SEDGWICK COUNTY, KANSAS
OBITS
BAKER, MARTHA
Miss Martha Baker died May 27th after undergoing an operation for a tumor at St. Francis Hospital. She complained only two weeks before her death. She was the daughter of Isaac Baker a highstanding and wealthy farmer near Oskloaso, Kansas. She completed the country schools, and graduated from the "Lawrence Business College" in the class of 1909, and communicated by Gov. Stubbs as a notary, Dec. 17th, 1910. She was one of the best Stenographers in Kans. She was 33 years of age at her death, and employed as notary and Stenographer in the law office of her brother in law, R. B. McWilliams. She was the sister of Mrs. McWilliams and made friends wherever she was known. (Wichita Searchlight, June 10, 1911, page 1)
BROWN, NELLIE ANN
Mrs. Nellie Ann Brown, was born in Hart county, Kentucky, Jan. 1833 and died Jan. 28, 1909 at the age of 76. She was married to Mr. Jas. Brown in 1853 and afterward moved with him to McPherson, Kans where they raised an excellent family. Later they moved to Wichita, Kans. Where for the last four years ago they have since resided. More than 50 years ago she professed to be and lived the life of an exemplary Christian woman. She was a beautiful character of devotion to her husband and children. To know her was to love her to mention her was to praise. Indeed she came to her grave in a full age like as a shock of corn cometh in his season. After an illness of 6 weeks which she patiently endured surrender by her good faithful husband and devoted children she yielded up the Ghost and entered the rest which remaineth for the people of God. She was buried from her home in Wichita her funeral was preached by Rev. E. T. Fishback pastor of the New Hope Baptist church of which she was a loved member. She leaves a husband four sons two daughters respectively Mrs. Fanny Richardson - of Chicago and Mrs. Ida Frazier and a host of relatives and friends to mourn. Her loss is Heaven's gain. Truly mother in Israel has fallen asleep in Jesus.
"Asleep in Jesus!" oh, how sweet To be for such a slumber meet: With holy confidence to sing That death has lost its venomed sting." (Wichita Searchlight, February 6, 1909, page 3)
Apropos of the jubilee of the death of Mrs. Browning, it is not generally known that the event occasioned one of the tenderest things her husband ever wrote. He tended her alone the night before she died and wrote of her passing in a letter of infinite pathes addressed to their mutual friend. Mrs. Blagdon: "Then came what my heart will keep till I see her again, and longer, the most perfect expression of her love to me within my knowledge of her. Always smiling and with a face like a girl's; and in a few minutes she died in my arms, her head on my cheek. There was no lingering or acute pain, nor consciousness of separation. God took her to himself as you would lift a sleeping child from a dark uneasy bed into your arms and the light. (Wichita Searchlight, September 16, 1911, page 7)
Miss Luvinia Clark died at 10th & Mosley Saturday. Funeral took place on Sunday. (Wichita Searchlight, July 5, 1902, page 1)
Little Flora Cole 518 N. Wichita a member of Pearl Tent No 6 died last Wednesday morning at 5 o'clock a.m. age 8 years old.
The funeral was held at the A. M. E. Church Rev. J. T. Smith officiating. Flora was a true and trusty member and always punctual at her meetings. We extend our hearty thanks to Moses Dixson tent No. 5 for their kindness during the sickness and death of our little member. We mourn the loss of our little maid. Anna Jones Q. . (Wichita Searchlight, January 22, 1910, page 5)
Miss Fannie Collins, who was operated on at the St. Francis Hospital, died at that place Thursday night. Arrangements for her funeral had not been made when we went to press. (Wichita Searchlight, May 24, 1902, page 4)
Samuel H. Davidson, who died in London, O., a few days ago, at the age of 86 years was locally famous for having kept an uninterrupted daily record of the weather for the past seventy years. He was the village oracle on this subject and his record was acceptable unhesitatingly by his townsmen as accurate. (Wichita Searchlight, April 6, 1901, page 4)
Mrs. Francis Deemer, one of Wichita's pioneer and most highly respected colored people, died at her late home as a result of a stroke of paralysis. Mrs. Deemer was 86 years old and leaves three children and a host of others. Funeral was held at the Tabernacle Baptist. Rev. M. L. Copeland officiating. (Wichita Searchlight, September 10, 1910, page 5)
The infant of Mrs. H. F. Frazier died last Sunday and was buried Monday eve. The Searchlight extends to Mrs. Frazier its heartfelt sympathies in this loss. (Wichita Searchlight, March 12, 1904, page 2)
Frank Gibbs, one of the pioneer colored men of Wichita, died at the home of his son Walter Gibbs, 213 West Eighth street, at 10 o'clock Tuesday night, October 25th. Cause of death was old age and complications. The deceased was 86 years of age. Funeral services were attended at the home of his son 219 West Eighth. Rev. M. L. Copeland officiated. (Wichita Searchlight, October 29, 1910)
The pastor officers and members of St. Paul A. M. E. church will hold memorial services at the church Sunday night, Feb. 26th in honor of the memory of the late Bishop Abram Grant who died in Kansas City, Kan. Sunday, Jan. 22nd 1911. The following is the program arranged for the occasion.
Everyone is cordially invited to come out and pay respect to the memory of this great church man and race leader.
In Memoriam
Bishop Abram Grant, D. D. Born 1848-Died 1911
1 Hymn "Servant of God, Welcome" - Cong.
2 Invocation -
3 Hymn "Asleep in Jesus" - Choir
4 Scripture Lesson - Pastor
5 Anthem - Choir
6 Obituary - W. N. Miller
7 Solo - "Lead Kindly Light" - Milton Perry
8 Bishop Grant - leader of men - J. T. Chinneth
9 Bishop Grant - The Churchman - Mrs. L. Hill
10 Solo - Mrs. T. W. Fi?
11 Select Reading "The Burial of Moses" - Mrs. C. C. Clayton
12 Bishop Grant - The Friend - Mrs. F. O. Miller
13 Solo - Mrs. Lela Davis
14 RESOLUTIONS
Committee: - Thos Glover, Ed Landrum, W. C. Neeley, J. W. Thompson, J. H. Jones, F. S. Wilkins and Dr. H. T. Delden
J. E. Edwards, Pastor
Prof. Geo. W. White, chorister (Wichita Searchlight, February 25, 1911, page 4)
We regret very much to learn of the death of Rev. W. L. Grant. Rev. Grant died in Kansas City, Ks. Last Monday night. He was one of the leading and very learned dinines of the Baptist Church in Kansas and was well known over the state and in the west. (Wichita Searchlight, December 27, 1902, page 4)
Mrs. Lizzie Green Passes Away
Mrs. Lizzie Green, aged 76, mother of Mrs. W. E. Whitted, died Wednesday morning at her home, 636 North Wichita street. She had been a resident of Wichita for twelve years. The funeral services were held at the home of her daughter, Mrs. W. E. Whitted at 500 North Water Street, Thursday, at 3:30 p.m. Interment will be in Highland Cemetery. Mrs. Green was born in North Carolina.(Wichita Searchlight, November 26, 1910, page 1)
William Hawkins better known as "Chick," died at the home of his sister, Mrs. Nanny Howard, Saturday night. The deceased was a well known young man about the city. Funeral was held at the A. M. E. Church Thursday afternoon, Rev. W. H. Tillman officiating. The deceased was 30 years of age. (Wichita Searchlight, December 22, 1906, page 4)
Mrs. Eliza Ingham died at her late home 17th and Payne avenue on Monday night, August 3rd of old age and complicated diseases. The exact age of the deceased is not known but as near as could be learned she was past 90 years. She was a member of the Tabernacle Baptist Church. Funeral services were held Wednesday at the Tabernacle Baptist Church. She leaves two grand-daughters Mrs. Lizzie Henderson and Mrs. Abbie Anderson and one great-granddaughter, Mrs. Eliza Vernon. (Wichita Searchlight, August 8, 1908, page 2)
After lingering long and suffering untold pain Mr. John A. Hill died at his late home, 1130 N. Wichita, December 29, 1905, or dropsy and hemorrhages. Mr. Hill had not been a resident of Wichita but about four months and came to this city from Slater, Cooper County, Missouri, where he was born March 28, 1861 and was therefore, 44 years, 9 months and 1 day old at the time of his death. He was a Christian man and a member of the A. M. E. church. His funeral was held Sunday, December 31 at the A. M. E. church, conducted by Rev. H. W. King, pastor.
Mr. Hill leaves a devoted wife, six children, several brothers and sisters, a loving mother and many wrm friends. (Wichita Searchlight, January 6, 1906, page 1)
Miss Beatty Jackson one of the promising young ladies of our city died at the home of her mother Mrs. Joana Jones, last Sunday at high noon. She had been ill for several weeks and her death was sorely regretted by all it was not wholly unexpected for several days. The deceased was a sincere and consistent Christian and had a host of warm friends among both young and old. She was a faithful member of the New Hope Baptist Church. She was born April 10, 1892. (Wichita Searchlight, March 27, 1909, page 5)
Mrs. Nannie Jackson died at her residence, 343 N. Main st., last Saturday about 12:10 (noon). Mrs. Jackson had been sick for a long time and her death was not altogether a surprise to the many who knew her condition in health. Few deaths caused so widespread sorrow as that of Mrs. Jackson. She had lived in Wichita for a number of years and had gathered around her a host of warm and admiring friends. These friends were eager to do some good deed that would alleviate the pain and the misery that was the lot of Mrs. Jackson during her long and lingering illness, but all that they did and all that they desired to do, could not accomplish the desires of ? and of Mrs. Jackson that was, that Mrs. Jackson could recover. She lingered until the time heretofore named when she parted with friends and kindred and went to the world where pain and misery are unknown to any mortal. The internal services which were held at the A. M. E. church last Monday afternoon at 2:30, was one of the largest attended that we have ever witnessed in this city. There was a strange coincident connected with the funeral services of Mrs. Jackson in the fact that Rev. P. d. Yochum who conducted the funeral services which marked the last rite; over this good lady had the pleasure more than 27 years ago of baptizing Mrs. Jackson and taking her into the church in their former home in Springfield, Mo.
Mrs. Nannie Jackson was born in Grayson County, Tx., Aug. 27, 1860 and was at the time of her death, 42 years, 2 months and 23 days old. She moved to Springfield, Mo., with her parents when quite a small girl and lived there a number of years. She was married to Jas. Jackson June 5, 1886, and came to Wichita Jan. 18, 1890 and had resided here ever since. She leaves a mother 4 sisters and 2 daughters. Her daughters are Mrs. Jno T. Obinneth and Mrs. A. T. Glover, both residing in this city. She had been sick several months. (Wichita Searchlight, December 27, 1902, page 5)
Rev. John J. Jefferson died at his late home at 1124 N. 5th Street Tuesday morning. He had been sick for the past 18 months and his death was not unexpected. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon from New Hope Baptist Church under the auspices of Home of the West lodge No. 2906 G. U. O. O. F. The funeral sermon was preached by Rev. W. H. Tillman assisted by Rev. W. H. Burrill, pastor of New Hope. A large attendance was present. He leaves a wife, one brother and many warm friends. (Wichita Searchlight, September 2, 1905, page 1)
Mr. Geo. Jones of Maize, Kans., died at his home last Sunday. Mr. Jones had been sick for a long time. He is the father of Rev. Matt Jones, now of Atchison. Funeral was held at the 2nd Baptist Church Thursday - conducted by Rev. H. F. Frazier. (Wichita Searchlight, May 30, 1903, page 2)
Mrs. Millie Kirtley the oldest colored woman in our city died Feb. 14th. She was 73 years old. (Wichita Searchlight, March 4, 1911, page 5)
Miss Susie E. Kyle, who has been sick for the past year, died at the home of her mother, 239 N. Water street Thursday morning about 10 o'clock.
Miss Kyle was one of Wichita's very promising young ladies and had hosts of warm friends in this city.
Her death while not unexpected will be learned with sorrowful hearts by all who were acquainted with her.
As we go to press no arrangements for the funeral had been made. (Wichita Searchlight, March 18, 1905, page 2)
Richard Love Jr., the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Love, 1017 N. Wichita died at the home of his parents Tuesday morning. (Wichita Searchlight, January 2, 1909, page 2)
Alonzo Miller, one of the well known colored men of this city, died Monday morning at St. Francis hospital. He had been sick about three months. He was born in Gallatin, Tenn., about fifty years ago, and came to Wichita about twenty years ago. Four children and a brother survive him. Funeral services were held at the Second Baptist Church, Wednesday afternoon conducted by Rev. M. L. Copeland of Arkansas City, Kans. (Wichita Searchlight, September 12, 1908, page 2)
Miss Flossie Miller, eldest daughter of Mr. Alonzo Miller, died at the home of her grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Watson, 1626 N. Topeka, on Monday evening. Miss Miller had been sick for a long time.
The many friends of the family extend their symphthies. (Wichita Searchlight, August 19, 1905, page 2, typed as was in paper)
Geo. W. Miller, one of the prominent colored men of our city died at his late residence, 1024 N. 5th. St. on Saturday night, Oct. 29th, 1910. Mr. Miller had only been sick a short time and his death was somewhat of a surprise to his many friends. The deceased was born in Gallatin, Tenn. And was about 57 years of age at the time of his death. He came to Wichita about 1902 and had lived here ever since. On Dec. 25th, 1908, he was married to Mrs. Martha Bryant, who survives him. He was for 26 years a member of the Second Baptist Church. He lived a consistant Christian. Funeral services were held at the 2nd Baptist Church Monday Oct. 31st. Rev. Geo. W. Smith pastor officiated. He leaves a widow, four nieces and six nephews and many warm friends.
Card of Thanks
We wish to thank our many friends and neighbors
for the recent sickness and death of our beloved husband and relative, Geo. W. Miller.
Mrs. Geo. W. Miller and relatives. (Wichita Searchlight, November 12, 1910, page 5)
Miss Helen Miller, daughter of Mrs. M. Miller, 925 N. Wichita street, died at the family resident Thursday at midnight. She had only been sick a short time and her death came as a surprise to her many friends.
Helen Miller was born in Wichita, Kan., June 7, 1890 and had lived in our city since her birth.
Funeral services were held at the residence Saturday afternoon. (Wichita Searchlight, November 9, 1907, page 2)
Mrs. Thornton Morton who has been ill for the past week died Jan. 13th She had lived here since 1866 and leaves a husband and daughter, She was 68 years old. Her daughter Mrs. Johnson of Kansas City, Mo. Arrived on 12th. Funeral preached by Rev. C. C. Teal of Coffeyville and was largely attended by white and black. (Wichita Searchlight, January 19, 1901, page 2)
Howard Murdock, age 70 years died at Martha Washington hospital Thursday night, January 11, from the effects of a pistol shot from a pistol which was accidentally discharged while in his hand Sunday night. The accident occurred at Williams and Tremont Sunday night and the ball struck his leg just above the knee. None thought the accident was serious and he was taken to the hospital.
Mr. Murdock was Odd Fellows of more than 35 years' experience. He had been a resident of Wichita for more than 20 years. Mr. Murdock has two sons, a daughter, and many other relatives who live in Texas. All arrangements for the funeral have not been completed. (Wichita Searchlight, January 13, 1906, page 2)
Joseph Ownes, one of the oldest colored barbers in the city died suddenly Monday night at the home of Walter Gibbs, 219 West 8th where he had stopped to rest for a while. Death was caused by heart failure. He has apparently in good health, although for the past three years he has suffered much sickness, but seemed to be mending fast. He was a member of Arkansas Valley lodge No. 21 and had been a resident of Wichita for a number of years. He has no relatives in the city. (Wichita Searchlight, June 2, 1910, page 1)
Mrs. Caroline Parker, wife of Miles Parker died at her late home, 922 N. Wichita St., Wednesday night, March 22nd. She was 67 yrs. 12 days old at the time of her death. She was a faithful Christian. Mr. Parker left Thursday afternoon with her body for Guthrie where the funeral will be held.
She leaves three sons four daughters, a husband and many grand and great-grandchildren. (Wichita Searchlight, March 25, 1911, page 4)
Mrs. Rebecca Pattison died at her late residence 1801 South Mosley, Wednesday, February 1st, 1910. She was born in Richmond, Va., about 1845 and was about 65 years old. For more than 30 years she was a member of the A. M. E. Church which she joined while living in Roanoke, Mo. She was the mother of two children. Since coming to this city about eight years ago she has been unable to attend church on account of her physical infirmity. Funeral was held Wednesday February 2nd at the A. M. E. church, Rev. Jas. T. Smith officiating. (Wichita Searchlight, February 5, 1910, page 1)
After a lingering illness of several months James M. Perry died at his late residence 1623 N. Topeka Ave. Wednesday morning of that dreaded Brights disease and propsy. The decease was bore in Winonia, Miss. Feb. 14th, 1858 where he resided until 1879 when he came to Kansas locating at Eureka where he lived until he came to Wichita in 1904. He was a stanch Christian and a member of Cabbells Chapel M. E. Church, 15th and Wabash. He was also a chapter member of Mt. Nebo Temple No. 7 Knight of Tabor. He is survived by his widow and five children.
Funeral services were held at Cabbells Chapel's M. E. Church Rev. G. T. Wooten pastor officiating and the services were under the auspices of Mt. Nebo Temple No. 7. (Wichita Searchlight, January 14, 1911, page 4)
James Ridpath, father of John Clark Ridpath, the eminent historian died recently in Spokane, Wash., at the age of 84 years. He was born in Virginia and went to Indiana when 20 years old and later moved to Minnesota. He was a member of the first Minnesota senate and served several terms. Mr. Ridpath was subsequently state senator in Dakota and a prominent mining operator in the Black Hills. He went to Spokane ten years ago. (Wichita Searchlight, May 25, 1901, page 6)
Susie Russ, age 29 years daughter of Mrs. Susan Miller died at the home of her mother 519 N. Water Sunday. Funeral was preached Tuesday at the A. M. E. Church Rev. J. E. Edwards pastor officiating. (Wichita Searchlight, April 1, 1911, page 4)
Mrs. Betty Shoots, wife of Chas. Shoots died Saturday morning April 13th. The deceased had been sick for some time and had undergone an operation. Her death was not altogether unexpected. Mrs. Shoots was born in Davidson county, Tennessee, January 8, 1852 and was 55 years of age at the time of her death. She was married to Chas. Shoots in 1879 in her native county where she lived till 1883 when she and her husband came west locating first in Columbus, Kansas, and in 1885 they moved to Wichita where she remained till the day of her death. She leaves no relatives save her husband. The many friends of the family extend to the bereaved husband their full sympathy. (Wichita Searchlight, April 20, 1907, page 5)
Mr. Ben Summytt died at his home 1247 N. Mead last Tuesday afternoon at 8 p.m. Mr. Summytt was one of Wichita's pioneers and was one of her most highly respected citizens. He was about 708 years of age was born in the state of Louisiana and was a full blood Choctaw Indian by birth. Mr. Summytt had been a resident of Wichita for more than twenty years. He leaves a wife, a son, E. Thaddius Summytt at present an employee of the post office as routing clerk. The Searchlight extends to the bereaved family its most sincere and tenderest condolence in this, the hour of their greatest berievement. (Wichita Searchlight, August 29, 1903, page 2)
The body of Miss Amelia Thompson who died in Santa Fe N. Mex. Arrived in our city over the Santa Fe Sunday morning accompanied by her sister Miss Alice Thompson. Sunday afternoon in the midst of a throunging congregation of friends and former acquaintances the last tribute of respect was paid to her memory at the A. M. E. church. The services were impressive and all who were present felt deep the Soleminty of the accession. The funeral was conducted and proached by Rev. M. W. Ming pastor assisted by Rev. S. S. Washington, W. H. Burrill, W. H. Tillman, J. Mitchern and D. K. Mickleberry, all of whom took part.
The pall bearers were six girls friends of the deceased young lady, dressed in white and who were members of the young ladies club.
The floral offering were tasteful beautiful and
expensive and bespoke the high esteem in which Miss Thompson was held. On the part of the song service of which
she was an ardent worker, a beautiful floral wealth was laid. After the funeral was preached by rev. King and the
body was viewed by the friends a large number follows to the Cemetery where the enterment was had. (Wichita Searchlight,
January 13, 1906, page 1)
WALKER, MRS.
Mrs. Walker, wife of Mr. Joshua Walker died at the family home, 1327 S. Main st. last Friday night. Mrs. Walker had been sick for several months. She was a member of the Second Baptist church and her funeral took place from that church last Sunday and was conducted by Rev. S. M. Hall. She leaves a husband, one child, a sister and a host of friends.(Wichita Searchlight, October 31, 1903, page 2)
WALTERS, ARTHUR MRS.
Mrs. Arthur Walters, 25 years old, died here Tuesday of lockjaw. Last Sunday she had 14 teeth drawn. The next day she became quite ill and it was thought this condition was due to the anaesthetic she took when the dentist operated upon her. Monday unmistakeable signs of tetanus developed and the woman suffered frightful agony. (Wichita Searchlight, October 10, 1908, page 4)
Mrs. Margueritte Watson died Thursday night at the home of her daughter; Mrs. Ambrose Morris, 1447 Barwise. Mrs. Watson was one of Wichita's most highly respected citizens and had made her home in this city for a number of years. Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon Oct. 10th at the Second Baptist church. (Wichita Searchlight, October 10, 1908, page 2)
Matilde Weber, who recently died at Tubingen, age seventy-two was one of the pioneers in south Germany in the movement for securing greater privileges for women. (Wichita Searchlight, October 26, 1901, page 3)
Clarence Leslie Whitesell was born in Burlingame, Kansas, March 28, 1882, died at Wichita. April 4, 1903. He was, therefore 21 years, 10 months and 7 days old at the time of his death. (Wichita Searchlight, April 11, 1903, page 2)
Willie Wilkins who fell from the car and broke his leg, died, Sunday evening July 11th at 5 p.m. at the Saint Francis Hospital while having an operation performed on him. (Wichita Searchlight, July 17, 1909, page 5)
Maurice Allen Fox, age 56 of Rowlett, TX, passed
away June 28, 2007. He was born October 30, 1950, in Wichita, KS, to James and Sadie (Chadwick)
Fox. He worked at Karlee for 24 years, served in the U.S. Army Reserves, and was a member of Southern Drag Boat
Association. Maurice was a loving husband
and father, and his family and friends meant everything to him. He will be dearly missed. He is survived by wife:
Cindy Fox of Rowlett; daughters: Karen Renee and Nicole Marie Fox; mother: Sadie Fox; brother: David Fox; sisters:
Carol Grove and Linda Dunn. He is preceded in death by his father. (Unknown paper, June 2007, submitted by Kristy
Fox)
Mary Ruth Schultz
Haysville --- Mary Ruth Schultz, 25, died Wednesday morning in Wichita.
She was born Jan. 25, 1934, in Hutchinson. She was a member of the Central EUB Church.
Survivors include her mother, Mrs. Ruth Ann Mears, of the home; sisters, Mrs. Karl Ash, Denver, Colo., Betty Louise
Mears, of the home, half-brother, Steven, and step-brother Larry, both of the home; Maternal grandmother, Mrs.
Orneta Lanning, and paternal grandmother, Mrs. Maude Smith, both of Hutchinson.
The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at the Central EUB Church, Hutchinson, Rev. Robert Brown officiating, with
burial in Eastside Cemetery. (Hutchinson News Hutchinson, Reno County, Kansas Thursday, October 2, 1959 page –
3 *** column – 2 submitted by Rose Stout)
OLD SETTLER DEAD
Carl Goers Has Lived in Wichita Over Thirty Years
Carl Goers, one of the oldest settlers of this
county, died at his residence, 335 South Water street, at 7:30 o'clock Sunday morning. He was seventy-three years
of age and has been a resident of this city for over thirty years. He was a carpetner and has plied his trade in
this city for a great many years. The funeral services will occur at the home this morning at 10 o'clock. He leaves
a wife and three children, Messrs. Gertise and Guy Boers of this city and a daughter in Washington territory.
NOTE: Burial is in Highland Cemetery, Wichita, Kansas ~~ Lori DeWinkler)
(Wichita Eagle ~ Tuesday ~ July 11, 1902 ~ Submitted by Lori DeWinkler)
HEART ATTACK KILLS JUDGE CLARK OWENS
District Judge Clark V. Owens, probate and juvenile court judge for 13 years until his election to the district court bench in 1976, died Saturday night of a heart attack.
Owens, 62, had a history of heart ailments and suffered four heart attacks between 1956 and 1970.
The fatal attack came at about 8 p.m. Saturday at his home while he was watching television. He was taken to Wesley Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 9:16 p.m.
His successor to the district court judgeship will be appointed by Gov. Robert Bennett.
Owens was born in El Dorado, Kan., where he attended the public schools and junior college. He graduated from Southwestern College at Winfield, Kan., in 1938.
He taught school two years at Herington, Kan., and five years at Wichita North High School. He then attended Washburn University Law School, graduating in 1947.
Owens then set up law practice in Wichita. He became a juvenile court judge pro tem in 1957 and part-time police court judge in 1959.
In 1963, then Gov. John Anderson, Jr., appointed Owens as Sedgwick County probate and juvenile court judge. He succeeded James V. Riddel, whom Anderson appointed to the district court to succeed the late Judge Clement Clark.
Owens was elected to the probate-juvenile court judgeship in 1964. He was re-elected probate judge five times. In 1976, when court unification created four new district court judgeships, Owens was elected to the district court bench.
As juvenile court judge, Owens created legal controversy in which he was upheld by the Kansas Supreme Court in 1966. The Legislature had raised the age of juvenile jurisdiction from 16 to 18 years old and designated the use of the Industrial Reformatory at Hutchinson for holding juvenile offenders.
Owens refused to do that and was challenged by the attorney general and Sedgwick County district attorney. In 1966, however, the Kansas Supreme Court upheld Owens' stand.
Judge James Noone and Michael Corrigan, two close friends who were among several judges who went to Owens' home Sunday to console his family, said Owens had been at the forefront of moves to improve facilities for the housing and treatment of juvenile offenders and mental patients.
Noone said that Owens, who served on numerous committees that dealt with the problems of juveniles and mental patients, never lost interest in juveniles, even when the juvenile and probate courts were separated in 1971 and Owens continued as probate judge.
Corrigan said Owens was firm but compassionate. "If he saw a way to do some good for a young person, he pulled out all the stops to get it done.....I know for a fact that he took a lot of the worries home with him."
Owens is survived by his widow, Sally; a son, Clark V., II; a daughter, Mrs. Sandra Gouchenour, and a sister, Mrs. Vonna Castoe.
The funeral service will be 4 p.m. Tuesday at Byrd-Snodgrass Funeral Home Downtown. Burial will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Wetmore (Kan.) Cemetery.
Memorials have been established with the Sedgwick
County Heart Association, Woodland United Methodist Church and the debate department of Southwestern College.
(Wichita Eagle ~ December 5, 1977 ~ Submitted by Lori DeWinkler)
Copyright © 2011 to Kansas Genealogy Trails' Sedgwick County host & all Contributors
All rights reserved
