Dorotha M. Glidden, 86, a former resident of Fort Scott, and more recently of Gladewater, Texas, passed away Monday, Oct. 13, 2014, at her home in Gladewater.
Dorotha was born Oct. 18, 1927, in Blue Mound, to Clarence Arthur Townsley and Corda Edith Jackson Townsley. She worked as a nurse’s aide and was married to LeRoy Earl Glidden until he passed in September 2001.
Dorotha is survived by her companion, Wiley Styers, White Oak; sons, Terry Leigh Glidden of Latham, Michael Wayne Glidden of Altoona and William “Pat” Glidden of El Dorado; daughters, Sandra Kay O’Donnell of Gladewater, Debra Diane McDaniel of Interlachen, Fla., Denise Louise Carter of Gilmer, Texas, Tracy Lynn Fasanello of Gladewater, and Tina Marie Richardson of Longview, Texas; a brother, Clarence Townsley of Blue Mound; a sister, Joan Scott of Independence; as well as 17 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband and two grandsons: Craig Allen O’Donnell and Ronald Joe Burch Jr.; two brothers, Frank and Lindell Townsley; four sisters, Betty Brillhart, Alma Florence “Toots” Gay, Vyrla Dean Miller and Nellie Newman.
A graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Fairview Cemetery east of Mildred. Services are under the direction of Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and may be left in care of Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701.
Henry L. Bumgardner
Former Iolan Henry L. Bumgardner died at his home in Arizona on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2014.
Bumgardner was born May 15, 1919, in Arkansas City, to Henry E. and Ruth (Beery) Bumgardner. He was the second of five children, outliving an older and a younger sister and a younger brother. He is survived by one younger brother, Thomas, of Coffeyville.
Henry graduated from Emporia State University and The Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago. He served four years as an officer in the Air Force during World War II. He was an armaments officer on Iwo Jima at the end of the war.
Henry and his wife Charlotte (Rees) were married Oct. 5, 1941, in Emporia. They have four children, Dr. Henry L. Jr. (Debbie), Dr. Thomas A., Robert D. (Kathy), and Janet K. (Steven Bullock). They have four surviving grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Henry’s wife, Charlotte, passed away in 2008 after 66 years of marriage. He said many times, “God has blessed me with a long life, a wonderful wife who was my dearest friend and mother of our fine children.”
Henry served Iola as an optometrist for 34 years. He was a deacon and an elder in the Presbyterian Church. He was a fellow in the American Academy of Optometry and a member of the American Optometric Association and Kansas Optometric Association for over 60 years.
He was a member of The Board of Examiners in Optometry. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club and the Chamber of Commerce.
He was also on the Iola School Board during the pivotal years when the Bowlus Fine Arts Building was being funded and built to Thomas Bowlus’ directions.
His favorite Bible verses were: Psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd …”; John 3: 16, “For God so loved the world, he gave his one and only son, …”; John 4: 1-4, “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me …”; and John 14:2. “In my father’s house there are many rooms …”
Funeral arrangements will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Faith Presbyterian Church, 16000 N. Del Webb Blvd., Sun City, Ariz., 85351.
Henry wished for family and friends to not send flowers, but kindly send donations to: First Presbyterian Church, Stained Glass Windows Restoration Fund, 302 E. Madison Ave., Iola, KS 66749, www.iolapresbyterian.org.
Denise C. Apt
Former State Representative Denny Apt, Iola, died Monday, Nov. 3, 2014, at her home.
Apt, 84, was appointed to the Kansas House of Representatives in 1981 and served an additional three terms up until 1988.
She was a dedicated community servant who touched many lives through her various educational involvements. She was President of the USD 257 Board of Education for 12 years, elected to the State Board of Education for three years, and chaired several education and agricultural committees during her tenure as a legislator. Gov. Mike Hayden appointed her as his aide on education. She also served on numerous educational and agricultural advisory committees in the years following her terms in the Legislature.
Denise “Denny” was born Dec. 10, 1929, in Maywood, Ill., the daughter of Lester Richard and Margaret E. (Fawcett) Coleman. Denny grew up in the Chicago area. She attended Iowa State University and The University of Arkansas, where in both cases she was the only female engineering student.
A profound love of Arkansas was born as a youngster bareback riding through the hills and fields of northwest Arkansas.
On a horse ride, a young man from Kansas sighted her! She married Frederick G. Apt, Jr., in Siloam Springs, Ark., June 8, 1951.
Thus this love of the magical hills of Arkansas developed into a loved second home for Denny and Fred, in Bella Vista, Ark., where she leaves numerous friends and acquaintances.
They made their home in Iola for most of their married life.
One of her most favored accomplishments was the introduction of the Kansas Wildlife Art and Stamp Series. She was recognized as Iola’s BPW woman of the year, by Ducks Unlimited for contributions to Wildlife Conservation, and by Kansas Agri-Women for numerous contributions to agriculture and the women agriculture program, among her too numerous to mention recognitions and awards.
Her parents, her husband and son, Richard C. Apt, preceded her in death.
She is survived by a son, Frederick G. Apt III and wife, Janet, Iola; a daughter, Barbara Bukaty and husband, Dan, Overland Park; five grandchildren: Aleaka Morgan and husband, Carlton, Shawnee, Derick Apt and wife, Callie, Salt Lake City, Utah, Jeremy Apt and wife, Monica, Mission, Preston and Harrison Bukaty, Overland Park; and five great-grandchildren, Bennett, Coleman and Rowen Morgan and Stella and Frederick Apt.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at First Presbyterian Church in Iola. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola.
Memorial gifts to the Allen County Community College Endowment Association or First Presbyterian Church may be left with the funeral chapel.
To sign the guestbook online or leave a condolence, go to www.iolafuneral.com.
Richard Houk
E. Richard Houk, 86, rural Moran, died Friday, Oct. 31, 2014, at Moran Manor.
Richard was born Dec. 27, 1927, on a farm west of Moran, the son of Russell E. and Jennie M. (Whitlow) Houk. He grew up on the farm and graduated from Moran High School in 1945.
On July 17, 1948, Richard married Maxine M. Love at Moran. They made their home and farmed west of Moran all of their married lives. Maxine preceded him in death on May 7, 1994.
Richard and Ann Morrison were married on Nov. 25, 2000, at the Moran United Methodist Church. Richard was a member of the church and had served as a supervisor for the Allen County Conservation District for a number of years.
His wife survives, as do three children, Donna McCoy and husband, Dallas, Erie, Janet Jackson and husband, Brian, Elsmore, and Larry Houk and wife, Karen, Mitchell, Neb.; a brother, Harold Houk and wife, Joy, Moran; six grandchildren, Traci Westhoff, Tasha McCoy, Shane Jackson, Jason Houk, Justin Houk and Christa Wilhelm; and seven great-grandchildren, Megan, Colin, Rylan, Emmit, Jarin, Brycen and Jayden.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Maxine, and his grandson, Brent Matthew Jackson.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Moran United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Moran Cemetery. The family will receive friends tonight from 7 to 8 o’clock at the Waugh-Yokum and Friskel Chapel in Iola.
Memorial gifts to Moran United Methodist Church may be left with the funeral home, which is in charge of arrangements. To sign the guestbook online or leave a condolence, go to www.iolafuneral.com.
Letters to the editor
Dear editor,
I am writing to show my support for the new school bond vote. I would like to preface my supporting opinion by stating I fully appreciate and respect all those who have expressed concerns and are opposed to the proposition. This being said, it doesn’t change the fact that our district is facing real issues with the current facilities, which has adverse effects on the entire educational environment.
On Nov. 4 we are faced with a crucial decision on how to address these issues, and position our educational system for the future. This decision is about taking advantage of an opportunity which is far more than just buildings and infrastructure. It is an opportunity for the community, our educational system, and most importantly the KIDS!
From the community standpoint, it is a chance to take advantage of funding from a tax base across the state, not just locally generated taxes. It also affords us the opportunity to utilize our current buildings/locations, which presently don’t meet our educational needs, in another capacity to better serve the community. I will not get into these details, as they have been communicated many times, and I fully believe there are many tremendous opportunities available.
It is an opportunity for our educational staff and students. I am a firm believer that when you treat people like professionals, they respond like professionals. I have seen firsthand how these decisions make such an impact. It will inspire good leaders to become great leaders, good teachers to become great teachers, and students to strive for success. I believe new facilities would significantly increase initiative and develop a culture of passion for learning and leadership, which fully supports student development. Successful student development is dependent on an environment conducive to innovative and creative learning.
One thing for certain about opportunity is, if you don’t take advantage of it when it is presented, it will pass you by and someone else will reap its benefits. On Nov. 4 we have this very opportunity, and if the proposition fails, we will still be faced with the current issues, issues which will continue to worsen and deprive our educational environment.
I would like to thank our current board members: Doug Dunlap, Don Snavely, Tony Leavitt, Jack McFadden, Mark Burris, Darrel Catron and Buck Quincy. I firmly believe this group has given the entire process, and all available options, proper due diligence. I am also willing to say that whether you are for or against this proposal, no one has put as much thought and effort into making a decision which encompasses the best interest of our community. These individuals have done exactly what they were elected to do, and from the research I have done, they give me no reason to not fully trust and support this decision. I believe there is no question as to the “Why” of this proposal, and I have confidence that the decision to move forward with this proposal is the most practical and logical choice. I have the utmost respect and appreciation for their unrelenting time and effort!!
I encourage everyone to take a hard look at the “Why’s” of what is before you, and to fully educate yourself on the facts and opportunity, which has been presented to our community. Whether your vote is for or against, I believe it is a disservice to the entire process to not make an informed decision. On Nov. 4 I am voting “YES” for the opportunity to strengthen our community, our educational system, and most importantly the future of our KIDS!
Respectfully,
Johnnie Riley,
Iola, Kan.
Dear editor,
Four years ago, Allen County voters chose by a wide margin to tax themselves to help pay for a new hospital. Citizens did the right thing and took an important step toward securing a stable future for city and county. Tuesday, Iola and USD 257 voters have a chance to take an even more significant step for our shared future by voting yes on both ballot questions having to do with new educational facilities.
Many arguments, for and against, have been made in these pages. Almost without exception, the “yes” arguments trump the “no,” especially on the most substantive questions. Of the many reasons to VOTE YES/YES for new schools, three stand out.
1) Iola deserves as much as any other Kansas town to benefit from the state matching money, which of course comes from a fund that we have all been contributing to since 1992. Susan Lynn said it well; it isn’t free money but it is our money. If the state matching funds are eliminated, USD 257 will almost certainly never be able to build new or renovate.
2) It is the unanimous recommendation of the elected board that you take this step, based on years of careful study of all options. Their due diligence merits respect.
3) The district cannot continue to throw good money after bad to maintain buildings that are on their last legs, buildings that don’t meet the needs of exceptional students. There are so many more student-oriented uses for that money than patching old roofs.
Our children attend school in Moran. We remember voting on a bond issue here almost 18 years ago that resulted — narrowly — in the building of a new addition to Marmaton Valley schools. We are still paying off those bonds (and no, the state has never missed a payment in aid to bond and interest). We think the beautiful and functional new addition was worth every penny. We believe it went a long way toward keeping MV schools viable.
How can Iola schools best remain viable? We are persuaded that you can’t do it over the next generations in seven old buildings, even renovated to the hilt. Build new schools. Together, we — property taxpayers, shoppers from all over, income taxpayers statewide — can afford to do this. The children and the community have so much to gain. Vote YES/YES.
Respectfully,
Mark and Patti Boyd,
Moran, Kan.
Dear editor,
At this time of year I am always proud to be an American! I am grateful for the Founding Fathers of this nation who were inspired to enable us with the freedom we have today and I am grateful for the countless men and women who have fought and died to ensure that freedom. What a blessing it is to live in a country where we have the opportunity to express our political views and be able to cast our vote to make it happen.
For the past several months we have heard and read many issues surrounding our upcoming school bond vote. As Americans, we have the right to our own opinions. We each have one vote … no matter what our educational or socio-economic status. So, please take the time to learn the facts and vote on Tuesday.
Then, Tuesday evening when the votes are counted and the voters’ decision has been made, we need to accept that decision, whatever it is, and move forward to make it work. We need to put our differing opinions aside and bond together as a community again … and maybe even forgive a little. We make Iola strong by uniting, not dividing. We are a strong, caring community. That is why my family moved here almost 30 years ago and why we have stayed. We love Iola. We love the community, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and the Midwest hospitality.
So … let’s vote on Tuesday, then do all we can to strengthen Iola and be thankful to God that we live in this wonderful land of freedom.
Deb Greenwall,
Iola, Kan.
Diana Robertson
Diana (Stahl) Robertson, 38, Independence, formerly of Iola, died Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2014, from injuries received in an auto accident near Severy.
Visitation will be at noon Sunday at Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. To sign the guestbook online or leave a condolence, go to www.iolafuneral.com.
Stub Heigele
Ballou P. (B.P.) “Stub” Heigele, 93, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2014, at Lakeside Meadows in Osage Beach, Mo.
Stub was born Oct. 30, 1920, in Iola, the son of Ballou and Hazel (Epley) Heigele.
Stub graduated from Iola High School in the class of 1938. He went on to attend Allen County Junior College and San Diego State University.
He was united in marriage in 1942 to Elethea Mae Drake in San Diego, and together they shared 72 years of marriage until his death.
Stub was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, a member of the Masonic Blue Lodge, and life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, all of Iola. He also served as Past Exalted Ruler of the Iola Elks Lodge.
Stub served his country proudly in the United States Navy during World War II. After the war ended, he returned home to operate the family upholstery repair business, established in 1901 and continuing through 2002. Four generations operated the business from father to son.
Stub is survived by his wife, Elethea Mae; his son, Robert and wife Debbie, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ballou and Hazel Heigel; and his son, Randy, who passed away in 2002.
Memorial donations are suggested to the donor’s charity of choice.
Stub was cremated at his request and no formal services are scheduled.
Arrangements have been placed under the care of Hedges Scott Funeral Home, Osage Beach, Mo.
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family at www.hedgescottfuneralhomes.com.
Kenneth ‘Joe’ Bacon
Kenneth Charles “Joe” Bacon, 89, rural Moran, died Thursday, Oct. 30, 2014, at his home.
He was born April 13, 1925, in Allen County, Kansas, the son of Leslie Bacon and Mattie Fuhrman Bacon. He graduated from Moran High School in 1943. He married Annie Lucile Deer on June 6, 1945, in Iola.
Joe loved his land and had managed his own farm and cattle operation his entire life. In 1981, he was awarded the Kansas Bankers Soil Conservation Award. He had served on the Moran School Board and established the Joe & Lucy Bacon Scholarship Fund. In his earlier years, he was an avid baseball player. He also enjoyed bowling, fishing, hunting and playing golf. Joe and Lucy enjoyed traveling and had spent 13 winters in south Texas. They also provided musical entertainment at area nursing homes for many years. He was a member of the Bronson United Methodist Church and the Bronson Masonic Lodge.
Survivors include his wife, Lucy, of the home; five children, Beverly Fuhrman and husband, Harley, Bronson, Charles “Chuck” Bacon and wife, Cristine, Moran, Doug Bacon and wife, Paula, Bella Vista, Ark., Cindy Mefford and husband, Jason, Mapleton, and Jean Davolt and husband, Philip, Wichita; 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Also surviving are a sister, Margaret Fuston and her husband, Max, Lawrence, and a sister-in-law, Cecilia Bacon Rakestraw, Oklahoma City.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Herman and Floyd Bacon; and a sister, Ruth Burtnett.
Pastor Jim Stigel and Pastor David Shrum will conduct funeral services at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Bronson United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the Moran Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Cheney Witt Bronson Chapel. In lieu of flowers, emorials are suggested to Bronson United Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Bronson Chapel, 501 Pine, P.O. Box 93, Bronson, KS 66716.
Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Cleo Pendlay
Cleo Stafford “Strut” Pendlay passed away on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2014, at Pleasant View Home in Inman. He was 91.
Strut was born Nov. 15, 1922 in Yates Center, the son of Louis Benjamin and Eva Belle (Need) Pendlay. Strut was raised in Woodson County and was a resident of Yates Center all his life.
On July 6, 1952, Strut was united in marriage to Vivian (Coy) in Topeka. Shortly after their marriage, the couple was blessed with two daughters, Linda and Christyn. The couple made their home in Yates Center. They were members of the First Christian Church. Strut also enjoyed playing cards with his friends at the Yates Center Senior Center.
Cleo Stafford “Strut” Pendlay was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, May, Ellen and infant Frances; brothers, Tom and Lou, and his wife of 55 years, Vivian, on July 9, 2007. He is survived by his daughters, Linda (Pendlay) Neifert and husband Ron of Yates Center and Christyn (Pendlay) Schroeder and husband Todd of Inman. He also is survived by five grandchildren, Jessica, Nicole, Kellye, Chris and Ronnie; and nine great-grandchildren, Madison, Tyler, Kassie, Madalyne, Courtney, Alli, Jake, Bri and Zander, as well as many other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Cleo “Strut” Pendlay are scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at Campbell Funeral Home, Yates Center. Visitation will be at the funeral home prior to the funeral service, from 1 to 2 o’clock. Burial with military honors will follow at Yates Center Cemetery.
The family suggests memorials be made to the Yates Center Senior Center and sent in care of Campbell Funeral Home, P.O. Box 188 Yates Center, KS 66783.
James Wade
James Marion Wade, 70, Holden, Mo., passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2014, of a heart attack.
Funeral services will be at Williams Funeral Chapel, 609 E. 10th St., Holden, at noon Wednesday. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to service time Wednesday at the Chapel. A graveside service will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday at LaHarpe Cemetery in LaHarpe.
Jim was born in Iola, to Arnold and Regnelda (Schermer) Wade on Dec. 5, 1943. He went to LaHarpe High School, and graduated in 1961. He worked as an insulator journeyman for Kansas City Power and Light for 23 years. He and his wife, Donna, have resided near Holden since 2000.
Jim was a kind and joyful man who demonstrated his passion for God, family and friends in the gracious way he lived his life. Jim enjoyed playing cards, roller skating, reading, and spending time with family and friends. Jim was an active member of First Baptist Church in Holden.
Jim is survived by his wife; son, Michael, Ottawa; daughter, Kristina Grayson and her husband, Glenn, Providence Forge, Va.; Donna’s son, Michael Webb and his wife, Jodi, South Pasadena, Calif.; Donna’s daughter, Jennifer Jenkins and her husband, Chris, Lee’s Summit, Mo.; grandchildren, Katie Wade, Gavin Wade, Clara Grayson, Conner Grayson, Corbin Grayson, Noah Jenkins and Parker Jenkins; his three sisters, Patricia Riebel, and her husband, Dale, Humboldt, Loretta Fretz, Dalhart, Texas, and Cindy Brooks, Munising, Mich.; his brother, Terry Wade and his wife, Nellie, Lawrence; and his numerous loving cousins, nieces, nephews and other relatives. Jim is preceded in death by his father, mother and brother, Kenneth Wade.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Holden. Online condolences may be left at www.williamsfuneralchapel.net.