CARPINO, TONY
ARMA — Tony Carpino, 92, of Arma died at 5:50 p.m. Sunday, June 6, 2010 at the
Girard Medical Center at Girard, Kansas. Mr. Carpino was born December 19, 1917 at Croweburg, Kansas the son of
Mike and Tracy Chiappetta Carpino.
Tony was a retired machinist who worked for McNally Foundry until retiring in
1983. He also worked for Bottenfields and Carntion Milk. He was raised in Arma and graduated from Arma High school
in 1936. Tony’s hobbies were fishing, gardening, crafts, bowling and an avid Jayhawk Basketball and Chicago Cubs
fan. He married Angie Arabia on January 25, 1947 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Arma. Angie survives at the home.
Tony was a veteran of World War II serving in the U.S. Army as a sergeant. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic
Church at Arma, Lon Helm Post #182 American Legion at Arma, and the Eagles. Survivors include his wife Angie of
the home, a daughter, Linda Carpino of Arma, and a brother, Frank Carpino of Chicago, Illinois. Tony was preceded
in death by his parents, a sister, Rose Mary Bridwell and two brothers, Jim and John Carpino.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 9, 2010 at the St.
Joseph Catholic Church at Arma with Father Lawrence Carney as celebrant. Burial will be at the Pittsburg Garden
of Memories Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Rosary
will be said at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the church. Friends may call 11 am. to 5 p.m. Tuesday at the Bedene Funeral Home
at Arma. Ft. Riley Burial will conduct full military graveside rites. The family suggests in lieu of flowers memorials
to the Northeast High School Foundation. Donations may be sent to or left at the Bedene Funeral Home, 517 E. Washington,
Box 621, Arma, Kansas 66712. (The Morning Sun, June 7, 2010, submitted by Jody Edens Spencer)
CHAPMAN, NATHAN JAMES
PITTSBURG — Nathan James Chapman, 26 of rural Pittsburg, KS died Friday, August
27, 2010 at the Via Christi ER from a sudden unexpected illness.
He was born January 26, 1984 at the Freeman Hospital in Joplin, MO, the son of
James P. and Sherryl (Beaver) Chapman. He attended Pittsburg schools and graduated from the Pittsburg High School
with the class of 2002. He was currently a sophomore at Labette County Community College, where he was enrolled
in Computer and Information Systems.
He enjoyed listening to all types of music and spending time with his family,
friends and pets. He was a passionate video gamer and avid computer user. He also loved watching movies and working
with his Dad at Chapman’s Locksmithing. Nathan was an exceptional student, he was invited to join the Phi Theta
Kappa Chapter, for membership in the International Honor Society. He tutored several students in college courses.
Survivors include his parents, a sister Audrey Hubler and husband Scott of Webb
City, MO, a brother Jake Chapman and wife Rhonda of Phoenix, AZ; maternal grandparents Keith and Marilyn Joann
Beaver of Pittsburg; four nephews Jacob, Jonathan and Joseph Hubler, Jesse Edward Ross; two nieces Isabella Hubler
and Alyssa Ross. And a special niece Rose.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Charles and Pauline Chapman,
maternal great-grandparents Marion and Letha Moore, and a paternal aunt Cheryl Halford.
Memorial services will be 2 pm Thursday, September 2, 2010 at the Bath-Naylor
Funeral Home with Rev. Daryl Gaddy officiating. Condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor.com. Memorials may be
made to the Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City Mo. these may be left at or mailed to the funeral home. Nathan's
parents request no gifts of food or visits, at the family home during this time of grief.
Services and arrangements are under the direction of the Bath-Naylor Funeral
Home 522 S. Broadway, Pittsburg, KS 66762. (The Morning Sun, August 30, 2010, submitted by Jody Edens Spencer)
CHASE, LAURA JEAN (VANDENBERG)
Laura Jean Chase, 66, passed away Thursday, November 18, 2010 at Medicalodge
South of Pittsburg, Ks.
She was born April 30, 1944 in Grand Rapids MI. the daughter of John and Phyllis
(Dibble) VandenBerg. Laura has lived in Pittsburg since the late 70’S.
Laura married Gary Chase July 1, 1966 in Comstock Park, MI. He survives.
Laura was a dietitian for 12 years where she worked for Shields. Laura spent
most of her time with her family, being a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.
Survivors include her husband Gary of the home. 1 daughter, Caryn Havens and
husband Daniel, 4 sons, Gary Chase and wife Shirly, Scott Chase and wife Michelle, Gerry Chase and wife Kim, and
Eric Chase and wife Dorothy. 4 Step-kids, Ronnie Clark, Rocky Chase, Randy Chase, and Cindy Hensley. 1 Brother,
John VandenBerg of Pittsburg, KS., 2 Sisters, Virginia Brown and husband Dennis, and Ruth Murphy and husband Frank
both of Holcomb, MO. 15 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 brothers Raymond Dibble and Frank
VandenBerg, 1 Sister Maude VandenBerg, 1 grandson, Gordan Chase, and I nephew Michael Patterson.
Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Monday, November 22 at Bath-Naylor Funeral
Home in Pittsburg with Reverend James Fellers officiating.
Burial will follow at the Garden of Memories Cemetery. Visitation will take place
from 1:00 P.M. Monday until service time. Condolences can be sent to www.bathnaylor.com
Memorial contributions can be made out the St. Jude memorial fund. Memorials
may be brought by or mailed to the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home 522. S. Broadway Pittsburg, KS. 66762. (The Morning
Sun, November 21, 2010, submitted by Jody Edens Spencer)
CIARDULLO, FRANK "BUCK"
FRONTENAC — Frank “Buck” Ciardullo, 91, of Frontenac died at 5:10 p.m. Saturday,
Oct. 9, 2010 at Via Christi Hospital at Pittsburg, Kansas.
Mr. Ciardullo was born September 5, 1919, at Arma, Kansas the son of Joseph and
Catherine Grano Ciardullo. Frank was a registered representative for Waddell & Reed Investments, a former linotype
operator for The Pittsburg Sun, and an associate for AFLAC Insurance for 18 years. He was police judge, justice
of the peace, and served on the school board in Arma. He married Velma Serena on December 7, 1946 at St. Joseph
Catholic Church in Arma.
Velma survives at the home. Frank graduated from Crawford County Community High
School in Arma in 1937. He proudly served in the USMC in the 2nd Marine Division, Headquarters Company, 2nd Tank
Battalion in Saipan, Okinawa, Nagashi and Occupied Japan from 1942 until 1946. Frank was a member of Sacred Heart
Catholic Church in Frontenac. Survivors include his wife, Velma of the home, three daughters, Kim Hadj-Hamou and
husband Dr. Tarik of Huntington Beach, California, Dr. Cathy Hartman and husband Michael of Logan, Utah, and Barbara
Hoskins and husband Jim of Joplin, Missouri, two sons, Mark Ciardullo and his wife Jan of Topeka, Kansas and Patrick
Ciardullo of Las Vegas, Nevada, two granddaughters, Hilary Hoskins of Austin, Texas, and Katia Hadj-Hamou of Portland,
Oregon. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, John Ciardullo and a sister, Vernice Watson.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 13, 2010 at
Sacred Heart Catholic Church at Frontenac with Father Robert Spencer as the celebrant. Burial will be at the Pittsburg
Garden of Memories Cemetery. Rosary will be said at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Bedene Funeral Home in Arma where the
family will receive friends to 7 p.m. following the rosary. The USMC Burial Detail will conduct graveside flag
folding services. The family suggests memorials to the Sacred Heart Altar Society or the St. Ann’s Altar Society.
Donations may be sent to or left at the Bedene Funeral Home, 517 E. Washington, Box 621, Arma, Kansas 66712. (The
Morning Sun, October 11, 2010, submitted by Jody Edens Spencer)
CLARKSON, RAYMA ANN (BICKNELL)
BAXTER SPRINGS — Rayma Ann Bicknell Clarkson, 56, 1429 Park Ave., passed from
this life December 23, 2010, at her home.
Rayma was born Dec. 18, 1954, in Columbus, KS. Her parents were the late Howard
and Bobbie Jo “Sunday” (Carter) Bicknell. She had lived in Baxter Springs most of her life.
She worked several years in the management of their family businesses; Howard’s
Cardinal Food Store and Simple Simon’s Restaurant, Baxter Springs, KS. She attended Tennessee Prairie Church. She
had been a member of Briarbrook Country Club, Carl Junction, MO. where she enjoyed playing golf.
Surviving is one son, Casey H. Clarkson (wife, Jennifer), Lawrence, KS; her mother,
Sunday Bicknell, Baxter Springs, KS; maternal Grandmother, Verna Estle Myers, Baxter Springs, KS; two sisters,
Jeneen Coy, Branson, MO and Marva Dale Bicknell, Nashville, TN; one half-brother, Tim Bicknell, wife Denise, Houston,
TX; several nieces, nephews, and a large extended family.
Rayma’s wishes were to be cremated under the care of Derfelt’s Baxter Chapel,
Baxter Springs, KS.
Memorial services will be at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, December 30, 2010 at Derfelt’s
Baxter Chapel. Burial will be in Baxter Cemetery, Baxter Springs, KS.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be designated to the Baxter Museum
in care of SE KS Community Fund, Pittsburg, KS. (The Morning Sun, December 28, 2010, submitted by Jody Edens Spencer)
DeLANGER, CARLA C.
Carla C. (Caldwell) DeLange, 76, of rural Girard, Kansas, died at 4:26 p.m.,
Wednesday, November 24, 2010, in the Girard Medical Center.
She was born November 1, 1934 in Washington, Iowa, a daughter of Howard and Gladys
(Scranton) Caldwell. She grew up and attended schools in Washington.
Carla married Howard F. DeLange in November of 1965 in Washington. He survives
of the home.
She was the Administrator of the DeLange Seed House, west of Girard.
Carla was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Girard, where she held
numerous offices and was currently the church secretary. She enjoyed her work in the church, her family and friends,
and playing the piano.
Survivors, in addition to her husband, Howard F. DeLange, of the home; a son,
Darrin DeLange and Jill of Girard; a daughter, Carrie Glenn and Heath of Topeka, Kansas; grandchildren Katelyn
Glenn, Derrick DeLange, Logan DeLange, and Benjamin DeLange; a brother, David Caldwell of Winter Springs, Florida;
a sister, Betty Frost of McDonough, Georgia.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Frank, Tom, and Dale
Caldwell.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, November 30, 2010 in the First
Presbyterian Church in Girard with Rev. K. O. Noonoo officiating. Burial will be in the Girard Cemetery. The family
will receive friends from 7:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Girard where friends
may call after 1:00 p.m., Sunday.
Memorials are suggested to the Mentoring Program at Haderlein Elementary School
in Girard and these may be left at the church or the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home, 518 W St. John, Box 258, Girard,
66743. (The Morning Sun, November 27, 2010, submitted by Jody Edens Spencer)
EICHHORN, SISTER MARIE CELINE
Pittsburgh, Pa. — Sister Marie Celine Eichhorn died on Wed. Oct. 20, 2010. Beloved
daughter of the late Frederick and Barbara Eichhorn, sister of the late Otto, Fred, Joseph, George and William
Eichhorn, Elizabeth Brazil and Josephine Blancho. Several loving nieces and nephews. A member of the Sisters of
St. Francis, she served in the Dioceses of Pittsburgh, Altoona-Johnstown and San Juan, Puerto Rico for over 30
years as an elementary school teacher, principal and catechist. In 1967, Sister Marie Celine pioneered the Community’s
Mission Project in Berquisimento, Venezuela where she served for 13 years. The past 15 years, Sister has been active
in the Prayer Ministry of the congregation. Sister Marie Celine will be remembered fondly for her gentleness in
life, her dedication to missionary activities and her fidelity to the Franciscan way of life. (The Morning Sun,
October 27, 2010, submitted by Jody Edens Spencer)
HOBBS, GERTRUDE M. (PLUMLEE)
ARMA — Gertrude M. Hobbs, 94, of Arma, formerly of Victorville, Calif., died
at 4:45 a.m. Sunday, November 21, 2010, at the Arma Care Center in Arma, Kan.
Mrs. Hobbs was born February 16, 1916, at Bativa, Arkansas, the daughter of Garland and Carrie Guthrie Plumlee.
Gertrude was a homemaker who was raised in Arkansas and graduated from Bativa High School in Bativa, Ark. She lived
in Kansas most of her life. She married Jeff Hobbs on February 27, 1938, at Harrison, Ark. Mr. Hobbs preceded her
in death in 1987. She was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Victorville, Calif. Survivors include two daughters,
Karen Hobbs of Hooks, Texas, and Janice Hobbs of Mulberry; four sons, Arthur Hobbs of Wagner, Okla., David Hobbs
of Rosemond, Calif., Richard Hobbs of Yuba City, Calif., and Bill Hobbs of Kingman, Ariz.; 16 grandchildren; 32
great-grandchildren; and six great-great-granchildren; a sister-in-law, Alma Plumlee of Oregon; and several nieces
and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three sisters, Helen Plumlee, Mabel Bailey, and
Pauline Williams; and three brothers, Raymond, Dale and Roy Plumlee.
Graveside services will be at 11 a.m., Monday, November 29, 2010, at the Rosebank Cemetery in Mulberry with the
Rev. Billy Wells officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Monday at the Bedene Funeral
Home in Arma. Arrangements are under the direction of the Bedene Funeral Home, 517 E. Washington, Arma, KS 66712.
(The Morning Sun, November 27, 2010, submitted by Jody Edens Spencer)
McCLENDON, EMMA ETHEL (DUVALL)
ARMA — Emma Ethel McClendon, 101, of Arma, formerly of Gross, died at 5:55 p.m.
Friday, July 30, 2010, at the Girard Medical Center in Girard, Kan.
Mrs. McClendon was born Sept. 26, 1908 at Ransomville, Kan., in Franklin County to William and Ellen Caple Duvall.
Emma was a homemaker who was raised in Ransomville and Gross and lived in Gross until moving to Arma in 1979. On
Feb. 27, 1933, she married Tom McClendon at Lamar, Mo. Mr. McClendon preceded her in death Dec. 17, 1981.
Survivors include a son, Jerry McClendon and his wife Marilyn of Arma; a daughter, Bertha Hencey and her husband
Richard of Arma; and a grandson, Gary McClendon of Arma.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; three sisters, Maude Wilson, Ruth Marcen and Marion Duvall;
a brother, John Duvall; and a niece, Lucille Marcen Dixon, who was raised in the home.
Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2010, at the Sheffield Cemetery near Arcadia with Pastor
Jeff Ross officiating. Friends may call 1-4 p.m. Monday at the Bedene Funeral Home in Arma.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Bedene Funeral Home, 517 E. Washington,
Box 621, Arma, KS 66712. (The Morning Sun, August 1, 2010, submitted by Jody Edens Spencer)
MITCHELL, EARL "RED" E.
GIRARD — Earl E. “Red” Mitchell, 79, formerly of Girard, died at 4:09 p.m., Saturday,
October 9, 2010, in the Girard Medical Center in Girard following a short illness.
Red was born October 5, 1931 in Greenfield, Missouri, a son of Charlie and Nettie Mitchell. He attended schools
in Greenfield, Missouri and he farmed with his father in the Missouri area.
He married Mary Lea Wilcox of McCune, Kansas on July 3, 1951 in Bentonville, Arkansas. She preceded him in death
on September 24, 1983. He married Mildred P. Brooks Wolff on May 3, 1985 in the First Baptist Church in Girard.
She preceded him in death on April 15, 2000.
He farmed in the McCune area from 1953 until 1963 before moving to Girard in 1963 to begin employment with VA-Co-HY
Printing. He retired from Forms Manufacturing Printing in Girard in 1993.
He was a member of the Crawford County Saddle Club for many years and the Sons of the American Legion Post No.
26, American Legion of Girard.
Survivors are sons Tommy Mitchell and wife Lee of Oskaloosa, Kansas, Timmy Mitchell and wife Debbie of Independence,
Kansas, and Teddy Mitchell and wife Donna of Girard; daughters are Theresa Roberts of Pratt, Kansas, Twyla Simons
and husband Bill of Arma, Kansas, and Tammy Dawe and husband Charles of Weir, Kansas. 18 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren;
a sister, Loretta Yardley of Golden City, Missouri.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, John Mitchell, and a daughter-in-law, Sherry Mitchell.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m., Thursday at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Girard with Pastor Rick
Prideaux officiating. Burial will be in the Girard Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7:00 until 8:00
p.m., Wednesday at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Girard where friends may call after 1:00 p.m., Wednesday.
(The Morning Sun, October 11, 2010, submitted by Jody Edens Spencer)
PAONI, ADAM GEORGE
GIRARD — Dr. Adam George Paoni, 79, of Girard, Kansas died at 2:55 p.m., Tuesday,
November 30, 2010 in the Girard Medical Center surrounded by his family.
He was born February 1, 1931 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the son of Italian immigrants Adamo and Maria (Dragone)
Paoni. He was raised in Philadelphia and attended schools there. He graduated from La Salle College and in 1957
he graduated from Kansas City College of Osteopathy and Surgery.
Adam was a family physician in Raytown, Missouri for twenty-five years and in Evansville, Indiana for twenty additional
years.
He married Greta L. Rakes on June 3, 1959 in Kansas City, Missouri. Together they had three children. They later
divorced and he married Virginia G. Criss in Evansville, Indiana. She preceded him in death.
Adam will always be remembered for his ready smile, quick wit and infectious sense of humor. He enjoyed playing
tennis and chess.
Survivors include sons Dr. Adam S. Paoni and Faith and Dr. Christopher J. Paoni, all of Girard; a daughter, Tracie
L. Zubeck of Raytown; his grandchildren Joshua A. Paoni, Benjamin Paoni, Teddy Paoni, Sienna Paoni, Matt Zubeck,
Sarah Zubeck, Vincent Paoni, and Jarrett Paoni; his sisters, Dr. Dalinda Calio and Gloria D’Agui, both of Philadelphia;
several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a grandson, Christian J. Paoni, his wife Ginny, his parents, his beloved sister, Inez
Troisi, his Uncle George Dragone, and a nephew, Don F. D’Agui.
Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Girard with Fr. Lawrence Carney
as Celebrant. The Rosary will be at 7:00 p.m., Friday at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Girard where the
family will receive friends following the Rosary. Friends may call after 9:00 a.m., Friday at the funeral home.
Burial will be Tuesday in the Girard Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the Girard Medical Center Foundation and these may be left at the church or the Smith-Carson-Wall
Funeral Home, 518 W St. John, Box 258, Girard, 66743. (The Morning Sun, December 1, 2010, submitted by Jody Edens
Spencer)
PAYNE, HELEN M. (DUNGAN)
MULBERRY — Helen M. Payne, 93, of Mulberry died at 8:57 p.m. Sunday, October
17, 2010 at Via Christi Hospital at Pittsburg, Kansas.
Mrs. Payne was born May 22, 1917 at Sheldon, Missouri the daughter of Ira and Beatrice Cornell Dungan. Helen was
a homemaker who lived in the Liberal, Arcadia and Mulberry area most of her life. She and her husband operated
a broom factory in the Liberal and Arcadia area for 20 years. She attended Mulberry Schools. She also worked as
a cook for Sunset Manor Nursing Home in Frontenac for 24 years. She also was a house mother for the original Elm
Acres south of Girard. She married John J. Payne on March 24, 1934 at Nevada, Missouri. They later divorced. She
was a member of the Mulberry United Presbyterian Church and a former member of the Eastern Star. Survivors include
a son, Jack Payne and his wife Mary Lee of Arcadia, four grandchildren, Cindy (Ron) Morton, Kelly (Steve) Base,
Sherry (Jeff) Sisney, and Amy (David) Carpenter, nine great grandchildren, and seven great great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, Margaret Palmer, Flossie Mussat and Oneta Kendall, and
three brothers, Leonard, Raymond and G.T. Dungan.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 22, 2010 at the Bedene Funeral Home at Arma with the Rev.
Bob Cuthbertson officiating. Burial will be at the Rosebank Cemetery at Mulberry. The family will receive friends
from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Friday prior to the funeral services at the Bedene Chapel. The family suggests memorials
to the Mulberry United Presbyterian Church. Donations may be sent to or left at the Bedene Funeral Home, 517 E.
Washington, Box 621, Arma, Kansas 66712. (The Morning Sun, October 20, 2010, submitted by Jody Edens Spencer)
PERRY, JANICE EVELYN (ADAMS)
WILLOW CREEK, Calif. — Janice was born in Weir, Kansas, however, California was
her home. She loved the West Coast and anytime Pastor Perry would take her anywhere else, she always begged to
come back “home” to California. She was an incredible teacher of God’s word, an amazing wife, mother, grandmother,
sister and a fun friend. She will be missed so much. She is survived by:
Her husband Dr. Marvin Andrew Perry, children Paula Jeann Scruggs of Waller, Texas, Cassandra Joy Vera of Galt,
California, Adam Daniel Perry of Murphys, California and grandchildren- KyLeigh Scruggs of Costa Mesa, California,
Talan Scruggs of Waller, Texas, Jackilyn Vera of Galt, California, Jessie Vera of Galt, California, Gage Perry
of Murphys, California, brothers Frank Adams of Pittsburg, Kansas, Charles Adams of Kansas City, Kansas, sisters
Caryl Jean Kallaus of Cherokee, Kansas, Dr. Joyce Adams of San Diego, California, Suzan Dagg of Greenville, South
Carolina. She is also survived by numerous nieces & nephews.
Memorial Services were held on May 2nd at 3:00 pm at First Assembly of God, Willow Creek, CA. Condolences may be
sent to Dr. Marvin Andrew Perry, PO Box 555, Willow Creek, CA 95988. (The Morning Sun, May 25, 2010, submitted
by Jody Edens Spencer)
PETERS, KIMBERLY SUE (WILSON)
MULBERRY — Kimberly Sue Peters, 48, of Mulberry, passed away at 11:00 p.m. Saturday,
November 6, 2010 at her home surrounded by her family.
She was born December 13, 1961 at Pittsburg, the daughter of Maurice Dale and
Beulah L. (Long) Wilson.
On January 29, 1982, she was united in marriage to Rick Peters at Miami, Oklahoma.
In addition to her husband, Rick, she is survived by two sons, Jeremy Peters
of Mulberry and Shawn Peters of Pittsburg; her mother, Beulah Wilson of Arma; brother, Nick Wilson of Parsons;
sister, Tammy Clark of Mulberry; and two grandsons, Axten Eugene Peters and Corbin James Peters.
Mrs. Peters has been cremated and private family services will take place at
a later date. Friends may leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction
of the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg, KS. (The Morning Sun, November 8, 2010, submitted by Jody Edens Spencer)
THOMAS, MAVIS JOLENE (EICHHORN)
LEAVENWORTH — Former Pittsburg resident, Mavis Jolene (Eichhorn) Thomas, 62,
left this earth Sunday, July 4, 2010 at her home in Leavenworth, KS after a long bout with cancer.
Mrs. Thomas was born Feb. 18, 1948 in Arma, KS to Frederick “Fritzy” and Evelyn
(Devlin) Eichhorn, she was the youngest of three daughters. Mrs. Thomas attended St. Mary’s High School in Pittsburg,
KS, where she graduated in 1966, and was voted Miss Pittsburg in July of 1964. She later married Samuel Thomas
of Columbus, KS on April 1, 1967.
Mrs. Thomas was known for her many accomplishments, from coaching T-ball and
soccer teams to making and selling wood crafts at local craft shows. She will be most remembered for her work as
Administrative Assistant with the local Salvation Army Corp office, earning her the nickname of “Miss Mavis”. Her
many duties there included supporting in the application process for assistance of the community’s less fortunate;
gathering participants for the Salvation Army’s winter bell-ringing; commodities distribution programs; organizing
donations and distribution of the Corp’s Angel Tree program; and most notably, organizing, preparing and running
the annual “Spring Fling” auction event, which helped raise donations for the local Corp. Mrs. Thomas was also
an avid NASCAR enthusiast and almost never missed watching a race.
Mrs, Thomas is preceded in death by her grandparents, father, Frederick Eichhorn
and niece Diney Deruy.
She is survived by her husband, Sam Thomas, son, Doug Thomas, daughter Debra
Thomas, sisters Margie Eichhorn and Marie Brinkman, mother, Evelyn Eichhorn of Sunset Manor and 5 grandchildren
as well as various nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 2-3 p.m. Saturday, July 10, 2010 at the Davis Funeral
Chapel, followed by a 3 p.m. memorial service, Saturday at the funeral chapel. Interment of ashes will be held
at Highland Park Cemetery in Pittsburg, KS on July 17, 2010 at 2 p.m., services conducted by Bath–Naylor Funeral
Chapel.
In lieu of flowers the family ask expressions of sympathy be in the form of memorials
to the SEK Humane Society. Friends may drop off or mail memorials to Bath-Naylor Funeral 522 S. Broadway Pittsburg,
KS 66762. Arrangements are by Bath-Naylor Funeral Home of Pittsburg, KS. (The Morning Sun, July7, 2010, submitted
by Jody Edens Spencer)
TRIPP, VIOLA L. (HARTSHORN)
ARMA — Viola L. Tripp 95, of Arma, KS died Saturday November 13, 2010 at Arma
Care Center following a long illness.
Viola was born November 1, 1915 in Yale, KS the daughter of Joseph E. and Lillian
A. (Coffield) Hartshorn. She was a lifelong resident of the area and attended area schools in Yale, KS.
On March 20, 1933 she married Warren Everett Tripp in Girard, KS; he preceded
her in death in October of 1977. Viola was a homemaker. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Pittsburg,
KS.
Survivors include her children Margaret Larson of Pittsburg, KS, Maxine Butler
and husband Jack of Sheldon, MO, Robert Tripp and wife Patsy of Nampa, ID, Joyce Adams and husband Kenneth of Opolis,
KS, Carrol Stow and husband Bill of Scammon, KS and Everett Tripp and wife Margaret of Baxter Springs, KS; 26 grandchildren,
many great and great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, 4 brothers and 2 sisters.
Graveside Services will be 10 am Wednesday November 17, 2010 at the Hosey Hill
Cemetery in Weir, KS with Rev. James Fellers officiating. Family will receive friends from 6-7pm Tuesday November
16, 2010 at the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home in Pittsburg, KS; friends may call the funeral home after 1pm on Tuesday.
In lieu of flowers the family ask expressions of sympathy be in the form of memorials to the Salvation Army in
Pittsburg, KS. Friends may drop off or mail memorials to Bath-Naylor Funeral Home 522 S. Broadway Pittsburg, KS
66762. E-mail condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor.com. Arrangements and services are under the direction
of Bath-Naylor Funeral Home of Pittsburg, KS. (The Morning Sun, November 15, 2010, submitted by Jody Edens Spencer)
WHEELER, KENNETH CHARLES
GIRARD — Kenneth Charles Wheeler, 69, of Girard died at 8 p.m. Friday, December
10, 2010, at his home.
Mr. Wheeler was born September 19, 1941, in Arma, Kan., the son of Frank Lee and Stella Marie Garrett Wheeler.
Mr. Wheeler was a flight engineer for the U.S. Air Force for 20 years. He was raised in Arma and attended Arma
schools. He later attended Pittsburg State University and received degrees in Auto Body and Auto Tech. He owned
and operated Ken’s Den in Franklin from 1993-97. His hobby was painting. He lived in Crawford County most of his
life. Kenneth married Belvialee “Bev” Eaton on March 22, 1963, in Rockville, Md. Mrs. Wheeler survives at the home.
He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving in the U.S. Air Force. He was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church
in Girard. Survivors include his wife, Bev, of the home. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers,
Frank and Leonard Wheeler; and two sisters, Stella Carrell and Shirley McCormack.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, December 14, 2010, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Arma with
Father Lawrence Carney as celebrant. Burial will be at the Sheffield Cemetery near Arcadia. The family will receive
friends from 6-7 p.m. Monday at the Bedene Funeral Home in Arma. The Whiteman Air Force Honor Guard will conduct
full military services. Arrangements are under the direction of the Bedene Funeral Home, 517 E. Washington, Box
621, Arma, KS 66712. (The Morning Sun, December 12, 2010, submitted by Jody Edens Spencer)
WILSON, MATTHEW D.
GIRARD — Matthew D. Wilson, 44, of Girard, died at 1:41 a.m., December 29, 2010
in St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri.
He was born December 27, 1966 in Kansas City, Kansas, a son of Wesley J. Wilson, Jr. and Cleta Kelley. He attended
schools in Kansas City, Marmaton Valley High School in Moran, and he graduated from Piper High School in Kansas
City.
He married Brenda L. Ekis on February 25, 2010 in Arma. She survives of the home.
He owned and operated Excel Lawn Care in Chanute for 20 years and he was currently mowing lawns in the Girard area
and he was a machinist at Carlisle Transmission Products in Fort Scott.
He enjoyed his family, raising horses, hunting and cutting hedge posts.
Survivors, in addition to his wife, Brenda, of the home are daughters Renea L. Wilson of Pittsburg and Alicia R.
Page of Girard; a son, Joshua L. Page of Arma; his grandchildren Dylan, Colten, Colin, Jaelyn, Ashlyn, Makayla,
Aaron, and Alexis; a sister, Cleta Diane Sexton of Parsons; his brothers Wesley of Sea Drift, Texas, Robert of
Savonburg, Aaron of Bonner Springs, and Daniel Wilson of Arma.
He was preceded in death by his mother, a sister, Westina Wilson, and a nephew, Logan Wilson.
Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m., Friday at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Girard with Pastor Glen
Polnack and Pastor Bruce Ganze officiating. Burial will be in the Mt. Moriah Cemetery near Savonburg.
The family will receive friends from 7:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home where
friends may call after 2:00 p.m., Thursday.
Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association and these may be left at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral
Home, 518 W St. John, Box 258, Girard, 66743. (The Morning Sun, December 29, 2010, submitted by Jody Edens Spencer)
ZEMLOCK, RUTH (McNEIL)
FRANKLIN — Ruth Zemlock, 88, of Franklin died at 10:10 a.m. Wednesday, November
3, 2010 at Via Christi Hospital at Pittsburg, Kansas.
Mrs. Zemlock was born June 6, 1922 at Fulton, Kansas the daughter of James Fred and Julia Bettis McNeil. Ruth was
a homemaker, was credit manager for Newmans Department Store, and helped on the family farm. She was raised in
the Arma and Franklin area and graduated from Arma High School in 1939. She married Anton “Tony” Zemlock Sr. on
November 3, 1942 at Pittsburg, Kansas. Mr. Zemlock preceded her in death December 31, 2008. She was a member of
the Arma United Methodist Church, a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary, lifetime member of the VFW,
the S.N.P.J. Lodge #225 at Arma, and the Zivio Slovenci Singers. Survivors include a daughter, Denise Kranker and
her husband Don of Frontenac, a son, Anton Zemlock Jr. and his wife Beverly of Independence, Kansas, a sister,
Dorothy (Joe) Moley of Coffeyville, six grandchildren, James Zemlock, Kim Barker, Tony Zemlock III, Tiffany Corle,
Dallas Kranker and Holly Kranker, eight great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death
by her parents, husband, a brother, William Edward McNeil, and five sisters, Maxine Burnick, Josephine Carr, Florene
Paschetti, Marguerite Hembree and Fern McNeil.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, November 6, 2010 at the Bedene Funeral Home at Arma with Rev. Don
Foster and Rev. Ken Butts officiating. Graveside committal services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, November 8, 2010
at the National Cemetery at Ft. Scott, Kansas. The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday at the Bedene
Chapel at Arma. Casketbearers will be Anton Zemlock III, Dallas Kranker, Mitch Barker, A.C. Corle, Don Kranker,
and Brian Kranker. Honorary casketbearers will be Gene Nuzum, Bob Sayre and Paul Schleicher. The family suggests
memorials to the Franklin Community Center or the Arma United Methodist Church. Donations may be sent to or left
at the Bedene Funeral Home, 517 E. Washington, Box 621, Arma, Kansas 66712. (The Morning Sun, November 5, 2010,
submitted by Jody Edens Spencer)
