Betty Kalusha

(From Brenner Mortuary)

Betty June Kalusha, 81, of Frontenac, Kansas, passed away peacefully at 2:35 p.m. Saturday, November 18, 2017 at the Select Specialty Hospital in Springfield, Missouri following a long illness.

She was born June 14, 1936 the daughter of Col. Walter and Helen (Johnson) Humble at Hepler, Kansas. Betty attended Cherokee High School and Pittsburg State University.

She was a teacher for many years in the Monmouth, Frontenac, and Pittsburg School Districts. She loved being a teacher and spoke so often about the wonderful children she had in her classes. She was forced to retire in the early 1980’s for health reasons.

Membership was held in the St. John Lutheran Church, where she was a very active member.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Don Kalusha of Frontenac, Kansas, one brother, Col. Bud Humble of Girard, Kansas; two sisters, Shirley Palmer of Leawood, Kansas and Saundra Schooley of Quapaw, Oklahoma, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and three sisters, Norma Husarik of Chicago Heights, IL, Lorene Mein of Hepler, KS and Twilla Standlee of Carl Junction, MO.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday (Nov. 25) at the St. John Lutheran Church with Pastor Tom Wehrman officiating. Burial will follow in the Garden of Memories Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday at the Brenner Mortuary, where friends may call after noon Friday. The family suggests memorials to the St. John Lutheran Church. 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, Pittsburg, KS.

Sharon Matthews

(From Bath-Naylor Funeral Home)

Sharon Kay Matthews, 74 of Pittsburg, KS died Wednesday November 15, 2017 at her home.

She was born March 19, 1943 in Pittsburg, KS the daughter of Luther and Mary (Staley) Cobb.

In 1960 she was united in marriage to James Matthews, Sr., they later divorced.

Sharon was a homemaker and a substitute teacher.

She was a member of the Church of Christ in Pittsburg.

Survivors include a daughter Sharon Matthews and her husband Tom Potocnik of Kansas City, MO a son Leroy and his wife Carol Matthews of Nixa, MO a brother Larry Cobb of Pittsburg five grandchildren: Dustin, Brittany, Kelsey, Parker and Haylea Matthews a great granddaughter Bayli “Bug” Covey.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Martha, two sons: Troy and James, Jr. “Jim” Matthews and a daughter Cassandra “Cassie” Matthews.

A celebration of life will take place from 5-7 pm, Friday November 24, 2017 at the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home in Pittsburg. Condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor.com. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association; these may be left at or mailed to the funeral home. Services and arrangements are under the direction of Bath-Naylor Funeral Home Pittsburg, KS. 

Bud Walker

(From Brenner Mortuary)

Clayton A. “Bud” Walker, 85, passed away in Arizona. He was born in April of 1932 in Kansas City Missouri, the son of Victor A. Walker and Elvira Capps Walker. He grew up in Pittsburg, KS and was a 1950 graduate of Pittsburg High School. Bud earned a Business degree from the University of Kansas in 1958 after he served in the United States Navy. Upon graduation he was united in marriage with Margaret Wille of Kansas City, Kansas who resides in Arizona.

As a young contractor with a backhoe, (’67) Hydroline began installing PVC pipe for rural water lines throughout the central Midwest and in (’71) Bud founded Vinylplex, a manufacturer of PVC pipe in Pittsburg KS. In (’83) Bud along with his two sons and Steve Laskey, started Vinyltech Corporation in Phoenix, AZ. He exited the pipe business (’00) and was drawn back to where he grew up and joined Terry Kunstel with T&C Wildlife.

He also held ownership in several other businesses including (’78) General Poly, (’80) Magic Oil, (‘81) Business Essential’s. Bud was an owner of the Texas Rangers MLB club beginning in 1974. An avid outdoorsman, he was passionate about bird hunting in Kansas and Canada, fishing the Canadian border lakes with friends and family, and big game hunting in North America and Africa. His favorites were bobwhite quail and whitetail deer. He achieved 65 consecutive opening day Kansas quail hunts with friends. His desire for others to experience the outdoors in Kansas led him to endow and support Kansas Wildscapes Cabin Project. His love of sports led him to ownership of Magic Stables (thoroughbred horse racing), a founding member of Wolf Creek Golf Club, and a supporter of the University of Kansas Williams fund. He was a proud supporter of the University Kansas Baseball Jayhawks. Rock Chalk. He endowed the Southeast Kansas Community Foundation and began a Foundation called Caring for Kids.

Bud is survived by his wife Margaret, a son Michael (Jolene) who reside in Arizona. He is also survived by three granddaughters. He is preceded in death by his son David, his parents, two sisters Carol Adams and Cloe Ann Bentlage, and a brother Jim Walker. Special acknowledgement to all his partners and friends that walked with him in all his business and outdoor endeavors.

Bud will be laid to rest at Walker Cemetery, Garland, KS in a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Caring for Kids, Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas Fund. PO Box 1448 Pittsburg, KS 66762. Marge, Mike, Jolene and Bud’s granddaughters would love to hear from you! Send memories – PO BOX 32785 Phoenix, AZ 85064mwalker5962@gmail.com Text pictures, prayers 1-620-240-0074 or Leave a Voicemail. Online condolences may also be left at www.brennermortuary.com. Local arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E 4th St., Pittsburg, KS.

Bill Bynum

(From Parker Mortuary)

Billy Warren "Bill" Bynum, age 86, Galena, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at Mercy Hospital of Joplin.

Bill was born September 21, 1931 in Pineville, Missouri, son of the late Ray Bynum and Della Rebecca Bankson Bynum.

He served during the Korean Conflict where he was a recipient of the Presidential Unit Citation, and four bronze stars for his actions in Korea and China, he also received a purple heart for his service, and was sent back to the states in 1951. After returning, he graduated from the University of Wichita with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration in 1962. Bill worked for different government agencies throughout his career, working mainly with the accounting departments.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by a nephew, Freddie Crawford, Jr.

Survivors include his brother, Ray Lawson Bynum, and Loretta of Springfield, Illinois; sister, Delores Sackuvich of Magnolia, Texas; nieces and nephews, Ray Bynum of Tucson, Arizona, Diana Germann of Springfield, Illinois, Sharon Bynum of Springfield, Illinois, Dr. Randy Bynum of Littleton, Colorado; Stephen Bynum of Ballwin, Missouri, Lynnette Hernandez of Kansas City, Kansas, Valerie Schubert of Olathe, Kansas, and Sabrina Sackuvich of Magnolia, Texas; several great-nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be Monday, November 20, 2017 at 12:00 Noon in Hillcrest Cemetery, Galena, Kansas with Rev. Jeff D. Martin officiating. Interment will be in Hillcrest Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.

Odessa Martin

(From Bath-Naylor Funeral Home)

Odessa E. Martin, 90, of Columbus, Ks, died November 14, 2017 at Medicalodge Columbus. 

She was born October 7, 1927 in Picher, Oklahoma the daughter of Melvin and Blanch Hamm. Odessa married Glenn Martin on June 23, 1956. He preceded her in death. She had one son, Michael Leeds. Survivors include her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

There are no services planned at this time. Condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor.com. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Bath-Naylor Funeral Home of Columbus, KS.

Richard Perry

(From Brenner Mortuary)

Richard Lee Perry, 70, of Claremore, Oklahoma, formerly of Pittsburg, passed away Thursday, October 26, 2017 at Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

He was born April 25, 1947 at Pittsburg, the son of Audra L. and Virginia (VanGorden) Perry. He attended Pittsburg High School, graduating with the Class of 1965. He then graduated from Kansas State Teachers College with a degree in Architectural Engineering. Following graduation from college, he farmed in Rolla, Kansas before moving back to Pittsburg where he worked for Huebner Motor Company, was a local Realtor, and Names and Numbers.

Dick was an avid golfer, Nascar fan and enjoyed various sports.

Survivors include a son, Michael Perry of Hugoton, Kansas; a daughter, Emily Keiswetter and her husband, Troy of Manhattan, Kansas; grandchildren, Audra and Aurie Perry of Hugoton, and Sabryn O’Gara, Sophie Williams, Kcanna and Kalob Keiswetter of Manhattan; two sisters, Barbara Shanks and Kay Marshall and her husband, Don of Pittsburg; a brother, Stephen Perry and his wife, Debbra of Locust Grove, Oklahoma; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a son, Richie Perry.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday (Nov. 18) at the Brenner Mortuary with Pastor Dale Samuels officiating. Private burial will take place in the Crocker Cemetery, Pittsburg, KS. Friends may leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg, KS.

Mary Mills

(From Brenner Mortuary)

Mary M. Mills, 73, of Arma, KS, passed away at 3:47 p.m. Saturday, November 11, 2017, at the University of Kansas Medical Center. She was born January 12, 1944 at Fairland, OK, to Boone and Virgie (Fountain) May. On October 29, 1960, she was united in marriage to Jerry Mills at Fairland, OK.

In addition to her husband, Jerry Mills of the home, she is survived by a daughter, Judy Mills of Kansas City, MO; a son, Jeff Mills and his wife Shontel of Arma, KS; brother, Haskell May and family, JB May and family; two grandchildren, Gretchen and Drew Mills.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister Collene Dolan.

Throughout her life, she assisted in the running of the family business, and ran her own shop (The Nesting Place) while being the home manager. In recent years, she loved keeping her antique/flea market booths full and successful. She worked within her community as well as her church family to help individuals in need and this was her greatest joy. Mary was known for her tireless smile and for offering support to anyone she encountered.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday (November 16) at the Garden of Memories Cemetery with German Abarca officiating. A memorial service will be held at noon at the Church of Christ, Pittsburg, and lunch will be served immediately after. Online condolences may also be left at www.brennermortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg.