Richard E. "Coach" Towers, 92, of Manhattan, passed away on 
Sunday, April 23rd, 2023, at his home following complications from Multiple 
Myeloma. He was a retired Athletic Director and Coach.

Richard
 Ephraim Towers was born in Kansas City, KS on February 10, 1931, the 
son of the late Mabel Daisy (Stitt) and Guy McKinley Towers. He and Wann
 Harwood of Manhattan, KS were married on August 9, 1953, in Manhattan at
 Danforth Chapel. Dick was raised in Olathe, Kansas graduating from 
Olathe High School in 1949. He was a football and track standout at 
Kansas State University, receiving bachelor's and master’s degrees in 
education and administration.

Helping
 others was a driving force for Coach Towers.  He was known for his 
great storytelling, being the “activities director” for many family 
gatherings, leading the birthday song at his Vista Coffee Group, and 
cheering on his golf and fishing buddies. He was an active member of the
 First Presbyterian Church in Manhattan.

As
 an athlete his teammates voted him ”Most Inspirational Player." As a 
football coach his peers selected him Coach of the Year at the High 
School, Junior College, and NCAA Division 1 district level.

ROTC
 took him to Fort Leonard Wood, MO, after graduation from Kansas State. He 
then began his football coaching career, with stops at Leavenworth High 
School and Manhattan High School. His 1961 Manhattan High school team 
was crowned state champions, and these players continue to maintain a 
special relationship to this day.

His
 college coaching career took him from KSU to Southern Illinois 
University and finally Duke University.  Athletic administration brought
 him back to Kansas in 1977 where Dick was assistant superintendent of 
schools and athletic director in Great Bend. Following that, he returned
 to his alma mater as athletic director and was instrumental in landing 
KSU’s first bowl game bid. He finished his career at Iowa State 
University in athletic administration.

After
 retirement he and his son Rick developed Sand Creek Self Storage east 
of Manhattan. During this period Dick was able to focus on enjoying life
 with his wife Wann, enjoying many fantastic trips, family vacations, 
fishing adventures and innumerable rounds of golf.

In
 1995, Dick won the Senior Golf Championship at Indian Hills Country Club
 in Mission Hills, Kansas. It was one of his many golfing 
accomplishments along with a few holes in one.

He
 valued the wonderful relationship he had with his sisters, children and
 their spouses, grandchildren, great grandchildren, along with his 
nieces and nephews. Dick cherished his friendships with colleagues, 
classmates and former players.

Dick
 is  survived by his wife of 69 years, Wann, two daughters, Betsy 
(Larry) Shapiro, of Morristown, NJ;  Donna Hemingway, of West Branch, 
Iowa; son, Rick (Sheila)Towers, of Rossville;  two sisters, Lillian 
Partis, of Ottawa, KS; Janiece Towers, of Manhattan;  also surviving are
 seven grandchildren, Becky (Chris) Radich, Jessie Shapiro, Jon 
Hemingway, Emily (DoHun) Kim, David Towers, Austin (Mandy) Floersch and 
Emmy (Jason) Sedlacek; and nine great grandchildren. Coach Towers is 
preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Louise Hyer and LaVaun 
Miller; his brother, Charles Towers, and his son-in-law Paul Hemingway 
and grandson Loren Hemingway.

The family will receive 
friends from 10:00 am until the memorial service begins at 11:00 AM on 
Saturday, April 29th, at the First Presbyterian Church. 800 Leavenworth 
St, with Rev Jason Pittman officiating.  Following the service all are 
invited to attend a tailgate lunch party and storytelling time at the 
Presby Place located at the church. The service will be streaming live 
on YouTube @firstpresmanhattan

Memorial 
contributions may be made to the Johnson Cancer Research Center at 
Kansas State University, PO Box 9200 Manhattan, Kansas 66506. 
www.ksufoundation.org/cancer

Carlson's Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home &amp; Cremation is assisting the family with arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682533149088.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Richard E. "Coach" Towers, 92, of Manhattan, passed away on 
Sunday, April 23rd, 2023, at his home following complications from Multiple 
Myeloma. He was a retired Athletic Director and Coach. Richard
 Ephraim Towers was born in Kansas City, KS on February 10, 1931, the 
son of the late Mabel Daisy (Stitt) and Guy McKinley Towers. He and Wann
 Harwood of Manhattan, KS were married on August 9, 1953, in Manhattan at
 Danforth Chapel. Dick was raised in Olathe, Kansas graduating from 
Olathe High School in 1949. He was a football and track standout at 
Kansas State University, receiving bachelor's and master’s degrees in 
education and administration.Helping
 others was a driving force for Coach Towers. He was known for his 
great storytelling, being the “activities director” for many family 
gatherings, leading the birthday song at his Vista Coffee Group, and 
cheering on his golf and fishing buddies. He was an active member of the
 First Presbyterian Church in Manhattan.As
 an athlete his teammates voted him ”Most Inspirational Player." As a 
football coach his peers selected him Coach of the Year at the High 
School, Junior College, and NCAA Division 1 district level.ROTC
 took him to Fort Leonard Wood, MO, after graduation from Kansas State. He 
then began his football coaching career, with stops at Leavenworth High 
School and Manhattan High School. His 1961 Manhattan High school team 
was crowned state champions, and these players continue to maintain a 
special relationship to this day.His
 college coaching career took him from KSU to Southern Illinois 
University and finally Duke University. Athletic administration brought
 him back to Kansas in 1977 where Dick was assistant superintendent of 
schools and athletic director in Great Bend. Following that, he returned
 to his alma mater as athletic director and was instrumental in landing 
KSU’s first bowl game bid. He finished his career at Iowa State 
University in athletic administration.After
 retirement he and his son Rick developed Sand Creek Self Storage east 
of Manhattan. During this period Dick was able to focus on enjoying life
 with his wife Wann, enjoying many fantastic trips, family vacations, 
fishing adventures and innumerable rounds of golf.In
 1995, Dick won the Senior Golf Championship at Indian Hills Country Club
 in Mission Hills, Kansas. It was one of his many golfing 
accomplishments along with a few holes in one.He
 valued the wonderful relationship he had with his sisters, children and
 their spouses, grandchildren, great grandchildren, along with his 
nieces and nephews. Dick cherished his friendships with colleagues, 
classmates and former players.Dick
 is survived by his wife of 69 years, Wann, two daughters, Betsy 
(Larry) Shapiro, of Morristown, NJ; Donna Hemingway, of West Branch, 
Iowa; son, Rick (Sheila)Towers, of Rossville; two sisters, Lillian 
Partis, of Ottawa, KS; Janiece Towers, of Manhattan; also surviving are
 seven grandchildren, Becky (Chris) Radich, Jessie Shapiro, Jon 
Hemingway, Emily (DoHun) Kim, David Towers, Austin (Mandy) Floersch and 
Emmy (Jason) Sedlacek; and nine great grandchildren. Coach Towers is 
preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Louise Hyer and LaVaun 
Miller; his brother, Charles Towers, and his son-in-law Paul Hemingway 
and grandson Loren Hemingway.The family will receive 
friends from 10:00 am until the memorial service begins at 11:00 AM on 
Saturday, April 29th, at the First Presbyterian Church. 800 Leavenworth 
St, with Rev Jason Pittman officiating. Following the service all are 
invited to attend a tailgate lunch party and storytelling time at the 
Presby Place located at the church. The service will be streaming live 
on YouTube @firstpresmanhattanMemorial 
contributions may be made to the Johnson Cancer Research Center at 
Kansas State University, PO Box 9200 Manhattan, Kansas 66506. 
www.ksufoundation.org/cancerCarlson's Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home &amp; Cremation is assisting the family with arrangements.

Coach Dick Towers

Mary Aron, née Lilly, passed away 23 April. Born 23 June 1940, third of 
13 kids, as an older sibling growing up she developed the personality 
traits she's been recognized for throughout her life- compassion, 
caring, generosity, and being an absolute assassin while competing at 
family board games. 
The adventure's next phase started after marrying her high school 
sweetheart Bill. The life of a military family is never boring, and Mary
 had her two children Shai and Kenny while moving around the world for 
almost twenty years. "Home is where your mom is" was our philosophy and 
she made a home of wherever we lived whether it was quarters in Fort 
Eustis, an apartment in Stuttgart with high-speed police chases, or 
eventually to a restored farmhouse in Chapman KS where we graduated High
 School while dad deployed to Korea. There were many more stops in 
between but we always had "home," each other, and our eyes on the next 
adventure. 
The later Chapman phase added kid-in-law's John Trotter (Shai) and Becky
 Wells (Kenny), and grandkids with Nicole, Jessica, and Jason Beck 
coming into the family, then not long after Keith and Kenton Aron + 
Chris and David Garrison. One well-earned retirement later brought the 
last move to Abilene and added Tommy and Lewis Trotter. After some 
grands were married (Jessica to Joe Ehrlich, Chris to Kamella, and David
 to Heather) they started cranking out the great-grands, with the last 
count around 9 of them- Kayleigh, Sean, Piper, Tye, Kenslie, Kimberly, 
Ellie, Fisher, and Nora. Somehow the lax discipline which Mom showed 
the grandkids became even laxer with the greats, which none of us 
considered possible. She maintained a "tub of unlimited sweets" where 
the little ones knew they could grab a snack cake whenever they wanted; 
where was this when we kids were growing up? 
Although she pretended to give equal consideration to KU with her "house
 divided" propaganda, she repeatedly confided in me that was just for 
show and KSU was the unadulterated recipient of her loyalty. I had to 
break this news gently to our first Emporia student, Lewis. 
Mary's heart was forever broken three years ago, almost to the day when 
Bill passed away. She personally placed flowers on his grave up to the 
week she passed. The next phase of the adventure begins. 
Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M., Monday, May 1, 2023, at First 
Christian Church of Abilene with Pastor Jason Kohler. Burial will 
follow at the Abilene City Cemetery. Friends may come by Danner Funeral
 Home on Sunday from 9AM until 5PM to sign the register book.

 The 
family suggests memorials be given to the First Christian Church of 
Abilene.  Memorial may be dropped off at the funeral home or mailed to 
Danner Funeral Home, 501 N. Buckeye, Abilene, Kansas 67410.  Online 
condolences may be sent to www.dannerfuneralhome.net.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682522865673.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Mary Aron, née Lilly, passed away 23 April. Born 23 June 1940, third of 
13 kids, as an older sibling growing up she developed the personality 
traits she's been recognized for throughout her life- compassion, 
caring, generosity, and being an absolute assassin while competing at 
family board games. 
The adventure's next phase started after marrying her high school 
sweetheart Bill. The life of a military family is never boring, and Mary
 had her two children Shai and Kenny while moving around the world for 
almost twenty years. "Home is where your mom is" was our philosophy and 
she made a home of wherever we lived whether it was quarters in Fort 
Eustis, an apartment in Stuttgart with high-speed police chases, or 
eventually to a restored farmhouse in Chapman KS where we graduated High
 School while dad deployed to Korea. There were many more stops in 
between but we always had "home," each other, and our eyes on the next 
adventure. 
The later Chapman phase added kid-in-law's John Trotter (Shai) and Becky
 Wells (Kenny), and grandkids with Nicole, Jessica, and Jason Beck 
coming into the family, then not long after Keith and Kenton Aron + 
Chris and David Garrison. One well-earned retirement later brought the 
last move to Abilene and added Tommy and Lewis Trotter. After some 
grands were married (Jessica to Joe Ehrlich, Chris to Kamella, and David
 to Heather) they started cranking out the great-grands, with the last 
count around 9 of them- Kayleigh, Sean, Piper, Tye, Kenslie, Kimberly, 
Ellie, Fisher, and Nora. Somehow the lax discipline which Mom showed 
the grandkids became even laxer with the greats, which none of us 
considered possible. She maintained a "tub of unlimited sweets" where 
the little ones knew they could grab a snack cake whenever they wanted; 
where was this when we kids were growing up? 
Although she pretended to give equal consideration to KU with her "house
 divided" propaganda, she repeatedly confided in me that was just for 
show and KSU was the unadulterated recipient of her loyalty. I had to 
break this news gently to our first Emporia student, Lewis. 
Mary's heart was forever broken three years ago, almost to the day when 
Bill passed away. She personally placed flowers on his grave up to the 
week she passed. The next phase of the adventure begins. 
Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M., Monday, May 1, 2023, at First 
Christian Church of Abilene with Pastor Jason Kohler. Burial will 
follow at the Abilene City Cemetery. Friends may come by Danner Funeral
 Home on Sunday from 9AM until 5PM to sign the register book. The 
family suggests memorials be given to the First Christian Church of 
Abilene. Memorial may be dropped off at the funeral home or mailed to 
Danner Funeral Home, 501 N. Buckeye, Abilene, Kansas 67410. Online 
condolences may be sent to www.dannerfuneralhome.net.

Mary Aron

Jack Richard Jankovich, 91, of Manhattan, Kansas, passed away at Good 
Shepherd Hospice on April 4, 2023, after a long bout with Dementia. He 
was born on July 30, 1931, in Gary, Indiana, the middle of three sons 
born to Nick and Winifred (Morris) Jankovich.

Jack was 
raised in Gary, Indiana working at his father’s airport, the Gary 
Municipal Airport, from the time he was in grade school until graduation
 from Lew Wallace High School in Gary, Indiana. This is where he and his
 brothers found their love of flying, which he maintained throughout his
 life.

In high school, he participated in basketball and
 track, lettering three times in both sports and was a member of the 
Indiana State Championship mile relay team. In high school he met his 
one and only love, our mom, Ann Geoghegan. After high school he was 
recruited to run track at LSU, Michigan State, and Indiana University 
where he was a multi-year letterman. He graduated with a degree in 
Geology from Indiana University in 1953. After graduation he was drafted
 into the U.S. Army, in processing at Fort Riley, Kansas, then completed 
basic training at Ft. Bliss, Texas, being promoted to corporal and 
assigned to an anti-aircraft battery at Fort Hamilton, as a radar 
operator, protecting New York Harbor.

On January 22, 
1954, he married Ann Geoghegan, in her parent’s home and then moved to 
his duty station in New York. Upon his honorable discharge, Jack went to 
work for Pontiac Motor Division in Los Angeles, CA, where they had their
 first son, Richard. In 1956, the family moved back to Gary, IN to begin
 working at the family airport. The family stayed in the region with 
homes in Gary and Hammond, where they had their second son Timothy. The 
family moved to Overland Park, Kansas in 1964 when Jack returned to 
Pontiac as a corporate Service Representative. While in Overland Park, 
Jack also served on the Lenexa Public School Board for two years.

In
 1967, Jack purchased the former Curry Pontiac and the family moved to 
Manhattan, Kansas, and Key Pontiac Inc. was formed, located in downtown 
Manhattan. In 1970, a new dealership was built and moved to the current 
location on Stagg Hill Road, now known as Briggs Automotive Inc. In 
1984 Key Inc. (Pontiac, Buick, GMC Truck and Nissan) was sold and Jack 
began teaching as an adjunct at KSU teaching Small Business Operations 
in the College of Business and later in the College of Agriculture. He 
also went to work for the local SBDC for many years. In 1986, he founded
 JART, Inc. selling aviation promotional items and products nationally. 
He retired and sold JART in 2019.

Jack is survived by 
his sons Rich and his wife Caroline of Manhattan, Tim and his wife Cindy
 of Dallas, Texas, his brother Bill and his wife Nancy of Racine, 
Wisconsin, grandchildren, Jillian (husband Will) Moore of McPherson, 
Kansas, Nick (wife Rachael) Jankovich of Manhattan, Katelin Reeves 
(husband James Richardson) of Carmel, Indiana, Michael Jankovich of 
Lawrence, Kansas, great grandchildren Elizabeth and Abigail Moore (Jill 
and Will), Daniel and Simon Jankovich (Nick and Rachael), his nephews 
Jim Daubenheyer of Valparaiso, Indiana and Dave Daubenheyer of Las 
Vegas, Nevada. Jack was preceded in death by his wife of 59+ years, Ann 
Jankovich, his parents, in-laws, brother Bob and sister-in-law Ilene 
Jankovich.

Until recent years Jack was an avid cyclist 
who could be seen peddling down Kimball Avenue at dawn or in the hottest
 part of the day with his yellow caution vest and flag flying high! We 
will miss Papa’s famous waffles with strawberries and whipped cream, his
 beautiful birthday/wedding cakes, his rendition of Happy Birthday on 
each of our birthdays and how he would greet us with his mischievous 
grin whenever we came to “The House That Jack Built” to celebrate 
together!

The family is holding a private graveside service/interment on Monday, May 15, 2023.

In
 lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Good 
Shepherd Homecare and Hospice, Inc. or Homestead Assisted Living of 
Manhattan. Contributions may be left in care of the 
Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS
 66502.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682522658373.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Jack Richard Jankovich, 91, of Manhattan, Kansas, passed away at Good 
Shepherd Hospice on April 4, 2023, after a long bout with Dementia. He 
was born on July 30, 1931, in Gary, Indiana, the middle of three sons 
born to Nick and Winifred (Morris) Jankovich.Jack was 
raised in Gary, Indiana working at his father’s airport, the Gary 
Municipal Airport, from the time he was in grade school until graduation
 from Lew Wallace High School in Gary, Indiana. This is where he and his
 brothers found their love of flying, which he maintained throughout his
 life.In high school, he participated in basketball and
 track, lettering three times in both sports and was a member of the 
Indiana State Championship mile relay team. In high school he met his 
one and only love, our mom, Ann Geoghegan. After high school he was 
recruited to run track at LSU, Michigan State, and Indiana University 
where he was a multi-year letterman. He graduated with a degree in 
Geology from Indiana University in 1953. After graduation he was drafted
 into the U.S. Army, in processing at Fort Riley, Kansas, then completed 
basic training at Ft. Bliss, Texas, being promoted to corporal and 
assigned to an anti-aircraft battery at Fort Hamilton, as a radar 
operator, protecting New York Harbor.On January 22, 
1954, he married Ann Geoghegan, in her parent’s home and then moved to 
his duty station in New York. Upon his honorable discharge, Jack went to 
work for Pontiac Motor Division in Los Angeles, CA, where they had their
 first son, Richard. In 1956, the family moved back to Gary, IN to begin
 working at the family airport. The family stayed in the region with 
homes in Gary and Hammond, where they had their second son Timothy. The 
family moved to Overland Park, Kansas in 1964 when Jack returned to 
Pontiac as a corporate Service Representative. While in Overland Park, 
Jack also served on the Lenexa Public School Board for two years.In
 1967, Jack purchased the former Curry Pontiac and the family moved to 
Manhattan, Kansas, and Key Pontiac Inc. was formed, located in downtown 
Manhattan. In 1970, a new dealership was built and moved to the current 
location on Stagg Hill Road, now known as Briggs Automotive Inc. In 
1984 Key Inc. (Pontiac, Buick, GMC Truck and Nissan) was sold and Jack 
began teaching as an adjunct at KSU teaching Small Business Operations 
in the College of Business and later in the College of Agriculture. He 
also went to work for the local SBDC for many years. In 1986, he founded
 JART, Inc. selling aviation promotional items and products nationally. 
He retired and sold JART in 2019.Jack is survived by 
his sons Rich and his wife Caroline of Manhattan, Tim and his wife Cindy
 of Dallas, Texas, his brother Bill and his wife Nancy of Racine, 
Wisconsin, grandchildren, Jillian (husband Will) Moore of McPherson, 
Kansas, Nick (wife Rachael) Jankovich of Manhattan, Katelin Reeves 
(husband James Richardson) of Carmel, Indiana, Michael Jankovich of 
Lawrence, Kansas, great grandchildren Elizabeth and Abigail Moore (Jill 
and Will), Daniel and Simon Jankovich (Nick and Rachael), his nephews 
Jim Daubenheyer of Valparaiso, Indiana and Dave Daubenheyer of Las 
Vegas, Nevada. Jack was preceded in death by his wife of 59+ years, Ann 
Jankovich, his parents, in-laws, brother Bob and sister-in-law Ilene 
Jankovich.Until recent years Jack was an avid cyclist 
who could be seen peddling down Kimball Avenue at dawn or in the hottest
 part of the day with his yellow caution vest and flag flying high! We 
will miss Papa’s famous waffles with strawberries and whipped cream, his
 beautiful birthday/wedding cakes, his rendition of Happy Birthday on 
each of our birthdays and how he would greet us with his mischievous 
grin whenever we came to “The House That Jack Built” to celebrate 
together!The family is holding a private graveside service/interment on Monday, May 15, 2023.In
 lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Good 
Shepherd Homecare and Hospice, Inc. or Homestead Assisted Living of 
Manhattan. Contributions may be left in care of the 
Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS
 66502.

Jack R. Jankovich

Tiffany Lynne Brightbill, 56, of West Lawn, Pa., passed away on 
April 23, 2023, at Reading Hospital. Born in Reading Pa. She was the 
daughter of Robert A. Mumma, husband of Cheryl Talarico, and Sandra A. 
(Miller) Baker. She was the loving wife of Keith Brightbill for 22 
years. 
A graduate of Muhlenberg High School, Class of 1985, Tiffany continued 
her education at Harcum College where she studied to become a dental 
hygienist. She later graduated with honors at RACC where she studied to 
become a registered respiratory therapist, working at the Reading 
Hospital and Medical Center for 20 years. 
Tiffany will be remembered as being compassionate and always willing to 
help others. She loved to scrapbook, spend her days at the beach, 
listening to country music, particularly Keith Urban, but most of all, 
being a devoted mother and grandmother. 
Surviving along with her husband and parents are a sister, Christy L. 
Mumma, Darlington, SC, step-siblings Chaudene (husband Thomas) Michalek,
 Breinigsville, PA, Vincent (wife Claudia) Baker, Carson, IA, children 
Matthew M. Morrissey, Shillington, Reid A. Reinhart, (fiancée Gina C. 
Oliveri), Lancaster PA, Sarah B. Pagotto (Reinhart) wife of Andrew B. 
Pagotto), and grandchild Lilah G. Pagotto, Junction City, KS. 
A Catholic Prayer Service will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 
6:30 PM at Kuhn Funeral Home, 739 Penn Ave. West Reading, PA 19611. A 
viewing will be held from 4-6:30 PM.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682515738972.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Tiffany Lynne Brightbill, 56, of West Lawn, Pa., passed away on 
April 23, 2023, at Reading Hospital. Born in Reading Pa. She was the 
daughter of Robert A. Mumma, husband of Cheryl Talarico, and Sandra A. 
(Miller) Baker. She was the loving wife of Keith Brightbill for 22 
years. 
A graduate of Muhlenberg High School, Class of 1985, Tiffany continued 
her education at Harcum College where she studied to become a dental 
hygienist. She later graduated with honors at RACC where she studied to 
become a registered respiratory therapist, working at the Reading 
Hospital and Medical Center for 20 years. 
Tiffany will be remembered as being compassionate and always willing to 
help others. She loved to scrapbook, spend her days at the beach, 
listening to country music, particularly Keith Urban, but most of all, 
being a devoted mother and grandmother. 
Surviving along with her husband and parents are a sister, Christy L. 
Mumma, Darlington, SC, step-siblings Chaudene (husband Thomas) Michalek,
 Breinigsville, PA, Vincent (wife Claudia) Baker, Carson, IA, children 
Matthew M. Morrissey, Shillington, Reid A. Reinhart, (fiancée Gina C. 
Oliveri), Lancaster PA, Sarah B. Pagotto (Reinhart) wife of Andrew B. 
Pagotto), and grandchild Lilah G. Pagotto, Junction City, KS. 
A Catholic Prayer Service will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 
6:30 PM at Kuhn Funeral Home, 739 Penn Ave. West Reading, PA 19611. A 
viewing will be held from 4-6:30 PM.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Tiffany Lynne Brightbill

February 5, 1946
 &nbsp;-&nbsp;
 April 24, 2023

An obituary and services are pending with&nbsp;Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.

February 5, 1946
 &nbsp;-&nbsp;
 April 24, 2023An obituary and services are pending with&nbsp;Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.

Debra Hiett

Carolyn J. Moore, age 74, of Barnes, Kansas, passed away at her home in Lincoln, Nebraska, with her family by her side.

Funeral services are planned for 1:00 pm, Monday, May 1, 2023, at the Barnes United Methodist Church.

Burial will follow at Maplewood Cemetery, west of Barnes.

Carolyn J. Moore, age 74, of Barnes, Kansas, passed away at her home in Lincoln, Nebraska, with her family by her side.Funeral services are planned for 1:00 pm, Monday, May 1, 2023, at the Barnes United Methodist Church.Burial will follow at Maplewood Cemetery, west of Barnes.A full obituary is pending.

Carolyn J. Moore

Melba Jacqueline “Jackie” Shirley was born December 5, 
1931, in Hartsfield, Georgia, the daughter of Hughie and Argie Rozell 
(Green) Gay. She was married to John Truman Hatcher in Boston, Georgia.
 She moved to Wichita with her children in 1960. She married Eugene Ray
 Shirley on December 19, 1966, in Salina. The family moved to Chapman 
in January 1970. 
Jackie passed away of natural causes on Friday, April 21, in Auburn, Kansas, at the age of 91. Survivors include her children John T. Hatcher Jr. of Topeka, Myrtice Jacqueline Audiss of 
Enterprise, Alabama, Dianne Lovey Tweedy of Salina, Marion Aridane 
Parker of Leavenworth, eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. 
 She was preceded in death by her husband Eugene on May 31, 2003, 
daughter Lily Rozell Doviak, son Smith Taylor Hatcher, sister Ruth 
Tooman, and three brothers Wayne Gay and Charles Gay, and Gerald Gay. 
Graveside services will be at 1:00 pm Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at St. 
Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Chapman with Pastor Patrick Garlock 
officiating. As per Jackie’s wishes, there will be no visitation.

 
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Patrick’s Catholic 
Cemetery and may be mailed to the Londeen-Overlease Funeral Chapel, P.O.
 Box 411, Chapman, Kansas 67431.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682451111118.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Melba Jacqueline “Jackie” Shirley was born December 5, 
1931, in Hartsfield, Georgia, the daughter of Hughie and Argie Rozell 
(Green) Gay. She was married to John Truman Hatcher in Boston, Georgia.
 She moved to Wichita with her children in 1960. She married Eugene Ray
 Shirley on December 19, 1966, in Salina. The family moved to Chapman 
in January 1970. 
Jackie passed away of natural causes on Friday, April 21, in Auburn, Kansas, at the age of 91. Survivors include her children John T. Hatcher Jr. of Topeka, Myrtice Jacqueline Audiss of 
Enterprise, Alabama, Dianne Lovey Tweedy of Salina, Marion Aridane 
Parker of Leavenworth, eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. 
 She was preceded in death by her husband Eugene on May 31, 2003, 
daughter Lily Rozell Doviak, son Smith Taylor Hatcher, sister Ruth 
Tooman, and three brothers Wayne Gay and Charles Gay, and Gerald Gay. 
Graveside services will be at 1:00 pm Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at St. 
Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Chapman with Pastor Patrick Garlock 
officiating. As per Jackie’s wishes, there will be no visitation. 
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Patrick’s Catholic 
Cemetery and may be mailed to the Londeen-Overlease Funeral Chapel, P.O.
 Box 411, Chapman, Kansas 67431.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Melba Jacqueline 'Jackie' Shirley 

Virginia Maria Hall 
Born in San Antonio, TX on May 5, 1948. Passed away April 23, 2023. 
Known to many as Mom, Grandma, Aunt B., and Mama V. 
Preceded in death by her son, Daniel Brickei and two brothers, Juan and Julian Longoria. 
Survived by five children; two sons: Michael Brickei (Daisy) and Joseph 
Hall; three daughters: Charlene Ritter (Mike), Melissa Hall, and Janie 
Hall; two sisters: Olga Dulaney and Mary McNeece; one brother: Johnny 
Longoria; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, other extended 
family, and her ex-husband Michael Hall. 
Virginia loved her family and was a devoted caregiver to many, even 
those outside of her biological family. She was a second Mom or Grandma 
in many lives she touched. She often would put her needs last to provide
 for those she loved. She was a remarkably strong woman despite many 
struggles she endured throughout her lifetime. She was a great model of 
strength, strong-will, and determination to her daughters and others. 
She had been a dedicated and hard-worker all of her life, always 
punctual and taking pride in everything she did. She filled many roles 
while also being a full-time mom which included being a cook, dietary 
aide, and produce clerk. 
Virginia grew up playing softball and later bowled in leagues. She was 
beyond social and never met a stranger. She was an avid Dallas Cowboys 
fan, loved to play bingo with her best friend Mary Breeden, go to 
dinners with friends, watch older shows, listen to music, complete word 
searches, put puzzles together, and play solitaire. 
She is greatly loved and missed. There was no one quite like Our Momma.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682451046915.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Virginia Maria Hall 
Born in San Antonio, TX on May 5, 1948. Passed away April 23, 2023. 
Known to many as Mom, Grandma, Aunt B., and Mama V. 
Preceded in death by her son, Daniel Brickei and two brothers, Juan and Julian Longoria. 
Survived by five children; two sons: Michael Brickei (Daisy) and Joseph 
Hall; three daughters: Charlene Ritter (Mike), Melissa Hall, and Janie 
Hall; two sisters: Olga Dulaney and Mary McNeece; one brother: Johnny 
Longoria; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, other extended 
family, and her ex-husband Michael Hall. 
Virginia loved her family and was a devoted caregiver to many, even 
those outside of her biological family. She was a second Mom or Grandma 
in many lives she touched. She often would put her needs last to provide
 for those she loved. She was a remarkably strong woman despite many 
struggles she endured throughout her lifetime. She was a great model of 
strength, strong-will, and determination to her daughters and others. 
She had been a dedicated and hard-worker all of her life, always 
punctual and taking pride in everything she did. She filled many roles 
while also being a full-time mom which included being a cook, dietary 
aide, and produce clerk. 
Virginia grew up playing softball and later bowled in leagues. She was 
beyond social and never met a stranger. She was an avid Dallas Cowboys 
fan, loved to play bingo with her best friend Mary Breeden, go to 
dinners with friends, watch older shows, listen to music, complete word 
searches, put puzzles together, and play solitaire. 
She is greatly loved and missed. There was no one quite like Our Momma.&nbsp;

Virginia Maria Hall

Matthew Dane Langdon, age 49, of Abilene, KS departed his earthly home to 
be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, April 21, 2023.

Matt 
is survived by his parents Doran and Charles "Chuck" Clemence, Abilene, 
KS and Michael (Mic) and Kris Langdon, Abilene, KS His sister Angela 
"Angie" and Terry Reiff, Hope, KS and step brother Matt Clemence of 
Solomon. Also his step brothers Todd Schmidt (Tammy), Manhattan, KS 
and Jamie (Staci) Schmidt, Queens Creek, AZ and stepsister Alison 
(Mitch) Swargerty, of Glendale, AZ. He was proud of his Nephews 
Rocque (Krista) Russell, Abilene, KS, Clayton Carson, Hope, Ks, his 
Nieces Jenna (Dale) Cornelison, Philadelphia, PA and Katelyn Reiff, 
Manhattan, KS. His Aunts and Uncles and cousins and many friends. He 
also dearly loved his dogs Dixie and Duke. 
Matt was preceded in death by his grandparents John and Doris Larson, 
Marvin and Helen Langdon, Roy "Babe" Clemence and stepbrother Todd 
Clemence. 
Matt loved farming and working with heavy equipment and could operate 
equipment "by the seat of his pants" smooth and steady. He was an 
accomplished welder and fabricator. 
 Matt had a huge gift of compassion, love and concern for others. He 
would tell you he has experienced many answered prayers and the saving 
grace of Jesus throughout his life. 
Matt absolutely loved to entertain us with his unique sense of humor, 
always a smile and giggly laughter spilled from him which made each of 
us feel genuinely special and loved. He was an "old soul" reminiscing 
and admiring the past generations that worked so hard and gave their 
"all" for the freedoms we have. He loved History, his heritage and old 
country music. 
Matt graduated from Abilene High School with the Class of 1992. 
He was a loyal friend, son, brother, uncle, nephew and cousin. 
 A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Emmanuel Church 1300 
North Vine Street, Abilene, KS on Friday, April 28, at 2:00 p.m. 
Visitation will be held at the Martin- Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 
Thursday, April 27, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., 414 N.W. 3rd Street, 
Abilene, KS 
Private family grave site services at the Prairie Dale Cemetery north of Talmage will be held at a later date. 
Donations may be given to The Cedar House Recovery, Abilene, KS or The 
Salina Rescue Mission, Salina, KS to help others restore their lives. 
Memorials may be dropped off or mailed to Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral 
Home, 414 NW Third St., Abilene, Kansas 67410. Online condolences may 
be sent to www.martinbeckercarlson.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682427794038.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Matthew Dane Langdon, age 49, of Abilene, KS departed his earthly home to 
be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, April 21, 2023. Matt 
is survived by his parents Doran and Charles "Chuck" Clemence, Abilene, 
KS and Michael (Mic) and Kris Langdon, Abilene, KS His sister Angela 
"Angie" and Terry Reiff, Hope, KS and step brother Matt Clemence of 
Solomon. Also his step brothers Todd Schmidt (Tammy), Manhattan, KS 
and Jamie (Staci) Schmidt, Queens Creek, AZ and stepsister Alison 
(Mitch) Swargerty, of Glendale, AZ. He was proud of his Nephews 
Rocque (Krista) Russell, Abilene, KS, Clayton Carson, Hope, Ks, his 
Nieces Jenna (Dale) Cornelison, Philadelphia, PA and Katelyn Reiff, 
Manhattan, KS. His Aunts and Uncles and cousins and many friends. He 
also dearly loved his dogs Dixie and Duke. 
Matt was preceded in death by his grandparents John and Doris Larson, 
Marvin and Helen Langdon, Roy "Babe" Clemence and stepbrother Todd 
Clemence. 
Matt loved farming and working with heavy equipment and could operate 
equipment "by the seat of his pants" smooth and steady. He was an 
accomplished welder and fabricator. 
 Matt had a huge gift of compassion, love and concern for others. He 
would tell you he has experienced many answered prayers and the saving 
grace of Jesus throughout his life. 
Matt absolutely loved to entertain us with his unique sense of humor, 
always a smile and giggly laughter spilled from him which made each of 
us feel genuinely special and loved. He was an "old soul" reminiscing 
and admiring the past generations that worked so hard and gave their 
"all" for the freedoms we have. He loved History, his heritage and old 
country music. 
Matt graduated from Abilene High School with the Class of 1992. 
He was a loyal friend, son, brother, uncle, nephew and cousin. 
 A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Emmanuel Church 1300 
North Vine Street, Abilene, KS on Friday, April 28, at 2:00 p.m. 
Visitation will be held at the Martin- Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 
Thursday, April 27, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., 414 N.W. 3rd Street, 
Abilene, KS 
Private family grave site services at the Prairie Dale Cemetery north of Talmage will be held at a later date. 
Donations may be given to The Cedar House Recovery, Abilene, KS or The 
Salina Rescue Mission, Salina, KS to help others restore their lives. 
Memorials may be dropped off or mailed to Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral 
Home, 414 NW Third St., Abilene, Kansas 67410. Online condolences may 
be sent to www.martinbeckercarlson.com

Matthew Langdon

J. Douglas Toll, 78 died April 20, 2023, in Washington County, KS.&nbsp; He was born on August 16, 1944, in Rockford, IL the son of Roy Leonard and Evelyn Irene (Anderson) Toll.&nbsp; 

Doug grew up in the Clifton community and was a graduate of Clifton High School.&nbsp; He farmed with his father before taking over the family farm.&nbsp; Doug married Maureen Grant on April 11, 1969.&nbsp; He was a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church in Clay Center and Gideon’s International.&nbsp; 

He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Tage Toll

Daughter: Kensey and husband Loren Ledebuhr

Daughter: Chelsea and husband Matthew Varner

Memorial Services:&nbsp; 10:30 AM Saturday, May 6, 2023, at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Clay Center, KS

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682450822485.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>J. Douglas Toll, 78 died April 20, 2023, in Washington County, KS.&nbsp; He was born on August 16, 1944, in Rockford, IL the son of Roy Leonard and Evelyn Irene (Anderson) Toll.&nbsp; Doug grew up in the Clifton community and was a graduate of Clifton High School.&nbsp; He farmed with his father before taking over the family farm.&nbsp; Doug married Maureen Grant on April 11, 1969.&nbsp; He was a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church in Clay Center and Gideon’s International.&nbsp; He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Tage TollSurvivors:Wife: Maureen TollDaughter: Kensey and husband Loren LedebuhrDaughter: Chelsea and husband Matthew VarnerDaughter: Brittany TollSister: Bryn and husband Bill PetersonSister: Marta and husband Tim Belstra8 GrandchildrenMemorial Services:&nbsp; 10:30 AM Saturday, May 6, 2023, at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Clay Center, KS

Doug Toll

Donna J. McKaskle, age 90, of Manhattan, died peacefully at 
Stoneybrook Retirement Community in Manhattan on Sunday April 23rd, 2023, with
 her family by her side.

She was born November 16, 
1932, in Manhattan, Kansas, the daughter of Floyd and Dola (Van Pelt) 
Webster.  Donna graduated from Manhattan High School with the class of 
1950.

Donna worked at Kansas State University in housekeeping for many years.

She
 was married to Everett Lundquist and they later divorced.  She later 
married George McKaskle on October 15, 2000.  George preceded her in 
death.

Donna was a member and past president of the 
Eagles Lodge, was a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary 
and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

She 
volunteered at the Manhattan Senior Center.  She enjoyed playing Bingo, 
bowling in her younger years, the trips to Council Grove Lake, and was a
 K-State Sports, KC Chiefs and Royals fan.

Survivors 
include five children: Rick Lundquist of Phoenix, AZ, Brad Lundquist and
 his wife Alvina of Manhattan, Guy Lundquist and his wife Dena of 
Manhattan, Tammy Schlosser and her husband Jim of Herington, KS, and 
Jimmy Dale McKaskle and his wife Gaye of Leesville, LA; five 
grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Cremation is planned with a family Celebration of her Life at a later date.

Memorial
 contributions may be made to the Manhattan Senior Center.  
Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen 
Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682450728050.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Donna J. McKaskle, age 90, of Manhattan, died peacefully at 
Stoneybrook Retirement Community in Manhattan on Sunday April 23rd, 2023, with
 her family by her side.She was born November 16, 
1932, in Manhattan, Kansas, the daughter of Floyd and Dola (Van Pelt) 
Webster. Donna graduated from Manhattan High School with the class of 
1950.Donna worked at Kansas State University in housekeeping for many years.She
 was married to Everett Lundquist and they later divorced. She later 
married George McKaskle on October 15, 2000. George preceded her in 
death.Donna was a member and past president of the 
Eagles Lodge, was a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary 
and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.She 
volunteered at the Manhattan Senior Center. She enjoyed playing Bingo, 
bowling in her younger years, the trips to Council Grove Lake, and was a
 K-State Sports, KC Chiefs and Royals fan.Survivors 
include five children: Rick Lundquist of Phoenix, AZ, Brad Lundquist and
 his wife Alvina of Manhattan, Guy Lundquist and his wife Dena of 
Manhattan, Tammy Schlosser and her husband Jim of Herington, KS, and 
Jimmy Dale McKaskle and his wife Gaye of Leesville, LA; five 
grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.Cremation is planned with a family Celebration of her Life at a later date.Memorial
 contributions may be made to the Manhattan Senior Center. 
Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen 
Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.

Donna J. McKaskle

Sunday, June 23rd, 1940-Sunday, April 23rd, 2023

An obituary is pending with Danner Funeral Home.

Click <a href="https://memorials.martinbeckercarlson.com/mary-aron/5034824/index.php">HERE</a> for service details.

Sunday, June 23rd, 1940-Sunday, April 23rd, 2023An obituary is pending with Danner Funeral Home.Click <a href="https://memorials.martinbeckercarlson.com/mary-aron/5034824/index.php">HERE</a> for service details.

December 22, 1944
 &nbsp;-&nbsp;
 April 24, 2023

December 22, 1944
 &nbsp;-&nbsp;
 April 24, 2023An obituary and services are pending with&nbsp;Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.

Jean Beebe

Douglas Lowell Mitchell&nbsp;was born December
 21, 1967, in Salina, the son of Erwin L and Patricia Mitchell.&nbsp; He 
passed away Saturday, December 18, 2022, of natural causes.

Douglas graduated from Salina Tech HVAC program. He owned and 
operated The AC Guy HVAC service in the Salina area for the past several
 years.

Douglas is survived by his mother, children, sister and brother. &nbsp;

He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents.

Graveside Memorial Services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, April 28, 2023, at the Walsburg Lutheran Cemetery.&nbsp; 

Memorials can be made to the charity of the donors choice and left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682368717748.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Douglas Lowell Mitchell&nbsp;was born December
 21, 1967, in Salina, the son of Erwin L and Patricia Mitchell.&nbsp; He 
passed away Saturday, December 18, 2022, of natural causes.Douglas graduated from Salina Tech HVAC program. He owned and 
operated The AC Guy HVAC service in the Salina area for the past several
 years.Douglas is survived by his mother, children, sister and brother. &nbsp;He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents.Graveside Memorial Services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, April 28, 2023, at the Walsburg Lutheran Cemetery.&nbsp; Memorials can be made to the charity of the donors choice and left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.

Douglas Mitchell

Saturday, December 5th, 1931-Friday, April 21st, 2023

An obituary is pending with&nbsp;Londeen-Overlease Funeral Chapel.

Click <a href="https://memorials.martinbeckercarlson.com/melba-shirley/5180781/index.php">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682364865898.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Saturday, December 5th, 1931-Friday, April 21st, 2023An obituary is pending with&nbsp;Londeen-Overlease Funeral Chapel.Click <a href="https://memorials.martinbeckercarlson.com/melba-shirley/5180781/index.php">HERE</a> for service details.

Melba Jacqueline 'Jackie' Shirley

Jan (Miller) Crocker, 77, passed away April 23, 2023, of pancreatic cancer at her home in Manhattan.

She
 was born April 10, 1946, in Wamego, KS, the daughter of LeRoy and 
Roberta Miller. She grew up on her family’s farm near Wamego and 
attended Wamego schools. Music and 4-H were favorite activities during 
Jan’s youth. She studied at Kansas State University earning a master’s 
degree in Family and Child Development in 1970. She was a member of Chi 
Omega sorority and served as chapter president. Following college, she 
accepted a position as a Family Life instructor at Stout State 
University, Menomonie, WI.

Jan
 met Jack Crocker while she was a graduate teaching assistant at 
K-State. They were married in Menomonie on January 9, 1971. In 1974, Jan
 and Jack returned to Manhattan where their son Matthew was born. From 
then on, they called Kansas home, living a few years in Lawrence before 
moving to Topeka where Jack began his long-time association with 
Manhattan Buildings, Inc. They returned to Manhattan in 2013.

During
 her 28 years in Topeka, Jan attended Washburn Law School and was an 
auditor for the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission. She volunteered 
at Matt’s schools and in the Topeka community, was a member of Chapter 
DV of the P.E.O. sisterhood, and a docent at Cedar Crest. She trained as
 a Shawnee County KSU Extension Master Gardener, and was a proud member 
of Western Sorosis, a literary club which provided friendships and 
intellectual stimulation. While a member, she wrote and presented five 
scholarly papers.

Jan
 enjoyed reading (especially history), liked newspapers, learning new 
things, and taking walks. She loved working in her garden and tending 
her many container-grown plantings. Birdwatching and nurturing the wide 
variety of birds returning yearly to their backyard feeding stations was
 a vocation for the couple as was creating a sanctuary for butterflies. 
Jan found joy spending time with her grandchildren whether it was 
vacationing in Colorado when they were young or attending their athletic
 events as they grew.

Travel
 was a priority for both Jan and Jack. While they liked Colorado in 
summer, Sarasota, Fl was a top winter destination. Trips abroad included
 many European river cruises and several “Traveling Wildcats” trips with
 other K-Staters. A recent South American ocean cruise that explored 
life along the Amazon River was their favorite.

An
 appreciation of her agricultural heritage remained with Jan as she and 
Jack continued farming land in Riley and Wabaunsee counties that had 
been in her family for decades.

Jan
 was a 50-year member of P.E.O. and a current member of Manhattan’s 
Chapter GU. Playing Mah Jongg on Monday afternoons with a special group 
of GU sisters was a highlight of her week. Jan was a former member of 
the “Friends of McCain” Board of Directors, and she and Jack enjoyed 
attending many special performances at McCain Auditorium. She was also a
 friend and supporter of the KSU Gardens and a volunteer for and 
supporter of Good Shepherd Homecare &amp; Hospice. She was a long-time 
member of the Columbian Theater in Wamego.

Jan
 was preceded in death by her father in 2010, her younger brother, 
Jerry, in 2013 and her mother in 2018, at age 100. She is survived by 
her husband Jack, of 52 years, son Matt (Taira) and grandchildren 
Madeline, Claire, and Jack of Manhattan; a sister, Judy Scammon, of 
Prairie Village, KS, and many cherished friends.

A
 funeral service will be held, Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at 
the Wamego United Methodist Church with burial in the Wamego City 
Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Good Shepherd 
Hospice House and can be left in care of Campanella &amp; Stewart 
Funeral Home, 4370 Salzer Rd, PO Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547. Family will 
greet friends at the Iron Clad (main street Wamego) following services. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682364699149.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Jan (Miller) Crocker, 77, passed away April 23, 2023, of pancreatic cancer at her home in Manhattan.She
 was born April 10, 1946, in Wamego, KS, the daughter of LeRoy and 
Roberta Miller. She grew up on her family’s farm near Wamego and 
attended Wamego schools. Music and 4-H were favorite activities during 
Jan’s youth. She studied at Kansas State University earning a master’s 
degree in Family and Child Development in 1970. She was a member of Chi 
Omega sorority and served as chapter president. Following college, she 
accepted a position as a Family Life instructor at Stout State 
University, Menomonie, WI.Jan
 met Jack Crocker while she was a graduate teaching assistant at 
K-State. They were married in Menomonie on January 9, 1971. In 1974, Jan
 and Jack returned to Manhattan where their son Matthew was born. From 
then on, they called Kansas home, living a few years in Lawrence before 
moving to Topeka where Jack began his long-time association with 
Manhattan Buildings, Inc. They returned to Manhattan in 2013.During
 her 28 years in Topeka, Jan attended Washburn Law School and was an 
auditor for the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission. She volunteered 
at Matt’s schools and in the Topeka community, was a member of Chapter 
DV of the P.E.O. sisterhood, and a docent at Cedar Crest. She trained as
 a Shawnee County KSU Extension Master Gardener, and was a proud member 
of Western Sorosis, a literary club which provided friendships and 
intellectual stimulation. While a member, she wrote and presented five 
scholarly papers.Jan
 enjoyed reading (especially history), liked newspapers, learning new 
things, and taking walks. She loved working in her garden and tending 
her many container-grown plantings. Birdwatching and nurturing the wide 
variety of birds returning yearly to their backyard feeding stations was
 a vocation for the couple as was creating a sanctuary for butterflies. 
Jan found joy spending time with her grandchildren whether it was 
vacationing in Colorado when they were young or attending their athletic
 events as they grew.Travel
 was a priority for both Jan and Jack. While they liked Colorado in 
summer, Sarasota, Fl was a top winter destination. Trips abroad included
 many European river cruises and several “Traveling Wildcats” trips with
 other K-Staters. A recent South American ocean cruise that explored 
life along the Amazon River was their favorite.An
 appreciation of her agricultural heritage remained with Jan as she and 
Jack continued farming land in Riley and Wabaunsee counties that had 
been in her family for decades.Jan
 was a 50-year member of P.E.O. and a current member of Manhattan’s 
Chapter GU. Playing Mah Jongg on Monday afternoons with a special group 
of GU sisters was a highlight of her week. Jan was a former member of 
the “Friends of McCain” Board of Directors, and she and Jack enjoyed 
attending many special performances at McCain Auditorium. She was also a
 friend and supporter of the KSU Gardens and a volunteer for and 
supporter of Good Shepherd Homecare &amp; Hospice. She was a long-time 
member of the Columbian Theater in Wamego.Jan
 was preceded in death by her father in 2010, her younger brother, 
Jerry, in 2013 and her mother in 2018, at age 100. She is survived by 
her husband Jack, of 52 years, son Matt (Taira) and grandchildren 
Madeline, Claire, and Jack of Manhattan; a sister, Judy Scammon, of 
Prairie Village, KS, and many cherished friends.A
 funeral service will be held, Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at 
the Wamego United Methodist Church with burial in the Wamego City 
Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Good Shepherd 
Hospice House and can be left in care of Campanella &amp; Stewart 
Funeral Home, 4370 Salzer Rd, PO Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547. Family will 
greet friends at the Iron Clad (main street Wamego) following services.

Jan Crocker

Carol Duerfeldt passed away on April 24, 2023, at 3:43 a.m. at the Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan.

She
 was born on March 27, 1934, in Summerfield, Kansas, the daughter of 
Clyde and Mary Bergen McKee.  She grew up in Pawnee City, Nebraska.  She
 graduated from Pawnee City High School.  Carol then attended Peru State
 Teachers College in Peru, Nebraska and then Kansas State University.

Carol was united in marriage to Ben Duerfeldt on June 27, 1954, in Pawnee City.  Ben preceded her in death on January 12, 2023.

Carol
 taught school in Brock, NE, and then at Bluemont School in Manhattan.  
She was later the secretary to the principal at Manhattan High School.  
She also taught at Trinity Presbyterian Pre-School, and employed at the 
Athletic Department at Kansas State University, The Country Gift Shop 
and at Rod’s Hallmark, and gave private piano lessons to many people 
over the years.  Carol enjoyed being a volunteer at the Via Christi 
Hospital in Manhattan.  She was a member of the First Christian Church 
in Manhattan and also the PEO Chapter GU.

In addition to her husband Ben, she was preceded in death by her daughter Kristin Rogers.

She
 is survived by her two sons: Dan Duerfeldt and his wife Sherry, and 
David Duerfeldt and his wife Lisa; son-in-law Rusty Rogers; eight 
grandchildren: Josh Duerfeldt (Kari), Matt Duerfeldt (Shayla), Luke and 
Jacob Duerfeldt, Kayla Russell (Michael), Nicki Duerfeldt, Adam Bolan 
and Tana Parker (Chad); and nine great-grandchildren: Kori, Addy, Nora, 
Aaron, Mason, Macy, Marshall, Max and Mick.

The family 
will greet friends during a visitation from 5:30 until 7:00p.m. Thursday
 April 27, 2023, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in 
Manhattan.

A graveside service will be held at 9:30a.m. Friday April 28, 2023 at the Sunrise Cemetery in Manhattan.

Memorial
 Services will be held at 11:00a.m. Friday April 28, 2023, at the First 
Christian Church, 3001 Grand Mere Parkway in Manhattan.

Memorial
 contributions in memory of Carol are suggested to the First Christian 
Church in Manhattan or the Good Shepherd Homecare and Hospice House Inc.
  Contributions may be sent in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen 
Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682356136757.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Carol Duerfeldt passed away on April 24, 2023, at 3:43 a.m. at the Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan.She
 was born on March 27, 1934, in Summerfield, Kansas, the daughter of 
Clyde and Mary Bergen McKee. She grew up in Pawnee City, Nebraska. She
 graduated from Pawnee City High School. Carol then attended Peru State
 Teachers College in Peru, Nebraska and then Kansas State University.Carol was united in marriage to Ben Duerfeldt on June 27, 1954, in Pawnee City. Ben preceded her in death on January 12, 2023.Carol
 taught school in Brock, NE, and then at Bluemont School in Manhattan. 
She was later the secretary to the principal at Manhattan High School. 
She also taught at Trinity Presbyterian Pre-School, and employed at the 
Athletic Department at Kansas State University, The Country Gift Shop 
and at Rod’s Hallmark, and gave private piano lessons to many people 
over the years. Carol enjoyed being a volunteer at the Via Christi 
Hospital in Manhattan. She was a member of the First Christian Church 
in Manhattan and also the PEO Chapter GU.In addition to her husband Ben, she was preceded in death by her daughter Kristin Rogers.She
 is survived by her two sons: Dan Duerfeldt and his wife Sherry, and 
David Duerfeldt and his wife Lisa; son-in-law Rusty Rogers; eight 
grandchildren: Josh Duerfeldt (Kari), Matt Duerfeldt (Shayla), Luke and 
Jacob Duerfeldt, Kayla Russell (Michael), Nicki Duerfeldt, Adam Bolan 
and Tana Parker (Chad); and nine great-grandchildren: Kori, Addy, Nora, 
Aaron, Mason, Macy, Marshall, Max and Mick.The family 
will greet friends during a visitation from 5:30 until 7:00p.m. Thursday
 April 27, 2023, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in 
Manhattan.A graveside service will be held at 9:30a.m. Friday April 28, 2023 at the Sunrise Cemetery in Manhattan.Memorial
 Services will be held at 11:00a.m. Friday April 28, 2023, at the First 
Christian Church, 3001 Grand Mere Parkway in Manhattan.Memorial
 contributions in memory of Carol are suggested to the First Christian 
Church in Manhattan or the Good Shepherd Homecare and Hospice House Inc.
 Contributions may be sent in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen 
Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.

Carol Duerfeldt

Gerald M. Brickei, age 84, of Manhattan, died April 20, 2023, at the Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan.

A complete obituary is pending with&nbsp;Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682348728602.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Gerald M. Brickei, age 84, of Manhattan, died April 20, 2023, at the Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan.He was born on November 13, 1938.A complete obituary is pending with&nbsp;Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.

Gerald M. Brickei

Dorothy M. Brown, 82 of Topeka, passed away on Tuesday, April 18th, 2023. Dorothy was born on November 21st,
 1940, to Donald and Vera (Vaughn) Morfitt in Milford, Kansas. Dorothy 
graduated from Milford High School in 1958. In 1962, Dorothy married 
Mike Brown in Junction City. 

Dorothy loved to be outdoors and was an 
avid gardener. She was a caring mother and loved her family.

Preceding Dorothy in passing are her parents and 
her sister Debbie Sims. She is survived by her son; Greg Brown, sister; 
Carolyn Smith and six nieces.

A Celebration of life will be held at 2pm on Friday, April 28th, at Davidson Funeral Home, 1035 North Kansas Avenue, Topeka. The family will receive guests for visitation starting at 1pm.&nbsp;

Memorial Contributions can be made to The American Alzheimer's Association.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682341439360.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Dorothy M. Brown, 82 of Topeka, passed away on Tuesday, April 18th, 2023. Dorothy was born on November 21st,
 1940, to Donald and Vera (Vaughn) Morfitt in Milford, Kansas. Dorothy 
graduated from Milford High School in 1958. In 1962, Dorothy married 
Mike Brown in Junction City. Dorothy loved to be outdoors and was an 
avid gardener. She was a caring mother and loved her family.Preceding Dorothy in passing are her parents and 
her sister Debbie Sims. She is survived by her son; Greg Brown, sister; 
Carolyn Smith and six nieces.A Celebration of life will be held at 2pm on Friday, April 28th, at Davidson Funeral Home, 1035 North Kansas Avenue, Topeka. The family will receive guests for visitation starting at 1pm.&nbsp;Memorial Contributions can be made to The American Alzheimer's Association.

Dorothy M. Brown

Barbara A. Rawlings, 81, of Junction City, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, January 25, 2023. Cremation will take place. A visitation will take place on Friday, June 2, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Home. A funeral mass will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at St. Xavier Catholic Church. Memorials are suggested to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 218 N Washington St, Junction City, KS 66441 or to a cause of your choice in Barbara's memory. She was born on May 31, 1941, in Nevada, Missouri, to Gay D. and Anne G. (Childers) Barton. Barbara worked as a civil servant on Fort Riley for 30 years as a contracting specialist. She was an active member in the community. She volunteered at Geary Community Hospital frequently after retirement and was a member of the PEO sisterhood. Barbara was also a member of the gardening club, pilots club, and bridge club. She married Bill Hall in 1961. Their union brought two children, Carrie and Lorrie. In 1985, she married Milton Rawlings, they were married almost 40 years. Barbara was a dedicated wife, mother, grandma, and friend. She loved being around her family and friends, truly enjoyed life to the fullest. Barbara is survived by her three daughters, Carrie Hall (John) VanAntwerp of Wichita, Kansas, Lorrie Hall Valentich of Dallas, Texas, Regina (Mike) Oxford of Lawrence, Kansas; six grandchildren, Cassandra (Jason) Childs of Park City, Kansas, Melissa VanAntwerp of Wichita, Kansas, Amanda Valentich of Dallas, Texas, Levi (Amanda) Oxford of Oak Creek, Wisconsin, Sandina Oxford of Lawrence, Kansas, Michela (Jesse) Pacheco of Overbrook, Kansas; seven great grandchildren; one brother, David (Marilyn) Barton of San Antonio, Texas; and nephew, Nathan (Shannon) Barton of New York. She was preceded in death by her parents and her loving spouse, Milton.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674755289201.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barbara A. Rawlings, 81, of Junction City, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, January 25, 2023. Cremation will take place. A visitation will take place on Friday, June 2, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Home. A funeral mass will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at St. Xavier Catholic Church. Memorials are suggested to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 218 N Washington St, Junction City, KS 66441 or to a cause of your choice in Barbara's memory. She was born on May 31, 1941, in Nevada, Missouri, to Gay D. and Anne G. (Childers) Barton. Barbara worked as a civil servant on Fort Riley for 30 years as a contracting specialist. She was an active member in the community. She volunteered at Geary Community Hospital frequently after retirement and was a member of the PEO sisterhood. Barbara was also a member of the gardening club, pilots club, and bridge club. She married Bill Hall in 1961. Their union brought two children, Carrie and Lorrie. In 1985, she married Milton Rawlings, they were married almost 40 years. Barbara was a dedicated wife, mother, grandma, and friend. She loved being around her family and friends, truly enjoyed life to the fullest. Barbara is survived by her three daughters, Carrie Hall (John) VanAntwerp of Wichita, Kansas, Lorrie Hall Valentich of Dallas, Texas, Regina (Mike) Oxford of Lawrence, Kansas; six grandchildren, Cassandra (Jason) Childs of Park City, Kansas, Melissa VanAntwerp of Wichita, Kansas, Amanda Valentich of Dallas, Texas, Levi (Amanda) Oxford of Oak Creek, Wisconsin, Sandina Oxford of Lawrence, Kansas, Michela (Jesse) Pacheco of Overbrook, Kansas; seven great grandchildren; one brother, David (Marilyn) Barton of San Antonio, Texas; and nephew, Nathan (Shannon) Barton of New York. She was preceded in death by her parents and her loving spouse, Milton.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Barbara A. Rawlings

Lois Elaine Kelly, 86, of Topeka, passed away April 21, 2023. She was
 born February 7, 1937, in Manhattan, KS, the daughter of Arthur and 
Doris (Lundin) Allen.

She was a graduate of Topeka High
 School in 1955 and Washburn University in 1959. During her senior years
 at both Topeka High and Washburn University she was crowned homecoming 
queen. She was also a member of Alpha Phi during her time at Washburn 
University.

Lois married Les G. Kelly in Topeka, KS on 
August 1, 1959. She started her working career in elementary education 
teaching at Dawson and Stout. Lois then left her teaching career to be a
 stay-at-home mom and later in life worked for the March of Dimes and 
Stormont-Vail Health.

Lois is preceded in death by her 
parents, Arthur &amp; Doris; husband, Les; and daughter, Kari Kelly. 
Lois is survived by daughters, Kim Terhune (Randy) of Maple Hill and 
Konni Flynn (Mike) of Topeka; sister, Arlys Tarwater of Overland Park, 
KS; grandchildren, Andy Terhune (Jayna), A.J. Terhune (Sarah), Alyson 
Simons (Scott), MaKenzi Tyler (Derek), and Chloe Holt; and great 
grandchildren, Hadley &amp; Tessa Terhune, Jack &amp; Reid Simons, 
Stella &amp; Huxley Tyler, and she was so thrilled of the recent 
announcement for the arrival of her 7th great-grandchild expected to be 
born in September of this year.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Topeka High School Historical Society, 800 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66612-1619.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682266759295.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lois Elaine Kelly, 86, of Topeka, passed away April 21, 2023. She was
 born February 7, 1937, in Manhattan, KS, the daughter of Arthur and 
Doris (Lundin) Allen.She was a graduate of Topeka High
 School in 1955 and Washburn University in 1959. During her senior years
 at both Topeka High and Washburn University she was crowned homecoming 
queen. She was also a member of Alpha Phi during her time at Washburn 
University.Lois married Les G. Kelly in Topeka, KS on 
August 1, 1959. She started her working career in elementary education 
teaching at Dawson and Stout. Lois then left her teaching career to be a
 stay-at-home mom and later in life worked for the March of Dimes and 
Stormont-Vail Health.Lois is preceded in death by her 
parents, Arthur &amp; Doris; husband, Les; and daughter, Kari Kelly. 
Lois is survived by daughters, Kim Terhune (Randy) of Maple Hill and 
Konni Flynn (Mike) of Topeka; sister, Arlys Tarwater of Overland Park, 
KS; grandchildren, Andy Terhune (Jayna), A.J. Terhune (Sarah), Alyson 
Simons (Scott), MaKenzi Tyler (Derek), and Chloe Holt; and great 
grandchildren, Hadley &amp; Tessa Terhune, Jack &amp; Reid Simons, 
Stella &amp; Huxley Tyler, and she was so thrilled of the recent 
announcement for the arrival of her 7th great-grandchild expected to be 
born in September of this year.A private family ceremony will be held.Memorial contributions may be made to the Topeka High School Historical Society, 800 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66612-1619.

Lois Elaine Kelly

William Patrick Thomas Benedict “Pat” McCourt, proud Irishman, passed away on April 21st, 2023, at Community Hospital Onaga.&nbsp; He was 70 years old.

Pat was born February 4th, 1953, to John and Katie McCourt in Topeka, Kansas.&nbsp; He lived in Topeka until he was 5, when he moved to Atchison.&nbsp; Pat was educated in Atchison Catholic schools and told many memorable stories about his time at Maur Hill Academy.&nbsp; He
 spent his formative years hunting and trapping with his dog, Shorty, 
and causing general mischief with his two brothers, Owen and Paul.

When
 he was 18, Pat met the love of his life, Marilyn, at a New Year's Eve 
party, and they were inseparable for the rest of his life.&nbsp; They
 eloped on March 18th, 1977 (since the courthouse was closed on St. 
Patrick’s Day), and their devotion to each other was truly unmatched.

Pat graduated from University of Kansas at the top of his class in Pharmacy, and went to work for Blaylock Drug Store in Topeka.&nbsp; While he was there, he was approached to work in a small town in northeastern Kansas called Onaga.&nbsp; Pat and Marilyn decided to go for a year to try it out.&nbsp; They ended up staying over 40 years and dedicating their professional life to the Onaga community.&nbsp; Pat
 was a brilliant pharmacist and business man, who enjoyed compounding 
medicine from scratch, researching new developments, and his customers, 
whom he saw as family. Any visit to the Onaga Pharmacy was met not only 
with knowledge sharing but also with Pat’s unrivaled witty remarks.&nbsp; 

Pat and Marilyn had four daughters together.&nbsp; Pat
 was such a fun father, always orchestrating creative projects for the 
girls (usually involving dry ice or fireworks), never missing a ball 
game or event, and leading them on adventures around the country.&nbsp; Whenever
 anyone asked him if he wished he had a boy, he indignantly replied that
 he couldn't imagine a better life than the one he had, and he taught 
his daughters to be strong and independent.

&nbsp;Pat was a die-hard KU fan, and had season tickets to support his Jayhawks for years.&nbsp; One of his favorite memories was being with Marilyn at the 1988 National Championship game.&nbsp; He also loved the Chiefs and was delighted with their recent Super Bowl wins.&nbsp;&nbsp; He enjoyed building computers and learning about new technologies.&nbsp; He was an avid coin collector, a watch enthusiast, a history buff, and a truly masterful gift-giver.&nbsp; He loved nothing more than playing against (and generally beating) family and friends in darts.&nbsp; He also enjoyed poker nights with his friends.

&nbsp;Pat
 loved life, and always reminded us that it's important to take time to 
enjoy every sunset, because you will never see another one exactly like 
it.&nbsp; 

&nbsp;He was preceded in death by his dad, John, his mom, Katie, and his little brother, Paul.&nbsp; 

&nbsp;His wife Marilyn survives of the home.&nbsp; Other
 survivors include his children Maggie, Kerry, Katie, and Alison, his 
son-in-laws, Carlhos, Lyle, and Mark, his grandchildren Isabel, Paul, 
Rose, Pierce, and Juliet, his older brother Owen, and many beloved 
in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

&nbsp;On
 Wednesday, April 26th, there will be a Rosary at 6:00 pm at St. Vincent
 De Paul Catholic Church in Onaga, followed by visitation with family 
and friends from 6:30 to 8:00 pm.&nbsp; Mass
 of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on April 27th at St. Vincent De
 Paul Catholic Church, followed by burial at the Onaga Cemetery and 
lunch at the Onaga Community Center.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

&nbsp;Memorials are suggested to the Onaga Community Center or Onaga Historical Society.&nbsp; They may be sent in care of the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, PO Box 312, Onaga KS 66521.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682266462727.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>William Patrick Thomas Benedict “Pat” McCourt, proud Irishman, passed away on April 21st, 2023, at Community Hospital Onaga.&nbsp; He was 70 years old.Pat was born February 4th, 1953, to John and Katie McCourt in Topeka, Kansas.&nbsp; He lived in Topeka until he was 5, when he moved to Atchison.&nbsp; Pat was educated in Atchison Catholic schools and told many memorable stories about his time at Maur Hill Academy.&nbsp; He
 spent his formative years hunting and trapping with his dog, Shorty, 
and causing general mischief with his two brothers, Owen and Paul.When
 he was 18, Pat met the love of his life, Marilyn, at a New Year's Eve 
party, and they were inseparable for the rest of his life.&nbsp; They
 eloped on March 18th, 1977 (since the courthouse was closed on St. 
Patrick’s Day), and their devotion to each other was truly unmatched.Pat graduated from University of Kansas at the top of his class in Pharmacy, and went to work for Blaylock Drug Store in Topeka.&nbsp; While he was there, he was approached to work in a small town in northeastern Kansas called Onaga.&nbsp; Pat and Marilyn decided to go for a year to try it out.&nbsp; They ended up staying over 40 years and dedicating their professional life to the Onaga community.&nbsp; Pat
 was a brilliant pharmacist and business man, who enjoyed compounding 
medicine from scratch, researching new developments, and his customers, 
whom he saw as family. Any visit to the Onaga Pharmacy was met not only 
with knowledge sharing but also with Pat’s unrivaled witty remarks.&nbsp; Pat and Marilyn had four daughters together.&nbsp; Pat
 was such a fun father, always orchestrating creative projects for the 
girls (usually involving dry ice or fireworks), never missing a ball 
game or event, and leading them on adventures around the country.&nbsp; Whenever
 anyone asked him if he wished he had a boy, he indignantly replied that
 he couldn't imagine a better life than the one he had, and he taught 
his daughters to be strong and independent.&nbsp;Pat was a die-hard KU fan, and had season tickets to support his Jayhawks for years.&nbsp; One of his favorite memories was being with Marilyn at the 1988 National Championship game.&nbsp; He also loved the Chiefs and was delighted with their recent Super Bowl wins.&nbsp;&nbsp; He enjoyed building computers and learning about new technologies.&nbsp; He was an avid coin collector, a watch enthusiast, a history buff, and a truly masterful gift-giver.&nbsp; He loved nothing more than playing against (and generally beating) family and friends in darts.&nbsp; He also enjoyed poker nights with his friends.&nbsp;Pat
 loved life, and always reminded us that it's important to take time to 
enjoy every sunset, because you will never see another one exactly like 
it.&nbsp; &nbsp;He was preceded in death by his dad, John, his mom, Katie, and his little brother, Paul.&nbsp; &nbsp;His wife Marilyn survives of the home.&nbsp; Other
 survivors include his children Maggie, Kerry, Katie, and Alison, his 
son-in-laws, Carlhos, Lyle, and Mark, his grandchildren Isabel, Paul, 
Rose, Pierce, and Juliet, his older brother Owen, and many beloved 
in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews.&nbsp;On
 Wednesday, April 26th, there will be a Rosary at 6:00 pm at St. Vincent
 De Paul Catholic Church in Onaga, followed by visitation with family 
and friends from 6:30 to 8:00 pm.&nbsp; Mass
 of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on April 27th at St. Vincent De
 Paul Catholic Church, followed by burial at the Onaga Cemetery and 
lunch at the Onaga Community Center.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Memorials are suggested to the Onaga Community Center or Onaga Historical Society.&nbsp; They may be sent in care of the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, PO Box 312, Onaga KS 66521.

 Pat McCourt

Gerald M. Brickei, age 84, of Manhattan, died April 20, 2023 at the Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan.

Gerald M. Brickei, age 84, of Manhattan, died April 20, 2023 at the Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan.He was born on November 13, 1938.A complete obituary is pending with&nbsp;Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.

Ernie Drew “Mr. K-State” Barrett, a loving husband, father and 
grandfather who enjoyed a basketball career with the Boston Celtics and 
dedicated more than seven decades of his life to Kansas State 
University, died Friday, April 21, 2023, surrounded by his family in 
Manhattan, Kansas. Barrett was 93.

Barrett was born on 
August 27, 1929, in Pratt, Kansas, although he called Wellington his 
hometown. The son of Ernie Walker and Ruby Kate, his father worked for 
the Santa Fe Railroad.

Although Barrett played football
 and basketball, basketball was his passion. Barrett honed his 
basketball skills in the school gymnasium under Coaches Cade Suran and 
John Floyd and on the goal his father put up for him in their backyard.

Barrett
 led Wellington High School to a 21-4 record and its lone state 
basketball championship in 1947. An All-State basketball player, Barrett
 credited Floyd for much of his success as a basketball player. “He was 
the person who taught me the fundamentals and the one who really helped 
me to improve my shooting,” Barrett said. “I probably wouldn’t have made
 it as a college player if Coach Floyd hadn’t worked with me on my 
outside shooting.”

Although his high school basketball 
conquests elicited interest from Phog Allen and Henry Iba, Barrett chose
 to play at K-State for Jack Gardner and Tex Winter, both now in the 
Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, during a legendary career in which he 
captained the 1950-51 team that opened one of America’s most remarkable 
arenas, Ahearn Field House. Barrett earned 1951 Consensus Second-Team 
All-American and helped Kansas State to the Big 7 Conference title 
before staging a remarkable NCAA Tournament run. Following wins over No.
 12 Arizona, No. 11 BYU and No. 24 Oklahoma A&amp;M, the Wildcats earned
 a berth in the 1951 National Championship Game and finished with a 25-4
 overall record.

“I was very fortunate to have those 
coaches as a freshman,” Barrett said. “They had me practice every day, 
and Coach Winter even had me play against him. He taught me to be 
quick.”

Barrett joined the Kansas Beta Chapter of Sigma
 Alpha Epsilon his last year of school. He met and later wed Bonnie 
Frommer on October 24, 1951. They were married for 72 years. Bonnie 
served as the steady rock by Barrett’s side.

Known for 
his silky-smooth shooting touch that helped him to average double 
figures in points as both a junior and senior, Barrett was named the 
Most Valuable Player in the East/West All-Star Game in Chicago following
 his senior season. Barrett credited Gardner and Winter for instilling 
discipline and preparing him for a professional basketball career. 
Later, Barrett was named to K-State’s All-Century Team and was one of 
the first three Wildcats to have their jersey retired.However, Barrett 
was a dedicated student as well, serving as a member of the Blue Key 
honorary. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical 
education in 1951.

Barrett was the No. 7 overall pick 
in the 1951 NBA Draft by head coach Red Auerbach and the Boston Celtics.
 However, he put his professional basketball career on hold for two 
years. As a member of the K-State ROTC, he served a two-year obligation 
in the Air Force and stayed as a lieutenant until 1953. After his 
service, he played one year for the Celtics, then sat out one year while
 pursuing a coaching career, then he rejoined the Celtics by the request
 of Auerbach, sharing the same backcourt as Bob Cousy. Barrett, a 
6-foot-3 guard/forward, scored 641 points and added 343 rebounds and 229
 assists over his NBA career. He also played against the Harlem 
Globetrotters. He remained close friends with Cousy after his retirement
 from the Celtics.

Barrett returned to Manhattan, 
Kansas, as assistant alumni secretary in 1955, and he earned his 
master’s degree in journalism in 1956. He became assistant coach under 
Winter in 1959 while also being in charge of Wildcat booster activities.
 In 1961, Barrett joined the athletics staff as assistant athletic 
director in charge of fundraising and promotions.

Famous
 for his powerful handshakes, ever-present smile and engaging 
personality, Barrett spearheaded fundraising campaigns for KSU Stadium, 
the athletic dormitory, synthetic turf on the football field (raising 
$300,000 in a two-month period) and the R.V. Christian Track and Field 
Complex.

K-State President James McCain bestowed upon 
Barrett the title of “Mr. K-State” and Barrett was promoted to K-State’s
 fifth athletic director in May 1969, becoming the first Kansas-born 
athlete to lead K-State’s athletic program, and he gained tremendous 
popularity during his seven years in that position.

“It was one of
 the most outstanding positions I had in the world of intercollegiate 
athletics,” Barrett said. “I enjoyed the opportunity to make decisions 
that needed to be made.”

He led fund-raising efforts 
for a number of projects, including continued enhancements to KSU 
Stadium, the construction of the Vanier Football Complex, and K-State 
athletic dormitory. Barrett also began laying the fund-raising 
foundation for what would eventually be Bramlage Coliseum. Among his 
other contributions as athletic director, Barrett hired Hall of Fame 
basketball coach Jack Hartman.

Barrett entered the 
private sector in 1976 to become vice president of marketing for Chief 
Drilling in Wichita, but returned to K-State in 1988 as fund-raising 
consultant in the athletic department’s portion of the Essential Edge 
Campaign, a university-wide project with a goal of raising $100 million,
 including $15 million for the athletics department.

In
 1991, Barrett resumed full-time duties at K-State as the athletic 
department’s director of development. Over the next 16 years he played a
 key role in reshaping the landscape of K-State’s facilities and helped 
secure funds for the Dev Nelson Press Box, the expansion of KSU Stadium,
 the indoor football facility, the Academic Learning Center, Tointon 
Family Stadium, the R.V. Christian Track, Colbert Hills Golf Course and 
Vanier Football Complex.

A believer in a firm handshake
 and handwritten notes, Barrett received many honors during his 
athletics career and is a member of both the state of Kansas Sports Hall
 of Fame and the Kansas State Athletics Hall of Fame. In 1999, Kansas 
State erected a statue of “Mr. K-State” in front of Bramlage Coliseum as
 a testament to his contributions to Wildcat athletics. K-State retired 
his No. 22 jersey at Bramlage Coliseum in 2005. He retired as Director 
of Development on June 30, 2007, ending nearly six decades of service to
 the university as a student-athlete, coach and administrator. In 2014, 
Barrett was presented with the Outstanding Alumni Award by The Blue Key 
Honor Society.

Barrett’s passions included fishing in 
his free time and enjoyed time in his Tuttle Creek Lake cabin with 
family and friends during spring and summer weekends.

The Barretts
 remained avid supporters of K-State and its athletic programs during 
retirement. They attended K-State football and basketball home games 
every year through the 2022-23 season.

Barrett is 
preceded in death by his parents and his son, Duane. Barrett is survived
 by wife Bonnie of Manhattan, son Brad of Manhattan, and grandson Ryan 
and wife Lauren (and a great-grandchild on the way) of Wichita.

A
 Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, April 27 at 
Bramlage Coliseum with a reception to follow in the Shamrock Zone. The 
service and reception are open to the public. A private interment will 
be held at Sunrise Cemetery.

The family would like to 
thank the caring staff at Via Christi Village and Interim HealthCare and
 Hospice. Funeral home arrangements by Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral 
Home. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to a 
memorial for Barrett that has been established at the Kansas State 
University Foundation with donations benefitting the Ernie and Bonnie 
Barrett Family Men’s Basketball Scholarship. 

Contributions may be sent 
to: KSU Foundation, 1800 Kimball Ave., Ste 200, Manhattan, KS 66502, 
please indicate fund M47447. To make a gift online, go to 
http://ksufoundation.org/give/barrett.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682266186277.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ernie Drew “Mr. K-State” Barrett, a loving husband, father and 
grandfather who enjoyed a basketball career with the Boston Celtics and 
dedicated more than seven decades of his life to Kansas State 
University, died Friday, April 21, 2023, surrounded by his family in 
Manhattan, Kansas. Barrett was 93.Barrett was born on 
August 27, 1929, in Pratt, Kansas, although he called Wellington his 
hometown. The son of Ernie Walker and Ruby Kate, his father worked for 
the Santa Fe Railroad.Although Barrett played football
 and basketball, basketball was his passion. Barrett honed his 
basketball skills in the school gymnasium under Coaches Cade Suran and 
John Floyd and on the goal his father put up for him in their backyard.Barrett
 led Wellington High School to a 21-4 record and its lone state 
basketball championship in 1947. An All-State basketball player, Barrett
 credited Floyd for much of his success as a basketball player. “He was 
the person who taught me the fundamentals and the one who really helped 
me to improve my shooting,” Barrett said. “I probably wouldn’t have made
 it as a college player if Coach Floyd hadn’t worked with me on my 
outside shooting.”Although his high school basketball 
conquests elicited interest from Phog Allen and Henry Iba, Barrett chose
 to play at K-State for Jack Gardner and Tex Winter, both now in the 
Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, during a legendary career in which he 
captained the 1950-51 team that opened one of America’s most remarkable 
arenas, Ahearn Field House. Barrett earned 1951 Consensus Second-Team 
All-American and helped Kansas State to the Big 7 Conference title 
before staging a remarkable NCAA Tournament run. Following wins over No.
 12 Arizona, No. 11 BYU and No. 24 Oklahoma A&amp;M, the Wildcats earned
 a berth in the 1951 National Championship Game and finished with a 25-4
 overall record.“I was very fortunate to have those 
coaches as a freshman,” Barrett said. “They had me practice every day, 
and Coach Winter even had me play against him. He taught me to be 
quick.”Barrett joined the Kansas Beta Chapter of Sigma
 Alpha Epsilon his last year of school. He met and later wed Bonnie 
Frommer on October 24, 1951. They were married for 72 years. Bonnie 
served as the steady rock by Barrett’s side.Known for 
his silky-smooth shooting touch that helped him to average double 
figures in points as both a junior and senior, Barrett was named the 
Most Valuable Player in the East/West All-Star Game in Chicago following
 his senior season. Barrett credited Gardner and Winter for instilling 
discipline and preparing him for a professional basketball career. 
Later, Barrett was named to K-State’s All-Century Team and was one of 
the first three Wildcats to have their jersey retired.However, Barrett 
was a dedicated student as well, serving as a member of the Blue Key 
honorary. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical 
education in 1951.Barrett was the No. 7 overall pick 
in the 1951 NBA Draft by head coach Red Auerbach and the Boston Celtics.
 However, he put his professional basketball career on hold for two 
years. As a member of the K-State ROTC, he served a two-year obligation 
in the Air Force and stayed as a lieutenant until 1953. After his 
service, he played one year for the Celtics, then sat out one year while
 pursuing a coaching career, then he rejoined the Celtics by the request
 of Auerbach, sharing the same backcourt as Bob Cousy. Barrett, a 
6-foot-3 guard/forward, scored 641 points and added 343 rebounds and 229
 assists over his NBA career. He also played against the Harlem 
Globetrotters. He remained close friends with Cousy after his retirement
 from the Celtics.Barrett returned to Manhattan, 
Kansas, as assistant alumni secretary in 1955, and he earned his 
master’s degree in journalism in 1956. He became assistant coach under 
Winter in 1959 while also being in charge of Wildcat booster activities.
 In 1961, Barrett joined the athletics staff as assistant athletic 
director in charge of fundraising and promotions.Famous
 for his powerful handshakes, ever-present smile and engaging 
personality, Barrett spearheaded fundraising campaigns for KSU Stadium, 
the athletic dormitory, synthetic turf on the football field (raising 
$300,000 in a two-month period) and the R.V. Christian Track and Field 
Complex.K-State President James McCain bestowed upon 
Barrett the title of “Mr. K-State” and Barrett was promoted to K-State’s
 fifth athletic director in May 1969, becoming the first Kansas-born 
athlete to lead K-State’s athletic program, and he gained tremendous 
popularity during his seven years in that position.“It was one of
 the most outstanding positions I had in the world of intercollegiate 
athletics,” Barrett said. “I enjoyed the opportunity to make decisions 
that needed to be made.”He led fund-raising efforts 
for a number of projects, including continued enhancements to KSU 
Stadium, the construction of the Vanier Football Complex, and K-State 
athletic dormitory. Barrett also began laying the fund-raising 
foundation for what would eventually be Bramlage Coliseum. Among his 
other contributions as athletic director, Barrett hired Hall of Fame 
basketball coach Jack Hartman.Barrett entered the 
private sector in 1976 to become vice president of marketing for Chief 
Drilling in Wichita, but returned to K-State in 1988 as fund-raising 
consultant in the athletic department’s portion of the Essential Edge 
Campaign, a university-wide project with a goal of raising $100 million,
 including $15 million for the athletics department.In
 1991, Barrett resumed full-time duties at K-State as the athletic 
department’s director of development. Over the next 16 years he played a
 key role in reshaping the landscape of K-State’s facilities and helped 
secure funds for the Dev Nelson Press Box, the expansion of KSU Stadium,
 the indoor football facility, the Academic Learning Center, Tointon 
Family Stadium, the R.V. Christian Track, Colbert Hills Golf Course and 
Vanier Football Complex.A believer in a firm handshake
 and handwritten notes, Barrett received many honors during his 
athletics career and is a member of both the state of Kansas Sports Hall
 of Fame and the Kansas State Athletics Hall of Fame. In 1999, Kansas 
State erected a statue of “Mr. K-State” in front of Bramlage Coliseum as
 a testament to his contributions to Wildcat athletics. K-State retired 
his No. 22 jersey at Bramlage Coliseum in 2005. He retired as Director 
of Development on June 30, 2007, ending nearly six decades of service to
 the university as a student-athlete, coach and administrator. In 2014, 
Barrett was presented with the Outstanding Alumni Award by The Blue Key 
Honor Society.Barrett’s passions included fishing in 
his free time and enjoyed time in his Tuttle Creek Lake cabin with 
family and friends during spring and summer weekends.The Barretts
 remained avid supporters of K-State and its athletic programs during 
retirement. They attended K-State football and basketball home games 
every year through the 2022-23 season.Barrett is 
preceded in death by his parents and his son, Duane. Barrett is survived
 by wife Bonnie of Manhattan, son Brad of Manhattan, and grandson Ryan 
and wife Lauren (and a great-grandchild on the way) of Wichita.A
 Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, April 27 at 
Bramlage Coliseum with a reception to follow in the Shamrock Zone. The 
service and reception are open to the public. A private interment will 
be held at Sunrise Cemetery.The family would like to 
thank the caring staff at Via Christi Village and Interim HealthCare and
 Hospice. Funeral home arrangements by Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral 
Home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to a 
memorial for Barrett that has been established at the Kansas State 
University Foundation with donations benefitting the Ernie and Bonnie 
Barrett Family Men’s Basketball Scholarship. Contributions may be sent 
to: KSU Foundation, 1800 Kimball Ave., Ste 200, Manhattan, KS 66502, 
please indicate fund M47447. To make a gift online, go to 
http://ksufoundation.org/give/barrett.

Ernie Drew 'Mr. K-State' Barrett

Patrick Alan Decker, 58, of Manhattan, Kansas, passed away on March 27, 2023.&nbsp;

Patrick was born January 5, 1965, to James and Barbara Decker in 
Topeka, Kansas. After graduating from Shawnee Heights High School, in 
1983, he went on to complete a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife 
Management at Kansas State University. He also received a Master’s in 
Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.&nbsp;

Patrick was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying all types of hunting, 
fishing, golfing, camping, and telling stories around a campfire. He was
 a devoted fireman in Manhattan for 6.5 years. He recently retired from 
Prairie Band Casino. &nbsp;

He is survived by his loving mother, Barbara Decker, and three siblings: Cathy Robertson, Mike Decker, and John Decker.&nbsp;

Patrick was preceded in death by his father, James Decker.

The family will receive friends from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, Monday, April 
17, 2023, at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, where there will be a memorial
 service at 6:30pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ducks Unlimited, sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave. Topeka, KS 66603.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682266025711.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Patrick Alan Decker, 58, of Manhattan, Kansas, passed away on March 27, 2023.&nbsp;Patrick was born January 5, 1965, to James and Barbara Decker in 
Topeka, Kansas. After graduating from Shawnee Heights High School, in 
1983, he went on to complete a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife 
Management at Kansas State University. He also received a Master’s in 
Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.&nbsp;Patrick was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying all types of hunting, 
fishing, golfing, camping, and telling stories around a campfire. He was
 a devoted fireman in Manhattan for 6.5 years. He recently retired from 
Prairie Band Casino. &nbsp;He is survived by his loving mother, Barbara Decker, and three siblings: Cathy Robertson, Mike Decker, and John Decker.&nbsp;Patrick was preceded in death by his father, James Decker.The family will receive friends from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, Monday, April 
17, 2023, at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, where there will be a memorial
 service at 6:30pm.Memorial contributions may be made to Ducks Unlimited, sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave. Topeka, KS 66603.

Obituaries