Obituaries F-L

A B C D E F G H J K L M N O P R S T U V W

FIREBAUGH, EARL M.
Earl M. Firebaugh, 96, Augusta, retired Mobil Oil Co. division chief gauger, died Monday November 20, 2000.
His funeral service will be 2 p.m. Friday, November 24, at the First United Methodist Church, 2420 N. Ohio.
He was born August 28, 1904 to Alvin and Lina (Stevenson) Firebaugh in Linwood.
On July 12, 1928, he and Gladys O. Varner were united in marriage in Augusta.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and a life member of the Augusta Kiwanis club.
He is survived by his sons and daughter-in-law, Jim and Ellen Firebaugh of Augusta, Bob Firebaugh of New Castle, Wyo.; brother, Carl Firebaugh of Boulder Colo.; grandchildren Scott, Larry, Greg, Pat, Jarred Firebaugh, and Deidre Christen; 11 great-grandchildren.
Memorials to Augusta Kiwanis Club and First United Methodist Church have been suggested.
Cochran Mortuary of Wichita is in charge of arrangements.
Augusta Gazette, 20 November 2000
Contributed by Marland Boucher

FIREBAUGH, GLADYS O. (VARNER)
Gladys O. Firebaugh, 87, of Augusta died Wednesday, October 8, 1997, at the Augusta Medical Complex.
Friends may call at Cochran Mortuary, 1411 N. Broadway, Wichita, until 8 p.m. tonight.
Memorial service will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, October 11, at The First United Methodist church of Augusta. Rev. Vern Bowers will officiate. Private family entombment will follow in Elmwood Mausoleum.
Gladys O. Varner was born November 17, 1909, to Charles O. and Gertrude (Long) Varner.
She married Earl M. Firebaugh July 12, 1928, in Augusta. she was a homemaker.
She was a member of First United Methodist Church, Chapter AF of P.E.O. and Hypatia Club.
Survivors are husband, Earl Firebaugh of Augusta; sons, Jim Firebaugh of Augusta and Bob Firebaugh of Newcastle, Wyo.; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
A memorial has been established with Augusta First United Methodist Church.
Augusta Gazette, 10 October 1997
Contributed by Marland Boucher

FISH, BETTY
Betty Fish, 7-months-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Fish, formerly of Emporia, died Saturday morning (January 26, 1924) at the home of her parents in Augusta, Ks. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon (January 27) and burial was in an Augusta cemetery.
Frank Fish, father of Lawrence Fish, went to Augusta for the funeral.
The Emporia Gazette, 29 January 1924
Contributed by Marvel Bollinger Delahaye

FRETZ, DANA DOREE (BOUCHER)
Dana Doree Fretz, 45, Beaumont, Texas, formerly of Augusta, died Friday, Nov. 22, 2002.
Her funeral services were held Monday, Nov. 25, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Beaumont.
An additional service will be held at I p.m. Friday, Nov. 29, 2002 at the Augusta First United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery.
Dana, loving mother, wife and daughter, was born Dec. 1, 1957, in Wichita, the daughter of Marland R. and Vicky S. Varner Boucher.
She graduated from Augusta High School in the spring of 1975, where she was a home coming queen candidate.
She attended Butler County Community College in El Dorado and dental assistant school in Wichita.
On Sept. 3, 1977, she married Allen Kenneth Fretz Jr., in the Augusta First United Methodist Church, where she had been baptized. Dana was initiated into the P.E.O. Sisterhood on May 3,1983. She was the third generation and 28th family member of the organization.
In November of 1983, Dana and Kenny moved to Beaumont when Mobil Refinery in Augusta was closed. The have one son, Kyle Doran Fretz who attends Westbrook High School. Dana was a very active member of the Wesley United Methodist Church.
Survivors, in addition to her husband, son, and parents are: grandfather, Raymond D. Boucher of Augusta; aunt, Kathy Baker of Plano, Texas; numerous other family members and many friends who will miss her dearly.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 5144, Beaumont, Texas, 77726; American Heart Association, Beaumont Division, P.O. Box 7015, Beaumont, Texas 77726; Leukemia Society of America, 10777 Northwest Freeway, Suite 600, Houston, Texas, 77092; Beaumont Public Library, 801 Pearl, Beaumont, Texas, 77701. Broussard's Mortuary of Beaumont had charge of the arrangements. Local arrangements were directed by Hillside Funeral Home of Augusta.
Augusta Gazette, 26 November 2002
Contributed by Marland Boucher

GERDES, MARGARET LUCILLE (WATSON)
Margaret Lucille (Watson) Gerdes, 83, of Cheney, formerly of rural Latham, died Saturday, April 15, 2000. Services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 18, at Resthaven Mortuary Chapel in Wichita. Interment will follow in Resthaven Gardens of Memory.
She was born on a farm near Latham to Chauncey and Gladys (Thompson) Watson. She moved to Tucson, Ariz. in the fall of 1953 and married Lester M. Gerdes on Nov. 4, 1953. They later moved to Seattle. He preceded her in death in 1984.
She graduated from Latham High School and moved to Wichita in 1934 where she worked for Service Foundry. She attended and graduated from Wichita Business College. She was a secretary for Boeing of Wichita and Seattle.
She is survived by a brother, Winfred E. "Winnie" Watson and his wife Arverna of Wichita; sister, Bonnie Jean Morris and husband, Walter of Goodman, Mo.; sister-in-law, Ernestine Watson of Salina; six nephews and two nieces.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Roy and Dale.
El Dorado Times, 17 April 2000
Contributed by Jan Reading

GFELLER, ALICE V. (BRENZIKOFER)
Alice V. Gfeller, 93, of Burns, died Sunday, March 5, 2000, at Beverly Health Care Cent in El Dorado. Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 8, at Ebenezer United Methodist Church in Burns. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. today, March 7, at Lamb-Nutter Mortuary in Whitewater.
She was born Sept. 14, 1906 near Burns to Jacob and Emma (Schupbach) Brenzikofer. She married Arnold Gfeller at Burns on May 9, 1926. He preceded her in death Oct. 9, 1986.
She was a homemaker, a member of Ebenezer United Methodist Church and a graduate of Burns High School.
She is survived by three sons, Harold Gfeller of EL Dorado, Richard Gfeller of Trenton, S.C. and Don Gfeller of Burns; one sister, Marguerite Moffitt of Grove, Okla.; 15 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
A memorial has been established for the Ebenezer United Methodist Church. Contributions may be sent in care of the funeral home.
El Dorado Times, 8 March 2000
Contributed by Jan Reading

GOOD, VIRGIL ROY
Virgil Roy "Buck" Good, 79, of El Dorado, died Sunday, March 12, 2000, at his home in El Dorado. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 16, at the Beaver United Methodist Church in Beaver, Okla.
He was born June 15, 1920 at Brownfield, Texas to Milton Paul and Carrie Lee (Kyle) Good. He was the seventh of eight children. He soon acquired the name of Buck or Buckie from an older sister who couldn't say "little brother." Instead she said "little Buckie," which he was known as for several years. He finally outgrew the "little."
Buck graduated from Dickens High School in Bronte, Texas in 1939. He served his country in the United States Coast Guard from 1942 to 1945.
He married Joy Jackson in Lubbock, Texas, on Aug. 8, 1948. They soon moved to Ashland, where they farmed. In 1959, the Goods moved to Beaver, where Buck worked for Ashland Oil as a pumper. He retired on April 15, 1983. In 1996, Buck and his wife moved to El Dorado. Joy died Dec. 5, 1996.
He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Kyle and Mary Martha Good of El Dorado; a daughter, Levell Good of Golden, Colo.; one brother, G. W. Good of Moline; and three grandchildren, Meredith and Milton Good of El Dorado and Sarah Clark of Golden.
Memorials have been established for the Senior Citizens in Beaver, Okla., Beaver United Methodist Church, or Bradford Memorial Library in El Dorado. Contributions may be sent in care of Carlson Funeral Home.
El Dorado Times, 14 March 2000
Contributed by Jan Reading

GOREE, ESTHER RUTH (YELTON)
Esther Ruth Yelton Goree, 85, of Tulsa died April 30, 2001, at Tulsa. She was born June 25, 1915, in El Dorado, Butler Co Kan., to Paul and Julia Marcum Yelton. She was a homemaker.
Survivors include her children, Tom and WillAnn Goree, Jack and Mary Anne Goree, Ginger and Rich Riffel, Bill and Maureen Goree and Gary Goree; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Beth Parks.
Graveside services were May 3 at Floral Haven Memorial Gardens in Broken Arrow, Okla. The Rev. Merton Leigh officiated. Arrangements were by Floral Haven Funeral Home.
Nwar Morning News, 11 May 2001
Contributed by rcrfloyd@aol.com

GRAGG-KIRK, E. DORIS (HOLT)
E. Doris Gragg-Kirk, 70, of Leon, died Tuesday, March 14, 2000, at HCA Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. Services will be 2 p.m. Friday, March 17, at the Leon Baptist Church. Interment will follow in the Leon Cemetery.
She was born April 10, 1929 at Leon to David Ralph and Anne May (Piper) Holt. She lived in Leon most of her life except for a few years after graduating from high school when she lived in Wichita and worked for KFH radio station.
She married Glenn W. Gragg on May 15, 1951. He preceded her in death Feb. 10, 1978. She later married Jess W. Kirk on Oct. 12, 1980. He preceded her in death on April 26, 1993.
She returned to Leon and was a U.S. Postal employee at the Leon Post Office, from where she retired.
She was a member of Leon Baptist Church and Eastern Star where she was a part worthy matron. She was an avid bowler and won a number of tournaments.
She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, John and Debra Gragg of Olathe; two brothers, Ivan Holt of Russell and Don Holt of Topeka; two sisters, Rose Ireland of Leon and Nellie Ruth Broyles of Andover; and two grandsons, Jameson Gragg and Jeremey Gragg, both of Olathe.
In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by her parents, six brothers and one sister.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials for the Leon Senior Citizens. These may be sent in care of Carlson Funeral Home.
El Dorado Times, 17 March 2000
Contributed by Jan Reading

GRIFFITH, MARY LOU (OAKLEY)
Mary Lou Griffith, 69, of Burns, died Tuesday, May 9, 2000 at Regency Manor Nursing Home in Richmond, Ind.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 13, 2000 at Carlson Funeral Home in El Dorado. Visitation will be Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Carlson Funeral Home.
She was born July 22, 1930 at El Dorado, the daughter of James and Vivian (Starr) Oakley. She had been in Indiana for about a year to be near her daughter. She was a homemaker.
On June 5, 1948, she married Jack Elmer Griffith at El Dorado. He preceded her in death on April 3, 1990.
She is survived by: daughter, Linda (Lynn) Retter, Greens Fork, Ind.; granddaughter, April Rosenberger; and great-grandson, Tyler Rosenberger, both of Cambridge City, Ind.
She was also preceded in death by two infant sons.
El Dorado Times, 11 May 2000
Contributed by Jan Reading

HAACK, MARGARET J. (TRUMAN)
Margaret J. "Peg" Haack, 73, of Lincoln, Neb., died Wednesday, March 1, 2000, at Lincoln. Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, March 6, at Roper and Sons Chapel with the Rev. Dr. Lee Spitzer officiating. Interment will follow at Lincoln Memorial Park.
Visitation will be from noon Friday, March 3, until 9 p.m. Sunday, March 5 at the funeral home with the family greeting friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, March 5. The casket will remain closed on Monday.
She was born Oct. 22, 1926 to John C. and Olive M. (Ernst) Truman. She was a member of First Baptist Church and had lived in El Dorado until 1959 before moving to Lincoln. She was a bookkeeper for Action Realty for 18 years, retiring in 1981.
She is survived by her second husband, Raymond A. "Ray" Haack of the home; a son and daughter-in-law, Paul C. and Debra Burner of Lincoln; two daughters and sons-in-law, Jean and Ronald Manzanares of Lafayette, Colo. and Susan J. and Rev. Dean McPherson of Sutherland, Iowa; a step daughter and spouse, Susan and Rev. Thomas Batsky of St. Joseph, Mich.; sisters and brothers-in-law, Thelma Honn of Topeka, Dorothy Shaw of Melbourne, Fla., Delores and Dwight Marcum of El Dorado and Joanne and Bill Mason of Tavares, Fla.; seven grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her first husband, H. Merle Burner.
Memorials have been established for First Baptist Church Foundation for Music Ministries or Youth Ministries.
El Dorado Times, 4 March 2000
Contributed by Jan Reading

HARLAN, CAROL LEE
Carol Lee Harlan, 76, of Fort Smith, Ark., died Saturday, Feb. 26, 2000, in Fort Smith. Services will be at 2 p.m. March 4, at Jefferson Baptist Church in Eureka with the Rev. Gary Boles officiating.
He was born Nov. 6, 1923 in Madison Township, Madison to Don and Elizabeth (Shunk) Harlan. He married June Marie Sark on May 29, 1947. They moved to Sunset Lake at Pawhuska, Okla. before moving to Fort Smith in 1998. She survives.
He was a pipe fitter in the oil fields and worked for White and Ellis Drilling Co. in El Dorado for 19 years. He also worked for Fina Refinery and retired from Pester Refinery in 1986.
He was a member of First United Methodist Church, VFW Post #1174 in El Dorado, and attended Tonavay schools.
He served his country during World War II in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1946 and then in the National Guard.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by one daughter, Sharon Pennington of Fort Smith; two sons, Donnie Harlan and his wife Martha, and Harvey Harlan, all of Hackett, Ark.; one sister, Ruth Best and her husband Norman of Kilgore, Texas and five grandchildren, Charity and Chris Harlan, David Pennington, Chris Snell and Braden Hamm.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Twilla Smith and Mary Rodman.
Mallory Funeral Home of Spiro, Okla. is in charge of the arrangements.
El Dorado Times, 1 March 2000
Contributed by Jan Reading

HELTON, CLARENCE
Clarence Helton, 80, of Tonkawa, Okla. died Thursday, March 2, 2000 at St. Joseph Medical Center in Ponca City, Okla. Services were held Monday, March 6, at the United Methodist Church with interment at the IOOF Cemetery in Tonkawa.
He was born Sept. 23, 1919, along with his twin, in Morristown, to William Jonas and Minnie Alice (Cullip) Helton. When he was six months old the family moved to Missouri and then to Kansas. He attended grade school at Pleasant Center, a Butler County rural school. He graduated from high school in Potwin.
He married Marilee Moore of Potwin July 12, 1947 in El Dorado. She survives.
He worked for Douglas Aircraft in Santa Monica, Calif. and Tulsa, Okla. before entering the U.S. Air Force during World War II.
After discharge, he was a civilian employee at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City from 1947 to 1955. He owned and operated DairyLand Drive-In in Tonkawa from 1955 to 1965 and later marketed slush machines in the western United States and abroad from 1965 until his retirement in 1991. He continued to do refrigeration work even during his retirement.
Flying was an important part of his life for more than 40 years and for much of that time he owned his own plane. He enjoyed fishing for crappie and was a lifelong quail hunter, always keeping a pair of English Setter dogs. He enjoyed trapshooting for many years, winning the Oklahoma Rookie of the Year title in 1960, as well as many other trophies at registered shoots in Oklahoma and Kansas.
He served on the Board of Directors of the Service Bank of Tonkawa from 1968 to 1978. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Blackwell-Tonkawa Airport Trust for 10 years, acting as treasurer for most of that time. He was a member of the American Legion and the Tonkawa Chamber of Commerce.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his twin brother, Clifford of Oklahoma City; another brother, Marion of Fort Dodge; and a sister, Beulah Diller of El Dorado.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Ellis and Henry; and two sisters, Minnie and Mary Virginia.
Memorial have been established with the United Methodist Church, Tonkawa and the American Cancer Society.
El Dorado Times, 14 March 2000
Contributed by Jan Reading

HINNEN, OPAL (BROOKS)
Opal Hinnen, 77, a longtime resident of Potwin, died Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2000, at Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital following a long illness.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25, at the Potwin Methodist Church. Interment will be at McGill Cemetery in Potwin.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, at Lamb-Nutter Mortuary in Whitewater where the family will greet friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The casket will be closed the day of the service at the church but open for visitation on Thursday.
She was born Feb. 7, 1923 at Arkansas City, to Nathan and Ethel (Throckmorton) Brooks. She married Harold E. Hinnen at Eagle Pass, Texas on April 22, 1943. He preceded her in death Dec. 20, 1992. They moved from Texas to Potwin in 1946.
She was an active member of the Potwin Methodist Church and a former member of the WSCS and the Friday Study Club. She worked at Whitmore Hardware in Potwin for approximately 15 years and delivered the Shopper's Guide in Potwin for 17 years.
She is survived by three sons, Billy Hinnen of Guam, Dean Hinnen of Lumberton, N.C. and Fred Hinnen of Reno, Nev.; two daughters, Janice Bailey of El Dorado and Sharon McAllister of Newton; her mother, Ethel Brooks of El Dorado; one sister, Nina McHatton of El Dorado; two brothers, Robert Brooks of El Dorado and Harold Brooks of Canon City, Colo.; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
A memorial has been established for the Potwin Methodist Church.
El Dorado Times, 24 February 2000
Contributed by Jan Reading

HUTTER, ANDREW CLINTON
Andrew Clinton Hutter, 53, veteran White Eagle worker died at Allen Memorial hospital at El Dorado last night after a long illness. He was forced to quit work at the local refinery in March 1937, due to sickness. He was taken to the El Dorado hospital five days ago. His wife died May 13, 1937.
He was born July 3, 1885 near Douglass and lived here most of his life. He is survived by five daughters, Mrs. Ethel Wilson, Mrs. Viola Stone, Mrs. Maude Stroud, Edith and Bertha Hutter all of Augusta; three sons, Clinton, John and Joe of Augusta, and two nephews, Clarence Walworth and Paul Jones, Augusta; and two grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock in the Dunsford chapel. Burial will be in the Elmwood cemetery.
Augusta Gazette, 14 July 1938
Contributed by Marland Boucher

HUTTER, FLORA ETHEL (SAPP)
Mrs. Flora Ethel Hutter, 46, died at her home just east of Augusta at 6 o'clock Thursday evening after a week's illness. She had been in poor health for a number of months. She was born in Augusta, May 10, 1891 and had been a resident here all her life. She was a member of the Haverhill Christian church.
She is survived by her husband, Andrew C.; five daughters, Mrs. O.S. Wilson, Mrs. M.G. Stone, and Mrs. Delbert Stroud, all of Augusta, and Edith Andoria and Bertha Mae who live at home; three sons, Andrew C. Jr., John C. and Joe Henry all of who live at home. Also her mother, Mrs. A.E. Sapp, Augusta; two sisters, Mrs. George Tatgmeyer, Augusta; Mrs. J.R. Cummings, Burrton; three brothers, William and Ralph Sapp of Augusta, and John Sapp, Haverhill. Also two granddaughters and one nephew.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday afternoon at 2:300 0'clock at the Dunsford Funeral home with Edwin G. Michael, pastor of the Augusta Christian church in charge. Burial will be in Elmwood cemetery.
Augusta Gazette, 14 May 1937
Contributed by Marland Boucher

HUTTER, JOHN C.
The high school gymnasium named in his honor three years ago will be site of a Saturday morning funeral for John C. Hutter, former football-basketball-track coach here.
Hutter, the school's winningest basketball coach with a record of 340-121-1, died yesterday at the St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Wichita at the age of 66.
His funeral will begin at 10:30. a.m. Saturday in the high school gym. Rev. Thomas Kelly, assisted, by Rev. Amos Williams, will officiate, Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery.
Memorials to a high school scholarship fund and/or the Augusta Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) have been suggested by the family.
John Calvin Hutter was born here Jan.28, 1917 to Andrew Clinton and Flora Ethel Sapp Hutter.
His first wife, the former Thelma R. Thompson, died Feb.13 1970. His second wife, Loventrice, survives.
The teacher-coach also leaves three sons: John Jr. of Glenview, Ill., Tom of Yukon, Okla.; and Clint Of Oklahoma City, Okla.; two brothers, Clinton and Joe, both of Augusta; a sister, Edith Budette of Ozark, Mo., and six grandchildren.
After coaching here from 1944 to 1966 Hutter coached at Hoisington before retiring to Great Bend in 1976.
"When I came to Augusta, the high school had only two basketballs," Hutter said at the March 4, 1981 gym dedication ceremony during a sub-state basketball tourney. "The junior high basketball team had only one basketball. There were 13 football jerseys and they were black. My wife sewed patches on to keep. them usable. If the other team was going to, wear their dark jerseys, we had to wear our white, practice jerseys."
Hutter never had a state champion in basketball but came close several times. His only state championship came in track in 1956.
Hutter coached the AHS Orioles to two undefeated seasons and 27 straight victories between 1957 and and 1959. The '57 and '58 teams were undefeated, but there was no state playoff system.
Clare Patterson Jr., a former pupil of coach Hutter, said, "He taught us to be good sports. When we lost, we were to think about what we did wrong and why we lost. More than anything else, I think he taught. us not. to make mistakes."
Former school board president Frank Miller played. on one of the football teams coached by Hutter. Miller said Hutter was a fair disciplinarian with a "natural gift" to bring out the best in young athletes.
Augusta Gazette, 26 January 1984
Contributed by Marland Boucher

JACKSON, JESSE J.
Former Augusta resident Jesse J. Jackson, 78, died Wednesday, August 23, 1995 at Whitewater.
There will be no services for the retired Beech machinist and rancher.
Jackson was born in Burns on August 3, 1917 to Albert and Mattie (White) Jackson. He married Marjorie Greer on October 17, 1943 in Augusta. They one brother and one sister preceded him in death.
Jackson had been in the U.S. Air Force, a member of the United Methodist church, Elks, Past President of the Bowling League and maintained the pro shop at the bowling alley.
He is survived by his daughters; Sara Wescott of El Dorado, Ann Simmons of Benton, and Jane Coria of Tulsa, Okla.; several grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Augusta Gazette, 25 August 1995
Contributed by Marland Boucher

JACKSON, LILLIE MAY (PATTERSON) OPPERMAN
Lillie May "Patterson" Jackson died December 28, 1999 in Denver, Colorado. She was born August 12, 1913 at Andover, Kansas the daughter of Albert Mansfield and Lillie Martha "Harris" Patterson. Lillie was the 8th of 11 children. She lived in the Augusta area most of her life.
On April 18, 1933, she and William Fredrick Opperman, Jr. were united in a ceremony at Winfield, Kansas. Bill died August 23, 1946.
On January 15, 1947 Lillie and Marvin Jackson were married in a ceremony at Augusta. Marvin died August 31, 1989 in Glenrock, Wyoming. To this union one son, Curtis was born.
Survivors include her son Curtis, two grandchildren, Julie and James, a sister, Lovey Boucher of Augusta, and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, two sisters, Alberta Dagel and Connie Urban, and seven brothers, Lee, Loy, Ryle, Ross, Clive, Fay and Clare, preceded her in death.
Lillie was buried in the Glenrock Cemetery, Glenrock, Wyoming, next to her husband Marvin.
Never published, 28 December 1999
Contributed by Marland Boucher

JACKSON, MARJORIA G. (GREER)
Retired secretary Marjoria G. Jackson, 71, El Dorado, died Thursday, November 1. She was a member of the Augusta Order of Eastern Star.
Funeral services were today at Kirby-Morris Funeral home in El Dorado. Burial was in Walnut Valley Memorial Park Cemetery.
Jackson was born January 5, 1919 in Haverhill to Jim and Augusta Nixon-Greer. Jackson lived in Butler County all her life, and married Jesse J. Jackson on October 17, 1942 in El Dorado.
Survivors include husband, Jesse of the home; three daughters, Jane Dunn and Sara Westcott of Tulsa, Okla., Anna Jackson of El Dorado; a brother, John Greer of Topac, Ariz.; a sister Mary McKenna of Huntington Harbor, Calif.; seven grandchildren.
A memorial has been established with the American Heart Association.
Augusta Gazette, 11 November 1990
Contributed by Marland Boucher

JACKSON, MARVIN R.
Graveside services and burial of Marvin R. Jackson, 77, of Glenrock will be conducted at 3:30pm Tuesday at the Glenrock Cemetery by Rev. Roger Hawthorne of Winter Memorial Presbyterian church.
Mr. Jackson died August 31, 1989, at Wyoming Medical Center following a lengthy illness. He was born November 16, 1911, at Burns, Kansas, the son of Alberet T. and Mattie F. " White" Jackson.
On January 16, 1946, he married Lillie May Patterson in Augusta, Kansas.
Mr. Jackson had been a farmer and rancher all his adult life, and moved to Glenrock in April 1989 from Kansas.
He is survived by his wife and one son, Curtis Jackson, both of Glenrock; one brother Jess Jackson of El Dorado, Kansas; and two grandchildren.
Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
The Star Tribune, Casper Wyoming, 3 September 1989
Contributed by Marland Boucher

JAMES, MARC A.
Marc A. James, 45, of Brookline, Mo., formerly of El Dorado, died Tuesday, April 4, 2000, at his home. Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. today, Saturday, April 8 at Sunset Lawns Cemetery in El Dorado.
He was born Nov. 21, 1954 in El Dorado to Buddy and Masie James. He graduated from El Dorado high School in 1972 and had been a resident of the Brookline-Republic area for several years. He was a member of the Republic Church of Christ. He loved God and his family. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and bowling.
He is survived by his mother, Masie James of Brookline; a brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Debbie James of Lone Grove, Okla.; a sister and brother-in-law, Lisa and Curtis Blankenship of Marionville, Mo. and nephews and nieces, Kent and Kelli James of Lone Cove and Michael, Michelle and Amanda Blankenship of Marionville.
He was preceded in death by his father and a nephew, Christopher.
El Dorado Times, 24 February 2000
Contributed by Jan Reading

JANZEN, HILDA G. (NEUFELDT)
Hilda G. Janzen, 92, of North Newton, died Monday, March 13, 2000, at Kidron Bethel Village. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Zion Mennonite Church in Elbing. Interment will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Zion Mennonite Church Cemetery. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, March 17, at Lamb-Nutter Mortuary where the family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
She was born May 3, 1907 at rural Inman to Dietrich and Sara (Balzer) Neufeldt. She married Louis A. Janzen of Elbing on Oct. 27, 1933 at the Hebron Mennonite Church near Buhler. He preceded her in death April 15, 1992.
She was a lifelong homemaker living near Elbing then North Newton. She was a member of the Zion Mennonite Church in Elbing.
From 1959 to 1968, she served on the Executive Committee of the General Mennonite Church Women's Missionary Association representing the West District Conference. She was also a member of the Newton Art Association for many years.
She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Sarah and Fremont Regier of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe; three sons and daughters-in-law, John and Reinhild Janzen of rural Newton, David and Joanne Janzen of Evanston, Ill. and Mark and Hendrikje Janzen of rural Newton; 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Memorials have been established with Victim Offender Reconciliation Program, 900 N. Poplar, Newton and the Newton Area Art Association, 128 E. 6th St., Newton.
El Dorado Times, 17 March 2000
Contributed by Jan Reading

JOHNSON, AUTHOR CARR
Author Carr Johnson, 56, here in Cleveland, Okla., April 28, 1936, Funeral services be held in Cleveland Friday morning, 10:30 o'clock, at Christian church, and burial will be in Woodlawn cemetery, Cleveland.
Author Carr Johnson, son of Mr. and Mrs. J, M. Johnson was born at Franklin, Ky., July 16, 1879. When six years old, the family moved to Augusta, Kan., where his early years were spent. He attended school there and graduated from the Augusta high school, with high scholastic attainments.
In 1906, he married Miss Grace Nevins of Augusta, Kan. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were born four children, Wilma, Arthur, Helen and James.
The family moved to Cleveland in 1921, at which Mr. Johnson assumed charge of the Bates Lumber Co., which he was managing at the time of his death.
Always a leader, Mr. Johnson was associated with civic affairs In Cleveland and served as a member of the city commission for a number of years, and was an active member of the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary club. He was also a member of the commandary branch of the Masonic lodge here at Cleveland, doing everything in his power to better its interests.
Mr. Johnson joined the Presbyterian church at Cleveland in the year 1930, and was an active member up to the time of his death.
The deceased is survived by his widow, Mrs. Grace Johnson, two daughters, Wilma Johnson of Coronado, Calif., and Helen Johnson of Cleveland; two sons, Arthur, of Oklahoma City, and James, attending school at A. & M., Stillwater; his mother, Mrs. J. M. Johnson of Augusta, Kan one sister, Mrs. J. M. Alley, of Augusta, Kansas; three brothers, Cecil, of Frederick, Okla.; Guy of Cherokee, Okla.; and Earl of Chula Vista, Calif.
In his passing, another Cleveland pioneer has gone from our midst. Beloved by his family, his business associates, his neighbors and friends, his parting from this community has caused a loss that can never be replaced.
Cleveland, OK, about 30 April 1936
Contributed by Marland Boucher

JOHNSON, CARL DEAN
Carl Dean Johnson, 64, of Kansas City, Mo. died Tuesday, Feb. 29, 2000, at Truman Medical Center in Kansas City, Mo. Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, March 3, at Hillcrest Cemetery in Florence.
He was born Nov. 25, 1935 in El Dorado to J.C. and Cecil Cordella (Pinon) Johnson. He had lived in Kansas City since 1963 and worked as a tree trimmer. He was a member of the Christian Church.
He is survived by two sons, Carl Dean Johnson, Jr. of Wichita and Randy Johnson of Kansas City, Mo.; a daughter, Cathy Bookout of Wichita; two brothers, Leslie Johnson of Wichita and Robert Johnson of Denver; five sisters, Evelyn Casey of Wichita, June McHatton, address unknown, Frances Eastman of Wichita, Betty Vannaman of Wichita and Marilyn Holcomb of Derby.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Ray; a sister, Velma Estes; and his twin sister, Carol Jean Dold.
Memorials have been established for the American Cancer Society. Contributions may be sent in care of Carlson Funeral Home.
El Dorado Times, 2 March 2000
Contributed by Jan Reading

JOHNSON, JENNIE H. (ROBINSON)
Jennie H. Robinson was born December 6th, 1869, near Lomont, Cook county, Illinois, [daughter of Harriett & James Robinson] and died at Newton, at 12 o’clock, Tuesday night, December 19th, 1816, aged 50 years and 13 days.
Came to Kansas with her parents at the age of four and settled on a farm in Milton township, Butler county near Brainerd where she lived until she was 17, then made her home with S.R. Clifford’s, in Clifford township for nine years; at which time she was married to Geo. Johnson, October 19th, 1893; and lived on the Johnson farm where they lived eleven years. Then moved to their own present home. One child, Ethel, was born to this union.
A loving and devoted wife and mother and always ministering to the wellfare of her neighbors, especially to the sick and afflicted. She became a member of the Methodist Church when a young woman About for years ago she had a fall which gave her an injury from which she suffered continually.
Besides her husband and daughter, she leaves to mourn her untimely loss, her mother, Mrs. Harriet Robinson, four sisters and two brothers, Emily Miller, Lucinda Robinson, and her twin brother, Robert Robinson of Whitewater, Kansas, Elizabeth Balter and Jas. Robinson of Tomball, Texas; a number of more distant relatives and a host of friends.
Services were held at the home at ten-thirty a. m., Thursday. Burial in the Pleasant Center Cemetery. The Rev. Chas. E. Whitman, pastor of the M.E. Church in Peabody, conducted the services in Peabody.
Relatives from a distance were: Jno. Johnson, Minier, Ills., Jas. Robinson, Timball, Texas, J.W. Johnson, Newton, Kansas, and Martha Smith of Wichita, Kansas.
[Note: Jennie was the twin sister of Robert James Robinson.]
Whitewater Independent, 4 January 1917
Contributed by llwool@aol.com

JOHNSON, JENNIE H. (ROBINSON)
Jennie H. Robinson was born December 6th, 1869 near Lemont, Cook County, Illinois, and died at Newton, at twelve o’clock, Tuesday night, December 19th, 1816, aged 50 years and 13 days. Came to Kansas with her parents at the age of four and settled on a farm in Milton Township, Butler county near Brainerd where she lived until she was 17, then she made her home with S.R. Clifford’s, in Clifford township for nine years; at which time she was married to Geo. Johnson, October 19th, 1893; and lived on the Johnson farm where they lived eleven years, then moved to their own present home. One child, Ethel, was born to this union.
A loving and devoted wife and mother and always ministering to the wellfare of her neighbors, especially to the sick and afflicted. She became a member of the Methodist Church when a young women. About for years ago she had a fall which gave her an injury from which she suffered continually.
Besides her husband and daughter, she leaves to mourn her untimely loss, her mother, Mrs. Harriet Robinson, four sisters and two brothers, Emily Miller, Lucinda Robinson, and twin brother, Robert Robinson of Whitewater, Kansas, Elizabeth Balter and Jas. Robinson of Tomball, Texas; a number of more distant relatives and a host of friends.
Services were held at the home at ten-thirty a.m. Thursday. Burial in the Pleasant Center Cemetary.
The Rev. Chas. E. Whitman, pastor of the M.E. Church in Peabody, conducted the services in Peabody.
Relatives from a distance were: Jno. Johnson, Minier, Ills., Jas. Robinson, Timball, Texas, J.W. Johnson, Newton, Kansas, and Martha Smith of Wichita, Kansas.
[Note: this obit has several error’s, but is the same as it appeared in this newspaper. Jennie is the twin sister of Robert James Robinson.]
Whitewater Independent, 4 January 1917
Contributed by llwool@aol.com

JOHNSON, LISSIE ANN (CARR)
After an illness of four and one- half days, Mrs. Lissie Ann Johnson, 86, died shortly after noon Thursday in the home of her daughter, Mrs. James M. Alley, 1125 State street.
This interesting and well-beloved resident was born February 20, 1856 in Gallatin, Tenn., the daughter of Nancy and Daniel M. Carr. She was married to James M. Johnson on September 28, 1878 at Gallatin. Mrs. Johnson has been a resident of Butler county for the past 60 years, coming here from Franklin, Ky. She was a member of the Methodist church.
Surviving are her daughter, Mrs. Alley, and the following sons - James Cecil, Frederick, Okla.; Guy B., Cherokee, Okla.; Earl M. of Huntington Park, Calif. Surviving sisters are Mrs. E. C. Varner, Augusta; Mrs. R. L. Hanes, Shawnee, Okla.; Mrs. C E. Naylor, Dundee, Tex. J. A. Carr of Frederick, Okla., is the surviving brother. Her husband's death occurred in May, 1923.
Funeral rites are scheduled for Saturday at 2:30 p.m. in the Dunsford chapel. Rev. A. H. Tebben will conduct the service. Interment will be in Fairview cemetery in the family lot. Pall bearers will be nephews.
Mrs. Johnson was the mother of nine children, five having preceded her in death. In addition to the four children named above, survivors include 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Since the death of her husband, she has made her home with Dr. and Mrs. Alley. She will be greatly missed by her son-in-law, Dr. Alley, whose boon companion she was as well as the remainder of this immediate family, Mrs. Alley, and sons, Jim and Dick.
Augusta Daily Gazette, 8 May 1942
Contributed by Marland Boucher

KENT, JAMES
Uncle Jimmie Kent died at his home in this city last Thursday evening at nine o'clock, after a lingering illness of about three years, and was buried in the Douglass Cem. the following Saturday, July 5th.
Mr. Kent, who was one of the early settlers of this locality, came to Douglass in 1872. He was born in Franklin Co., Pennsylvania in 1827, moved to Illinois in 1850 and was married to Elizabeth Forgy March 25,1858, she dying November 8, 1872. By that union four children were born, two of them, Mrs. M. Theetge and Doug Kent, are still living.
He married May 14, 1876 to Nancy Cunningham and six children were born to them, two of whom are now living.
The funeral services were conducted at the home of Rev. F.M. Romine, after which the Masonic Lodge of Douglass took charge of the body and conducted the remainder of the ceremony. Mr. Kent having been a member of that order over 35 years.
Douglass Tribune, 11 July 1902
Contributed by Marland Boucher

KEPLAR, MILDRED F. (HARTGROVE)
Mildred F. Keplar, 94, of rural Joplin, Mo., formerly of El Dorado, died Sunday evening, Feb. 20, 2000, at a Joplin nursing home after one year of ill health. Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23, at the Oak Grove Baptist Church, south of Joplin, with the Rev. Johnny Wilkins officiating. Graveside services will follow at 3:30 p.m. at Sunset Lawns Cemetery in El Dorado. Her grandsons will serve as pall bearer.
She was born Oct. 28, 1905 near Kansas City, Mo. to William and Alice Hartgrove. She married Edward Keplar July 5, 1924 in El Dorado. He preceded her in death on June 30, 1952.
She moved to the Joplin area 16 years ago from El Dorado. She was a kitchen helper in several area restaurants. she attended the Oak Grove Baptist Church south of Joplin.
She is survived by three sons, Harry Keplar of El Dorado and George and Bob Keplar, both of Joplin; three daughters, Alice Markle of Joplin, Mary Lou Drew of El Dorado and Ruby Keplar of Chanute; a sister, Caroline Osler of Boise, Idaho; 28 grandchildren and numerous great- and great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two sons, Richard and Bill Keplar.
Memorial contributions may be made o the Oak Grove Baptist Church. Arrangements are under the direction of the Mason-Woodard Mortuary, Joplin.
El Dorado Times, 21 February 2000
Contributed by Jan Reading

KNUPP, JACOB C.
A long time and highly respected resident of Augusta, Jacob C. “Jake” Knupp, 88 died yesterday afternoon at his home. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. in the Dunsford chapel with Rev. Victor A. Major conducting the service. Interment will be in Elmwood cemetery.
Mr. Knupp was born in Yankee Bush, Pa., the son of Adam and Mary Knupp. He was wed to Nora Gibney December 24, 1885 in Warren, Pa. Her death occurred December 20, 1948.
Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. R.W. Johnson and Mrs. Harley Boucher of Augusta; two grandchildren, Ed Johnson of El Dorado and Mrs. Beulah Black of Augusta; and one great- grandson.
Mr. Knupp was well-known here as arig builder and contractor. He came to Butler county in 1916 from Oklahoma. He was a member of the Masonic lodge.
Augusta Daily Gazette, 20 June 1950
Contributed by Marland Boucher

KNUPP, NORA (GIBNEY)
Private funeral services for Mrs. Jacob C. Knupp will be held at the Dunsford chapel Wednesday at 10:30 a. m. Mrs. Knupp aged 80 years, died at her home on east Twelfth street Monday morning.
Nora Gibney Knupp was born at Homesdale, Pennsylvania. She was married to Jake Knupp December 24, 1885 in Warren, Pa. Two daughters, Mrs. Harley Boucher, Jr. and Mrs. R.W. Johnson of Augusta survive. A brother, E.L. Gibney lives in Pampa, Tex. and a sister, Mrs. Ruth Irvin, in Mt. Jewett, Pa.
There are two grandchildren, Mrs. David Black of Augusta, and Edward Johnson of El Dorado; also a great-grandson, Phillip Johnson of El Dorado.
Mrs. Knupp with her family moved to Oklahoma from Pennsylvania in 1906 and to Butler county in 1916.
Rev. Victor A. Major will conduct the funeral service. burial will be in Elmwood cemetery. The casket will not be opened at the service.
Augusta Daily Gazette, 21 December 1948
Contributed by Marland Boucher

LAND, MARY V. (VOLK)
Mary V. Land, 80, of El Dorado, died Sunday, Feb. 27, 2000, at Via Christi - St. Francis in Wichita. Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, March 3, at Chapel Hill Cemetery in Kansas City, Kan. Cremation has preceded the services.
She was born July 15, 1919 in Franklin to Edward and Elizabeth Volk. She attended school in Franklin. She married Charles C. Land on July 15, 1943 in Girard. He preceded her in death on Feb. 27, 1973.
She was a retired sales clerk for W.T. Grant's Department Store. She moved to the El Dorado area from Kansas City in October, 1991. She was a member of the Slavene National Benefit Society.
She is survived by three sons, Robert W. Land of El Dorado, Edward P. Land of Westwood and Lawrence L. Land of Kansas City; one brother, Paul Volk of Franklin; eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and one son, Charles C. Land, Jr.
A memorial has been established for the American Diabetes Association. Contributions may be sent in care of Kirby-Morris Funeral Home.
El Dorado Times, 1 March 2000
Contributed by Jan Reading

LEBEN, HALLIE MARIE (BROADIE)
Hallie Marie Leben, 74, of El Dorado, died Wednesday, March 1, 2000, at Via Christi - St. Joseph Medical Center in Wichita. She had suffered a stroke a year ago and died while a resident of Briarwood Nursing Center in Wichita. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 4, at the First United Methodist Church in El Dorado. Interment will follow in Sunset Lawns Cemetery.
She was born May 2, 1925 at Shaland to Elmer R. and Hallie Martha Broadie.
She graduated from Ashland High School in 1943 and Kansas State University in 1947. While at K-State, she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. Upon graduation, she took a job teaching home economics in Caney. She left there for a teaching position in El Dorado which she held until 1952.
She married Archie Leben on Dec. 10, 1950 and they moved to Eureka where they operated a jewelry store. They returned to El Dorado in 1958 and she became a full time mother until her two sons were older. After her children were grown, she became active in the real estate business with Archie and was a licensed broker.
She was an active member of Beta Sigma Phi for more than 40 years and held every office in that organization. She was also active in the Book Lovers' Club and Lydia Circle of the First United Methodist Church where she was a member. She was a former member and past president of the El Dorado Soroptimist Club and The American Legion Auxiliary.
She is survived by her two sons, Sam Leben of El Dorado and Steve Leben and his wife Ann Warner of Fairway; a brother, Harold Broadie of Sun City West, Ariz.; two sisters, Marcile Tucker of Green Mountain Falls, Colo. and Margaret Keller of Valley Stream, N.Y.; two grandchildren, Dan Leben of Nashville, Tenn. and Kim Leben of El Dorado; three step grandchildren, Laura Arnspiger, Tom Arnspiger and Sara Arnspiger, all of Fairway.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Archie, on April 22, 1997; her parents and a brother, Raymond.
A memorial has been established for the Butler County Community College Endowment Association, Archie and Hallie Scholarship. Contributions may be sent in care of Carlson Funeral Home.
El Dorado Times, 2 March 2000
Contributed by Jan Reading

LEWIS, LUTHER
Luther Lewis, 83, of El Dorado, died Saturday, April 15, 2000, at Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 18, at Carlson Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Sunset Lawns Cemetery.
He was born Feb. 25, 1917 at Carl Junction, Mo., to Luther B. and Evelyn E. (Jones) Lewis. He came to Kansas with his parents in 1918, and attended schools in El Dorado.
He served his country in the United States Air Force during World War II. In November, 1952, he married Jewel Maxine Thomas in El Dorado. She survives.
As a hobby, he and his brother were licensed pilots and organized and were charter members of the Bluestem Flying Club located at the El Dorado Airport during the 1950s. As an enjoyable hobby, Luther and Maxine had a very large garden every year and sold produce to the El Dorado community. He was a member of the Baptist Church and the Moose Lodge.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Gail Lewis of Emporia; daughter and son-in-law, Elaine and Russell Carlton of Leon; brother, Elton Lewis of El Dorado; three sisters, Joan Harper of El Dorado, Arlene Hendricks of Bentonville, Ark. and Myrna Fair of Wichita; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial has been established for the American Diabetes Association. Contributions may be sent in care of the funeral home.
El Dorado Times, 17 April 2000
Contributed by Jan Reading