Obituaries in Kansas Newspapers (arranged by city)
Frank Fragnella
COLUMBUS -- Frank Fragnella, 76, of rural Columbus, died Monday, Dec. 31, 2001, at Maude Norton Hospital at Columbus from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
He was born June 2, 1925, at rural Columbus, to John and Mary Fortino Fragnella. He was a 1942 graduate of Columbus High School.
He moved to south San Francisco in the 1940s and worked for the local Floor Layers Union laying hardwood floors. He worked for more than 30 years, returning to southeast Kansas in the 1980s.
He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Navy.
Mr. Fragnella was baptized Catholic. He was a member of the Floor Layers Union.
Survivors include one sister, Bena Marie Martisus of Weir and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers Tony, Mike and Joe Fragnella.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 3, at the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home at Weir with Fr. Thomas Stroot officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Bridget's Cemetery at Scammon. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home, where friends may call after 3 p.m. today. Arrangements are under the direction of the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home, at Weir.
Viola Mae Morrison
McCUNE -- Viola Mae Morrison, 64, of McCune, died Sunday, Dec. 30, 2001, at her home.
She was born Sept. 25, 1937, at rural Girard, to Clarence and Mary (Amos) Spillman. She graduated from high school at Cherokee.
She married Wallace Morrison on Jan. 12, 1956, at McCune. They later divorced.
She lived in the Girard area as well as Independence, Mo. For the past five years she lived at McCune. She worked as a dietary aide.
Membership was held in the Church of the Nazarene, Lady Lions Club, and the Senior Achievers Quilting, all of McCune.
Survivors include a companion, Jim Buzard, of McCune; two sons, James Morrison, of Richmond, Mo., and Bob Morrison, of Rayville, Mo.; two daughters, Lisa Mahnken of Girard, and Lori Reith, of McPherson; one brother, Alvin Spillman,of Banning, Calif.; one sister, Nancy Jagles, of Girard; and nine grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and an infant brother, Larry Gene Spillman.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 3, at the Church of the Nazarene at McCune, with the Rev. Rick Spillman officiating. Burial will follow in the McCune Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until service time Thursday at the Nazarene Church of McCune. Friends may call after 2 p.m. today at the Brenner Mortuary. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. Fourth, St., Pittsburg.
Dennis Michael Shelton
REDFIELD - Dennis Michael Shelton, 53, of Redfield, died unexpectedly Monday afternoon, Dec. 30, 2002, in the emergency room at Mercy Health Center, following an apparent heart attack at work.
He was born Jan. 1, 1949, at Fort Scott, to Everett F. and Mildred Dryer Shelton.
He was a 1967 graduate of Richards High School.
He married Sue Hixon in 1973 at Redfield. She survives of the home.
He worked 22 years for Western/American States/Safeco Insurance Company. He also worked with Ward-Kraft for two years prior to his employment with Shepherd Team Motors at the time of his death.
He was a veteran, having served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1970 in Vietnam. He was a member of the Stotsbury Methodist Church and was the fire chief of the Redfield Fire Department.
Additional survivors include his mother, of Fort Scott; one son, Scott Shelton, of the home; one daughter, Sherri Cook, of Fort Scott; one brother, Dale Shelton, of Fort Scott; two sisters, Linda Evans and Lana Beerbower, both of Fort Scott; four grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Stephanie Ann Shelton, and his father.
Mercy Pastoral Care will conduct graveside services at 11 a.m. Friday at Woods Cemetery near Redfield. The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Friday at Cheney Witt Memorial Chapel. Military honors will be conducted at the cemetery by Olson Frary Burkhart Post 1165 VFW.
Arthur F. Kasiah Jr.
WEIR - Arthur F. Kasiah Jr., 54, of Weir, died at 11:59 p.m., Monday, Dec. 30, 2002, at Mt. Carmel Regional Medical Center. He had been in failing health for the past five years.
He was born Sept. 7, 1948, at Topeka, to Arthur F. and Wilma Louise (Tindle) Kasiah.
He attended Pittsburg schools and graduated from Pittsburg High School.
Following graduation, he joined the U.S. Army, serving two tours of duty in Vietnam.
He married Ruthanne Adcock. She survives at the family home.
He was a welder and painter for Midwest Tank & Tower. He also was a truck driver. Later, he worked as a baker at Frontenac Bakery.
He was of Baptist faith.
Membership was held in Benjamin Fuller American Legion Post No. 64 of Pittsburg. He was involved with the Vietnam Veteran's Bike Run to Washington, D.C.
Additional survivors include two sons, Jean Paul Kasiah, of Joplin, Mo., and J.D. McCullough, of Branson, Mo.; two sisters, Aris Bright, of Mindenmines, Mo., and Barbara Totman, of Weir; one brother, Jimmy Lee Darrow; and six grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Michael Darnaby, and one brother, Claude Charles Kasiah.
Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Friday at Fort Scott National Cemetery with the Rev. Ron Keith officiating. The Benjamin Fuller American Legion Post 64 of Pittsburg will provide flag-folding ceremonies. Burial will follow. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m., today at Brenner Mortuary Chapel, where friends may call after 1 p.m. today. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. Fourth St., Pittsburg.
Laura Crumm
COLUMBUS - Laura Crumm, 99, of Columbus, died at 1:52 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2003, at Maude Norton Memorial Hospital at Columbus.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Bath-Naylor Funeral Home, Columbus.
Curtis Ray Collins Jr.
Curtis Ray Collins Jr., 69, of Pittsburg, died at 8:03 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27, 2002, at Mt. Carmel Regional Medical Center, Pittsburg, after a sudden illness.
He was born Sept. 13, 1933, to Curtis Ray and Catherine (Sharp) Collins.
He attended Pittsburg schools.
He served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957.
On Nov. 16, 1959, he married Vernetta A. Smith at Fort Scott. She survives of the home.
He worked in the Pittsburg area all of his life. At the time of his death, he was self-employed in the landscaping business in Pittsburg.
He was a member of the Church of God In Christ Lighthouse Temple.
He is survived by his daughter, Karen White, of Huntsville, Ala.; two granddaughters, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Sherry A. Collins.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday at the Church of God In Christ Lighthouse Temple, 215 W. 11th, Pittsburg, with Superintendent Elder Walter Simpson Jr., Rev. Moses Johnson and Minister Clifford Allmon officiating. Burial will be in Fort Scott National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Bath-Naylor Funeral Home, Pittsburg. Arrangements and services are under the direction of Bath-Naylor Funeral Home, 522 S. Broadway, Pittsburg.
Mary A. Barbieri
ARMA - Mary A. Barbieri, 86, of Arma, died at 7:33 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 1, 2004, at Arma.
She was born May 21, 1917, at Jasper, Mo., to Jake and Mary Corpolongo Fernetti. She grew up at Frontenac and attended Frontenac schools.
She married Philip Barbieri on July 1, 1939, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at Frontenac. He preceded her in death Aug. 13, 1999.
Mrs. Barbieri was a homemaker. She lived in Arma most of her life.
She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church at Arma and Lon Helm American Legion Auxiliary Post No. 182 of Arma.
Survivors include two sons, Samuel J. Barbieri of Arma and Tom Barbieri of Overland Park; one brother, Rudy Fernetti of Colorado Springs; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by three sisters, Ida Jumet, Emma Fernetti and Josephine Barbieri; and two brothers, Tony Fernetti and Romeo Fernetti.
Mass of Christian burial will be 3 p.m. Monday at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Donald Thissen officiating. Burial will be in Pittsburg Garden of Memories Cemetery. Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at Bedene Funeral Home at Arma. Arrangements are under the direction of Bedene Funeral Home at Arma.
Mary K. Causer
SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Mary K. Causer, 95, of San Antonio, Texas, died Sunday, Dec. 22, 2002, at the home of her son.
She was born Aug. 5, 1907, at Daisy Hill to August and Hanna Roitz Chelesnik.
She married Glen Causer in 1923 at Girard. The couple lived in Kansas City for many years. In 1970, they moved to Texas. He preceded her in death in 1985.
Survivors include one son, Glen William Causer of San Antonio; two brothers, Jack Mocnik and Roy Mocnik, both of Pittsburg; two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by one daughter, Sherley Rodina and one granddaughter, Brenda Causer.
Services were Dec. 26 at Highland Park Mausoleum at Kansas City, Kan.
Laura Miller Crumm
COLUMBUS - Laura Miller Crumm, 99, of Columbus, died at 1:52 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2003, at Maude Norton Memorial Hospital at Columbus, following a lengthy illness.
She was born Sept. 5, 1903, in rural Cherokee County, to John Wesley and Nancy Jane Harrison Heavin. She attended Columbus schools.
She married Virgil Miller on Feb. 19, 1933. He preceded her in death May 15, 1962. She married Russell Crumm on July 8, 1973. He preceded her in death July 25, 1980.
She was a waitress at Horseshoe Cafe, then worked at Folett's Grocery. She also worked as a dispatcher for Cherokee County Department at Columbus.
She was a member of Eastern Star, Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary and American Legion Auxiliary. She also was a member of the Apostolic Faith.
Survivors include her sister, Jett Earl of Columbus, her caregivers Ruth and Edd Bradney of Pittsburg; and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Bath-Naylor Funeral Home at Columbus with Pastor Shirley Halpain officiating. Burial will follow in Park Cemetery at Columbus. Informal visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home, where friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today. Arrangements are under the direction of Bath-Naylor Funeral Home, Columbus.
Jack D. 'Jake' Gladson
GIRARD - Jack D. "Jake" Gladson, 82, of Girard, died at 6:15 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 1, 2004, at Hospital District No. 1 of Crawford County at Girard. He had been in failing health for 2 1/2 years.
He was born Sept. 16, 1921, at Girard, to Scott W. and Minetta (Gilbert) Gladson. He grew up at Girard and was a 1939 graduate of Girard High School.
He married Joan Heitman on Aug. 6, 1944, at Girard. She survives of the home.
Mr. Gladson became a professional truck driver for Jack Cooper Transport at Kansas City, Mo., in 1955. After he retired, he drove a school bus for Girard USD 248, delivered film throughout southeast Kansas for the Southeast Kansas Education Service Center at Greenbush, farmed part-time and raised cattle.
He was a member of First Christian Church of Girard.
Additional survivors include three sons, Robert "Bob" Gladson of Farlington, Jimmy R. Gladson of Girard and Jack D. Gladson Jr. of Broken Arrow, Okla.; two sisters, Laura White of Bartlesville, Okla., and Betty Maish of Towanda; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters.
Mr. Gladson's body has been cremated. Services will be 11 a.m. Monday at Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home at Girard with the Rev. Darrell Biggs officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home at their convenience. Arrangements are under the direction of Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home of Girard.
Marjorie Lavon Harmon
Marjorie Lavon Harmon, 89, of Pittsburg, died at 4:05 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 1, 2004, at Mt. Carmel Regional Medical Center.
She was born Jan. 7, 1914, at Pittsburg, to Joe H. and Gertrude (Fry) Scott. She was a lifelong resident of Pittsburg and a 1931 graduate of Pittsburg High School.
She married Ernest Harmon Jr. in 1931. He preceded her in death April 9, 1981.
Mrs. Harmon was a homemaker and a bookkeeper for Thomas Frame and Wheel Aligning for 10 years.
She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Pittsburg.
Survivors include two sons, James Harmon of Lawrence and John Harmon of St. Louis; one daughter, Patty Krainz of Pittsburg; one sister, Ruth Ewing of Nevada, Mo.; one brother, Joe Scott of California; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Jerome Kemph and Rhoda Shellenberger.
Graveside services will be 2 p.m. today at Highland Park Cemetery with the Rev. Kathleen Owsley officiating. Friends and family are requested to meet at the cemetery. The casket will remain closed. Arrangements are under the direction of Bath-Naylor Funeral Home, 522 S. Broadway.
Alma L. Harmon
GIRARD -- Alma L. Harmon, 93, of Girard, died at 1:20 a.m., Monday, Jan. 10, 2000, at Mt. Carmel Medical Center. She had been in failing health for six months.
She was born May 19, 1906, at Girard, to Albert and Barbara Engle Clausen. She attended Emery grade school and graduated from Girard High School.
She married Albert George Harmon on May 16, 1943, at Girard. He preceded her in death on Feb. 11, 1974.
The couple owned and operated Harmon Brothers Implement Dealership at Girard from 1935 to 1959. She was a bookkeeper at the implement company. She later worked at Keith's IGA at Girard.
She was a member of the First Christian Church of Girard and the Sunday School treasurer there for 50 years. She was a member of Electa Chapter No. 23, Order of Eastern Star of Girard, the Ladies Reading Club of Girard, the Girard Museum Board, the Girard Bible study group, and the Crawford County Election Board. She also was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, the Bloodmobile, and a bingo assistant at the Heritage House Nursing Home, at Girard.
Survivors include a daughter, Kathryn J. Anderson, of Webb City, Mo.; two brothers, Lawrence Clausen, of Girard, and George Clausen, of Milton-Freewater, Ore.; two sisters, Marguerite Hunt, of Newton, and Elsie Vance, of Pittsburg; and six grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Clarence Clausen, on Nov. 5, 1987.
Services will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, at the First Christian Church of Girard, with the Rev. Darrell Biggs officiating. Burial will be in the Girard Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. today at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home, 518 W. St. John, Girard, where friends may call after 1 p.m. today. Arrangements are under the direction of the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home.
Mary M. Varsolona
ARMA - Mary M. Varsolona, 82, of Arma, died at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 1, 2004, at Hospital District No. 1 of Crawford County at Girard.
She was born Oct. 25, 1921, at Pittsburg, to Ben and Bessie Locke Jones. She grew up at Pittsburg and attended Pittsburg schools.
She married Sam Varsolona on Nov. 15, 1947, at Girard. He preceded her in death Nov. 27, 1988.
Mrs. Varsolona was a homemaker. She also worked for the Parsons Ammunition Plant.
She was a member of the Lon Helm American Legion Post No. 182 at Arma.
Survivors include one daughter, Mary Ellen Hofer of Arma; one son, Richard Hosman of Arma; one sister, Rosetta Verga of Pittsburg; two grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by one son, Samuel Varsolona; one daughter, Elaine Varsolona; one granddaughter, Debi Hofer Cleland; three sisters, Virginia Hedges, Joan Jones and Delores Redd; and three brothers, Joe Jones, Sonny Jones and Raymond Jones.
Services will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Bedene Funeral Home at Arma with the Rev. Jolene Stephenson officiating. Burial will be in Pittsburg Garden of Memories Cemetery. Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. today at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Bedene Funeral Home of Arma.
