KLKC Obituaries

11/17/2025

“Skip” James V. Showalter, 80, of Erie, passed away at 4:47 A.M., Friday, November 14, 2025 at his home.

A memorial graveside service will be held at 10:00 Friday, November 21, 2025 at East Hill Cemetery with Dr. Wayne Shaw officiating. Military Honors will be given by the George L. Hendricks Post No. 102, American Legion. Memorials are suggested to the George L. Hendricks Post 102, American Legion and may be left with the Pierce-Carson-Wall Funeral Home the day of the service or mailed to the funeral home, P.O. Box 182, Erie, KS 66733.

He was born October 4, 1945 at Erie, a son of Lawrence and Johnyce Ellen (Robinson) Showalter. He grew up at Erie and attended Erie schools, graduating from the Erie High School in 1963. He was drafted into the United States Army on November 24, 1965 and served in the Vietnam Conflict. He was part of the Fourth Infantry Division and was assigned to the Artillery Unit. He was discharged in November 22, 1967 and returned to Erie and attended the Neosho County Community College for two years under the G.I. Bill.. He was a carpenter by trade and was employed at Princess Homes at Parsons and later worked many years at Advanced Systems Homes at Chanute.

He was united in marriage to Janice Purdy on November 23, 1968 at her parents’ home at Erie, where their life journey began. They later divorced in May 1997 but stayed friends and continued to support and encourage each other during the years. He later married Karen (Wolken) Beard on November 1, 2008 at Erie. She preceded him in death on March 11, 2022.

He grew up in the First Christian Church at Erie. He enjoyed playing dominos, working crossword puzzles his ’65 Chevy and fishing. Skip was quite the photographer in his day and thoroughly excelled in psychology under the direction of Mel Wellington. He was a kind-hearted man with a deep devotion to his family and country. He was a member of the George L. Hendricks Post No. 192, American Legion and was a past commander, being proud to hold that position. He found immense joy in playing dominos at the legion.

Survivors include: one son and daughter in-law – Waite and Vicki Showalter, Erie; two daughters – Deborah L. Showalter, Oalthe, Darla A. Showalter, Parsons; one step-son and step-daughter in-law – Brian and Robin Beard, Wellington; two step-daughters – Melinda Beard, and her companion, Stephen Sawyer, Erie, Kristina Beard, Erie; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by four brothers – Larry, Loren “Butch”, Randy and Jerry Showalter; and one sister – Merle Grady.

11/14/2025

Anna (Ann) Bybee, 103, of Parsons, passed away at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, November 13, 2025 at Good Samaritan Center in Parsons.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m., Monday, November 17, 2025 at Carson-Wall Funeral Home with Pastor Claude Shue officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until service time. Burial will follow in Memorial Lawn Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Proud Animal Lovers Shelter (PALS) and may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357.

She was born on February 5, 1922 in Redfield, Kansas to Marion and Gladys (McHenry) Post. Ann graduated from Uniontown High School in 1941 and lived in the Redfield and Fort Scott area until 1952 when she moved to Parsons. Ann always lived an interesting life including working as a “Rosie the Riveter” welder during World War II.

Ann was a member of the Eagles Auxiliary, Brown-Bishop Post No 704 Auxiliary, Beauceant (Social Order) #84, Star of Bethlehem Shrine #20 (White Shrine). She was a member of the Brethren Church and was currently attending Faith United Methodist Church.

For many years Ann worked for Tower Bowl and taught bowling lessons for school aged children for over two generations. She had been inducted into the Kansas Women’s Bowling Hall of Fame. Ann was a volunteer at the Parsons Historical Museum and worked many hours welcoming visitors to the museum. She was a member of the Labette Health auxiliary where she volunteered for over 3000 hours.

She and Edgar H. Bybee were married on August 23, 1951 in Fort Scott, KS. He preceded her in death on September 18, 1986.

Survivors include two daughters, Virginia “Ginger” Pellock and Donna Bybee both of Parsons; grandchildren, Rob Hey (Beth), Jim Hey (Tim), Kim Maffei, Ed Pellock (Missy), Crystal Landwehr (David) and Jered Bybee; great-grandchildren, Ashton Caton (Cade), Madison Hey, Lauron Brewer (Daylon), Sydnee Dwyer (Taylor), Karlee Cares (Logan), Ethan Pellock and Lindzi Pellock; two step-great grandchildren, Isabelle Landwehr and Lawrence Landwehr; great-great-grandchildren, Briley, Brax, Broc, Brek, Brynne, Jude and Celine; sister, Natalie Comstock of Fort Scott and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her son, Dwayne Bybee on October 29, 1978.

11/13/2025

Jennifer Ellen “Jennie” Stevenson, 50, of Parsons, Kansas, left this world on November 11, 2025 her journey complete after a brief illness. There will be a private family celebration of life where Jennie will be laid to rest at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Dennis, Kansas, a place of peace, surrounded by her family and the generations who came before her.

Born on September 18, 1975, in Parsons to Frank Stevenson and Diana (Riffel) Stevenson, Jennie grew up in Topeka as the youngest and only daughter with two older brothers. Life was not always easy for Jennie, but she faced its hardships with a stubborn spirit and an undeniable spark.

Jennie lived on her own terms and was fiercely independent but beneath her tough exterior was a tender heart, full of stories, humor, and moments of grace that she offered in her own way.

Parsons was always her heart’s home. It was where the world first opened up for her — at the skating rink under the glow of colored lights, surrounded by music and laughter. And later, when life had weathered her, it was the place she returned to — drawn back by the comfort of familiar streets and the people who loved her for who she truly was.

Jennie shared a rare and enduring bond with her paternal grandmother, Nadine, whose steady love anchored her in ways words could never fully capture. She also shared a lifelong closeness with her cousin Marcy — their teenage years spent together at their grandmother’s house were filled with laughter, late-night talks, and the kind of friendship that becomes much more than just a family bond.

In one of life’s quiet mercies, Jennie was reunited with her high school sweetheart, Stephen, not long before she became ill. The two found their way back to one another after so many years apart, and together they rediscovered the comfort and tenderness of a love that had never fully faded.

Jennifer is survived by her three sons — William McDiffett, Elijah Ray, and James Perry; her brother, Jarod Stevenson and wife Rebecca of Basehor, Kansas; her partner and love of her life, Stephen Harper; three beautiful grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins . She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank Stevenson and Diana Stevenson; her brother, Chris Stevenson; and both her maternal and paternal grandparents.

Jennie’s life was not easy, but it was real. She loved deeply, struggled honestly, and left behind a legacy that cannot be measured in perfection — only in truth, resilience, and the memories carried by those who knew her best

11/10/2025

Retired First Sergeant, Henry A. Gatewood Jr., 84, passed away the morning of Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Labette Health in Parsons.
The funeral service with full military honors will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, November 15, 2025. at Brown-Bishop, VFW Post 704, 105 Main, Parsons. The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m., until the service begins at the VFW.

Henry Arthur Gatewood was born on July 6, 1941, to Henry and Maxine Laura Lee (Darkis) Gatewood in Parsons. While growing up in Parsons, he attended Douglass School and graduated from Parsons West High School. After graduating from Parsons Junior College, now known as Labette Community College, he entered basic training for the United States Army at Ft. Jackson in South Carolina. Next, he began advanced individual training at Ft. Leonard Wood in Missouri.

His stateside assignments as an Army advisor with the 875th combat engineer battalion were: Ft. Meade, Maryland, Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, Ft. Carson, Colorado, Ft. Capp, Pennsylvania, West Point, New York, and Jonesboro, Arkansas.

While serving, he also had many overseas assignments including: two tours in Germany, and tours in Panama, Nicaragua, Korea, and Vietnam with the 11th armored Calvary regiment, 919th engineer company, and fourth platoon.

Henry had a very successful and highly decorated military career. He received the following awards: the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster (meaning that he received the award multiple times), a Meritorious Service medal with oak leaf clusters, an Army Commendation medal with oak leaf clusters, the Arkansas Commendation medal, an Army achievement medal, a Good Conduct medal multiple times, a National Defense Service medal, a Korean Service medal, a Vietnam Service medal with three Bronze Stars-Campaign TET 69 counteroffensive Vietnam summer/fall 69/ Vietnam winter-spring 70, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional development ribbon 3rd Level, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, President Unit Citation, IMJIM Scout Badge, Jungle Expert Badge, Driver-Mechanic Badge, Expert/Sharp Shooter Badge Small Arms.

While in the military, his duty positions included combat engineer, squad leader, and platoon Sgt., drill Sgt., Army advisor, intelligence Sgt., instructor and First Sergeant.

Henry retired from the Army December 1, 1985, after 25 years of active duty.

After retirement, he worked at Southland Care Center in Fayetteville, Missouri, until 1990. He then worked at Kemper Military School and College in Booneville, Missouri, from 1990-1999. Next, he worked at the Labette County Correctional Camp in Oswego in a variety of positions including as a Drill Corporal, a Disciplinary Non-Commissioned Officer, and a Work Sergeant. In addition, he taught classes to staff and inmates until the camp closed.

Henry was an active member of Hamilton Chapel in Parsons. For the last several years, Henry had served as a trustee of Brown Bishop VFW Post 704 in Parsons and as 3rd district commander in the state of Kansas VFW. In October 2017, he was inducted into the Kemper Military School and College Alumni Association Hall of Fame. He was recognized for his military service and his service to the local community with a LCC Distinguished Alumni Award in 2018. In 2025, Henry and First Sergeant Charles Slone were appointed colonels in Kemper Corps of Cadets – the only two non-cadets to receive the award.

His greatest enjoyment came from spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed sports, cruising and traveling to reunions with family and his fellow military veterans.

On July 5, 1974, Henry and Martha S. (Cason) Sheley were united in marriage in Alexandria, Virginia. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include:

Five children – U.S. Army Retired Howard D. Sheley (Marie-Anne) of Colorado, Springs, Colorado

Henry A. Gatewood III (Gidgette) of Lake Charles, Louisiana

Marvin L. Sheley of Columbia, Missouri

Adonus Stewart (Kenneth) of Lake Charles, Louisiana

Numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren

Siblings – Charles Gatewood, James Gatewood (Peggy), Emmett Gatewood, and Shawnell Reece (Michael) all of Parsons, Kansas; Maurice Gatewood (Katie) of Wichita, Kansas; Debra Sanchez and Marva Cullom of Olathe, Kansas; and Richard Gatewood

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Julie Robertson; and his brother, Larry Gatewood.

11/05/2025

Dale L. Romine, 89, of St. Charles, Missouri, and a former Neosho County resident, passed away at 8:24 a.m., Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at his home in St. Charles. Among his survivors is his wife, Wanda Romine, of the home. Further obituary information and service arrangements will be announced by the Pierce-Carson-Wall Funeral Home of Erie.

11/04/2025

Craig E. Basoco, 61, of Chetopa, passed away Saturday, November 1, 2025, at his home. He is survived by his wife, Melanie, of the home.

The graveside service will be at 2:00 p.m., November 14, 2025, at Oak Hill Cemetery in Chetopa.

Craig Ernest Basoco was born on September 15, 1964, to Ernest Jasso and Paricia Marie (Price) Basoco in Los Angeles, California. He grew up and attended school in southern California. After completing his freshman year in high school, he moved with his family from Whittier, California, to southeast Kansas, graduating from Labette County High School in 1983.

Following high school, Craig served in the United States Army. Throughout his career, he worked as an automotive technician and a machine operator.

Craig had a strong Christian faith and wanted everyone to believe in the resurrection of Christ. He had the talent of building things out of “junk” and enjoyed working on small engines.

On May 14, 2016, Craig and Melanie Ann Johnson were united in marriage in Parsons. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include:

Two sons – Clinton Craig Basoco of Victoria, Texas

Zachary Basoco of Pittsburg, Kansas

Two daughters – Lee Ann M. Cruz of Chetopa, Kansas

Amanda Elliott of Joplin, Missouri

Eight grandchildren

One brother – Steve Basoco of Parsons Kansas

One sister – Kathy Levre of Parsons, Kansas

He was preceded in death by his parents and infant son, Ernest Ray Basoco.

10/30/2025

Raymond Paulie, 68, of St. Paul, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at his home.

The funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at St. Francis Catholic Church in St. Paul. Burial will follow at St. Francis Cemetery in St. Paul. The rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, at St. Francis Catholic Church. The family will receive friends following the rosary.

He was born on October 8, 1957, to John Joseph Paulie, Sr. and Theresa Marie (Westhoff) Paulie in Parsons. He grew up and attended school in St. Paul.

Most of his working career, he worked for the Neosho County Road and Bridge Department, retiring after 35 years in 2022.

On November 27, 1981, Raymond and Rose Robinson were united in marriage at St. Francis Catholic Church in St. Paul.

His survivors include his wife, Rose Paulie; two daughters, Rachel Paulie and Roxane Paulie (Bryan Frame); three grandchildren, Austyn Paulie, Joshua Pritchard, and Braeden Frame; and siblings, John Paulie, Jr. (Jackie), Lora Paisley (Roy), Jean Kroenke, and Jim Paulie, all of St. Paul, and Mary Creasser (Wayne) of Sedgwick, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Carl Paulie.

Memorials are suggested to St. Francis Catholic Church. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

10/30/2025

Greg Jones, 68, of rural Parsons, passed away early Wednesday morning at his home.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, November 7, 2025, at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home. A reception will follow the service at the Wall Family Center. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday. Memorials are suggested to the Greg Jones Memorial Fund, and these may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, 112 N. 26th St., P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS 63757. Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.

Greg was born on January 10, 1957, at Lake Andes, South Dakota to Albert and Frances (Hylland) Jones. He grew up on the family farm near Lake Andes and attended schools there, graduating from Andes Central High School in 1975. He later attended Black Hills State University, where he received a bachelor's degree in biology, and then received a master’s in special education from Texas Tech University.

Greg worked on the family farm until 1984. He owned and operated Dakota Gun Dogs from 1985 to 1988. He worked as a youth counselor in the child protective services department for South Dakota and as a jailor and dispatcher for the City of Lake Andes. He moved to Parsons in 1997, where he worked for Class Ltd. and then for SKIL and was one of their first staff members. He was a fierce lifelong advocate for people with disabilities. He retired in 2015 and then worked for Greenbush until 2019. He also raised German Wirehaired Pointers and goats.

He is survived by his daughters, Allie Jones of Parsons and Rhona Nelson of Denver, CO; his brother, Walt Jones of Denver, CO; two sisters, Lucille Hartman of Sioux Falls, SD, and Cheryl Nincehelser Pierre, SD; and several nieces and nephews.

Carson-Wall Funeral Services in St Paul, Parsons, Erie and Girard, KS provides funeral, memorial, aftercare, pre-planning, and cre... Learn More

10/28/2025

Kenneth E. “Hungry” Strickland, 89, of Columbus, passed away surrounded by his family, Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Freeman West, Joplin, Missouri. The visitation is Tuesday, October 28, at 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home at 605 Locust St., Chetopa, Kansas. The funeral service will be Wednesday, October 29, at 10:00 a.m. at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 2803 SW Greenlawn, Columbus. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery, rural Columbus, Kansas.
Kenneth Eugene Strickland was born on March 30, 1936, to Walter and Minnie Belle (Needham) Strickland in rural Oswego, Kansas. He grew up and attended school in Chetopa, graduating in 1954 from Chetopa High School.

Most of his working years, he was employed at BF Goodrich, in Miami, Oklahoma, from which he retired in 1986. After retirement, he worked for Day and Zimmerman in Parsons and CNC Machining in Joplin. In his earlier years, he served in the National Guard.

Kenny enjoyed hunting, fishing, picking pecans, and having a garden. He was mechanically gifted, fixing anything with a motor, including small engines to vehicles.

He and Ersie D. (Casey) McKee were united in marriage on September 6, 1961, in Miami, Oklahoma. She preceded him in death on June 28, 2016.

His survivors include:

Six children -

Brenda Carter of Chetopa, Kansas

Beckie Keith and her husband, Robert, of Chetopa, Kansas

Brian Strickland and his wife, Kellie, of Chetopa, Kansas

Darrell Lamme and his wife, Teresa, of Elwood, Kansas

Robin Lamme of Hutchinson, Kansas

Mark Lamme and his wife, Carolyn, of Everest, Kansas

Numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren

One brother – Duane Strickland of Raymore, Missouri

One sister – Patricia Lollar of Haysville, Kansas

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; son; Henry Wilson; stepson, Billie L. McKee, II; son-in-law, Mark Carter; granddaughters, Amanda Moore and Christy McCuen; and sister, Ramona Gwartney.

Memorials are suggested to the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

10/28/2025

Rodney L. "Rod" Shrum, 65, of Overland Park, and a former Erie resident, passed away Thursday, October 23, 2025 at his home in Overland Park. Further obituary information and service arrangements will be announced by the Pierce-Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Erie.

10/28/2025

Kathleen Gerdes, 81, of Altamont, passed away the afternoon of Monday, October 27, 2025, at her home. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Gerdes, on November 8, 2023.

The funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 7, 2025, at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Parsons. Burial will follow at Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Parsons. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Parsons.

Kathleen Sue Beaty was born on August 11, 1944, to Evert Cleon and Frankie Virginia (Conklin) Beaty in San Diego, California. She grew up and attended school in Parsons. After graduating from high school, Kathleen attended Kansas State University for a time. She transferred to Kansas State Teacher’s College, now Pittsburg State University, where she earned a teaching certificate and met the love of her life, James Gerdes.

Before starting her teaching career, Kathleen worked as a cook at Labette County Medical Center. For 30 years, Kathleen was a teacher at Labette County High School.

An accomplished amateur photographer, her favorite subjects were wildflowers, sunflowers, zoo animals and landscapes and she was awarded numerous ribbons for her photos. She had a special love for animals. She also enjoyed reading and traveling with her sister.

On August 28, 1965, Kathleen and James were united in marriage at Central Avenue Christian Church in Parsons. He preceded her in death on November 8, 2023.

Survivors include:

Two sons – Kevin Gerdes of Altamont, Kansas

James E. Gerdes and his wife, Kari, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

One daughter – Sarah Bolin of Altamont, Kansas

Two grandchildren – Hannah Gerdes and Nicholas Bolin

One great-grandson

Two sisters – Gretchen Garrett and her husband, Doug, of Olathe, Kansas

Janice Beaty of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother, Joe Beaty.

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

10/27/2025

Janet K. Easter, 82, of Girard, Kansas passed away October 23, 2025, at the Girard Medical Center.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m., Today, October 27, 2025 at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Girard with Pastor Rick Prideaux officiating. Burial will be in the Girard Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m., until service time today. Friends may call after 2:00 p.m., Sunday at the funeral home.
She was born August 3, 1943 in Pittsburg, Kansas, a daughter of Leo and Betty (Madison) Serra. Janet grew up in Capaldo and graduated from Frontenac High School, Frontenac, Kansas in 1961.

She married the love of her life, Leroy Easter on June 9th, 1962. They celebrated 51 years of marriage before Leroy passed away on September 6th, 2013.

Janet worked at Western Insurance Company in Fort Scott, Kansas before she had her children. She then gave birth to her first child Doug in 1967, followed by Pam in 1969, and finally Patty in 1971. She stayed at home to raise her children until they were in high school. Then she started working at Ramsey’s in Pittsburg, Peoples Saving and Loan in Girard, and the Girard National Bank.

Throughout her life Janet had many adventures, watching Leroy race boats, traveling across the country, even living in Florida with Leroy for a short time. She loved collecting all things Coca Cola and had a wide collection of porcelain dolls. Janet enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and playing board games such as Scrabble and Yahtzee, which she was a whiz at. Not to mention her love of jigsaw puzzles and the many hours spent at the dining room table.

Janet is proceeded in death by her husband Leroy Easter, along with her parents Leo and Betty Serra.

Survivors include a son, Douglas Easter, and his wife, Kimberly, of Carl Junction, Missouri. Her daughters, Patricia Cox, and her husband, Randy, of Girard and Pamela Lawson, and her husband, J.H., of Asbury, Missouri. Her grandchildren include Emily Smalley, Chelsey Williams, and her husband, Mike, Zac Palumbo, and his wife, Kelci, Malarie Chamberlain, and her husband, Dakota, Andrea Tucker, and her husband, Trenton, Dalton Cox, and his wife, Kelsi. She is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m., Monday, October 27, 2025 at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Girard with Pastor Rick Prideaux officiating. Burial will be in the Girard Cemetery.