KLKC Obituaries, Parsons, KS (2025)

08/29/2025

Donald Lee Mitchell, 95, of Girard and a lifelong resident of the area, died at 11:34 p.m., Tuesday, August 26, 2025 in Ascension Via Christi Village in Pittsburg.

Memorial services will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 5, 2025 at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Girard with Pastor Rick Prideaux officiating. Burial will be at a later date at the Lewis Cemetery in Lewis, Iowa.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home where friends may call after 2:00 p.m., Thursday.

Memorials are suggested to Children’s Mercy Hospital and these may be left at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home or mailed to the funeral home at 518 W St. John, Box 258, Girard, 66743.

Don was born July 9, 1930 in Girard, a son of James and Goldie (Heskett) Mitchell. He grew up and attended schools in Girard and graduated from Girard High School in 1949.

He served in the US Army Reserves.

Don married Winnoa Joy Multhaup on May 27, 1951 in the United Methodist Church in Girard and Winnoa preceded him in death on January 8, 2012.

Don worked as lineman, construction foreman, and in the maintenance department for Craw-Kan Telephone Company in Girard from 1963 until retiring in 1993. He worked at Ace Hardware in Girard from 1995 until retiring in 2018.

Don was strong in his faith and he enjoyed his family, trout fishing at Roaring River, building, carpentry, and sports.

Survivors include his grandchildren, Isaac Westhoff, Vanessa Sweet, and her husband, Matt, and their daughter, Giselle, Tiffany (Westhoff) Roberts and her daughters Ainsley and Nora, Tara Anderson, and her husband, Matt, and their son, Lincoln, and their daughter, Liv, Gabrielle Pennington, and her husband, Alec, and their children Mandolynn and Emmalynn, and Christopher Kline, his sister, Retha Nickel of Mound Ridge, Kansas.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, his daughters, Donna Westhoff, on August 9, 2022, and Mary Beth Kline, on May 5, 2022, and his brother, James Mitchell, on October 9, 2008.

08/29/2025

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Proud Animal Lovers Shelter, and these may be left at or mailed to the Carson-Wall Funeral Home, 112 N. 26th St., P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357.

She worked at Adventure Line, Bushog in Galesburg, and at Power Flame. She worked at Power Flame for 35 years as a Welder and retired in 2016.

Elaine enjoyed camping, reading, puzzles, cooking, bowling, and helping people in need. She especially enjoyed her grandchildren and supporting them in their activities.

She is survived by her children, Charlotte Gant (Robert) of Parsons, Dawn Pecha (Dave) of Parsons, Tina Corliss (Gary Abbe) of Parsons, Travis Myers of Parsons, and Destany Adams (Sean) of Fort Riley, KS; her grandchildren, Andrew Brown (Kari), Dakota Getz (Ann), Erika Getz (Mandel), Robyn Maples, Leah Gant, Ryan Corliss, Tiffany Corliss, Tucker Myers, Noah Myers, Blaise Myers, August Adams, and Remmington Adams; 17 Great-Grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; her sister, Sharon Lewis of Altamont; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, Keith Brown, two grandsons, Ray Lee Drake and Tyler Corliss; her brothers, John Ball and Eldon Cooney; and her sisters, Loretta Ball, Nita Rogers, and Lois Gale.

08/27/2025

Cynthia L. “Cindy” Garland, 67, of Erie, passed away at 10:07 p.m., Sunday, August 24, 2025, at her home in Erie.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, August 29, 2025, at the Federated Church in Erie with Pastor Jeff Baker officiating. A private burial will be held in the East Hill Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the University of Kansas Cancer Center for research, and these may be left in care of the funeral home at the service or mailed to the Pierce-Carson-Wall Funeral Home, P.O. Box 182, Erie, KS 66733.

She was born on January 5, 1958, at Garden Grove, California to Kenneth and Patricia (Gaddis) Pogue. She grew up in various places in California before the family settled in Chanute. She graduated from Chanute High School in 1976.

Cindy moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, Seattle, Washington, and then to New Braunfels, Texas. She was a managing partner for Outback Steakhouses. She retired and then moved to Erie in 2020, where she managed the Erie Grocery Store in her retirement.

She loved spending time with her grandchildren and supporting them in their activities. She liked riding her trike motorcycle, playing cards, and traveling. She attended the Erie Federated Church.

She is survived by her son, Robert Washburn, and his wife, Rene of Cedar Park, TX, her grandchildren, Lauren Washburn and Brandon Washburn, her sisters, Trisha Matthews, and her husband, Roger of Exeter, CA, Karen Yockey, and her husband, Zale of Erie, Sue Hutchison, and her partner, Cherie of Malvern, AR, her brothers, Kenneth Pogue of Sulphur, OK and Keven Pogue of Corpus Christi, TX, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her grandparents, Pete and Dorothy Pogue and Louise Pogue.

08/26/2025

With heavy hearts, we share the sudden and tragic passing of our beloved Arlene Lowmaster, 75, who left us far too soon in a drowning accident on 08/24/25.

No services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the Proud Animal Lover’s Shelter, honoring Arlene’s lifelong devotion to animals. These may be left at or mailed to the Carson-Wall Funeral home, P.O. Box 942,

She was born November 14, 1949 at Wichita, a daughter of Raymond W. and Elizbeth (Loskot) Miller. Arlene’s life was defined by love, hard work, and devotion to both her family and the animals she cared for so deeply. She had a passion for rescuing animals and giving them safe and loving homes. She also loved being outdoors, especially fishing, golf and working in the yard.

Arlene shared a beautiful life with her husband, John Lowmaster, who was her partner in every sense of the word. They were married on February 1, 1974 at Wichita. Their bond was one of love, loyalty, and laughter, and it brings comfort to know they are now together again in heaven. She also shared an unbreakable connection with her twin sister, Charlene Pinkham and the two of them were a true reflection of the gift of sisterhood. With her husband, her sister, and her brother-in-law already in heaven, we take peace in knowing that Arlene has been reunited with them all. They are together once again.

Known for her incredible work ethic, Arlene gave her all to everything she touched. She was strong, determined, and inspiring balancing that strength with a tender heart and a deep love for family. She will be remembered not only for her dedication and drive, but also for the kindness and warmth she extended to others.

Arlene is survived by her three children: Wendy Lowmaster (Deb), Bryce Lowmaster, and Ryan Lowmaster (Shimree). She was a proud grandmother to five grandchildren: Lexis Lowmaster, D’Kotah Lowmaster, Arianna Brooks, Breckyn Lowmaster, and Braxton Lowmaster. Her love for them was endless, and her spirit will live on in each of their lives.

Parsons, KS 67357.

08/26/2025

Ruby DeLoris Bradley, 78, of rural Bartlett, passed away on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at her home.

The funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, August 28, 2025, at the Bartlett Christian Church in Bartlett. Burial will follow at Lake Creek Cemetery in Bartlett. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons.

Memorials are suggested to Monark Springs Campground. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

Ruby DeLoris Eck was born on March 28, 1947, to Albert D. and Margaret (Johnson) Eck in Bartlett, Kansas. She grew up and attended school in Bartlett, graduating from Labette County Community High School in 1965.

DeLoris and Randel Roy Bradley were united in marriage. Throughout their married life, the couple farmed and for 25 years had a dairy. During those years, DeLoris also was a cook at Barlett Grade School and worked for Amazon.

A devoted Christian, she was a member of the Four Corners Church of God. For 35 years, she served as the camp lodging coordinator for Monark Springs Campground in Neosho, Missouri.

She loved spending time with her family. Everything from traveling and working with her husband to teaching her daughters how to sew and cook to cooking for the whole family and playing board games was how DeLoris lived her life.

Survivors include:

Her husband of 58 years – Randal Bradley of the home

Three daughters – Retha Cole and her husband, Orin, of Bartlett, Kansas

Lynette Cole and her husband, Kevin, of Edna, Kansas

Sheila Cole and her husband, Butch, of Neosho, Missouri

Six grandsons – Brad Cole and his wife, Emma; Travis Cole; Madison Cole; Logan Cole; Brook Cole; and Brayden Cole

Five great-grandchildren

Many extended family members and friends

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Donald Eck; and two sisters, LaVera Ruth Eck and LaVerna Probst.

08/25/2025

Murland L. “Mike” Taylor, 99, retired Parsons businessman, died at 2 p.m., Saturday, August 23, 2025.

The funeral service will be at 2 p.m., Friday, August 29 2025 at the Memorial Lawn Cemetery Patio, with Pat McReynolds officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, August 28.

Memorials are suggested to the Parsons Area Community Foundation. They may be left at or sent to the Carson-Wall Funeral Home, P. O. Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357.

08/25/2025

Judith Lynn “Judy” Nibarger, 85, of Parsons, passed away Thursday, August 21, 2025, after a lengthy illness.

The memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m., September 2, 2025, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Parsons. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 p.m., until the service begins.

Memorials are suggested to Gentiva Hospice or Proud Animal Lovers Shelter (PALS). These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

She was born on July 17, 1940, to James and Letah (Hight) Willeford in Parsons, Kansas. As a child, she moved with her family to Galveston, Texas, for a short time, before the family returned to Parsons. After graduating from Parsons High School, Judy attended Labette Community College.

For over 23 years, Judy worked at the Parsons State Hospital and Training Center in the Recreation Department and later as a direct caregiver until her retirement in 2011.

Judy was an avid Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas Jayhawks fan. She particularly enjoyed going to the casino and horse races and never turned down a good game of “GUTS” poker. Some of her fondest memories came from living on Grand Lake, where she loved boating and fishing. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family.

In 1963, Judy and Bill Dunnic were united in marriage. The couple later divorced. In 1975, she and Ted Nibarger were married. They later divorced.

Survivors include:

One daughter – Tracy Wertz and her husband, Monty, of Altamont, Kansas

One grandson – Jacob Wertz and his wife, Audrey, of Parsons, Kansas

One granddaughter – Jackie Smith and her husband, Taran, of rural Erie, Kansas

Three great-grandsons – Rowen Smith, Ryden Smith and Roper Smith

She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Debbie Willeford; and two brothers, Michael Willeford and James Willeford.

08/25/2025

Lois M. Whitaker, 96, of Mound Valley, passed away the morning of Friday, August 22, 2025, at Advena Living of Cherryvale.

The graveside service will be at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at the Mound Valley Cemetery in Mound Valley.

Memorials are suggested to the American Red Cross. These may be left at or sent to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

Lois Marie McNeal was born on May 14, 1929, to Ira and Beatrice (Harbour) McNeal in Lafontaine, Kansas. As a young girl, she grew up and attended school in Lafontaine.

On December 6, 1947, Lois and Orby Whitaker were united in marriage in Fredonia, Kansas. While Orby served in the United States Air Force, the family moved to many different Air Force bases around the country. In 1994, the family settled in Mound Valley, where Lois has lived since.

Lois was a member of the Mound Valley United Methodist Church. She was also a long-time volunteer for the American Red Cross.

Her main passion in life was her family. A talented seamstress and quilter, Lois made a quilt for all of her family and put special care into each of the seven grandchildren’s quilts. She also enjoyed being outdoors, especially going fishing and boating with her husband, Orby. She was also an excellent outdoor cook.

Survivors include:

Two sons – Dave Franklin Whitaker and his wife, Mary, of Mound Valley, Kansas

Marvin Lee Whitaker and his wife, Barbara, of Mound Valley, Kansas

Seven grandchildren – Chris Whitaker of Parsons, Kansas; Steven Whitaker and his wife, Renea, of Mound Valley, Kansas; Stacey Leech and her husband, Jim, of Parsons, Kansas; Sherry Whitaker of Webb City, Missouri; Samantha Mathis of Parsons, Kansas; Cody Whitaker of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; and Chad Whitaker and his wife, Danae, of Parsons, Kansas

17 great-grandchildren

Two great-great-grandchildren

One sister – Anna May Modesitt and her husband, Merle, of Thayer, Kansas

Many nieces and nephews

She was preceded in death by her husband, Orby Whitaker, on July 29, 2010; one son, Wayne Whitaker, on June 3, 2018; her brother, Ronald McNeal; and three sisters, Betty Whitaker, Erma P. Pearce, and Norma Taylor.

08/22/2025

Richard G. “Rick” Tucker, 78, well known retired Parsons attorney, died at 10:15 a.m., Thursday, August 21, 2025 at the Parsons Presbyterian Manor.

The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 26, at the First Assembly of God Church, with Rev. Steve Crawford and David Keaton officiating. The flag presentation will be given by the Brown-Bishop Post # 704, Veterans of Foreign Wars. The family will receive friends at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, August 25.

Memorials are suggested to the First Assembly of God Church, the Parsons Area Community Foundation, or the American Radio Relay League. They may be left at or sent to the Carson-Wall Funeral Home, P. O. Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357.

He was born September 13, 1946, at Chanute, to George and Bonita (Johnson) Tucker. The family lived in Tokyo, Japan from 1947 to 1951 and in Parsons from 1951.

Rick graduated from Parsons High School in 1964. During his youth, he was active in sports and in scouting, earning the rank of Eagle Scout in 1960. He graduated from Kansas State University with a B.S. in History in 1970 and from Washburn University Law School with a Juris Doctor in 1973. He also served in the United States Navy.

On July 17, 1971, he and Jane McDermed were married at the earlier location of the Erie Christian Church. After their marriage, they lived in Erie while Rick was with the Fleming and Forsyth Law Firm from 1973 to 1977. In 1977, he established the Law Office of Richard Tucker in Parsons and from 2004 until 2019 he was a partner in the Tucker and Markham, LLC law firm in Parsons.

Rick was admitted to the Kansas Supreme Court, the United States District Court – Kansas and the United States 10th Circuit Court of Appeals – Denver. He was a member of the Kansas Bar Association from 1973 and was a Fellow of the Kansas Bar Foundation. He was a member of the Kansas Association of Justice and had been city attorney for St. Paul and Oswego, as well as Parsons Municipal Judge.

In Scouting, he had been assistant scout master of Troop 232 in Erie and scout master of Troop 2 in Parsons. He was a member and past president of the Parsons Rotary Club and was a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow. Among his other many interests were the SEK Audubon Society and serving on the Audubon of Kansas Board of Trustees, the Kansas Ornithological Society, the Parsons Area Amateur Radio Club. He held an amateur Radio Extra Class License – call sign WORT, and was a lifelong member of the American Radio Relay League.

For 19 years, he served on the U.S.D. 506 School Board. He was a member of the First Assembly of God Church and had served on the Board of Deacons.

Survivors are his wife, Jane Tucker; his three children, Janell Houk (Anthony) of Parsons, Jonathan Tucker (Stacy) of Derby and Justin Tucker (Heidi) of Humboldt; grandchildren, Brett Houk (Megan), Ethan Houk (Emily), Eli Tucker, Kierstyn Houk, Kinley Tucker, Andrew Houk, Lincoln Tucker, William Tucker and Gentry Tucker; great grandsons, Hye Houk and Hunter Houk; sister, Linda Pfingsten of Sun City West, AZ and brothers, Ronald Tucker (Debbi) of Excelsior Springs, MO and John Tucker of Los Lunas, NM.

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant sister, Bonnie, brother-in-law, Ron Pfingsten, nephew, Aaron Pfingsten, and sister-in-law, Barb Tucker.

08/22/2025

Clara E. Smith, 75, of Parsons, passed away at 5:18 p.m., Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at Wesley Medical Center.

The funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 25, 2025 at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Parsons. The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until service time. Burial will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence. Memorials are suggested to RTSSK for client needs and they may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357.

She was born on January 26, 1950 in Ulysses, Kansas to George R. and Zelda W. (Reese) Smith. Clara moved to Parsons State Hospital and Training Center in 1955 and lived there until moving in her own residence in 2012.

Clara loved shopping especially going to garage sales and St. Vincent DePaul. She enjoyed going on car rides and eating out at restaurants. Clara embroidered many pillow cases and loved people, calling many of them momma and daddy.

Survivors include his brother, Gerald “Jerry” Smith (Sherrie) of Evansville, Indiana; nephew, Larry Powell Jr. of Evansville, Indiana; her cousins; Debbie Vines (Ralph) of Benton, Arkansas and Mary Kay Beck-Holloway (Kent) of Independence and her guardian, Brenda Hughes of Thayer.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Geroge Smith, Jr. and Marvin Smith; sister, Janis Rose; aunt, Velva Beck and uncle, Raymond Beck.

The family would like to thank the staff of Residential Treatment Services of Southeast Kansas (RTSSK) for the love and care they provided to Clara.

08/22/2025

Alice D. Lumm, 77, of Parsons, died Wednesday morning, August 20, 2025 at her home at Woodridge Estates. Her death was unexpected.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Friday, August 29, 2025 at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home with Pastor Peter Choi officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7:00 until 8:00 Thursday evening at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Proud Animal Lovers Shelter and may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357.

She was born May 12 ,1948, at Parsons, a daughter of Harold M. and Xina D. (Rice) Noakes. She grew up and attended school at Parsons and attended the Cherryvale High School. She was employed at the former Broderick’s Manufacturing Company for eight years, then worked at the Parsons Good Samaritan Society and Elm Haven West.

On August 18, 1964 she was united in marriage to Richard W. Lumm at Cherryvale. He preceded her in death on April 28, 1997.

She was a member of the Church of the Brethren in past years and was currently a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church. She enjoyed needle work and collecting die cast pencil sharpeners (her collection included about 100). She also enjoyed drawing.

Survivors include: two sons and daughters in-law– Tommy and Cathy Lumm, Parsons, KS, Darren and LeAnn Lumm, Parsons, KS; one daughter and son in-law – Nancy and Lonnie Smith, Parsons, KS; eleven grandchildren; twenty Great-grandchildren; one Great-great granddaughter; two brothers – Dale R. Noakes, Barstow, CA, Raymond L. Noakes, Aurora, CO; two sisters – Patricia Olson, Knoxville, TN, Brenda Todd, Pierre, South Dakota. One brother – Garold Dean Noakes preceded her in death in June 1949.

08/21/2025

William A. “Bill” Nickelson, 77, of Mulberry, died at 3:24 p.m., Tuesday, August 19, 2025 in Mercy Hospital In Pittsburg.

Funeral services will be a 1:00 p.m., Monday, August 25, 2025 at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Girard with Pastor Rick Prideaux officiating. Burial will be in Garden of Memories Cemetery near Pittsburg.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Girard where friends may call after 2:00 p.m., Sunday.

Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project and these may be left at the service or the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home, 518 W St. John, Box 258, Girard, 66743.

Bill was born September 14, 1947 in Fort Scott, a son of Jack and Louise (Ring) Nickelson. He grew up and attended schools in Bronaugh, Missouri and graduated from Bronaugh High School in 1965.

Bill served his country during the Vietnam Conflict from 1966 until receiving an honorable discharge in 1968.

He married Lynda Marlaine Gilbert on January 11, 1969 in Topeka, Kansas and she survives of the home.

They made their home in Pittsburg and Bill farmed and worked for KG&E until retiring in 2002 to become a full time farmer.

Bill was a member of the Benjamin A. Fuller Post No. 64, American Legion in Pittsburg where he received an award for 60 years of membership. He received a Quilt of Honor in 2023 for his military service.

He enjoyed his family, bowling, and especially farming.

Survivors, in addition to his wife, Marlaine, of the home, are his sons, Sean Nickelson, and his wife, Cindy, of Arma and Daniel Nickelson, and his wife, Marietta, of Girard. His grandchildren, Rian, Dakota, Trista, Tyler, and Lucas. His great-grandchildren Lakyn and Sophia. His sister, Betty Nickelson of Mulberry.

Bill was preceded in death by a daughter, Michelle Moback, in May of 2011, his parents, his brothers, Charles Nickelson, Mike Nickelson, Eddie Nickelson, Fred Nickelson, and his sisters, Rosie Nickelson and Patricia Mashek.

KLKC Obituaries

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