Ben Pierson

Obituaries

November 4, 2013 - 12:00 AM

Benny Lee Pierson (Ben), former Gas and Iola resident, passed away Sept. 19, 2013, in Chandler, Ariz.
Ben was born in Gas City on July 9, 1940, the son of Mark O. and Margaret (Titmus) Pierson. Ben moved with his parents and brother Joe to Hepler in 1952. He graduated from Hepler High School in 1958. He married Jeri Ann Quirin on May 27, 1961.
He spent his life working in agriculture business, in service, sales and management. He started in Iola with Hiser Implement, then Newton, Olathe and Marysville before moving to Arizona. He worked the last seven years for Empire Southwest. Ben loved the outdoors, fishing, boating, and being with his family. He spent the last few years watching football and car racing with his wife, this being his favorite pasttime.
Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Jeri Ann; daughters, Teri Boeck (Bruce), Austin, Texas, Cindy Pierson, Phoenix, Ariz., Jane Splayt (Jim) and Lori Smith (Richard) Gilbert, Ariz.; grandchildren, Joshua, Colleen, Kyle, Erin, Briauna, Kaylie and Benjamin; many nieces and nephews in Kansas.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Fern Tinnel and Ruthie Henry; and brothers infant Forrest, Warren and Joseph.
Memorial services will be at 2 p.m., Sunday at Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola.
Burial will be at St. John’s Cemetery, Gas.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. John’s Cemetery, Fees Park or Bowlus Fine Arts Center.
Condolences can be sent to the family at 69 N. Velro, Chandler, Ariz. 85225. Condolences may also be left at www.iolafuneral.com.

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Leo Thummel
Leo A. Thummel, 86, Iola, passed away Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013, at Windsor Place in Iola.
Leo was born Aug. 20, 1927, in Tipton, the son of Joe and Anna (Simeon) Thummel. The family moved to a farm two miles north and one mile west of Piqua when he was 14. He did construction work.
On June 29, 1950, Leo married Lena Schulte. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After his military duty, they made their home in Iola. He worked 24 years for Nelson Quarries and then 17 years for Gates Rubber Co., before retiring.
Leo enjoyed playing cards and gardening. He was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Iola, Life Member of the VFW in Chanute and American Legion in Iola.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Lena Thummel; two sons, Rodger Thummel and spouse Jacque, Iola, and Jerry Thummel and spouse Sharon, Iola; two daughters, Ronda Barnow and spouse Doug, Chanute and Janet Wilson and spouse Robert, Iola; 13 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by four brothers; six sisters; one grandson, Joshua, and one great-grandson, Mikeal.
Visitation is 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, at St. John’s Parish Hall in Iola.
Parish rosary will be at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Iola.
Funeral mass will be at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Iola.
Burial will be at Highland Cemetery, Iola.
Memorials may be made to St. John’s Catholic Church and left with Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola.
Online condolences may be left at www.iolafuneral.com.

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