Len Trokey

(From Carson-Wall Funeral Home)

Lindel A. “Len” Trokey, 82, of Parsons, died at 5:56 a.m., Friday, July 10, 2020 at his home. He had been in failing health. 

He was born August 10, 1937, at Potosi, Missouri, to Lloyd C. and Magdaline (Vance) Trokey. He grew up there and graduated from Potosi High School. He served in the United States Navy from 1957 to 1963 on the U.S.S. Borie (DD-704 and visited many European countries at port and was onboard when the capsule containing Sam, the first monkey sent into space, was recovered in the Atlantic Ocean. 

Len was employed 26 years at Lucent Technology in the Kansas City area. He had lived in Parsons since the mid 1990’s. He played baseball in his younger years and was an avid sports fan, especially following the Chiefs, Royals, Cardinals and K.U. Basketball. 

On January 2, 1993 he and Phyllis Curtis Martinez were married. She survives of the home. 

Other survivors are two daughters, Robbi Tellis (Steve) of Shawnee and Melody Abarca of Overland Park; three stepchildren, Rick Martinez (Toni) of Parsons, John Martinez (Shannon) of Topeka and Teresa Martinez of Ft. Worth, Texas; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two sisters, Dorothy Eaves (Henry) and Janet Showmaker (Gary) of Potosi, Missouri. 

Preceding him in death were stepdaughters, Christina Montgomery and Yolanda Martinez, step-grandson Travis Martinez and three brothers, Frank Trokey, Lloyd Trokey, Jr., Ronald Trokey and a infant sister Beverly Ann Trokey. 

The family will have a private gathering on Friday at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home. Burial, at a later date, will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery near Dennis. 

Memorials are suggested to the Proud Animal Lovers Shelter (PALS) or the LLS Leukemia Lymphoma 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.

Don Miller

(From Bath-Naylor Funeral Home)

Donald Edward Miller, age 65, of Columbus, Kansas died Tuesday, July 7, 2020 at his home.

He was born on April 26, 1955 to Donald and Flossie (Robinson) Miller in Sullivan, Illinois.

Don was a truck driver for many years, his trucking handle was “The Outlaw”. Don was known as a generous person and believed in helping his fellow man all throughout his life.

On June 20, 2005, he married Dayna Thomas in Columbus, together they owned the “Old Run of the Mill” Flea market in Cherokee for 10 years. 

He is survived by his wife; Dayna of the home, mother; Flossie Miller of Arthur, Illinois, two sons; Donnie (Iris) Miller of Tuscola, Illinois, Joshua Major of Austin, Texas, two daughters; Kelley (Danny) Self of Prattsville, Arkansas, Autumn Rogers of Columbus, Kansas, brother; Kevin Risley of Effingham, Illinois, three sisters; Pam Chumley of Lake City, Illinois, Rosemary (Ed) Cartwright of Sullivan, Illinois, Debbie (Merle) Stutzman of Arthur, Illinois, seven grandchildren; Matthew, James, Jesse, Chloe, Cohen, Calissa, Blake and one great-granddaughter; Raelynn. 

Don is preceded in death by his father; Donald, step-dad; Bill Risley, two brothers; Billy Jo Risley, Jerry Risley and a sister Alma Kay.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2020 at 4 p.m at the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home, 611 S. East Ave, Columbus, KS. 

The family will receive friends prior to the memorial service at 3 pm at Bath-Naylor.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to be sent to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor.com. 

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

Jack Coomes

(From Friskel Funeral Home)

John Joseph “Jack” Coomes, 85, of Frontenac, KS, died on July 6, 2020 at his home with his wife Martha by his side. 

Jack was born July 24, 1934, in St. Paul, KS. He was the son of Ray and Cora (Brazil) Coomes. 

Jack served in the United States Navy during the end of the Korean War. He was a prisoner of war and served as a Navy Seal. He enjoyed staying in touch with his Navy buddies throughout the years, even traveling to meet each other on several occasions. 

Jack was raised in St. Paul, KS. and was brought up with hard work and believed in truth and honesty. He attended Catholic School all years of growing up and served as altar boy in St. Paul. Jack had a zest for life and a passion for his work. Jack played the trombone in the military and in a local band the “Rhythmaires."

 

He loved working with his crew and building steel buildings. He has built hundreds of commercial buildings in the four-state area. He was known for being a tough on the outside but had a heart of gold, he liked helping people whenever he could. He loved reminiscing about the years gone by and visiting with friends and family. 

On July 6, 1962, Jack married Martha Lou Bowman in Miami, Oklahoma, their marriage was later blessed at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He was a member of the Frontenac City Council for over 12 years and served many terms as the mayor. He was also a member of the VFW, a member of the Shrine and was a 32nd degree Mason, and a member of the NRA. Jack was the owner/operator of Jack Coomes Steel Buildings Sales & Erection for over 50 years. 

Jack enjoyed quarter horses and horse shows, he was also a horse show judge for many years. He loved the Lake of the Ozarks and developed lifelong friendships there. He loved being with his family, boating, riding his wave runner, sitting on his dock and porch, working around his home place, and doing carpentry work. He liked watching his grandchildren compete in their swimming events. He also had a passion for vintage cars. Especially old El Caminos and Corvettes. He loved going to the beach and traveling in years past. Cruising the seas was one of his favorites. 

He did not officially retire until 2019 and sold buildings until he died. He was known to be an extremely hard worker with a never give up attitude. He was always the first one up in the morning and was first one on the job. He also loved site seeing with his wife Martha. He loved riding around with his dogs, and always traveled with them when he could. He was a huge animal lover with a soft spot for children. He would always help a less fortunate family in any way he could. 

He survived by his wife: Martha Coomes and his son: James Joseph Coomes, his daughter: Brenda Coomes-Amrein and her husband: John T. Amrein of Bonner Springs, KS. His two grandchildren: Lauren Tracy Stephens and her husband: Keith Stephens of Bonner Springs KS. And his Grandson: John Thomas Amrein of Bonner Springs Ks. 

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, a sister, and an infant sister. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am, Friday, July 10, 2020 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Philip J. Voegeli as celebrant. The parish rosary will be recited at 10 am prior to mass at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. 

Memorial donations may be made to the St. Jude’s Children Hospital, Friends may drop off or mail memorials to the Friskel Funeral Home in his name, 230 E. McKay Frontenac, KS 66763. E-mail condolences may be left at www.friskelfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by Friskel Funeral Home of Frontenac, KS.

Mickey Morang

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Mickey Tarrell Morang, age 71 of Baxter Springs, passed away at 1:05 AM on July 6, 2020 at his home.

He was born in Picher, OK on June 16, 1949 to parents “J.R.” Junior Paul Morang and Opal (Britt) Currey. 

He graduated from Galena, KS High School in the late 1960’s, and was a lifetime resident of Galena. For many years, he managed his mother’s bar in Galena, the Green Parrot, and after its closure, he worked as a bartender at the Galena Elk’s Lodge before retiring in 2016. He was diagnosed with polio at a young age, and discovered that even with his disability, he was skilled at playing pool. He even taught many young people how to play the game. He loved leatherwork, and his dog, Bella, was his life. 

He was united in marriage with Suzie Welch Morang in 1971. She preceded him in death in August of 2010. 

He was also preceded in death by his parents, J.R. and Opal; one sister, Else Tyler; and two brothers, Johnny Currey and Tommy Currey. 

Survivors include one daughter, Heather Morang of Galena; four brothers; his twin, Ricky Darrell Morang (wife, Rosemlle) of Quapaw, Howard Morang (wife, Patty) of Bernice, OK, Phillip Currey of the State of Alabama, and Gary Morang of the State of Kansas; two sisters, Amy Olds (husband, Dorsey) of Galena, and Kathy Lynn Parish (husband, Billy) of Crestline, KS; and two grandchildren, Shayla Hopkins (fiancé, Dathan Brown) of Asbury, MO, and Levi Holder of Miami, OK; two great-granddaughters, and one great-grandson. 

Mr. Morang has been entrusted to Derfelt Funeral Home of Baxter Springs for cremation. The family will hold a memorial service at a later date. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.

Rich Craig

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Richard Carlton Craig is the son of Richard & Betty Craig.

Richard was born Feb 25, 1967 in Miami, FL. and died July 4, 2020 in Winter Garden, FL. Upon graduating from Maconaquah High School in 1984 he served in the United States Navy. He lived most of his adult life in Florida. 

Throughout his life, Rich charmed everyone with his beautiful blue eyes & warm smile. He never knew a stranger & was a very kind soul. He was a man of many talents. He was an avid scuba diver and golfer, enjoyed bartending & making his annual trip to Wyoming for Cheyenne Frontier Days with his parents. He was a cowboy at heart! He enjoyed traveling & was a great cook. He was an avid reader & a published poet. Rich could talk on any subject with anyone. He was never too old to seek his mother’s advice. 

He is survived by his parents, Richard & Betty (Baxter Springs KS); three sisters, Maureen Cekarmis (Djuro) of Crookston MN, Patricia Ingram (Tracy) of Peru IN & Casandra Potter (Scott) of Monticello IN; nieces Ashley Terry (Curtis) & Tiffany Hall (Matt), Nichole Polendo (Mario); nephews Christopher Ingram (Nicole), Daniel Ingram (Melissa) and great nieces & nephews Mario, Alejandra, Corbin, Moses, Esther & Phoebe. He had wonderful friends in Florida who looked after him like a brother and we thank them for being there for Rich. We celebrate his life & treasure our memories of him.

Mass services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, July 10, 2020 at Derfelt’s Baxter Chapel. Father J. Friedel will officiate. Burial will follow in the Baxter Springs Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.

Mike Brooksher

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Michael (Mike) Alan Brooksher, 62, passed away, June 2020, at his home in Weir, Kansas.

Mike was born on March 10, 1958, in Edgerton, KS to Delbert and Leota Lorene (Brock) Brooksher. The family lived in Edgerton for Mikes early childhood. They then moved to Pennsylvania for a couple of years, before returning to Pittsburg, KS to settle. Mike received his GED and later graduated from WTI with a diploma in Integrated Electronics Technology. He was a hard worker who spent some years as a carpenter, before going to work at Poli-Tron. Mike worked there several years, before finishing his career at Superior Industries.

Mike’s hard work didn’t end with his career. He could be seen doing yard work, planting and pruning his trees or working in the garden, almost any day. He was a man of many talents and many hobbies. Often he could be found sitting around creating and fixing all things electronic. 

Mike had a great passion for music, which turned into the need to learn any dance he could. Some of his favorites were line dance, swing and couples country dancing. He also enjoyed astronomy. He spent many nights looking at the stars and planets through his telescope. With all his hobbies Mike’s biggest passion in life was his family, especially his grandchildren and his fur babies!

Mike is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Rebecca and David Vineyard; two grandchildren Kimberlynn and Cody Vineyard; four brothers, Harold and Jan Brooksher of Chanute, KS; Robert Brooksher of Mesa, AZ; Richard and Melinda Brooksher of Franklin, KS; Edward and Bonnie Brooksher of Lenexa, KS; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. Mike was preceded in death by his parents Delbert Brooksher and Leota Lorene (Brock) Brooksher.

A memorial service will be held on July 11, 2020, at Chicopee Community Center, 403 S Pesavento Ave. Pittsburg, KS 66762. Visitation will be held from 2pm to 4pm with a small service following. In lieu of flowers, people may donate to the Memory of Mike fund. A donation box will be set up at the service. Mike has been in trusted to Derfelt Funeral Home in Columbus, Kansas for cremation. Online condolences can be made at www.derfetlfuneralhomes.com.

Dick Thorpe

(From Carson-Wall Funeral Home)

Richard R. “Dick” Thorpe, 67, of Pittsburg, formerly of Parsons, died on Sunday, June 28, 2020 at his home. 

He was born on July 8, 1952 in Wichita, KS to Marion Eugene and Betty Ann (Botkin) Thorpe. He grew up in Louisiana and Pittsburg and attended College High School in Pittsburg. 

Dick worked in various grocery stores in southeast Kansas. He most recently worked for Day and Zimmerman retiring in 2017. 

Dick married Joyce Dianne (Bevans) Thorpe on June 1, 2002 in Parsons. Dick and Dianne enjoyed traveling, spending time with their friends and family, and being his daughter, Brianna’s biggest fan at her volleyball games. The family enjoyed a yearly father’s day trip to Silver Dollar City and trips to Texas. 

Dick and Dianne cohosted the annual Halloween Fear Fest for several years as well as their full combat Spoon’s games. Dianne lost her battle with cancer on August 6, 2015. Dick pursued their dreams of buying an RV and moving to Arizona to golf for a year. 

Dick then moved back to Southeast Kansas to watch his niece, Audrey, and nephews, Reece and Nate, play high school sports. Dick enjoyed telling funny stories about the kids to anyone who would listen. Most recently Dick enjoyed spending time with his future grandson, Brody, who was always thoroughly entertained learning his “Richardisms”. 

Survivors include his daughter, Brianna Stapleton, and her fiancé, Trey Ely and his son Brody of Independence; his mother, Betty Thorpe, of San Antonio, TX; sisters, Kellee Thorpe, of Odessa, Texas, Susan Thorpe, and her husband, Jay McLaughlin, of Yuma, AZ; his brother’s children Nick Thorpe, Chrissy Thorpe and Sara Miller, all of Texas; Mother in law, Joyce Bevans, of Parsons; father in law, W.O. Bevans, of South Mound; sisters in law, Barbara and David Spurgeon of Amarillo, TX, Chris and Kenny Smith of Salida, CO, Ginger Bevans of St. Paul, Melissa and Josh Jacobs and their children, Reece, Nathan and Audrey of Pittsburg; Brianna’s niece and nephews, Trevor, McKenna, Brandon, Alec and Jase, and the bajillion nieces and nephews on the Bevans side. 

He was preceded in death by his father; brother, Tom Thorpe and brother in law, Mike Bevans.

The family will receive friends to celebrate Dick’s life from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to American Cancer 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