Obituaries

Margaret Leonard (Posted 8/16/22)

Margaret Viora (Severns) Leonard, age 82, a longtime Manhattan resident, died August 15, 2022, at the Presbyterian Manor in Topeka.

She was born June 20, 1940, in Norton County, Kansas, the daughter of Ross Eugene and Irma Hilda (Colip) Severns.

Margaret graduated from Norton High School and then from Kansas State University with her bachelors in Home Economics.

She worked as a Personal Banker at FirstBank in Manhattan for many years. Margaret also worked as the Food Service Director at Manhattan Christian College, spent a year in Austria preparing meals at Haus Edelweiss for TCM, and various retail positions. After college Margaret worked as a county extension agent for Gove County, Kansas.

Margaret was a member of Crestview Christian Church, P.E.O. – IU Chapter and former chairperson of the Missions Committee.

She enjoyed arts and crafts, sewing and was a huge Kansas State athletics fan.

She was married to Charles Stewart and they later divorced.  She later married Robert A. “Bob” Leonard on January 1, 1993, at Crestview Christian Church.  Mr. Leonard preceded her in death on December 1, 2015.

Survivors include two children: Kevin Stewart, his wife Kelli, and Jana Selley and her husband Rob of Topeka; four grandchildren: Bryan Stewart, Ashley Stewart, Bo Selley, and Jeremy Selley and his wife Miranda; a great-granddaughter, Stevie Oden, and a brother: Virgil Severns and his wife Anne of Fairbanks, AK.

Margaret’s parents preceded her in death in 1996, and her brother Wilmer Severns in 2021.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday at Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel with Reverend Devin Wendt officiating.  Interment will follow in the Sunrise Cemetery in Manhattan.

Visitation will precede the funeral service on Friday at 9:30 am at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to either Manhattan Christian College for the Ross and Irma Severns Scholarship or Crestview Christian Church.  Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.

Jerry Weis (Posted 8/16/22)

Jerry Samuel Weis, PhD., 86, passed away at Good Shepherd Hospice House on Saturday, August 6, 2022. He was surrounded by family, including beloved grandchildren, who were his heart and soul.

An avid storyteller, profound listener and example of a life well lived, his family would like this to be a love letter sharing a little about this man who made the world a better place.

Born on December 22, 1935 in Salina, KS to Lucille Sondergard Weis and Paul Samuel Weis, Jerry was adored by his family. Two years later he was joined by his brother, Larry Paul Weis, and that’s where their story begins.

“All boy” those two were, and their shared love of sports allowed them to spend a lot of time together. One of their favorite stories to tell was the summer they could only afford one baseball glove, which meant they couldn’t play on the same team. Between innings whoever had the glove would toss it to the other on their way back to the dugout.

Their childhood included best friends Gerald Culley, Bob Pinkall and Rich Wilbur. These friendships would span their entire lifetime, eventually including their wives. This group, that included Jerry, Larry and their wives, called themselves the “Crazy Buddies”. They continued to share their lives, even after moves all around the country. Their travels together created fabulous memories! That’s the kind of guy Jerry was. Once you knew him, you wanted him in your life forever.

Jerry was the first in his family to attend college, and his family burst with pride. He received his undergraduate degree at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, was a four year letterman in basketball, two year letterman in tennis, and served as Student Body President. In 1970, he was awarded the Outstanding Young Alumnus.

Life then took him to the University of Kansas in Lawrence and the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, so he could pursue his Masters’ and Doctoral degrees. It was during that time his destiny inadvertently picked up his newspaper in the KU cafeteria, and there was no turning back. He was instantly smitten with this beautiful, spunky and determined farm girl from Missouri, Linda Faye Browning. Within a week, he knew he was going to marry this girl. And he told her so. Their whirlwind courtship lasted six months and he DID marry that girl at First Baptist Church in Brunswick, Missouri on January 29, 1961. No one could deny they were the loves of each other’s lives.

His career in higher education took them to the University of Minnesota at Duluth where he was an Assistant Professor, followed by a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at Yale University. When Jerry told Linda he wanted to accept a job offer at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, she thought he was nuts! Who leaves Yale for Kansas? She tells the story of crying all the way from Connecticut to the Midwest.

The rest, as they say, is history. Manhattan quickly became their home, and this couple spent the next 50+ years serving the community in every capacity they could. Jerry did this in the most modest of ways. He didn’t want accolades. To him, this is just what you should do. Give back, pure and simple. And always be grateful.

Their union blessed them with three children and six grandchildren. His family is aching with grief right now over the loss of this great man. This is the price to be paid when someone loves the way Jerry did: unconditionally, fiercely, and without judgment. His family knew they were his everything. He did it all: coached, helped with homework, attended games and activities, nursed boo boos and broken hearts, enabled the bringing home of stray animals.

He had an innate ability to listen. When you talked with him, you knew you were heard. There was a quiet intelligence about him that allowed him to view all sides of a discussion, and navigate parties to mutual understandings. He wasn’t right – and you weren’t wrong.

A man way ahead of his time, he encouraged and supported his wife to further her education and spread her wings, including becoming actively involved in the community and eventually a business owner. Not many men in the 1970’s-80’s would have helped cook, clean and care for the children, all while balancing a challenging career. But Jerry did. And he did it well.

His creative side was nurtured when he sketched or painted for fun. He would laugh and tell you he wasn’t very good, but his renderings showed differently. He loved to build things in his workshop, and his family treasures the furniture he built. He could fix just about anything. He and Linda bought old houses and “flipped” them, long before most people had heard that term. Friends and neighbors learned that he was always willing to lend a helping hand if needed.

He was not only a champion of a diverse circle of people in his personal life; he channeled that same energy during the 34 years he spent at Kansas State University in the Division of Biology. Serving in many capacities, including Associate Professor, Associate Director and Interim Director, those who were taught by him and worked with him will passionately tell you he positively impacted more lives than anyone could ever count. He about drove “the gals in the office” crazy because they never knew where to find him. One thing, though. Jerry could tell you the names of everyone who worked at Ackert Hall … from the head honcho to the part-time maintenance guys. Everyone mattered, everyone was important.

Involved in many facets during his tenure at KSU, he led the formation of the Office of Undergraduate Affairs, served three terms as an elected representative of the Faculty Senate and twice chaired the Academic Affairs Committee. He served as State President, Kansas Academy of Science. In 1991 he was one of seven KSU faculty members selected for the General Education Task Force and was also a recipient of the William Stamey Teaching Award, Arts and Sciences.

Upon retiring from KSU in 2000, Jerry joined Linda in running her real estate business, Realty Executives Weis Real Estate. For the next 20 years, he worked tirelessly in the real estate industry. The integrity with which he lived was a part of his every transaction. Employees and clients were treated like family, and his word was his bond. He didn’t understand why all that blasted paperwork was needed; what happened to a verbal agreement and a handshake? But he begrudgingly learned how to do it all.

He worked hard and served many people: President and Board of Directors, Manhattan Arts Council; President, Manhattan Rotary Club; Chairman, District Rotary Polio Plus Campaign; Distinguished Service Award, Rotary International; Rotarian of the Year and Paul Harris Fellow, Manhattan Rotary Club; Rotary International Foundation “Citation for Meritorious Service” and “Service Above Self” award; Rotary International Foundation “Scholarships” subcommittee chair; Board of Directors and KSU Campaign Chair, United Way of Manhattan; President, Eugene Field PTA; President, Manhattan Assn of Realtors; President, Peace Lutheran Church Council; President, First Lutheran Church Council; Chairperson, FLC Lamb of God Board; 13 years on the Board of Trustees, Kansas Wesleyan University, Jerry served as Chair of Troop 74 Committee, Boy Scouts of America for many years. Through the years, he and his wife, Linda, hosted international students from Peru, Colombia, and Sweden.

A devout man of God, Jerry was a lifelong Lutheran and while in Manhattan, actively volunteered during his 13 years at Peace Lutheran Church and 43 years at First Lutheran Church. For more than 25 years he was a leader on the Lutheran Campus Ministry Board at KSU. We are confident that every Sunday morning in Heaven, Jerry will be sitting up front at worship, just to make sure he has the best seat in the house to see “the munchkins” during the Children’s Sermon.

Survivors include his wife of 61+ years, Linda Browning Weis, of the home; children Mark S. Weis, Ted P. Weis, Stephanie Weis Grynkiewicz (Ross), and their families: Wilson and Caroline Weis, Isabella and Julia Weis, Joshua and Samantha Grynkiewicz, Patrick Randolph; brother Larry (Janet) Weis; nieces/nephew Barbara Hansen, Pamela Eck (Les), Bruce Weis, and their families.

The family will receive friends on Monday, August 22^nd from 5-7pm at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home. The funeral service, scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 23 at First Lutheran Church, will be preceded with organ prelude by Dan Myers beginning at 1:00 p.m..  The service will be followed by burial at Sunrise Cemetery.  To celebrate this life of Jerry that was well-lived and full of laughter, the family invites all to join them immediately following the burial. We will come together at Prairie Star Restaurant, Meadowlark Hills to share stories and raise a toast. This is what he would want – no one loved “working the room” more than Jerry. We know he’ll be there with us in spirit.

Memorial contributions can be made to: Be Able, First Lutheran Church Patchwork Fund, or Manhattan Arts Center. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz, Manhattan, KS 66502.

Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com.

Evans (Irwin) Phillips (Posted 8/16/22)

Evans (Irwin) Phillips, 80, of Manhattan, and formerly of Queens, New York, passed away on Friday, August 5th, 2022, at Ascension Via Christi Health Hospital in Manhattan.  He was an Independent Electrical Contractor in Brooklyn, NY, and Manhattan.

Evans was born in Arouca, Trinidad on June 1, 1942, a son of the late John and Pearl (Yearwood) Phillips.  He was the husband of Pearl Cynthia Mills.  They were married on July 21st, 1998, in Brooklyn, NY. and she survives in the home.

Evans is survived by seven daughters, Daunia Phillips, of Brooklyn, NY; Genevieve Simmons, of Parkland, FL; Maria Shorter, of Manhattan KS, Josanne Archibald, of Dumont, NJ; Ashley Campbell, of Arima Trinidad; Pearl Phillips, of Arima Trinidad; Kristie Phillips, of San Fernando Trinidad; and a son, Dwayne Phillips, of San Fernando Trinidad.  Also, surviving are twelve grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; two brothers, Elton Phillips, and Peter Phillips, and eight sisters: Annette Osborne, Judith Bingham, Ester Dwyer, Audrey Jackman, Marleen Phillips, Patricia Hutchinson, Wendy Phillips, and Paula Wordsworth.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sister: Lynette Dalrymple, and daughter Devon (Perdy) Phillips.

The viewing will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, August 17th followed by the Homegoing service at 12:00 PM at the Temple Of Peace, 330 Sunset in Manhattan, with Pastor T. M. Johnson Jr. officiating.   A burial procession will follow the service to Sunrise Cemetery. The repast will precede the internment at the Temple Of Peace.

The family requests any donations be directed to the Barth Syndrome Foundation, at www.barthsyndrome.org

To send an online condolence, go to irvinparkview.com, or their Facebook page. Arrangements with Carlson’s Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home.

Jeane Smith (Posted 8/16/22)

Jeane Carol Laizure Smith, 94, of Manhattan, KS, passed away on August 10, 2022. Jeane was born July 9, 1928, in Gorham, Kansas to the late Clarence and Nellie Laizure.

Jeane married the love of her life, Donald Smith, on October 31, 1948. She retired from Kansas State University in December 1987 performing accountant work for several departments. Jeane and Don made their home primarily in Hays and Norton, until moving to Manhattan in 1968. Jeane graduated from Hays High School and attended Ft. Hays State University and graduated from Kansas State University. Jeane and Don were avid RVers and were members of the Man-Kan Campers Club. Jeane and Don were snowbirds enjoying winters in Mission, Texas with their friends.  Happy Birthday grandma, as Jeane was known to her children and grandchildren, always called on their birthdays singing the song in her wonderful voice. Jeane loved the traditions and preparations for all holidays which the family will cherish forever.

Jeane followed Don, her husband of 72 years, in death. She is survived by: her son; Richard “Dick” (Kimberly Briggs) Smith of Lenexa, KS; daughters, Linda Smith (Timothy) Duncan of Fort Collins, CO; and Janet Smith (Tad) Wicker of Norton, KS; nine grandchildren; Charisse Wilson (Larry) Powell, Laura Duncan, Mandy Welch, Bethany Wicker, Matt (Crissy) Duncan, Elizabeth Smith (Scott) Hammack, Karen Duncan (Dennis Bigelow), Christina Smith (Brian) Geiger, and William (Kelly) Smith; 17 great-grandchildren; Sam, Miles, Jack, Henry, Adam, Lizzie, Charlie, Moira, Leylen, Toren, Timothy, Trent, Grace, Jacob, Jenna, Ethan, and Elias; a sister; Karen Laizure Frydendall, brothers and sisters in law. “Aunt Jeannie” is survived lovingly by numerous nieces and nephews.

Jeane’s deep love for her entire family and total devotion to her husband Don will be remembered by all.  Jeane is preceded in death by her parents, four sisters, and one brother.

The visitation will be held on August 20, 2022, between the hours of 9:00 and 10:30 am. A private graveside service will follow.  A luncheon will be served at the American Legion. Arrive after 10:30 and lunch will be served at 12.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Friends of Tuttle Creek State Park, Inc.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Carlson’s Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home & Cremation.

Rodolfo (Rudy) Besa (Posted 8/16/22)

Rodolfo (Rudy) Frank Besa, of Manhattan, passed away peacefully August 12, 2022 at his home, in Manhattan.

Rudy was born October 30, 1933 the son of Gregorio and Matilde Besa of Eagle Pass, Texas.

Rudy was a baseball player in his younger years. He also helped his parents on their farm. He then joined the military where he met Haiti, during this marriage they had a daughter, Petra (Patty). They were later divorced. During his military career he was stationed at Ft. Riley. After getting out he worked many jobs in Manhattan. from Vikings Gas Station attendant to a machinist at McCall Pattern, where he retired from after 30 years

He then met the true love of his life and his soulmate, Carolyn Fortner, where they became one when they joined in marriage, March 26, 1960. Together they celebrated 60 years of marriage. During their lifetime they traveled to may places and hosted many parties.

He was proceeded in death by his wife Carolyn, his parents, and infant son, a grandson, his son Juan and many relatives and friends.

Rudy is survived by his daughter, Brenda Emory of Manhattan, Greg Besa and companion Jill of Kansas City, KS, Tony Fortner and wife Kathie, Morganville, KS, Patty Harris and husband Mark of Cuba, MO. His grandchildren, Justin, Miranda, Tamara, Jesse, Mitchell, Shelby, Matthew, Mellissa, Melony, Sydney, Allison, Gwendolyn. His great grandchildren, Dustin, Brandon, Michael, Brighton, Hazel, Mason, Traci, Emma.

The family will greet friends during a visitation from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday August 18, 2022 at the Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Manhattan.  Interment will follow in the Valley View Memorial Park Cemetery in Manhattan. Family ask that you join them for a luncheon/celebration of life for both Rudy and Carolyn at the Green Valley Community Center following the services at the cemetery.

Memorial Contributions in memory of Rudy are suggested to the Seven Dolors Catholic Church (to be used for the food pantry).  Contributions may be sent in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.

Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com

Faith Roach (Posted 8/15/22)

Faith Russell Roach, age 96, of Manhattan, died Friday August 12, 2022 at the Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community in Manhattan.

She was born on June 6, 1926 in Chanute, Neosho County, Kansas.

Complete service and obituary information will be announced at a later date by the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502. www.ymlfuneralhome.com

Rosemary Schmeal (Posted 8/15/22)

Rosemary Elizabeth Schmeal, age 62, of Manhattan, died August 11, 2022, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan.

She was born March 16, 1960, in Newton, NJ, the daughter of John H. and Helen (Grabinski) Schmeal, Sr.

Rosemary graduated from high school in Hackettstown, NJ, and attended cosmetology school in Manhattan after moving to Kansas in 1981.

She had worked as a hairdresser at several salons in Manhattan over her 30-year career.

Rosemary attended the St. George United Methodist Church. She enjoyed volunteering with the elderly, cooking, and spoiling her dog KD.

Survivors include her two children: Greg Zarger and his wife Lucy of Union Beach, NJ, and Heather Heigert and her husband Michael of Manhattan; four grandchildren: Jackelyn, Jayden and Lily Zarger and Taylor Heigert; and three sisters: Kathy Smith of Lecanto, FL, Margaret Kelly of Egg Harbor Township, NJ and Lisa Gilliland of Olsburg.

Rosemary was preceded in death by her brother John H. “Jack” Schmeal, Jr., her husband David Zarger, and one granddaughter Margaret Zarger.

A Celebration of Rosemary’s life will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, August 19th, at the St. George United Methodist Church. Inurnment will be in the St. George Cemetery.

Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to either the Women’s Crisis Center or the St. George United Methodist Church. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.

Richard Callahan (Posted 8/12/22)

Richard Robert Callahan, age 86, of Blue Springs, MO, passed away on August 8, 2022, following a short battle with cancer.

Richard was born April 19, 1936, in Manhattan, Kansas, to Robert James and Maxine Elizabeth (Van Dusen) Callahan.  Richard married his wife of 57 years, Willetta M. Littrell on September 17, 1954.  She preceded him in death on January 17, 2012.  Richard was again blessed when he married Julie Pigg on December 15, 2013, in Blue Springs, MO.

He lived in several towns in Kansas and Missouri as he perfected his trade of welding.   Richard worked on many buildings in the Greater Kansas City area from 1961 to 2001.  He was a member of the International Iron Workers Union, Local#10.  In 1964, he settled in Lenexa, Kansas to raise his family.

Richard is survived by his wife Julie, his sister Pearle Ann Bishop of Panama City, FL, four children:  Ronald Callahan of Garnett, Ks; Sandra Finnicum and her husband Doug of Olathe, Kansas; Debra Callahan of Garnett, Kansas; and Linda Lapp and her husband John of Fredericksburg, VA.  In addition, Richard has 10 grandchildren: Melissa Ochoa (Gilbert), Samuel Finnicum (Chelsea), Murph Finnicum (Renee), Timothy Finnicum (Kayla), Cynthia Brown (Marshall), James Brown, Jacob Sweany (Cintia), Joshua Sweany, Nathan Sweany (Alise), and Amos Sweany; and nine great-grandchildren:  Richard (Ricky), Joseph, Francisco (Kiko), Karina, Liliana, Melody, Mariah, Noah, and Mia.  Bonus children from his marriage to Julie include Christine Ream, Steve Kaminski, and Vicki Howe (Johnnie) as well as four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Richard worked as an iron worker/welder for 40 years in the greater Kansas City area and retired at age 65 to pursue a second career raising cattle in Garnett, Kansas.  No one built a fence comparable to him.  Richard’s fences, especially his fence posts, will last for many, many years to come!

Richard was also a square dance caller and teacher for many years.  He called for the Jet Sets and Crosstrailers Clubs for many years.  He taught hundreds of people to square dance over the years through the Johnson County Parks & Recreation.

Upon Richard’s final retirement, he moved to Mission, TX.  In November 2021, he and Julie moved to Blue Springs, MO, to be closer to family.

Everyone who knew Richard was blessed.  He worked hard, played hard, loved a cold beer with friends and family, and always helped with anything that needed fixing.

Richard’s final resting place will be at the Valley View Memorial Park Cemetery, Manhattan, KS 66502.  The family will hold a celebration of Richard’s life at a future date.

Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the John H. Lyons Scholarship Fund for children of iron workers and may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.  Two of Richard’s daughters received recognition and scholarships for college from this Fund.

Ruth Diller (Posted 8/12/22)

Ruth Eilene Diller, age 79, of Manhattan, died August 10, 2022 at Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community in Manhattan, KS. She was born in McLouth, KS on December 17, 1942 to Roy Curtis Hopkins and Dorothy Maye Ashworth. At age 13, Ruth moved with her family from McLouth to Coffeyville, KS. She graduated from high school in Coffeyville.

 After high school, Ruth worked as a waitress at a local soda shop where she met Basil Allen Diller, Jr. (“Al”). They were united in marriage on November 27, 1960. Ruth and Al had six children.

 Ruth’s favorite activity was spending time with family. She also enjoyed visiting with friends, playing cards, quilting, bowling, reading, baking, and watching K-State football.

 Ruth is preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her brother: Tom Hopkins; a daughter: Mary Eilene Diller; and many loved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Survivors include five children: Sherry Schooley of Manhattan, KS, Chris Diller and his wife Kelly of Erie, KS, Steve Diller of Chanute, KS, John Diller of Westmoreland, KS, and Amy Parker and her husband Tony of Manhattan, KS; seven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law Marlene Belt and her husband John of Wichita, KS.

The family will greet friends during a visitation from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. Sunday August 14, 2022 at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan.  A Parish Vigil Service will be held following the visitation at 7:00p.m. at the funeral home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 15, at Seven Dolors Catholic Church, Manhattan.

Interment will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday August 16, at the Memorial Park Cemetery in Chanute, Kansas.

Memorial contributions in memory of Ruth are suggested to the Meadowlark Hills Good Samaritan Fund.  Contributions may be sent in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.

Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com

Monty Rhine (Posted 8/12/22)

Monty Wayne Rhine, 56 , of Wamego, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday (August 10, 2022) at his home in Wamego.

Born November 12, 1965 in St. Joseph, Missouri,  Monty was the son of John and Dorothy LeRew Rhine.  He married Angie Meritt on May 20, 1989 in Cuba, Kansas.  She survives.

Monty was a graduate of Hillcrest High School in Cuba and a 1989 graduate of Kansas State University with a Bachelors Degree in Ag Economics.  He was currently the co-owner of J. M. Staffing Agency in Topeka.  Monty graduated from the Colorado School of Banking and previously worked in banking in Arizona, Wyoming and Kansas.  He was also a founder and co-owner of Czechland Outfitters in Cuba with his brother, Heath and friends, Cass Reynolds and Jay T. Reynolds.

Monty was a member of Wamego Country Club where he was an avid golfer.  He enjoyed hunting, diving and his passion for corvettes but his greatest joy was the time he spent with his family and his dogs, Bentley and Louie.

Survivors include his wife, Angie; two children, Sarah Talkington (Tim) of Belleville, KS and Chandler Rhine (Maria) of Topeka, KS; six grandchildren, Kaleb Talkington, Lexus Talkington, Brooklyn Talkington, Ernesto Rhine, Brian Rhine and Elianna Rhine; his mother, Dorothy Rhine of Cuba, KS; a brother, Heath Rhine (Lori) of Belleville, KS; an Aunt, Sheril Zenger (Richard) of Belleville, KS; his mother in law, Carol Pfeifer of Spencer, NE; a sister in law, Becky Meritt of Spencer, NE; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Monty was preceded in death by his father; his father in law, Dale Meritt and his step father in law, George Pfeifer.

Funeral services will be held Saturday evening at 6:00 in the Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego with Pastor Jol Klein officiating.

Visitation will be Saturday evening from 5:30 until the time of services at the funeral home.

Graveside services will be Monday morning at 11:00 in the Hawk Cemetery in Cuba, Kansas with Pastor Randy Paugh officiating.

Memorials may be made to the Wamego Country Club and left with Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, P. O. Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547.

Nannie Baker (Posted 8/10/22)

Nannie Theresa (Henkins) Baker, age 81, of Manhattan, died August 9, 2022, at Ascension Via Christi Assisted Living.

She was born March 24, 1941, in Emmetsburg, Iowa, the daughter of Willard and Phyllis (Guinn) Henkins. She attended high school in Emmetsburg. In 1959, she moved to Kansas to help out a relative with her children when she met her future husband on the bus ride.

On October 31, 1959, in Junction City, Kansas, she was married to Donald Baker, Jr.

Theresa was a housekeeper for St. Joseph Village and later for Ascension Via Christi Village in
Manhattan. She has also worked for Southwestern Bell as a delivery person between their
offices. She was a wonderful seamstress and made many formal dresses, wedding gowns and
clothes.

Prior to being diagnosed with cancer and COPD she enjoyed playing games with her children
and grandchildren. She loved roller skating in her younger days. She was kind, loving, and the
kind of person that was more worried about others than herself.

She was preceded in death by her husband on September 21, 2011. She was also preceded in
death by her father and two brothers: Raymond and Burton.

Survivors include her five children: Jeff Baker and his wife Judy of Manhattan, KS, Kevin
Baker and his wife Jana of Manhattan, Mike Baker and his wife Lisa of Wamego, KS, Julie
Elliott of St. George, KS, and Lisa Noyes and her husband Geff of Platte City, MO; her mother
Phyllis Henkins of Emmetsburg, IA; three siblings: Bernadine Clark, Marcella Witt and Joseph
Henkins; 16 grandchildren: Stephen, Dakota (Tony), Brandon, Colby, Ryan (Megan), Shelby
(Cory), McKenzie (Austin), Michael, Kaylee, Bobby, Kaylene (Cory), Landyn, Wyatt (Lily),
Derek, Jarod, and Cody; and seven great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 3:00 P.M. Saturday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-
Londeen Funeral Home. Cremation will follow with private family inurnment in the Wamego
City Cemetery.

Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at
www.ymlfuneralhome.com.

The Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502,
is assisting the family with arrangements.

Kenneth Hanson (Posted 8/9/22)

Kenneth Leroy Hanson, Sr., age 83 of Randolph, passed away Saturday August 6, 2022, at the Salina Regional Health Center.

He was born on March 25, 1939, in Manhattan, the son of Kenneth and Leona (Jensen) Hanson.  He graduated from old Randolph High School in 1957.

On June 1, 1958, in Salem, Missouri, he married Bonnie Jean Burkman.  She survives of the home.

Kenneth graduated from Kansas Wesleyan University with a teaching degree and began his career at Lewis, Kansas for two years, Randolph for two years and then Logan, Kansas for 27 years.  During this time, he earned his master’s degree from Fort Hays State University.  In 1997 he returned to Blue Valley to become the Middle and High School principal, retiring in 2004.  Following his retirement, he continued to substitute teach and drive a school bus until he turned 80.

He was a member of the Alert Covenant Church and enjoyed riding horses, fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren.  During his many years of teaching and coaching, he made a positive impact on many of his students and athletes.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children, Kenneth Hanson, Jr and wife Debbie of Salina, Christine Marshall and husband Cullen of Solomon, John Hanson and wife Lee Ann of Baldwin City and Julie Weidenhaft and husband Brandon of Hays; three brothers, Melvin Hanson of Hutchinson, Gene Hanson of El Dorado and Steve Hanson of Manhattan; two sisters, Shirley O’Quinn of Bartow, Florida and Wanda Murphy of Milwaukie, Oregon; nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two infant sons, Stephen and Karl Hanson.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Friday, August 12, 2022, at the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home in Riley, Kansas.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 13, 2022, at the Alert Covenant Church with Pastor Dwight Diller officiating.  The family encourages all in attendance to wear clothing from their favorite sports team.  Burial will be in the Randolph Fancy Creek Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Blue Valley Foundation and left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.apfunerals.com.

Gerald “Jerry” Burson (Posted 8/9/22)

Gerald Warner “Jerry” Burson of Manhattan, Kansas, passed away at age 78 on
Thursday, June 23, 2022, at Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community-Bramlage
House.

Jerry was born in Aransas Pass, Texas on February 21, 1944, to the late Elmer
Theodore Burson and Pansy Inez Crenshaw. He graduated from Camelback High School in Phoenix, Arizona and later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Lindenwood College in St. Charles, Missouri. Jerry was a Boy Scout in his youth, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout and notably, was the youngest Eagle Scout in the United States at that time.

In April 1974, he was united in marriage to Barbara Jean O’Malley in Fort Riley,
Kansas. A career soldier, Jerry hauled his family across the world and back, from Fort Riley to Bad Kreuznach, West Germany, and then to Fort Hood, Texas. He was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War, a Bronze Star recipient from that conflict, and retired from the US Army in 1980.

In addition to his family and country, Jerry held an abiding love for music, art,
NASCAR racing and the camaraderie of friends, always finding ways to mix those activities. After returning to Manhattan in 2001, he became an active member of the Seven Dolors Catholic Church, Lafayette Masonic Lodge #16, the American Legion Pearce-Keller Post #17, VFW Post #1786, and the Tuttle Creek Lake Association. He enjoyed entertaining with his dobro at the farmer’s market on Saturdays and singing with the church choir.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara; four children, Patrick (Dawn),
Jeanette, Gwendolyn (Brian), and Michael (Shelley); five grandchildren (Reid,
Liam, Nora, Aurora, Aislinn), and older brother, Larry. He is preceded in death by
his parents and oldest brother, Gary.

A Celebration of Life Mass will be held on Friday, August 19 at 10:00 AM at Seven Dolors Catholic Church, followed by an interment service at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery, Fort Riley Branch, Manhattan. Military honors will be rendered by the Fort Riley Honor Guard and the Masonic service by the Lafayette Masonic Lodge.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be directed to the
Gerald W Burson Memorial Fund and sent in care of Carlson’s Irvin-Parkview
Funeral Home.

Norma Adams (Posted 8/9/22)

Norma Ellen Adams, 91, of Manhattan, passed away Saturday, August 6th, at Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community.

Norma was born in Pleasanton, KS on March 20, 1931, the daughter of the late Leonard Elmer and Ruth Hazel (Harris) Jones. She was the widow of Albert Adams. They were married on July 30, 1949, In Pleasanton.  Norma attended school and graduated from Pleasanton High School in 1949.  She and Albert were very active members of the Grace Baptist Church in Manhattan.  She enjoyed being a Sunday School class teacher, and President of the Ladies Fellowship, she worked in the food pantry, was a member of the Mission Committee, and was a member of the Deacon and Deaconess Board of the church.

Norma is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Ann, wife of David Spare, of Larned, KS; three sons, Phillip, husband of Becky Adams, of Garden City, KS; Michael D, husband of Carol Adams, of Clay Center and Timothy R, husband of Cheri Adams, of Craig, CO; brother, Leon Jones, of Ariz., nineteen grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, four brothers, Elvin Jones, Gerald Jones, and Verl Jones and two sisters, Rita Fern Arnold, and Phyllis Reid.

A Service of Remembrance will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 12th, at Grace Baptist Church in Manhattan, KS with Dennis Toll officiating. Interment will be at the Valley View Memorial Gardens, Manhattan, prior to the service.   Family requests donations to Grace Baptist Church 2901 Dickens Dr. Manhattan, KS 66502.

The casket will remain closed, and Carlson’s Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home & Cremation is assisting the family with final arrangements.  To send a condolence online visit the funeral home website, www.irvinparkview@gmail.com.

Gene Ruthstrom (Posted 8/9/22)

Gene Madison Ruthstrom, age 86 of Leonardville, passed away on August 5, 2022, surrounded by his family.

Gene, known to many as “Chick”, was born on October 7, 1935, in Leonardville, Kansas.  He was the son of Harry and Olive (Arents) Ruthstrom.  He grew up on the family farm west of Leonardville, with one sister and three brothers.

He married the love of his life, Mary Lou Peterson on October 14, 1955.  She preceded him in death on February 4, 1995.

Gene was a member and treasurer of Clay Center Chapter #180 Order of the Eastern Star, a member of Clay Center Masonic Lodge #134, Leonardville Lions Club, and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.  He had a wonderful sense of humor and was known to be very ornery at times.  Gene cherished his friends and enjoyed hanging out with them at Fritz Oil.  He had a passion for farming and loved to disc up the ground and stir up the dirt.  He loved watching the wheat wave every summer with Mary Lou and reminisced that it looked like the ocean.  He raised feeder pigs, sows, and loved seeing new calves being born.  He proudly farmed to the age of 85.

In his early days, Gene was a dairy farmer, worked at Hutchinson Royal, Farmers Coop, and Moorman Feed.  Later, he worked at the Manhattan Sale Barn and Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University, where he retired.

Gene is survived by two sons, Larry Ruthstrom, Leonardville, KS, and Terry (Chandra) Ruthstrom, Leonardville, KS; one sister-in-law, Doris Ruthstrom, Leonardville, KS;  grandchildren, Dillon (Amanda) Ruthstrom, Leonardville, KS, and Danelle (Sheldon) Koppes, Clay Center, KS; six great-grandchildren; and many special nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Harry Ruthstrom, Jr., DeWayne Ruthstrom, and Dean Ruthstrom; his sister Donita Sherman; and his granddaughter Ashleigh.  Later in life, he married Sandy Creach who preceded him in death.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Clay Center, with Fr. Rex Matney officiating. Burial will be in the Leonardville City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Leonardville Pride and left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.apfunerals.com.

Barbara Burwell (Posted 8/9/22)

Barbara Jean Hager Burwell, age 89, of Manhattan, passed away on August 6, 2022, at the Ascension Living Via Christi Village in Manhattan.

She was born Barbara Jean Hermreck on November 3, 1932, the daughter of Beulah (Eyman) Hermreck Roeckers and Fred W. Hermreck in Garnett, Kansas.

Barbara married Gerald Ray Hager on June 5, 1949, in Fort Scott, Kansas.  They moved to Manhattan in 1958, and Barbara lived in the same home for the rest of her years.  She and Ray shared 21 loving years together and were blessed with four children.  Ray passed away July 26, 1971 in Manhattan.

Barbara married Glen Alton Burwell on December 28, 1980.  She and Glen shared 40 loving years together.  They owned and operated Burwell Mobile Home Park in Ogden.  Barbara was the bookkeeper and Vice President of the park.  Glen passed way on March 11, 2020.  Barbara always considered herself to have had two loving marriages to two very special men.

Barbara attended school in Anderson County at Sugar Valley, Scipio, Longfellow, and Garnett High School.  She began working at Spradlin’s Drug Store in Garnett when she was 12 years old.  While in high school she was very active in band and had the amazing ability to sit down to a piano or organ and play songs by ear.  Music was always very important part of her life and brought her much joy.  Barbara loved her family and always went to extra lengths to make each feel special.  She enjoyed baking and was always trying new dishes.  She loved to provide cookies and meals to her family and friends, especially at Christmas.

After moving to Manhattan, Barbara worked for Keller’s Department Store, Wonder Bread, Manhattan Laundry, and Larry’s Deluxe Cleaners.  Barbara worked in the cleaning business for 32 years.  After retiring she thoroughly enjoyed garage “sailing” on the weekends, finding her many treasures.  They were many unexpected surprises under the Christmas tree, which brought joy, happiness and laughter to all.

Barbara, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend is survived by two sons, Ronald Hager (LaNell) of Linn Creek, Missouri, and Ricky Hager of Independence, Kansas, two daughters, Linda Pittenger (Tom) of Manhattan, Kansas, and Terri Yeates of Glendale, Arizona; two stepsons, Ritch Burwell (Jan) of Riley, Kansas, and Randy Burwell (Pam) of Leawood, Kansas; also her 11 grandchildren: Rachel Goodman, Michael Hager, Travis Pittenger, Eric Pittenger, Amber Bell, Crystal Pedigo, Brant Hager, Andrea Holley, Shelly Ashburn, Brian Burwell, and Stephanie Burwell; and 24 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; her sister, Roberta Chigg Boyer, of Lawrence, Kansas, and sister-in-law Almeda Hermreck of Vero Beach, Florida, and

She was preceded in death by her parents, her step-father, Hubert Roeckers, her brothers, Fred W. Hermreck (Mickey Finch) and Larry Hermreck , and her brother-in-law, Edd Boyer.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. Thursday August 11, 2022 at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan.

Private services will be held at a later date.

The Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, is assisting the family with the funeral arrangements.

Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com

Ronald A. Cox (Posted 8/8/22)

Ronald Alan Cox, 71, of Wamego, Kansas, died Sunday, July 31, 2022, at the Wamego Health Center.

Ronald was born on December 29, 1950, in Oberlin, KS, the son of Ralph Eugene Cox and Georgia Ann (Teeny) Dooly.

He attended Lincoln Highschool then joined the U.S. Navy. After serving in the U.S. Navy Ronald worked for Jeffery Energy Center as an auxiliary equipment operator.
He married Lynn Cox on June 16, 1974, in Ashland, Nebraska. Lynn preceded him in death on November 6, 2021.

Ronald was a member of the American Legion post #172 and the VFW of Topeka. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. He also dedicated his time as a den leader for troop #92 in Wamego. He was well known for his generosity often stopping to help people in need, fixing a meal, or fixing their car.

His children survive him; Crystal McWilliams (Michael), Martinsburg, West Virginia, John Cox (Jessica), Wamego, Shylee Cox (Jeremy Bohanon), Wamego, and Sam Cox (Erin), Nashville, Tennessee; and his four grandchildren, Mya, Mitchell, Alexandra, and Twyla. His brother, Tim (Luella) Cox, sisters, Teresa (Kevin) Keast, and Jill (Alan) Juhnke, and many nieces and nephews. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Lynn Cox, and brother Mike Cox.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 13, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home of Wamego. Inurnment will take place at the Louisville Cemetery following the service. The family suggests memorial contributions to the VFW of Topeka, Kansas, and those may be sent in care of Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.campanellastewart.com.

William McAfee (Posted 8/8/22)

Bevery Sue Cragg (Posted 8/6/22)

Beverly Sue “Bev” Cragg, of Manhattan, died peacefully on Aug. 5 ,2022 surrounded by family after a long battle with ovarian cancer.

Bev was born Oct 21^st,1946 in Manhattan, KS. She was the oldest daughter of six children to Bob and Katherine (Berends) Rose. Bev graduated from Manhattan High School in 1964. Bev married her high school sweetheart, Charles (Bill) Cragg, on Nov. 21, 1964, and they were married for 44 years.

Bev and Bill were the definition of love, many would say inseparable. Bev moved to Colorado Springs, CO in 1968 following Bill’s activation in the National Guard. In 1970, they settled in Leavenworth, KS where she worked and retired from Ft. Leavenworth. Bev and Bill loved to travel and Laughlin, NV was one of their favorite spots to visit. Although they had no children of their own, Bev played a vital role in her nieces’ and nephews’ lives. In 2011, after Bill’s passing, Bev moved back to Manhattan, KS to be closer to her family where she became an invaluable asset to the community. She devoted her time to the following charitable organizations: Meals on Wheels, Via Christi, after school reading programs, and Toys for Manhattan. Bev enjoyed watching movies. Her favorites were E.T. and any John Wayne western. She also enjoyed reading murder mysteries, quilting, home improvement projects, yardwork, and winning a game of “Rummy Royal” against anyone of her family who dared to challenge her.

She was a devoted wife, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend to many. Bev is survived by her two sisters Linda Cragg and Patty Jensen, brother Kenneth Rose (Carolyn) half-brother Richard Rose (Rhonda). Also left to miss her are her nieces and nephews, Brenda, Mike, Ron Jr., Kathy, Stacy, Bob, Charlie, Denice, Eric, Dustin and Derek, 21 great-nieces and nephews, and 6 great-great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Husband Charles (Bill) Cragg, two brothers Robert Rose and Ronald Rose.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 9th, 2022, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel in Manhattan, KS.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel in Manhattan. Interment will follow at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery near Manhattan.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.ymlfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Toys for Manhattan at 2004 Timber Creek Drive, Manhattan, KS, 66502 or K-State cancer research and education via online at giving.ksufoundation.org. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan, KS 66502.

Mary Schlegel (Posted 8/5/22)

Mary Dolores Schlegel, age 92, of Manhattan, died August 3, 2022, at her residence.

She was born in Flush, Kansas, on November 29, 1929, the daughter of Meinrad H. and Loretta C. (Riat) Dekat.

Dolores graduated from Flush High School in 1947.

On June 6, 1950, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Flush, she was married to Matthew E. Schlegel.

She worked as a clerk for McCall Pattern Company.

Dolores was a member of Seven Dolors Catholic Church and the Over 50’s Group.

She volunteered at the Seven Dolors Budget Shop.  She and enjoyed painting, ceramics, sewing, crocheting, cooking, puzzles and traveling.  Her greatest joy was spending time her family.  She never passed up an opportunity to hold a baby.

Mr. Schlegel preceded her in death on August 27, 1989.  She was also preceded in death by two grandchildren: Christopher Kilner and Colby Mathies; and by two sisters and one brother.

Survivors include her seven children: Sarah Releford and her husband Doug of Wamego, KS, Sandra Puett and her husband Lee of Florissant, MO, Richard Schlegel and his wife Martha of Wichita, KS, Kenneth Schlegel and his wife Sharon of Wichita, Regina Harrison of St. George, KS, Donna Kilner and her husband Gary of Manhattan, KS, and Kay Mathies and her husband Danny of Manhattan; three siblings: Dorothy Umscheid of Wamego, Alice Marten of St. George and Ruth Walsh of Louisville, KS; 23 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and two great-great- grandchildren.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, August 11^th, at the Seven Dolors Catholic Church, Manhattan, with Father Ryan McCandless as Celebrant.  Interment will follow in the Sunset Cemetery in Manhattan.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:30 P.M. Wednesday, August 10^th, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.  A Parish Vigil and Rosary will follow at 7:30 P.M. Wednesday in the funeral home chapel.

Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to either Seven Dolors Catholic Church or St. Croix Hospice.  Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.

Thomas Moseler (Posted 8/5/22)

Thomas Joseph Moseler, age 78, of Ogden, died August 3, 2022 at the Good Shepherd Homecare and Hospice House in Manhattan.

Thomas was born on January 4, 1944 in Muskegon, Michigan, the son of Frank and Julia (Sullivan) Moseler Jr.  He grew up in the Muskegon area and graduated from Muskegon High School with the class of 1962.

He entered the U.S. Army and served for 10 years.  Tom was proud to serve his country and honored to be a veteran.  After his service time he worked for EFD Freight Company, McCall Pattern Company, Union Pacific, then worked for Kansas State in the maintenance department operating heavy equipment.

On October 19, 1968 in Fort Riley, he was united in marriage to Connie Anderson.  She survives at their home in Ogden.

He loved old and classic cars; he was a member of the Yard Art Classic Car Club.  He enjoyed his children’s activities, and coached the Little League Baseball teams they were on and also was a Scout Leader.  Thomas was a former member of the VFW in Ogden and the American Legion.  The community of Ogden and talking with the people of Ogden was just as important to him as his family. He served on the planning board in Ogden for some time.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Jane Moseler, his brothers, James Matthew Moseler and Wayne Francis Moseler.

In addition to his wife Connie, he is survived by his children, Bryan T. Moseler (Devon), Michelle R. Jacks (Victor), and Matthew J. Moseler (Becky); his grandchildren and great grandchildren; and his sister, Barbara Marie Lareva; and his many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday August 9, 2022 at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Ogden, with Father Frank Coady as the celebrant. The service will be abled to be viewed thru the funeral home Facebook page (facebook.com/YML.FuneralHome) Private burial will be at a later date at the St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Ogden.

Immediately following the funeral services there will be a luncheon at the Ogden Community Center.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions to the Wounded Warriors Project or the Good Shepherd Homecare and Hospice House Inc.  Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.

Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com

Gerald “Jerry” Burson (Posted 8/5/22)

Gerald Warner “Jerry” Burson of Manhattan, Kansas, passed away at age 78 on
Thursday, June 23, 2022, at Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community-Bramlage
House.

Jerry was born in Aransas Pass, Texas on February 21, 1944, to the late Elmer
Theodore Burson and Pansy Inez Crenshaw. He graduated from Camelback High
School in Phoenix, Arizona, and later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications
from Lindenwood College in St. Charles, Missouri. Jerry was a Boy Scout in his
youth, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout and notably, was the youngest Eagle
Scout in the United States at that time.

In April 1974, he was united in marriage to Barbara Jean O’Malley in Fort Riley,
Kansas. A career soldier, Jerry hauled his family across the world and back, from
Fort Riley to Bad Kreuznach, West Germany, and then to Fort Hood, Texas. He
was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War, a Bronze Star recipient from that conflict,
and retired from the US Army in 1980.

In addition to his family and country, Jerry held an abiding love for music, art,
NASCAR racing and the camaraderie of friends, always finding ways to mix those
activities. After returning to Manhattan in 2001, he became an active member of
the Seven Dolors Catholic Church, Lafayette Masonic Lodge 16, the American
Legion Pearce-Keller Post 17, VFW Post 1786, and the Tuttle Creek Lake
Association. He enjoyed entertaining with his dobro at the farmer’s market on
Saturdays and singing with the church choir.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara; four children, Patrick (Dawn),
Jeanette, Gwendolyn (Brian), and Michael (Shelley); five grandchildren (Reid,
Liam, Nora, Aurora, Aislinn), and older brother, Larry. He is preceded in death by
his parents and oldest brother, Gary.

A Celebration of Life Mass will be held on Friday, August 19 at 10:00 AM at Seven
Dolors Church, followed by an interment service at the Kansas Veterans
Cemetery, Fort Riley Branch, Manhattan. Military honors will be rendered by the
Fort Riley Honor Guard and Masonic service by the Lafayette Masonic Lodge.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be directed to the
Gerald W Burson Memorial Fund and sent in care of Carlson’s Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home.