth Group. These may be left at the church or mailed to the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS. Friends may leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com. 

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

Albert Chambers

(From Carson-Wall Funeral Home)

Albert Gene Chambers, 94, passed away and went to be with his Lord Jesus Christ at 12:21 p.m., Sunday, January 20, 2019 at the Parsons Presbyterian Manor.

He was born in North Little Rock, Arkansas on September 30, 1924 the oldest son of Albert Hugh and Thelma Geneva (Waldrop) Chambers. He grew up in North Little Rock and graduated from North Little Rock High School in 1942. He was active in band, debate and the National Forensic League.

He volunteered for service with the U. S. Army Air Force serving from 1942 to 1946. He was stationed in several locations from Gander, Newfoundland in Canada to Fairfield-Suisun Field in California.

After the war he attended several colleges and universities in Arkansas and Kansas and earned several degrees including a Bachelor of Science in Education, Master of Science in Education and a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering. He also attained his Kansas license as a Professional Engineer in 1961. He worked for Beech Aircraft and Boeing in Wichita as an engineer before joining the faculty at Wichita State University in 1966 in the Engineering Graphics program.

He left WSU in 1969 to start the Engineering Technology program at Kansas State College of Pittsburg (now PSU). He designed the program and got it accredited. He left PSU for a short time to work for Superior Concrete Accessories in Parsons. He returned to PSU in 1978 staying until he retired in 1991. He also did part time teaching at Labette Community College after he retired.

He met Naomi Ruth Holloway in Wichita and they were married at the First Baptist Church in Wichita on April 4, 1954. Ruth preceded him in death on December 13, 2001.

After retirement Gene was very active on several boards and organizations in Parsons – the Labette County Solid Waste Board, Parsons Historical Society board of directors, the Parsons City Commission, serving as mayor, and the Labette Community College Board of Trustees. He also served as interim Parsons city engineer.

He was active in several community musical activities and was a member of the Parsons Community Band, Tioga Township Dixieland Jazz Band and the Sauerkraut Oompah Band. He sponsored several performances of various musical groups in Parsons. He and Ruth donated funds to assist in the purchasing of a grand piano for the Parsons Municipal Auditorium. They also donated funds for the painting of the MKT locomotive and caboose at the Iron Horse Museum.




He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Parsons where he served on various committees and taught Sunday school. He was also a member of the Kansas National Education Association, Kiwanis and was a Mason and a member of the Wichita Scottish Rite. He was a member of the Brown-Bishop Post # 704, Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Survivors include his children, Dr. David Chambers (Joyce) of Livermore, CA, Dr. Ellen Haig (Robert) of Wichita and John Chambers of Parsons; his sister-in-law, Sue Chambers of North Little Rock, AR and brother-in-law James MacIntosh of Missoula, MT.; grandchildren, Sarah and Dan Baker of Tracy, CA, Christina Chambers of Livermore, CA and Cameron Haig of Wichita and many nieces and nephews. He also is survived by his “adopted” daughter Charlotte Ecoff (Doug) of Parsons. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and brother.

Memorial services will be at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, February 16 at the First Baptist Church. Burial, with military honors, will follow in Oakwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, February 15 at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home.

Memorials are suggested to the First Baptist Church, Labette Community College Foundation or the Parsons Historical Society. They may be left at or sent to the funeral home at Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357. Online messages may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.

Mary McAdams

(From Brenner Mortuary)

Mary Lorene (Renn) McAdams, 72, of Arma, KS, passed away from complications of muscular dystrophy which she fought bravely for 15 years, at her home surrounded by her family, on Wednesday, January 23, 2019.

She was born September 30, 1946, on the family farm west of Pittsburg, KS, the daughter of Harmon Mike and Phyllis (Senechal) Renn.

On July 2, 1965, she was united in marriage to George E. McAdams at Pittsburg, KS. He survives of the home.

Mrs. McAdams worked at the Mellers Photo Booth at Chanute, KS, Tri-Mee Drive-In at Fredonia, KS, was a cook at the Altoona Café at Altoona, KS, and was a cashier for Woolworth's at Pittsburg, KS before her retirement.

She was a dedicated mother to her son, Mikey, who had special needs. She loved to ride motorcycles with her husband, long car rides in the country and doing word search puzzles.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by one daughter, Melissa McAdams and her husband, Duane Tomlinson of Cherokee, KS, one sister, Janice Degruson of Pittsburg, KS, six adopted granddaughters, one adopted grandson and nine adopted great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, one son, Raymond Michael McAdams and one sister, Anna Marie Devers.








Per her request she has been cremated. A "Celebration of Life" is set for 2:00 p.m., Monday, January 28, 2019, at the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg, with Chaplain Melissa George conducting the service. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, Monday, starting at 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., at the funeral home. The family suggests memorials to the Mercy Hospice of Fort Scott, KS, who lovingly provided for her care at home for the last three years. These may be left at or mailed to the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St, Pittsburg, KS 66762. Friends may leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary.

LaDonna Baldwin

(From Carson-Wall Funeral Home)

LaDonna Sue Baldwin, 74, of Parsons, died at 1:20 P.M., Friday, January 25, 2019 at her home.

She was born October 18, 1944 at Parsons, a daughter of Ivan Eugene and Virginia Lee (Shepard) Walters. She grew up in Parsons and attended school in Altamont, graduating from the Labette County High School in 1962.

On February 16, 1968 she was united in marriage to Leon C. Baldwin at McCune. He survives of the home.

She had worked at C.J.’s Diner for twenty-five years, retiring recently due to her health.

She enjoyed many friendships from her years of bowling and the Katy Golf course, where she served many years as President of the Ladies Golf League.

In addition to her husband, survivors include: one son – Terry Baldwin, of Tulsa, OK; two sisters – Betty Ross, and her husband, Ronnie, of Corpus Christi, TX, Carol Frye, of Parsons, KS; one uncle – Billy Joe Shepard, and his wife, Jenny, Of Ft. Scott, KS; many nieces, nephews, sisters in-law and other extended family including the Baldwin Family.

Her parents preceded her in death.

No services are planned at this time. Memorials are suggested to the Labette Health Foundation and may be left at or mailed to the CARSON-WALL FUNERAL HOME, P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357. Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.

Chet Gofourth

(From Carson-Wall Funeral Home)

Chester LeRoy “Chet” Gofourth, 87, of Parsons, passed away at 12:08 a.m., Thursday, January 24, 2019 at the Presbyterian Manor of Parsons.

He was born April 28, 1931 in Parsons to William and Onah Lola Myers Gofourth. He attended Parsons schools.

He married Phyllis Helen Dixon on March 3, 1951, in Parsons. They later divorced. On December 15, 1975 he married Mavis Woods Dobson. She preceded him in death on Januar7 8, 2010.

Chester worked at the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant, Commercial Publishers and IMI as a printer, TAS Auto Supply, and the State Hospital and Training Center as a boiler operator where he retired from in March 2001.

He was a member of the Presbyterian Church. Chester enjoyed his family, singing, dancing, gardening, and tinkering in the tool shed where he often made his own tools.

Survivors include two sons, C.J. Gofourth of Parsons, Derrel Gofourth and his wife Milissa, his grandson Todd his wife Brandy, two great grandchildren, Paige and Chance of Stillwater Oklahoma. His step children, Fred and Donna Dobbins of Pittsburg Kansas, Dean and Angie Dobbins of Tyler Texas, Norma White of Longview, Texas, Robert and Dixie Slamans of Skiatook, Oklahoma, 9 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters, Alma Pitts and Vida Sorrell and three brothers, Glen, William, and Delbert Gofourth.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, January 28, 2019 at the First Presbyterian Church with the Reverend Jennifer Dawson officiating. Burial will follow in the Memorial Lawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home from 4 to 5 Sunday afternoon.

The family suggests memorials to the Proud Animal Lovers Shelter or to the First Presbyterian Church and these may be left at or mailed to the funeral home 112 N. 26th St., P.O. Box 942 Parsons, KS 67357. Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservcies.com.

Isabelle Glick

(From Brenner Mortuary)

Isabelle Glick, 102, of Pittsburg, died Wednesday, January 23, 2019.

She was born July 14, 1916, in Frontenac, KS, to D.P. and Mary A. Ziegler Benelli.

Isabelle attended Pittsburg schools and graduated from Pittsburg High School.

She married Karl R. Glick Sr. on April 18, 1942, at St. Mary's Catholic Church. He preceded her in death April 6, 1987.

She was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, St. Mary's Altar Society, active at Goodwill, and the Perpetual Adoration at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Survivors include two daughters, Karol Secondo of Merrian, KS, and Paula Doherty and her husband Charlie of Treasure Island, FL; a son, Karl R. Glick, Jr. and his wife Wendy of Wichita, KS; 8 grandchildren, Paula and Pete Secondo, Tim, Kip, Joy and Kevin Doherty, Kyle and Cody Glick; and 12 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and five brothers, Andrew Benelli, Charles Benelli, Joe Benelli, David Benelli, Martin 'Bud' Benelli, and her sister Margaret Vietti.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 29, 2019, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. A parish rosary will be prayed at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Fund. These may be left at or mailed to the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St, Pittsburg, KS 66762. Friends may leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Brenner Mortuary.

Jon Matson

(From Bath-Naylor Funeral Home)

Jonathan Lee Matson, 46 of Galena, KS died January 18, 2019 at his home following a sudden illness.

He was born February 21, 1972 in Kansas City, Missouri the son of Johnnie and Patricia (Portwood) Matson. 

He graduated from the Pittsburg High School with the Class of 1990, he then went on to PSU where he graduated with a bachelors degree in communication.

On March 14, 1998 he was united in marriage to Kerri Evans in Galena, KS; she survives of the home.

Jon was honored to be ISL Coordinator at Easy Living, Inc. because he was proud of this organization and he loved working with individuals with special needs. 

He attended the Galena United Methodist Church, but grew up in Free Holiness in Pittsburg, KS.
He was a longtime volunteer with Special Olympics. He coached several youth sports teams that his sons were a part of in Pittsburg and Columbus, KS. He was very active in the Joplin Little Theatre, the Cherokee County Arts Association, and church plays. He was passionate about music and had been a member of several bands and had played drums at church. He also owned Mushi’s DJ service. His greatest accomplishment was being a father. He loved teaching his children about some of his favorite things, such as fishing, the Kansas City Chiefs, the Kansas City Royals, WWE, and music.

Additional survivors include his four children: Kolby, Brody, Samuel Matson all of the home and Monica Matson of Ft. Worth, TX, His mother Patty Matson and sister Jennifer Matson both of Pittsburg, beloved Uncle & best friend Randy Jones and aunt Mary, cousins Alex Jones, Stephanie Mburu and her children, Myra, Carissa, Weeza; His parents by marriage Larry and Shirley Evans, sister and brother in law Misty and Justin Smith, his nieces and nephews, Kris, Kenna, Kynlee, and Knox Corum, Brant Remmington, Jazzy and Tysie Smith, Destiny and Iyionna Basauri.
He was preceded in death by his father John Matson, paternal grandmother Daisy Matson and his maternal grandparents Frank and Geraldine Portwood.

Funeral services will be 2pm Thursday, January 24 at the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home in Pittsburg with Rev. Dorcia Johnson and Rev. Clayton Cooper officiating. Burial will follow in the Rosebank Cemetery in Mulberry, KS. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6-8 pm Wednesday. Condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor.com. Memorials may be made to Jon Matson Children’s Education Fund; these may be left at or mailed to the funeral home. 

Melvin Thomas

(From Bath-Naylor Funeral Home)

Melvin Clark Thomas, 75, passed away on January 17th at Integris Hospital in Grove, Oklahoma. Melvin was born January 24, 1943, in McCune, Kansas to Eleanor “Marie” and Alvin Thomas, Sr. He was married on November 21, 1987, to Barbara “Anne” Lamb (Hunter). They were lifelong residents of Kansas before relocating in 2014 to Jasper, Texas for retirement. Anne preceded him in death on February 17, 2016.

Melvin graduated from Labette County Community High School in Altamont, Kansas in 1960. He then attended Pittsburg State University for a year before pursuing a career in sales. He worked for John Deere for several years. He had continued to farm on the side and eventually farming became his primary occupation. He joined Sherwood Cabinets, Inc in the early 1980’s as National Sales Manager and relocated with that business from Parsons to Burlington, Kansas. He was hired in 1995 as Project Manager for Decker Construction Inc. He eventually became Branch Manager for Decker Construction in Burlington and retired from that position in 2008. Melvin was a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge No. 527 in Parsons and received his 55 Year membership pin in 2018.

In addition to his wife, Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Marie Thomas, and by his brother, Alvin Thomas, Jr. (Chigger). Survivors include: daughter, Tracy Fry (husband Jim); son, John Thomas; step-daughter, Brenda Beard (husband Bryon); two brothers: Calvin Thomas (wife Louise) and Francis Thomas (wife Susan); nine grandchildren; four great grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and many cherished friends.

In celebration of Melvin’s life, two memorial services will be held for family and friends after which his ashes will be scattered in the Texas Gulf. Services will be held on Friday, January 25th, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the Elks Lodge in Parsons, Kansas and on Saturday, January 26th, from 5:00-8:00 pm at the Rock Creek Country Club in Burlington, Kansas. Condolences may be left atwww.bathnaylor.com. Memorials may be made to the Elks Scholarship fund. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home Pittsburg, KS. 

Louie Stroup

(From Brenner Mortuary)

Charles “Louie” Louis Stroup, Jr., 83, of Pittsburg, KS passed away on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at Via Christi Village, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

 He was born March 16, 1935 in Pittsburg, the son of Charles Louis Sr. and Bernice (Tonnies) Stroup. He graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1953, serving as class president, and participating in football, basketball and track. He went on to compete at the University of Kansas on a track scholarship, with his twin brother, Larry, where he was a member of the track and field team from 1953-57. During his time there, he helped Kansas to eight total Big Seven team championships, winning all four indoor and outdoor titles during his career. Along with the eight team conference championships, Louie was a three-time Big Seven champion as a member of the mile relay team. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity and graduated in 1957 with a degree in Journalism.

In 1957, he joined the U.S. Air Force where he served as both a navigator and base information officer. He was honorably discharged in 1960 with the rank of Captain. 

 

On July 20, 1963, he was united in marriage to Peggy S. Martin in Parsons, KS. They started their life together in Topeka, KS where he was editor of Midwest Construction Magazine, and later moved to McPherson, KS in 1965. This union was blessed with two children, Brad and Kim. On June 10, 1995, he married Corene (White) Kreissler of Pittsburg.

In McPherson, Louie worked as the Executive Director for Kansas Municipal Utilities, Inc. from 1969 until he retired in 2000. He served as the National Director of the American Public Gas Association (1971-1977), a National Director of the American Public Power Association (1972-73 and 1979-80) and Director of Mid-West Electric Consumers Association for over 30 years. He spent many days as a lobbyist in Topeka and Washington, DC. Many dear friends were made through his work endeavors. After his retirement, he returned to Pittsburg where he was President of Pittsburg Beautiful and also enjoyed delivering for Meals on Wheels.

Louie was involved in several civic organizations, committees, and clubs in McPherson such as the the First United Methodist Church, trustee of the Institute of Logopedics in Wichita and President of McPherson County Board of Logopedics in McPherson, member of the Development Committee of the KU Alumni Association, and member of advisory committee of the Lineman School at Manhattan, member of McPherson Country Club, NRA, and Ducks Unlimited. He loved to hunt, fish, read westerns, cheer on his Kansas Jayhawks, and attend high school sporting events, especially the ones where his kids, grandchildren and step-grandchildren were competing. He was active with KU’s “K” Club and made a point to enjoy the Kansas Relays each year.

Louie traveled frequently for work and took the family to the annual APPA conventions and Black Hills meetings, allowing the family to have incredible experiences across the country and Canada. Louie loved the many deer hunting trips to Colorado and Wyoming, and later the bird-watching trips across Kansas. Despite his love of the outdoors, he never did like to camp!

We will all miss his contagious smile, wonderful sense of humor and way that he made everyone feel loved and at ease. He had a quick wit and loved to crack a joke with his dry sense of humor. Even as his health declined, he was able to make others smile and never missed an opportunity to throw in a funny comment!

Survivors include his wife, Corene Stroup of the home; son, Brad Stroup (Angie) of Lenexa, KS, grandchildren Carly and Sara Stroup; daughter, Kim Wells (Brad) of Lenexa, KS, grandchildren, Kristin and Josh Wells; twin brother, Lawrence “Larry” Stroup (Lorna) of Overland Park, KS. Two nieces, Allison Stroup Long (Jeff) of Lawrence, KS and Kirsten Stroup Lowe (Mike) of Mission Hills, KS and their families. Two step-daughters, Mindy Kuplen (Steve) of Mulberry, KS, step-grandchildren, Chet and Molly Kuplen, and Marianne O’Nelio (Gary) of Pittsburg, KS, step-grandchildren, John and Alex O’Nelio; two step-sons, Jon Kreissler of Pittsburg, KS and Tom Kreissler (Cara) of Helena, Montana, step-grandchildren Will and Emory Kreissler; He was preceded in death by his parents.








A Memorial service is set for 1:30 p.m., Thursday (Jan. 31) at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Mark Chambers officiating. Burial will follow in the Highland Park Cemetery, Pittsburg. The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, prior to the funeral at the First United Methodist Church. Friends may call from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Brenner Mortuary to sign the register. The family suggests memorial donations to KU Endowment to benefit KU Track and Field in Louie’s memory or S.E.K. Humane Society. These may be left at or mailed to the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS 66762. Friends may leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com.

Patty Lindsey

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Patricia Louise “Patty” Lindsey, age 63, passed away at 2:43 pm, Friday, January 18, 2019 at Freeman West Hospital Joplin, MO following an illness.

Patty was born March 29, 1955 in Joplin, Missouri. Her parents were James Kenneth and Clara Louise (McMillan) Lindsey. She was a lifetime resident of Galena.

She graduated from Galena High School with the class of 1973. Patty had worked 39 years at Galena Nursing and Rehab in the housekeeping department. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Galena, KS. She was a avid reader and collected Cardinal redbird what nots.

Patty is survived by her mother, Louise Lindsey, Galena; her brother, John Lindsey (wife, Kay), Galena; her sister, Peggy Venezia, Mahomet, Ill; 3 nephews and one niece.

She was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Lindsey.

She was entrusted to Derfelt Funeral Home, Galena, KS for cremation. No services are planned.

Mary Gourd

(From Paul Thomas Funeral Home)

Mary Bear Gourd of Miami, OK passed from this life on Friday, January 18, 2019 at Windridge Nursing Center in Miami. She was 77.

Mary was born November 12, 1941 in Miami to Kenneth and Georgia Lee (Warner) Bear. She had lived in the Miami area most of her life. She graduated from Central High School in Tulsa in 1959 and received her Associates Degree from Crowder College. She was a member of the Quapaw Tribe.

Mary worked as a bartender for many years and also was a coordinator for Quapaw Bingo.

She was preceded in death by her son, John David Cockrell, a grandson, John DeSilva, her parents, a brother, Kenneth Bear, Jr. and a sister, Georgiana Bear Burns.

Mary is survived by 3 daughters, Gina Henson of Baxter Springs, KS, Tarah Stevenson and Tamarah Bear both of Miami, OK, a brother, T.C. Bear and wife Diana of Miami, OK, 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 21, 2019 at Quapaw Tribal Building east of Quapaw, OK. Rev. Geoff Buffalo will officiate. Interment will be in G.A.R. Cemetery of Miami with Victor Greenfeather, Pete Sharp, Phillip Burns, Jan Kellough, Michael Selby and Adams Enochs serving as pallbearers. Native American rites will be conducted by Ranny McWaters. Mary will lie in state a the Quapaw Tribal Building. Services have been placed in the care of Paul Thomas Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Miami, OK.

Erma Carson

(From Carson-Wall Funeral Home)

Erma Lea Carson, 97, of Parsons died at 12:43 P.M., Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at the Parsons Good Samaritan Society.

She was born October 11, 1921 at Welch, OK, a daughter of Charles Thomas and Ophelia Victoria (Good) Horn. She was raised at Galesburg and attended rural elementary school and then attended West Junior High and Parsons High Schools. After completing high school she attended college. She was employed as a machine operator at the former Fred Ronald Manufacturing Co. at Parsons.

On November 4, 1940 she was united in marriage to Ralph Carson at Erie. He preceded her in death on November 6, 1959.

She was a member of the Galesburg Methodist Church. She enjoyed crocheting, embroidery work and plastic canvas art.

Survivors include: a son in-law – John Beard, of Galesburg, Kansas; a daughter in-law – Sue “Susie” Carson, of Texas; eleven grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; many great-great grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two sons – Larry and Dale Carson; two daughters – Linda Beard and Victoria Toland; a brother – Warren Horn; a grandson – Frank Beard; and a daughter in-law – LuEtta Carson.

A private graveside service will be held Monday, January 21, 2019 at the Mt. Hope Cemetery at Galesburg with Rev. Wayne Mason officiating. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M., Monday at the Good Samaritan Center with Rev. Vernon Norris officiating. Memorials are suggested to the Good Samaritan Society and may be left at or mailed to the Carson-Wall Funeral Home, P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357. Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.

Rosemary Parise

(From Bath-Naylor Funeral Home)

Rosemary L. Parise, 80, of Columbus, KS, died Sunday, January 13, 2019 at the Medicaloges of Columbus.

She was born November 28, 1938, the daughter of Ralph and Marge (Anderson) Hosey. On August 24, 1968 she married Mike Parise in Columbus, KS, he preceded her in death on August 28, 2002.
Survivors include her daughter, Lisa Marie and many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; sister, Betty Wright and brother, Leon Hosey.
Funeral Services will be 11:00 A.M. Friday, January 18, 2019 at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in Scammon, KS. The Rosary will be 10:00 A.M. Friday, January 18, 2019 at Bath-Naylor Funeral Home in Weir, KS. Burial will follow the service at St. Bridget’s Cemetery in Scammon, KS. 

Condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor.com. 

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

Digger Naylor

(From Bath-Naylor Funeral Home)

Chris “Digger” Anthony Naylor, 65, of Scammon, KS died 6:00am Sunday January 13, 2019 at the Via Christi Village following an illness.

Digger was born October 23, 1953 in Pittsburg, KS the son of Arval Edward and Doris Lee (Morrison) Naylor. He was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of Southeast High School in 1972. He later attended Allen County Community College on a track and basketball scholarship.

After college, Digger worked at BF Goodrich in Miami, OK, the Parsons Ammunition Plant, a Printer in Girard, KS, Cemetery Manager for Highland Park Cemetery in Pittsburg, KS and finally a Certified Crematory Operator in Weir, KS. Digger was of the Catholic Faith. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with family and friends.

Survivors include his mother Doris Naylor of Weir, KS; daughter Nancy Lee Harp and husband Gary of Hutchinson, KS; siblings Joe Naylor and wife Sally of Pittsburg, KS, Nancy Naylor of Weir, KS, David Naylor of Canton, OH and Barbara Fanning and husband Max of Ft. Scott, KS; grandchildren Race Harp and Mary Harp of Hutchinson, KS and numerous nieces and nephews.
Digger was preceded in death by his father.

Graveside Services will be 11:00am Saturday January 19, 2019 at the St. Bridget’s Cemetery in Scammon, KS with Fr. Robert McElwee officiating.

Allen Wilkins

(From Carson-Wall Funeral Home)


Allen Dale Wilkins, 57, of rural Parsons, went home to be with the Lord early Thursday morning at his home.

Allen was born to Wendell Dale and Helen (McKnight) Wilkins on September 1, 1961 at Parsons. He grew up at Parsons and attended Parsons schools.

Allen was dearly loved by all who knew him. He was an accomplished drummer who played with his dad on lead guitar at the Glory Barn Church pastored by his parents.

Allen leaves behind not only his parents, but his wife Brenda Wilkins of Parsons; four children, Curtis Wilkins, Meagan Wilkins, Morgan Wilkins, and Meranda Wilkins; twin grandchildren Au’Brielle Wilkins and Ka’Trell Wilkins; his aunt, Bon Mead; and all of his church family. Allen is reunited with his brother, Barry Wilkins who went to Heaven on July 26, 2003. If Allen could he would tell everyone to get in a church, get saved, and he will meet us in Heaven.

The family will conduct private services at the Glory Barn Church at a later date. Burial will be in the Springhill Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Glory Barn Church and these may be left at or mailed to the Carson-Wall Funeral Home 112 N. 26th St., P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357. Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.

Aletha Redden

(From Paul Thomas Funeral Home)

Aletha May Redden of Miami, OK passed from this life Saturday, January 12, 2019 at her home. She was 61.

Aletha was born October 23, 1957 in Libby, MT. to George and Roseann (Norman) Cody. Aletha had lived in the Picher and Miami area most of her life. She graduated from Picher – Cardin High School class of 1975 and from NEO A&M College in Miami, OK with a degree in Computer Science. She was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at NEO. Aletha was the director and co-founder of Freedom from Addiction through Christ” in Miami, OK for 12 years and community educator and Battered Intervention Coordinator at the Community Crisis Center in Miami for 18 Years. She was a member of Community of Christ Church in Miami, OK.

She was preceded in death by a son Justin Cody, her father George Cody, 2 brothers Rev. Robert Cody and Norman Cody.

Aletha married Ernie Redden April 12, 1980 and he survives of the home. Additional survivors include 3 sons Matt Redden and wife Shandi of Miami, OK, James Redden of Branson, MO and Joseph Redden of Miami, OK. 2 step – daughters Latisha Redden of Sacramento, Ca and Cynthia Williams and husband Eddie of Sacramento, CA, her mother Roseann Rhodes of Miami, OK, 2 brothers Jim Cody of Broken Arrow, OK and Ryan Cody of Commerce, OK, 2 sisters Jolene Prawdzik of Baxter Springs, KS and Amber Cody of Peoria, OK, 5 grandchildren, 7 step grandchildren and 1 step great great child.

Celebration of Life Services will be Saturday, January 19, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at the United in Christ Church in Quapaw, OK. Rev. Clifton Redden will officiate. Services have been placed in the care of the Paul Thomas Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Miami, OK. Online condolences may be made at www.paulthomasfuneralhomes.com

Virginia Finley

(From Carson-Wall Funeral Home)

Virginia Lee Finley, 76, of Walnut, died at 3:32 p.m., Thursday, January 10, 2019 at her residence in Walnut.

Virginia was born October 28, 1942 at Fort Scott, a daughter of Howard and Agnes (Workman) Armstrong. She attended Hepler Grade School, Walnut High School and she graduated from Stark High School.

She married Robert L. Finley, Sr. on January 5, 1959 in Walnut. They celebrated 60 years of marriage. Robert survives of the home.

Virginia worked at the Finley Grocery Store in Walnut, the post offices in Walnut and Fort Scott, and she was Post Master at St. Paul for over 30 years. She later worked at the Farmer’s State Bank in Walnut and she cared deeply for the needs of other family members.

Virginia enjoyed her family, traveling and postal conventions, going to the farm, and her cat, Freddie.
She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Walnut.

Survivors, in addition to her husband, Robert, of the home are her daughters, Janet Swor, and her husband, Ed, of Pittsburg and Jeannie Grotheer, and her husband, John, of Arma; her mother, Agnes Armstrong, of Fort Scott; a daughter-in-law, Samantha Finley of Girard; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; her sister, Diana Fletcher, and her husband, Dave, of Fort Scott; her brothers, Steve Armstrong, and his wife, Janet, of Fort Scott and Stan Armstrong, and his wife, Cindy, of Texas.
Virginia was preceded in death by her father and a son, Robert Lyle “Robbie” Finley, Jr. on June 3, 2014.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Girard with burial in the Walnut Cemetery. 

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Girard with Pastor Matt Delp officiating. Friends may call after 1:00 p.m., Sunday at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the United Methodist Church in Walnut or the Alzheimer’s Association and these may be left at or mailed to the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home, 518 W St. John, Box 258, Girard, 66743. 

Condolences may be sent to www.wallfuneralservices.com

Eunice Blaich

(From Carson-Wall Funeral Home)

Eunice M. Blaich, 103, of Parsons, died at 8:50 a.m., Thursday, January 10, 2019, surrounded by family, at the Parsons Presbyterian Manor.

She was born February 2, 1915, at Mt. Judea, AR to Phillip and Amelia (McCutcheon) Hefley.

On January 18, 1937 she and George B. “Bernie” Blaich were married in Erie and made Parsons their home the remainder of their lives. Bernie preceded her in death on January 30, 1992. Eunice graduated from the cosmetology school at Pittsburg State University in 1957 and opened her beauty shop in her home on Briggs. She retired in 1977.

She and Bernie traveled extensively throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. After their retirements they spent the winter months in Harlingen, TX for 17 years, until Bernie’s death. She was a member of the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, since 1942. She served several times on the church board as a deacon, chairperson of many committees and sponsor of the Chi Rho youth group. She was a member of the Christian Women’s Fellowship and served many times as leader of a C.F.W. group. She served as a Cub Scout den mother and belonged to the A.A.R.P., N.A.R.V.E. , Coterie Club and the Queen City Camping Club. She enjoyed her church, family, friends, bridge and traveling.

Surviving is her son Dr. Warren Blaich and wife Julie, of Coffeyville; four grandchildren, LeAnn Hale and husband Todd, of Columbus, Jerry Blaich and wife Edie, of Fayetteville, AR, Dr. Gary Blaich and wife Lorene and Steve Blaich and wife Tammy, of Coffeyville; eight great-grandchildren, two step-great-grandchildren, and eight step-great-great-grandchildren. Also preceding her in death were four sisters, Eula McCalvey, Euna Kent, Niva Brush and Billie Hall and a brother, Athel Hefley and a step-great-grandson.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Monday, at the First Christian Church, with Rev. Laurie Lewis officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 1 p.m., Monday until the service hour. Friends may also call at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home from 1 p.m., to 5 p.m., Sunday. The family will not be present during the Sunday afternoon hours. Memorials are suggested to the First Christian Church. They may be left at or sent to the funeral home at P. O. Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357. Online messages may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.

Martha Gilman

(From Ferry Funeral Home)

Martha Christine Gilman, 56, Nevada, MO passed away on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at her home in Nevada. Martha was born October 12, 1962 in Greeley, CO. She was united in marriage to David Ellis Gilman on November 20, 1982 in Chanute, KS and he survives of the home.

Martha came to Chanute, KS at a young age with her family and grew up there and in the Pittsburg, KS area. In 1985 she came to Nevada making this her home. Martha worked at Nevada Habilitation Center in food service, Rodeo Grill, and was currently employed by Truman Elementary in food service for the past four years. She was member of Life Church in Nevada. Martha enjoyed playing Bingo at the Elks and the Eagles, and putting together jigsaw puzzles. She loved fishing, watching the Kansas City Chiefs, watching CSI, and attending her grandchildren’s activities.

In addition to her husband David, survivors include three children, Melinda Leon, Nevada, Zackory Gilman, Nevada, Christina Gilman, Springfield; six grandchildren, Destiny, Dav`id, Meckinize, Monica, Trayvon, Tyce; mother, Virginia Petty, Chanute, KS; two brothers, Charlie Smith, WV, Dennis Smith, Chanute, KS; two sisters, Charlia Mitchner, Chanute, KS; and Leona McBride, CO. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Richard Smith, and Paul Smith; and her step-father, Darold Petty.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 14, 2019 at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with Pastor’s Terry Mosher and Lawrence Wilson officiating. Interment will follow in Deerfield Cemetery in Deerfield, MO. The family will receive friends from 5-7:00 p.m. on Sunday evening at the funeral home.

Martha Cubbage

(From Ferry Funeral Home)

Martha Jayne Cubbage, 62, of Nevada, MO passed away on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, MO following a 2 ½ year battle with cancer. Martha was born October 24, 1956 in Fredonia, KS to Perl M. and Darlene A. (Holford) Bass. She was united in marriage to Steven E. Cubbage in Parsons, KS on July 27, 1991 and he survives of the home.

Martha grew up in Parsons and graduated from the Parsons High School in 1974. Following high school she went to the Dallas Fashion and Merchandising College. She later attended Kansas University for a time before graduating from Pittsburg State University with a degree in Business Administration. She then went on to receive her Master’s in Education from William Woods College in Fulton, MO.

Martha worked for a number of years for La Forge and Budd Construction in Parsons as a staff accountant. In 1992 Martha and Steve moved to Nevada where she also worked as accountant for Cubbage Farms for six years. She then worked at the main office of Nevada High School as accountant before transitioning into teaching in 2000. Martha worked as Business Technology Instructor and in 2005 became Marketing Instructor for Nevada Regional Technical Center. Martha served as DECA advisor from 2005-2016 and was involved in taking many students to competitions over the years and took great pride in their numerous achievements in state and international competitions. One of her most rewarding accomplishments was seeing two of her DECA student teams take first place at international competitions in 2010 and 2012. Martha was also an accomplished musician. She served many years as organist and pianist at First Baptist Church in Nevada and also provided accompaniment for numerous school and church programs for many years. Martha was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and a member of the PEO Sisterhood.

In addition to her husband Steve, she is survived by three children, Lauren Jones and her husband Dan, Willard, MO, Broc Hammett, Overland Park, KS, Alexandra Cubbage, Canton, MI; two grandsons, Rainer Jones, Sebastian Jones; one sister, Diane Carpino and her husband Jim, Arlington, TX; father and mother-in-law, Robert and Barbara Cubbage; sister and brother-in-law, Christy and Butch Rigby; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at the First Baptist Church in Nevada with Rev. Greg Ferree officiating. The family will receive friends from 1-2:45 p.m. prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Vernon County Cancer Relief, DECA Scholarship Fund at Nevada R-5 Foundation, or Kansas City Hospice House in c/o Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.

Jean O'Donnell

(From Bath-Naylor Funeral Home)

L.(Leona) Jean ( Buffington) O’Donnell of Lenexa, Ks. passed away on Tuesday January 8, 2019 at Via Christi Village in Pittsburg. A memorial service will be held on Saturday January 12th at 11 AM at the Bath Naylor Funeral Home, Park and S. Broadway. The family will receive friends at 10 AM. Jean’s ash's will be interned in a private service at a later date in Mt. Olive Cemetery in Pittsburg, Ks.

L. (Leona) Jean O’Donnell was born November 1, 1945 at home in Frontenac, Ks. She was the 6th of 12 children born to Lester and Lucille Buffington. She grew up in Southeast Kansas attending schools in Arcadia, including Arcadia High School, before graduating from Pittsburg High School in 1963.

She married Charles Hines upon graduation and was the mother of three daughters, Deanna ( Hines ) Jameson of Cherokee, Ks., Barbara ( Hines ) Taylor of Pittsburg, Ks., Heather ( Hines ) Bowers of Valley Center, Ks. She was employed by Dr. Vernon Berkey, M.D. in Pittsburg, Ks.

On July 3rd, 1986 She married Ed O’Donnell and moved to Topeka, Ks. She was employed as Business Manager for Dr. Scott Hamilton, D.D.S.-M.S.D. before retiring in 2005 and moving to Lenexa, Ks.

She is survived by her husband Ed O'Donnell of Lenexa, Ks., her 3 daughters, three sisters Patsy Hanson of Frontenac, Lynn ( Jim ) Giordano of Arma, Jo Ellen Peterson of Frontenac, two brothers Richard Buffington of Frontenac, Russell Buffington of Ashland, Mo., 6 Grand Children, and 4 Great Grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a grandson Kyle Jameson, six brothers John Buffington, Ed Buffington, Alvin Ray Buffington, Tom Buffington, David Buffington and Mike Buffington.

The family requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association 

Collette O'Malley

(From Bath-Naylor Funeral Home)

Collette Nolan O’Malley passed away on January 8, 2019 at Via Christi Village in Pittsburg, KS. She was born on March 3, 1931 in Silver Lake, PA to Michael and Mary Erskine Nolan. She was proud of her grandchildren and Irish heritage, and was known for her quick wit.

She was a graduate of St. Paul’s High School in Binghamton, NY. She worked at a variety of retail businesses and was a copy editor for Link Aviation Devices until her retirement.

Collette married Hank Steinmiller; they later divorced. She later married Patrick O’Malley, who predeceased her in 1991.

She was predeceased by her parents, brother James Nolan, sisters Joan Avon and Esther Nolan, and brother Gerald Nolan.

She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law: H. James and Christine Steinmiller, Union Hall, VA; Jeffrey Steinmiller and Kathleen Flannery, Pittsburg, KS; and Thomas and Karen Steinmiller, Raleigh, NC. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Tommy Steinmiller, Salt Lake City, UT; Casey Steinmiller, Pittsburg, KS; Kyle Steinmiller, Pittsburg, KS; Jessica Steinmiller, Raleigh, NC; and honorary grandchildren Max O’Connell and Gus O’Connell, Cortland, NY; and special nieces Diane Cartier, West Palm Beach, FL and Candy Kelly, Oswego, NY.

Collette was a communicant of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Fr. Bob McElwee will pray the Rosary at 6:30 pm on Friday, January 11, 2019 at Bath-Naylor Funeral Home, 522 S. Broadway Street in Pittsburg, KS. Private inurnment will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Fund, Pittsburg State University Foundation or Harry Hynes Hospice in care of Bath-Naylor.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Via Christi Village and Harry Hynes Hospice for their care, kindness, and support. 

Richard Chubb

(From Bath-Naylor Funeral Home)

Richard M. Chubb, M.D., MPH passed away January 8, 2019 at his home with his wife by his side following an illness. 

He was born October 21, 1929 in Joplin, MO to Leonard and Nadine (Marshall) Chubb. He graduated from Baxter Springs High School as Valedictorian in 1947. After graduating high school, he attended Baker University in Baldwin, Kansas from 1947 to 1950 beginning his medical education. In 1950 he transferred to Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago, Illinois. He received his Masters of Science in 1951 and earned his M.D. in 1954. Dr. Chubb began his rotating internship at Pasavant Memorial Hospital in Chicago from 1954 to 1955. He continued with his General Practice residency in Yankton, South Dakota at Sacred Heart Hospital and McVay Clinic from 1955 to 1956.

Dr. Chubb joined the United States Air Force in 1956, serving until 1969. During his time in the Air Force, he served at McChord Air Force Base in Washington, Randolph Air Force Base in Texas and Hamilton Air Force Base in California. He served in multiple capacities during his time at these Air Force Bases, including being part of the Flight Surgeon’s Office and the General Medical Officer. He was a part of the nuclear weapons training in Nevada in 1957 while stationed at Hamilton Air Force Base. He entered his first year of Aviation Medicine residency at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and Hygiene in Baltimore, Maryland in 1958. He received his Masters in Public Health in 1959.

Dr. Chubb took training to become a flight surgeon at Randolph Air Force Base in Texas in a T-33 aircraft. He also attended courses in Brooks Air Base in Texas, including Advanced Course in Aviation Medicine; took field trips to Panama to study Jungle Survival; studied at the Nuclear Weapons Museum in Albuquerque, New Mexico and Vandenberg Air Force Base Missile Range and other missile production facilities in California. His third year of Aviation Medicine residency took him to Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. There, he monitored Joe Kittinger’s 1960 balloon jump from 102,000 feet to test high altitude escape equipment for NASA. He also worked in command headquarters and at the flight surgeon’s office at the base hospital.

From 1961 to 1963, Dr. Chubb worked at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology where he served as the consultant to the Civil Aeronautics Board as Flight Surgeon on the Human Factors committee. In this role, he investigated commercial airline accidents, assisted with over 500 autopsies of accident victims and wrote a paper on “The Medical Investigation of Aircraft Accidents”, which was published in The Journal of American Medical Association.

From 1963-1966, Dr. Chubb was Directorate of Aerospace Safety at Norton Air Force Base in California. He investigated unusual aircraft accidents and wrote papers on aerospace safety. He performed safety surveys in Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Okinawa, Germany and the United States. He worked at NASA remote tracking stations as medical monitor of manned space flights. He is accredited with developing Air Force Form 711g used for medical reporting of Aerospace Accidents. This form is still in use today and earned him a commendation medal.

From 1966-1967, Dr. Chubb worked as the Director of Base Medical Services at Danang Air Base in Vietnam. There he built and operated the first modular medical facility in the Air Force, and used this to prepare the wounded for air evacuation and casualty staging. He flew 40 combat sorties as flight surgeon during his tour of duty in Vietnam. For his service, Dr. Chubb was awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service and numerous air medals.

Dr. Chubb competed his service in the Air Force at PACAF Headquarters at Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii from 1967 to 1969. He was Chief of Preventative Medicine for the Pacific Air Forces. He retired from the Air Force in 1969, earning a rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During his time at Hickman, he developed improvements to flight ejection seats. In 1967, he was awarded the Harry G. Mosely Award, an international award given to one recipient annually by the Aerospace Medical Association to the person to have contributed the most to flight safety. He was the 7th recipient of this award.

Following his service, Dr. Chubb returned to Baxter Springs, KS where he opened his civilian practice. He also served two terms on the Blue Shield of Kansas Board, was a member of the School Board and worked on his father’s farm in his spare time. He worked as a family practice physician until 1990, delivering hundreds of babies at Baxter Memorial Hospital. In 1990, Dr. Chubb went on to serve as the Chief of General Practice Service at the Claremore Indian Hospital. He was Chief Advisor to the Diabetes Health Unit, presenting three papers to the Indian Health Service on the topic of Diabetes prevention and treatment by lifestyle changes.
Following his retirement in 1998, he and wife Johna returned to Chicopee, KS. He enjoyed playing golf, singing and traveling with Our Lady of Lourdes Church Choir, and taking care of his yard.

Dr. Chubb is survived by his wife, Johna Chubb of the home; two sons, Jeff (Bev) Chubb of Independence, KS and Rick (Leslie) Chubb of Holly Springs, NC; and three daughters, Sally (Randy) Tibbits of Grove, OK, Laura (Rick) Atkinson of Baxter Springs, KS, Kathy (Wayne) Patton of Bella Vista, AR. He is also survived by ten grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and all of Johna’s family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Polly Burcham, son Charles L. Chubb, grandson Greg Chubb, and great grandson Zachery Chubb.
A very special thank you to his very loving caregivers Alan, Bev, Renee, Teresa, Geraldine, Penny, and Becky.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00am Saturday January 12, 2019 at the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with Fr. Clay Kimbo as celebrant. Burial will follow at the Highland Park Cemetery in Pittsburg, KS. Family will receive friends from 6-7 pm Friday January 11, 2019 at the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home in Pittsburg, KS; friends may call after 12:00pm Friday.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks expressions of sympathy be in the form of memorials to the Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Fund. Friends may drop off or mail memorials to 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 of Pittsburg, KS.

Terry Phillips

(From Carson-Wall Funeral Home)

Terry Phillips, 82, of Parsons, died at his home Monday morning, December 31, 2018.

He was born near Bartlett, KS, July 30, 1936, to Homer and Marchie (Payton) Phillips. He was next to the youngest of 11 children. His family farmed around and in Labette County while he was growing up. When he was in the 6th grade his mother passed away and he went to live with Bessie and Johnny Branham near Altamont. He graduated from LCHS in 1954.

While in high school he went to Kingman, KS and worked for a farmer planting and harvesting crops and feeding cattle in the summers.

The fall of 1954, he enrolled at PSTC (now Pittsburg State University) playing football for Carnie Smith. In 1956, he joined the US Army, doing his basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO.

April 20, 1957, he married his high school sweetheart, Kae Statz. Terry was transferred after basic training to Camp Drum, NY. TDY Ft. Devins, MA. They considered that arrangement their honeymoon.

After being discharged (in 1958), he returned to Kingman and worked for a farmer he had worked for summers while in high school. After 2 ½ years and two sons later he decided to go back to college and get his degree in Industrial Arts Education. His first (teaching) job was teaching and coaching football, basketball, and track at Erie High School in 1964. In 1968, he was hired at Parsons Middle School and High School teaching and coaching and spent the rest of his teaching career in Parsons retiring in 1994.

Terry is survived by his wife of 62 years, a son Tony and his wife Debbie, a daughter Teresa and her husband Dennis Hays, six grandchildren Tyler Phillips (Tonya), Halee Kennett (Tyler), Marleah Wyland (Donald), Mikinzi Good (Kyle), Connor Phillips (Rachel), Payton Hays (fiance Ellen Buck) and Ashley Lange Great grandchildren Olivia, Tate, Cole, Tenlee, Aubree, Hudson, Carter, Collin, and Grady, and several nieces and nephews. Brothers Verlyn, Abe (Jan) of St. Louis, sister Zelia (Bill) Davis of Wichita, sisters-in-laws Bernice of Parsons, Neva Phillips of Ft. Collins, Co.

He was preceded in death by his parents Homer and Marchie Phillips, 2 sisters Rosalie & Wilma, 5 brothers Ronald, Robert, Lyle, HR, & Arvon and a son, Doug Phillips. Terry loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, January 5, at the Wesley United Methodist Church, with Riley Cartwright and Rev. Tim Bever officiating. The family will receive friends at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday.

Memorials are suggested to the Parsons Educational Foundation for the Doug Phillips Scholarship. They may be left at or sent to the funeral home at Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357. Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.

Dale Spieth

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Dale W. Spieth, 70, of Columbus, KS died at 2:47 am, Monday, January 7, 2019 at Freeman West, Joplin, Missouri.

He was born November 29, 1948, in Baxter Springs, Kansas, the son of Kenneth and Gertrude (Hembree) Spieth.

He was a lifetime resident of Columbus, Kansas, and was a high school graduate of Columbus High School.

On September 1, 1972, Dale married the love of his life, Pat Spieth, she preceded him in death April 27, 2017.

After high school, he attended Pittsburg State University where he earned his Bachelor’s degree with a major in Political Science and Philosophy.

Dale worked as social worker for the state of Kansas for over 30 years.

He loved being involved in the community. He played a role in starting the Columbus Girls’ Softball League. Dale loved playing slow pitch softball back in his younger days.


Dale is survived by his daughter; Deena Kelley (Chad) of Paxico, Kansas, son; Eric Spieth of Columbus, Kansas, 2 brothers; Jim Spieth (Nancy) Fort Myers, Florida, Grant Spieth (Toni) of Columbus, Kansas, 3 grandchildren; Bryce and Reagan Kelley, Ashton Spieth, 1 niece; Tiffany Carbajo, 3 nephews, Travis, Gabe, and Seneca Spieth and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents and sister; Fawna Box.

Funeral Services will be 2pm Friday, January 11, 2019 at the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home in Columbus with Reverand Christine Iannucilli officiating.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 6-7pm. Inurnment will be in the Lone Elm Cemetery at a later date. Condolences may be left atwww.bathnaylor.com. Memorials may be made to the Columbus Community Foundation; these may be left or mailed to the funeral home. Services by Bath-Naylor Funeral Home in Columbus, KS. 

Helen Ericson

(From Carson-Wall Funeral Home)

Helen Haddan Ericson, 92, of Erie, died at 6 p.m., Saturday, January 5, 2019 at the Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center in Chanute. 

She was born February 17, 1926 at Urbana to Lester F. and Mary V. (Cunningham) Heilman. In her early years the family lived in Urbana and the Big Creek area near Leanna. She graduated from the Chanute High School.

On March 5, 1950 she and Bennett Haddan were married in Humboldt. During their marriage they farmed in rural Stark. Mr. Haddan preceded her in death on March 5, 1980. 

From 1958 until retiring in 1989 she was employed at the Stark State Bank. She married Raymond K. “Pete” Ericson on June 11, 1983 at the Friends Home Lutheran Church at Savonburg. He preceded her in death on December 13, 2017.

Helen had always been active in the churches she attended, the Stark Friends Church and the Friends Home Lutheran Church. Since moving to Erie she had attended the Christian Church. She was a very social person and enjoyed helping people in any way she could. She played cards and dominos, loved attending her grandchildren’s sports events and taking bus trips. 

She is survived by a son, Richard Haddan and wife Susan, of Stark; daughter, Marilyn Hazen and husband Ron, of Erie; step-sons, Kendall Ericson and wife Robyn, of Clovis, NM, David Ericson and wife Carol, of Richmond and Eric Ericson and wife Amber, of Bronson; step-daughter, Jill Rhodes and husband Bill, of Moran; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and brother Neal Heilman and wife Lavon, of Chanute. She was preceded in death by her husbands, two infant sons and an infant daughter.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Thursday, at the Erie Christian Church, with Rev. Michael Haggard officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Moriah Cemetery north of Stark. The family will receive friends at the church from 1 p.m., until the service hour. Friends may also call at the Pierce-Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Erie from 10 a.m., until 5 p.m. Wednesday. 

Memorials are suggested to the Erie Christian Church. They may be left at or sent to the funeral home at P. O. Box 182, Erie, KS 66733. Online messages may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.

Chris von Wedell

(From Carson-Wall Funeral Home)

Christopher Ryan von Wedell, 36, passed away peacefully at his home in Bismarck, ND on December 28, 2018. Death was unexpected.

Chris is the son of John and Susan von Wedell and was born in October 5, 1982 in Parsons, KS. He was a graduate of Labette County High School in Altamont, KS and later attended University of Kansas. Chris obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Anthropology at the University of Kansas. Amongst Chris’ many life achievements, he also obtained a Masters Degree in Anthropology from Colorado State University.

Chris most recently enjoyed a successful career as an Archaeologist at KJL, an environmental and engineering firm located in Bismarck, ND.

Chris enjoyed many activities in life such as spending time with his family, taking his dog Latifrons to the dog park, playing shuffleboard, studying Native American history and visiting historic Native American sites.

Chris’ last adventure was participating in the start of the Lakota Nation Chief Sitting Bull memorial ride. The ride spans 300 miles on horseback by members of the Lakota Nation Indian Tribe; the ride honors lives lost during the Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890. During Chris’ participation, he made many new friends and also bought feed for the horses in anticipation of their long journey. Chris’ friends and family explained that he cherished the moments of the event.

Above all and most importantly, Chris had the kindest heart and was friends to all who encountered him. Chris also loved the spirit of giving during the holiday season.

Survivors include his parents, John and Susan von Wedell of Parsons, and a sister, Megan von Wedell of Overland Park, Kansas. Other survivors include several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Memorial services will be held at Carson-Wall Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 12, 2019. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m., until service time. Burial will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to PALS and may be left at or mailed to the funeral home P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357. Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.

Judy West

(From Bath-Naylor Funeral Home)

Judith Kay West, 67 of Pittsburg, KS died at 5:58 am Friday January 4, 2019 at her home following a long illness.

She was born June 7, 1951 in Pittsburg the daughter of Bill and Lena (Bevins) Foster
On September 28, 1968 she was united in marriage to Steven West in Pittsburg; he survives her of the home. 

Judy was a social worker for the State of Kansas.

Additional survivors include a son Jason (Stephanie) West of Nevada, MO and a daughter Michelle (Brian) Walters of Frontenac, KS; a brother Gary Foster of Wichita, KS and a sister Carolyn Hosier of Topeka, KS along with 11 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a son Paul Cory West, a brother Richard Foster and a sister Nancy O’Neal.

Funeral services will be 2 pm, Friday, January 11, 2019 at the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home with Rev. Daryl Gaddy officiating. Burial will follow in the Sheffield Cemetery near Arcadia, KS. Condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor.com. Memorials may be made to the Polycystic Kidney Foundation; these may be left at or mailed to the funeral home. 

Services and arrangements are under the direction of the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home 522 S. Broadway Pittsburg, KS.

Kurt Tateishi

(From Brenner Mortuary)

Kurt Mamoru Tateishi, 57, of Pittsburg, passed away Friday January 4, 2019, at his residence.

He was born February 14, 1961,at Honolulu, Hawaii, the son of Masao and Tomiko (Fujisaki) Tateishi.

He graduated from J. B. Castle High School in Kaneohe, Hawaii. He enlisted in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged.

In April of 1992 he was united in marriage to Doreen Jones. They later divorced. They have one son, Robert.

Kurt worked as a construction foreman. He enjoyed diving, fishing and pottery. One of his favorite times was spent at the Rehab Hospital of the Pacific. First as a patient who suffered a traumatic brain injury due to a work accident. He then returned to the hospital as a volunteer to help start a ceramic program for patients. He was an accomplished potter who had some of his work purchased and displayed by the Louis Vuitton store in Honolulu.

He was a lifelong resident of Kahaluu, Oahu until 2015 when he relocated to Pittsburg. Membership was held at Covenant Harvest Church where he was fondly referred to as “Uncle Kurt” by young and old.

He is survived by his son, Robert Tateishi of Pittsburg, KS; a brother Clyde Tateishi and his wife Kathleen of Makawao, Maui; a sister, Lois Dowling and her husband James of Pittsburg, KS. He is also survived by nephews Jason (Hiroko) Tateishi of Kona, Hawaii, Jeffrey Tateishi of Maui, Christian Dowling of Pittsburg. Nieces Julie (Harvey) Bucaneg and Kimberly Dowling of Pittsburg.

He was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents, father and mother.

Family visitation will be held at 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. on January 12, 2019 at the Covenant Harvest Church. A memorial service will follow at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Jay Lotterer officiating. Burial will be at a later date in the Nuuanu Memorial Park, Honolulu, HI. The family suggests memorials be made to the Rehab Hospital of the Pacific. 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.