 CLASSMATES HERE IN SPIRIT ONLY WITH NAMES & WHERE ALL CLASSMATES ARE ACCORDING TO STATE. THE CANCER CURE COVER-UP FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS! 1-23-23 HOW TO GET TO HEAVEN GUARANTEED SO WHY ARE YOU GOING TO HELL IF YOU WIND UP IN HELL BECAUSE YOU DIDN'T BELIEVE WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS AND DIDN'T WATCH THIS ENTIRE VIDEO YOU'VE GOT NO ONE TO BLAME BUT YOURSELF MUST SEE VIDEOS AND BIBLE VERSES AT WWW.Heaven-Guaranteed.COM GO TO PAGE 10, THE OLD URL WWW. ONLY WAY 2 HEAVEN . COM TO BE SURE YOU'RE BORN AGAIN SAVED AND GOING TO HEAVEN ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE. ONLY ABOUT 15% OF ALL PEOPLE ON EARTH ARE GOING TO HEAVEN ACCORDING TO BIBLE SCHOLARS BECAUSE MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW THE TRUTH IN THE BIBLE THAT SAYS WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO TO GET TO HEAVEN OR THEY WORSHIP FALSE MAN MADE RELIGIONS. THIS IS THE ONLY WAY TO HEAVEN according to the bible MOST PEOPLE ARE NOT GOING TO HEAVEN, BECAUSE THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS YOU HAVE TO DO. A BEAUTIFUL MEDLEY OF SONGS TO PLAY AT A FUNERAL Kenny Chesney - When I Close My Eyes Jo Stafford and Gordon Macrae - Beyond the sunset I'LL BE WAITING ON THE FAR SIDE BANKS OF JORDON - The Primitive Quartet SERENADED BY ANGELS - KIRK TALLEY Is There Life After Death? - 2018 Tom Tom Founders Festival PLEASE CONTACT JOHNNY ON FACEBOOK IF YOU HEAR OF ANY CLASSMATES PASSING, SO THEIR OBITUARY CAN BE ADDED TO OUR WEBSITE. PLEASE INCLUDE A COPY OF THE OBITUARY, IF POSSIBLE. OBITUARIES OF MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 1964, WILL BE UNDER THEIR NAMES & PICTURES ON P1 & 2 Obituary for Donnie Reel, Parsons student thru grade 11, then graduated from LCCHS where his dad was a school teacher. ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------- OBITUARIES FOR DISTINGUISHED AND LOVED PARSONS PROFESSIONALS, EDUCATORS, AND COACHES Indiana vs. UNC (1984 Sweet 16): Michael Jordan's final college game, SEE CAROLINA ASSISTANT COACH BILL GUTRIDGE FROM PARSONS, KANSAS #1. Bill Guthridge - University of North Carolina Basketball Coach #2. Harold Johnson - Parsons H. S. Basketball Coach #3. Leon Jursche - Parsons H. S. Football/Basketball/Track Coach & Principal #4. JoAnn Jursche - Class of 1962 Cheerleader #5. Joe Martin - PHS Football Coach & Jr. High football, basketball & track coach & PRINCIPAL AT COFFEYVILLE H. S. #6. Dabney Lawhorn - West Jr. Hi. 8th grade Basketball Coach and WW2 hero from Parsons H. S. #7. Dr. Sandra Willsie Parsons H. S. CLASS OF 1971 #8. David Tippet - Parsons Postmaster, Parsons News Owner #9. Joe Ryan - Joe's Club #10 Carolyn Divine #11 Harrison "Poke" Stover #12 Harold "Hut" Whetzel #13 Fred Strathe --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #1. Former UNC BB Coach Bill Guthridge dies at 77 Posted: Wednesday, May 13, 2015 11:35 am CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Parsons native Bill Guthridge, the longtime assistant to Dean Smith who succeeded Smith as North Carolina’s head coach, has died. He was 77. The school announced Wednesday that Guthridge died Tuesday night. The cause of death was not immediately known. The son of former Parsons, Ks. USD 503 School Superintendent Wallace Guthridge, Bill Guthridge attended Washington Elementary School, West Junior High School and Parsons High School, graduating in 1955. In 1956, he attended Parsons Junior College (now Labette Community College) before transferring to Kansas State University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in 1960 and a master’s degree in 1963. Although he had moved away from Parsons, Guthridge’s ties ran deep, and he returned often to visit friends. Wallace Guthridge was superintendent for USD 503 from 1941 until his death in 1967. Guthridge School was named in his honor. In 2005, Guthridge received LCC’s Cardinal Citation, the college’s highest honor. He said then it was “great” to be back in Parsons. “And I am thrilled to receive this honor. It is something very special to me, my sister Joan (Rodkey) and my family. And to be included with (former recipients) Max Schiefelbusch, Helen Jones, Pete Hughes and Slick Norris is an honor,” Guthridge said. “I am honored by this award and I am humbled to be included among those who have received this award in the past.” Parsonians still have fond memories of Guthridge. “Bill was always an All-American guy — always positive, good athlete and great coach. He was a neighbor of mine when growing up and often stopped by to give me a push to school when we were in West High together,” said Parsons resident Robert Brandenburg. A story in the Sun years ago noted Guthridge’s helping his neighbor. Brandenburg was facing the prospect of returning to school after a battle with polio, which left him paralyzed and wheelchair-bound. “When the time came to return to school last fall, Bob, now 13, faced the prospect with no enthusiasm. He would be in the eighth grade; his classmates had moved on. Worst of all he would be different from the other boys. How would he get up and down the stairs at school? “Things must have looked brighter when his buddy, Bill Guthridge, came by to roll him to school. Bob’s home at 105 N. 27th is but a baseball throw from West High (now Parsons Middle School). But it seemed a long way to him on his first trip there in a wheelchair. “When Bob saw how the kids pitched in to help with his chair he figured Principal E.E. Royse must have wised them up. It soon became routine for them to see that his chair got to classes, to assembly, out on the playground and even into fire drills,” the Sun story reported. Parsons businessman Gary Wall said many people will be saying what a great human being Bill was, and he agreed as well. “He was simply an outstanding man, as he was a young boy and man when growing up in Parsons. He came from a wonderful family and all of us in Parsons are proud to claim him as a native son,” Wall said. A spokesperson for LCC said Guthridge was a good friend of the college. “He donated to the LCC Foundation in many ways. For example, he donated a Tar Heels basketball featuring his autograph along with autographs from Dean Smith and Roy Williams to the LCC Foundation Auction for Scholarships. It sold for $3,000 and it still holds the record as the single highest grossing item in our auction’s history,” LCC Foundation Director Lindi Forbes said. “In 2005, the college was honored to name him as a Cardinal Citation award recipient in recognition of his successful career and outstanding support of LCC. When he came back to Parsons for the award, I had the pleasure of meeting him. To be honest, before I met him, I was very intimidated from reading his bio and resume. However, his down-to-earth friendly demeanor put me at ease immediately. I am glad I had the chance to meet him and continue communication with him since his award.” Former players at North Carolina recalled Guthridge’s competitive nature. “If he told me to run through that wall to make me better, I’d hit that wall,” former North Carolina player and well-traveled college coach Buzz Peterson told The Associated Press. “Because I knew coach Guthridge had the best interest for you and wanted to see you succeed.” Guthridge spent three decades as an assistant to Smith, helping him bring national championships to Chapel Hill in 1982 and 1993. When Smith retired as Division I’s winningest men’s coach shortly before the 1997-98 season, Guthridge was promoted to replace him, and he guided the Tar Heels to two Final Fours in three seasons. “Bill Guthridge was a gentleman coach, but a fierce competitor, and an incredibly loyal member of Dean Smith’s staff for three decades,” athletic director Bubba Cunningham said in a statement. “I learned very quickly when I came to Chapel Hill how beloved and respected he was by people all across this community. His loss is deeply felt by our university and the basketball world.” Guthridge went 80-28 from 1997-2000, reaching Final Fours in 1998 and 2000 before retiring that June. Smith died in February at age 83. “They worked so well together,” Peterson said. “So much trust between those two. Just a perfect, perfect team.” The careers and lives of the two coaches from Kansas were solidly intertwined. Both played college ball in that state — Smith at Kansas, Guthridge at Kansas State — and coached at their alma maters before coming to North Carolina. Guthridge joined Smith’s staff for the 1967-68 season, starting out as the freshman coach and a co-assistant varsity coach and eventually becoming the Hall of Famer’s most trusted assistant. He also was an assistant to Smith on the 1976 U.S. Olympic team that won the gold medal in Montreal. Peterson — who roomed with Michael Jordan on those early 1980s teams — said Guthridge kept the program going off the court, with the assistant making him run the school’s golf course at 6 a.m. as punishment for once being late. “We’d always say there were so many time zones — Eastern Standard Time, Central Standard Time — but the most important was GST: Guthridge Standard Time,” Peterson said. “I’d always set my time to GST, 10 minutes ahead.” North Carolina made 29 NCAA Tournament appearances in Guthridge’s 33 years on the staff and finished no worse than third in the Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season standings every year — with 16 first-place finishes and 10 more in second. The Tar Heels either won the ACC Tournament or finished atop the league standings — or did both — in 23 of those seasons. After Smith retired in October 1997, then-athletic director Dick Baddour elevated Guthridge to the top job. That season, he led the Tar Heels to a 34-4 record and the final No. 1 ranking in the AP Top 25, earned the ACC Coach of the Year award and guided North Carolina to the Final Four before losing to Utah. The Tar Heels then went 24-10 in 1998-99 but were upset by Weber State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. In Guthridge’s final season, he went 18-13 — at the time, the program’s worst finish in decades — but bounced back in the postseason to reach North Carolina’s 15th Final Four before losing in the national semifinals to Florida. He stepped down 2 1/2 months later. Guthridge was enshrined in the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2005. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Posted: Monday, July 28, 2008 9:33 pm #2. Harold Johnson Harold Cecil Johnson, 89, of Topeka died Sunday, July 27, 2008, from complications resulting from a recent auto accident. He was born Oct. 17, 1918, in Hartford to Ross and Elizabeth Johnson. Harold loved the outdoors from a young age and was an avid fisherman throughout his life. As a teenager he earned the rank of Eagle Scout from the Boy Scouts of America. He attended Kansas Wesleyan University, where he excelled as a basketball player and received his degree in education. Upon his graduation, he was drafted into the Navy during World War II. He was discharged in December 1945 with the rank of specialist A 2nd class. He married Dorris E. Tebben on January 27, 1940. They met on campus at Kansas Wesleyan in Salina, Ks. and traveled much of the world throughout their life together. In 1948, the couple and their daughter moved to Parsons, where Harold and Dorris would teach at Parsons High School for many years. In 15 years as the basketball coach at Parsons High School, his teams compiled a 190-35 record and won 10 SEK championships. For his efforts, he would later be inducted into the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame and in 2001 the Kansas State High School Activities Association Hall of Fame. After giving everything to coaching, he stepped away in 1963 to start a second career in insurance. He worked as an agent for State Farm until his retirement in 1981. Retirement away from family and friends did not suit Harold and Dorris, so after 18 months in Bella Vista, Ark., they moved to Topeka to be closer to friends and family in 1982. Survivors include his wife, Dorris (Tebben) Johnson; a daughter, Susan Hughes and her husband, Larry, of Topeka; a son, H. Kemper Johnson of New York, N.Y.; two grandsons, John Hughes and his wife, Stephanie, of Topeka and Jeff H. Hughes of Topeka; and three great-granddaughters, Taylor, Talisa and Tateum. He was preceded in death by four brothers and two sisters. The service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka. Memorials are suggested to Kansas State High School Activities Association Inc., P.O. Box 495, Topeka, 66601-0495. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Posted: Tuesday, June 15, 2010 10:23 pm #3. Leon H. Jursche, 90, of Frontenac, a former Parsons resident, died Tuesday, May 25, 2010, at the Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg. He was born June 29, 1919, at Ringo to Pongrac and Mary Jursche. He graduated from the Frontenac High School in 1937 and earned his bachelor of science, master of science and education specialist degrees from Pittsburg State University. He spent 37 years in the field of education as a business teacher, coach and administrator. He taught in Arcadia, McCune, Parsons and Frontenac schools. He served as head football coach, jr. varsity basketball coach, and later principal at Parsons High School. From 1942 to 1945 he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a member of the Frontenac United Methodist Church, American Legion, P.S.U. Alumni Association, Pittsburg Masonic Lodge, Mirza Shrine and Order of Eastern Star. He was a former Rotarian and served as president of the Parsons Rotary Club in 1965-66. Survivors include his wife of nearly 68 years, Marie (Rudolph) Jursche of Frontenac, a niece and a nephew. He was preceded in death by his daughter, JoAnne Jursche; and three sisters. A graveside service was May 28 at the Garden of Memories Cemetery at Pittsburg. Memorials are suggested to the Frontenac Educational Foundation or the Frontenac United Methodist Church. They can be sent to the Friskel Funeral Home, P.O. Box 907, Frontenac, 66763. Online condolences may be left at www.friskelfuneralhome.com. ----------------------------------------------- #4. JoAnn Jursche Obituary for beautiful JoAnn Jursche See JoAnn on Page 3, Pic #19, and Page 4, Pic #34, Jo Ann Jursche Miranda Birth 30 Aug 1944 Kansas, USA Death 2 Jan 1997 (aged 52) Pittsburg, Crawford County, Kansas, USA Burial Garden of Memories Cemetery Pittsburg, Crawford County, Kansas, USA Memorial ID 134785263 · View Source Jo Ann attended in schools in Parsons, KS and graduated from the Senior High School in 1962 where she was queen candidate and varsity cheerleader. Her dad Leon Jursche, was Head Football Coach, Head Track Coach, and Jr. Varsity Basketball Coach and later PHS Principal. She then continued her studies at Kansas State College of Pittsburg, KS. She married Michael E. Meyer in Nov. 1977 in Los Angeles, California. In June of 1983, following a divorce from Mr. Meyer, she married Alfred J. Miranda. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #5 Joseph D. ‘Joe’ Martin Posted: Tuesday, November 5, 2013 12:29 pm Joseph D. “Joe” Martin, 82, a longtime resident of Parsons, died at 10:15 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013, at Freeman Hospital in Joplin after entering the hospital on Oct. 4. Joe was born on Jan. 30, 1931, outside of Scammon to Joseph W. and Helen C. (O’Malley) Martin. Joe married Mary Jean Saporito on Aug. 27, 1955, at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in Scammon. He attended Weir schools and was a 1948 graduate of Weir High School. He graduated from Labette Community College and Pittsburg State University with multiple degrees in education. He also was a veteran of the Korean War. In the fall of 1955, Joe began his educational career at Parsons East Junior High. He later taught at Parsons High School. During his time in the classroom, Joe taught physical education and social studies. During his tenure as a teacher, he coached football, basketball and track. From 1966 to 1971, he was head football coach at PHS. From 1972 to 1981, he served as assistant principal and athletic director at PHS. In the fall of 1981, he was hired as principal at Roosevelt Middle School in Coffeyville. He continued in that position until his retirement in 1993. Following his retirement, he and Mary Jean returned to Parsons, where they had lived since. He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Parsons and a third-degree member of the Knights of Columbus and had volunteered at St. Vincent DePaul Society. He was also a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and a member of Brown-Bishop Post No. 704, Veterans of Foreign Wars. In earlier years, he stayed busy officiating basketball and football games. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family. Joe will always be remembered for taking time to make the difference in the lives of innumerable individuals. Survivors include his loving wife of 58 years, Mary Jean of the home; four sons, Joe L. Martin and his wife, Kathy, of Frontenac, David Martin and his wife, Robie, Mark Martin and his wife, Sherri, all of Parsons, and Mike Martin and his wife, Donna, of Girard; 11 grandchildren, Elizabeth, Emily, Kyle, John David, Seth, Maegen, Mikinzi, Kelsey, Drew, Luke and Anne Marie; four great-grandchildren, Abby, Rylie, Jackson and Taryn; a brother, Carl E. Martin and his wife, Mary Ann, of West Mineral; and a sister, Helen Marie Wallace and her husband, Larry, of Clay Center. The funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Parsons. Burial will be in St. Bridget’s Cemetery in Scammon. The parish rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons, where the family will receive friends immediately following the rosary. Memorials are suggested to the Parsons Educational Foundation for the Joe and Mary Jean Martin Scholarship Fund or St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, 67357. Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Obituary for DABNEY LAWHORN, MY 8th grade basketball coach at Parsons West Jr. High. Click here to leave condolences. You can see his picture on P3, Pic #163 #6. Charlton Dabney Lawhorn beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, educator, mentor and friend, passed away Saturday July 7, 2018. He joins his beloved wife of 71 years Wilda who preceded him in death. Dabney lived a long and wonderful life. He is survived by his 4 children, Linda Collins of Overland Park, KS, Dr. David Lawhorn of Lawrence, KS, Col. Charles Lawhorn of Tampa , Florida, and Kathryn Lawhorn Pinto of Overland Park, KS. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren: William Collins Jr., Jessica Scaccia, Michael Collins, Sara Collins, Susan Gering, Christopher Lawhorn, Estacia Lawhorn, Embrelyn Lawhorn, Anthony Pinto, Josette Pinto, and 1great grandchild, Jackson Gering. Charlton Dabney Lawhorn was known to all friends and family as Dabney. He was born August 1, 1924 in Parsons, Kansas to Charles and Sara Lawhorn. He had 2 sisters Martha and Charlotte and 2 brothers, George (Buck), and Rex, all who preceded him in death. His family was poor and struggled during the great depression often not having food or clothing. Dabney worked at many jobs growing up in an effort to help the family. He was an excellent athlete but especially loved playing football. He was as strong as an ox getting his muscles from delivering 100 pound blocks of ice and his arm muscles were still so strong that when he could hardly walk he used those muscles to lift him from step to step. Dabney left high school early to enlist in the Army during WWII. He was promoted during the war and was a sergeant in charge of 3 half-tracks in the 3rd Army 6th Armored Division under General Patton. He rarely talked about his service in WWII until quite late in his life. He was proud of his service especially the breakout off of the Normandy beachhead, and his participation at the Battle of the Bulge and relief of Bastogne. He was also part of the liberation of the concentration camp at Buchenwald but did not speak of the atrocities he saw firsthand until, the last few years. He received the Bronze Star and Croix de Guerre with Palms for heroism and service during the war. After his service in WWII he returned home to Parsons, Kansas where he completed high school and met Wilda Presley, the love of his life. Wilda and Dabney were married on July 3rd, 1946. Dabney worked for Boeing as a tool designer but after receiving a scholarship to play football, he received a Bachelor’s degree from Austin College, and went on to obtain a Master’s degree from Wichita State University and his Doctorate degree from the University of Kansas. He loved teaching and working with young students. Dabney went on from teaching to become a school administrator and superintendent of schools believing he could help to influence and improve all students’ educational progress by helping and supervising teachers. His teaching and administrative career took Dabney, Wilda, and their children from Eldorado, KS, to Parsons, KS, White City, KS, Hesston, KS, and finally to Turner Unified School District in Kansas City, KS., where he remained until retiring. Dabney had been a member of the Lion’s Club, was a proud Master Mason, and then Scottish Rite. Dabney and Wilda both had beautiful voices and sang in the church choirs wherever they were. He always had a song in his heart and even toward the end of his life enchanted all with his voice and songs. He was a member of the Methodist church most of his life. Dabney had a strong faith and believed that churches were mainly places to gather and all that really mattered was your faith in God and Christ. Dabney and Wilda raised 4 wonderful children whom they were very proud of. Dabney was the patriarch of his family; wise, understanding, almost always right in his opinions and recommendations to immediate family, extended family and friends who consulted him often. Dabney valued family almost above all else and taught his children that family was one of the most important things to hold on to. Dabney had a lot of friends but only two close friends, his brother-in-law David Presley and Paul Brandenburg. Paul’s wife Jean just happened to be Wilda’s best friend and that close friendship continued over more than 60 years. Dabney loved to play cards especially Gin and bridge. He and David Presley would play Gin for hours every time they were together. Dabney played in bridge clubs, and continued to play weekly until his current illness prevented it. Dabney wanted to be remembered as he was in life before his recent illnesses, happy, strong, loving, and always with a song in his heart. His desire was to have a simple military ceremony with military honors. All who knew him will miss his wit, his singing, his ever present smile, and can take comfort knowing he is now again with his beloved wife, Wilda. Services will be held prior to Inurnment at Ft. Leavenworth National Cemetery in Leavenworth, KS at 11:00 AM July 30, 2018 Following his wife’s request, Dabney also wishes Memorial contributions to be made in his name to the Saint Luke’s Muriel I. Kauffman Women’s Heart Center and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------- #7. Dr. Sandra K. Willsie 8-18-53 to 3-26-17 passed peacefully to heaven surrounded by family and dear friends on Sunday, March 26, 2017, after a courageous and nearly yearlong battle with brain cancer. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Fillmore and Cecilia Willsie; and a brother, Philip. Survivors include her husband, Thomas Syverson of Overland Park; three siblings, David Willsie of Lincoln, Nebraska, Dr. Debra Willsie-Daggett of Overland Park and Barbara Willsie-Hess of Wichita; a niece, Emily Daggett of Overland Park; two nephews, Grant Willsie of Omaha, Nebraska, and Dr. Philip Willsie of Wilmington, Delaware; and two great-nephews, Mac and Harvey Willsie of Wilmington, Delaware, and cousin Johnny Linden of Muskogee, Ok. Sandra graduated magna cum laude from Pittsburg State University with a bachelor’s degree in medical technology, biology and chemistry. She attended Kansas City University of Osteopathic Medicine, graduating magna cum laude, and received the Golden Stethoscope Award for Outstanding Graduate. As an osteopathic physician, with board certification in internal medicine, pulmonary diseases and critical care medicine, Sandra worked diligently for over 30 years to further scientific discovery and health care education. A National Institutes of Health-funded career academic awardee, a Macy Institute scholar and an invited faculty member on health care leadership at Harvard University, Sandra was very involved in academic medicine. She served as professor of medicine, interim chair of medicine and docent at the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine and as provost, dean, vice dean and department chair at Kansas City University of Osteopathic Medicine. Sandra earned a master’s degree in bioethics and health policy focusing on research ethics from Loyola University of Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. She made countless scholarly presentations and published regularly with active participation as a board member of the American College of Chest Physicians. Sandra once said “when you can’t breathe, nothing much else matters,” and in her persuasive way, she was instrumental in the creation and financial recruitment for the establishment of the Chest Foundation, for which she later served as a board member. Today the Chest Foundation continues providing grants around the world to fight respiratory diseases. Sandra made eight pro bono trips to provide physicians in Honduras, Panama, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic the latest research updates on asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease research. Sandra was honored to serve as president of Women Executives in Science and Healthcare and as board president of the American Heart Association’s Midwest Affiliate (greater Kansas City area), where her primary focus was on fundraising for the Go Red for Women Initiative and the launching of the Circle of Red Initiative. In the corporate world Sandra served as medical director, principal investigator and a system-wide chair responsible for global harmonization of medical safety practices and policies. At the time of her diagnosis, Dr. Willsie had been volunteering for over 30 years at the KC CARE Clinic in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, and was a committee member of the Food and Drug Administration advisory panel on respiratory and anesthesiology devices. As stated by one close friend, “Sandra was an amazing woman, selfless leader, gifted doctor, generous healer and respected scholar who made a difference in the lives of so many. She inspired a generation of new physicians to be and do more by following her example of excellence and integrity.” Sandra was born Aug. 18, 1953, in Parsons, Kansas and growing up there, she never forgot her small town roots or Christian values. She was a dutiful daughter and awesome sister who never stopped looking out for her family; as an aunt, she thought and cared for her nephews and niece as if they were her own. Sandra and her husband, Tom, loved their two bichon dogs, Minnie and Mojo, and traveled often. One of her most favorite trips was to the Holy Land, organized by Church of the Resurrection and led by pastor Adam Hamilton. For those who knew her, Sandra was compassionate and loving and always went out of her way to make the downhearted smile and feel included. Her energy and enthusiasm touched many as she loved to laugh and encouraged others to follow their dreams. Sandra’s legacy simply stated was to treat others as you would want to be treated. We were blessed to have known her, and she will be missed by many, especially her family who are comforted by their faith in knowing Sandra is now home at peace and with our Lord, Jesus Christ. The memorial service will be at 4 p.m. Saturday in Wesley Chapel at Church of the Resurrection, 13720 Roe, Leawood, with a reception immediately following. The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Sandra’s memory to the KC CARE Clinic, attention Sheridan Wood, CEO, 3515 Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64111. ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------- LEAVE CONDOLENCES HERE #8. DAVID TIPPET, 11-30-1913 TO 5-16-2016 PARSONS POSTMASTER FROM 1962-1984. DAVID & HIS WIFE VIRGINIA OWNED & PUBLISHED THE PARSONS NEWS FROM 1948 FOR OVER 50 YEARS. David C. Tippet David C. Tippet, 102, longtime Postmaster of Parsons, passed away at 4:01 p.m., Monday, May 16, 2016 at his home. He was born November 30, 1913 in Gildford, Montana to Lawrence and Grace (Staley) Tippet. At the age of 5, David moved with his family to The Dalles, Oregon. He graduated from Dufur High School in 1932. During the depression, he rode the rails looking for a job and prospected for gold in California on the Yuba River. In 1935, he moved to Parsons where he attended Parsons Junior College and played on the football team for two years where he was fondly known as “Tiger Tippet.” He then worked at the St. Paul Journal for two years before working from 1939 through 1941 at Commercial Publishers in Parsons. In December of 1941, he joined the United States Marines and served during World War II in Guadalcanal. Upon his honorable discharge in October 1944, he resided in California. On February 22, 1945, he married Virginia L. (Toni ) Rose in Yuma, Arizona. After marriage, the couple moved to Los Angeles, California where he worked at the Los Angeles Times. In 1948, the couple returned to Parsons where they purchased The Parsons News which he and his wife published for over 50 years. The two spent the rest of their lives in Parsons together, raising 11 children and doting on the many grandchildren whom they loved very deeply. David especially enjoyed spending time with his family and delighted in being actively involved in his grandchildren’s lives. He could often be found on the porch of his iconic main street home, fly swatter in his hand, or playing cards with his sons and daughters at the kitchen table, or making silly faces at one of the many babies crawling around his living room floor. In 1962, David was the last Postmaster appointed by President John F. Kennedy. He continued working for the United States Postal Service until his retirement in 1984. He was a member of the Christian Science Church in Parsons. He was an avid writer and enjoyed playing cards, farming, working cattle and horses, and an occasional trip to the casino or race track. David was a longtime member of the Democratic Party and the Elks – BPOE Lodge No. 527 in Parsons. He is remembered as the beloved patriarch of the Tippet Clan, who are thankful and blessed for the many years of smiles he brought to the family he adored. Survivors include: Four Sons – Casey Tippet and his wife, Pam Sallisaw, OK David L. Tippet Houston, TX Tracey Tippet Parsons, KS Jon Tippet Houston, TX Five Daughters – Michele St. Clair and her husband, Gary Parsons, KS Patti Nutt and her husband, Steve Lee’s Summit, MO Janie Tippet and her life partner Pat Babinski Manhattan, KS Kelley Fowler and her husband, Lee Cottonwood Falls, KS Marcé Modica and her husband, Jerry Olathe, KS Nineteen Grandchildren Fifteen Great-Grandchildren Four Great-Great-Grandchildren One Brother – Richard Oakes and his wife, Louise Pittsburg, Ks Numerous Nieces and Nephews He was preceded in death by his wife, Toni Tippet, on May 14, 1997; one son, Clark Tippet; one daughter, Christine Cooper; one grandchild, two great-grandchildren, one brother, Paul Staley Tippet; and one sister, Vineta Mae Test. Following cremation, the family will hold a private memorial service at a future date. Memorials are suggested to the Labette Community College Foundation for the Toni Tippet Endowed Scholarship Fund. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357. Online condolences may be left at http://www.forbeshoffman.com. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #9. Joe Ryan Posted: Friday, March 15, 2013 3:09 pm Joe Ryan, 72, of Parsons died at 3:45 a.m. Thursday, March 14, 2013, at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin. He was born on July 20, 1940, in Vinita, Okla., to Martin Albert Ryan Sr. and Bessie E. (Fuller) Ryan. He was a 1958 graduate of Labette County Community High School in Altamont and earned an associate’s degree from Parsons Junior College. He served in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1964. He owned and operated Joe’s Club in Parsons for several years and was a 40-year employee at the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant until retiring in 2004. He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, where he attended every Sunday until his health failed. He loved to fish and hunt with his friends, especially his best friend, Tuffy. Joe enjoyed playing cards, visiting, taking motorcycle trips and having a few drinks with his friends, and in younger years, playing softball and football. He received great enjoyment in coaching his daughter’s elementary basketball team, attending his sons’ wrestling matches and coaching both girls’ and men’s softball teams. He married Sharon Lowry. They later divorced. He married Nancy Yeoman. They later divorced. Survivors include two sons, Dallas Allen Ryan of San Francisco and Jason Allen Ryan of Olathe; a daughter, Sherri Hyer of Olathe; two grandchildren, Jackson and Olivia Hyer; and two sisters, Joyce Thompson of Parsons and Betty Fitzgerald of Davie, Fla. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Martin Albert Ryan Jr. The funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Parsons. Burial will be in Nowata City Cemetery. The rosary will be prayed at 5 p.m. Sunday at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons, where the family will receive friends immediately following the rosary. Memorials are suggested to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, 67357. Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #10. Carolyn S. Divine, age 80, of Webb City, MO, passed away on Wednesday July 3, 2019, at Joplin Health & Rehab, following a long illness. Carolyn was born on July 19, 1938 in Parsons, KS, the daughter of the late Darrel “Slim” Trammell and Mildred (Thomasson) Trammell. She graduated from Parsons High School in 1956. She married Don Divine on June 3, 1956 in Parsons, KS. Together they raised four children. She and her husband owned and operated Don Divine’s Restaurant in Parsons. After moving to the Joplin area, they became co-owners of the Gazebo Restaurant. She was a member of Destiny Church. She volunteered at the 1st Assembly of God Church in Parsons and at Central Christian Center in Joplin. She loved watching sports and was an avid St. Louis Cardinal and Kansas Jayhawk fan. She is survived by her husband of sixty-three years, Don Divine, Webb City, MO; two daughters, Christi Medlin and husband Kent, Joplin, and Jane Gardner and fiancé Darrin Henry, Centerton, AR; two sons, Dave Divine and wife Cindy, Douglasville, GA, and Paul Divine and wife Teresa, Joplin.; one sister, Marilyn Divine, Parsons, KS; ten grandchildren, Hillary Queiroz, Derek and Mark Medlin, Brianna Collum, Brandon and Brett Divine, Mandy Cooper, Sarah, Emily, and Alex Gardner; and twenty-three great-grandchildren with two on the way. Carolyn was preceded in death by two grandsons, Brennan and Daven Divine; and one sister, Judy Ginn. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday at Destiny Church. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery. The family will receive friends 3-4 p.m. on Sunday at Mason-Woodard Mortuary. Memorial contributions may be given to Passion & Compassion Ministries of Brazil in care of the mortuary. Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory. Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory, Joplin, Mo. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- KLKC Obituaries January 4-2021 #11 Harrison “Poke” Stover was born September 15, 1939 and said his final “I love you” on Thursday, December 31, 2020. An informal gathering and signing the guest book will be at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home on Thursday, January 6, 2021 from 10:30 to noon. Please wear a face mask. Memorials are suggested to an educational fund for Jaxon and Jase Stover. They may be left at or sent to the funeral home at Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357. He was born in Parsons and his parents were Harrison and Mary (Farris) Stover. Poke is survived by his wife Lynn, children Jolene, Leanda and Jeremy. Grandchildren include Audra, Eli (greeted him in heaven), Terry, Jaxon, Jase and great-grandchildren Rymington and Ryver and dear friend Angela Wilson and several nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by two brothers Bill and Kenny Stover and two sisters, Joyce Peterson and Judy Mead. Poke was a man who cared especially about family, friends, individuals with special needs and sports. He was very active in organizing and coaching youth sports in Parsons and served as president of Parsons Babe Ruth league. For 40 years he volunteered and coached Special Olympic athletes and teams and was recognized as “outstanding coach”. He played for and coached many men’s fast pitch softball teams, girls basketball, softball, boy’s baseball and basketball. In his later years his true enjoyment was watching his children and grandchildren play the games he loved. Poke graduated from Parsons High School in 1958 where he was a standout athlete. He was a member of the 1960 PARSONS JUNIOR COLLEGE NATIONAL CHANPIONSHIP BASKETBALL TEAM. After junior college he attended and graduated from Emporia State University and was a pitcher on the baseball team. He was a U.S. Navy veteran where he worked as a storekeeper and sailed on the USS Saratoga. For 35 years he worked as the recreation director at the Parsons State Hospital and Training Center until his retirement. We loved hearing stories about playing ball against Satchel Paige, taking a few exciting bus rides, coconut crème pie, the blue cookie monster costume, winning the fast pitch state tournament at 50 and ducks that found their way into the state swimming pool. ----------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------- #12 Harold G. “Hut” Whetzel, 83 Native Parsonian, died at 1:21 a.m., Wednesday, October 13, 2021, at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, where he was taken following a one car accident Tuesday evening in Parsons. He was born June 19, 1938, on a farm southwest of Parsons to Earl L. and Marie (Kirk) Whetzel. The family moved to the Chicago area in 1942 and he started grade school there. In 1946 they returned to Parsons and he attended Washington School, West Junior High School, and Parsons High School, where he graduated in 1956. He graduated from Parsons Junior College in 1958 and attended Kansas State College at Pittsburg. Hut was a gifted athlete, particularly in baseball and basketball. In high school, he played basketball on two state tournament qualifying teams. He also played basketball at Parsons Junior College and was recognized as Honorable Mention Junior College All Ameican. His baseball career began with playing in the PeeWee leagues in Parsons and American Legion baseball and Ban Johnson baseball and he was named All-State American Legion baseball pitcher in 1954. Hut signed a bonus contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1958 and played one year of minor league ball in Shawnee, OK (Sooner State League) until a shoulder injury ended his career. Always the supporter of baseball, Hut coached Babe Ruth and American Legion baseball in Parsons for 15 years. In 1957 he began working for Ankortite/Dayton Superior and remained there until his retirement in February of 2010. He was active in the Machinists Union and was the long-time treasurer of the organization. He was an ardent K.U. basketball fan and was a lifelong Brooklyn and L.A. Dodger fan. In retirement, he enjoyed playing cards at the Parsons Senior Center. He attended the Faith United Methodist Church and the Western Way Cowboy Church. On September 30, 1960, he and Bette Ray Sterling were married in Parsons. She survives and is currently a patient at Freeman Hospital in Joplin. Other survivors include a daughter, Terri Whetzel, and grandsons Brock and Brice Willard; brothers Leon Whetzel (Cecilia) and Darold “Dut” Whetzel (Nancy) a sister-in-law, Sue Ann (Sterling) Boerding; niece, Roxanne (Whetzel) Walker; nephews, Lloyd, Marty, Josh and Aaron Whetzel, Lee Alan and Noel Salyers and Mike, Keith and Greg Boerding. Among those preceding him in death were his parents, and a daughter, Lori Rae. A memorial service will be planned at a future date. Memorials are suggested to assist the family will expenses. They may be left at or sent to the Carson-Wall Funeral Home at Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357. Online messages may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #13 FRED STRATHE, 85, a native Parsonian, died at 8:08 pm Wednesday May 18, 2022 in Parsons, Kansas. His Death was unexpected. He was born March 22, 1937 in Parsons to Stentor S. and Mora (Murphy) Strathe, He grew up in Parsons and graduated from Parsons High School in 1955, where he excelled in sports, especially basketball. He still holds the PHS record for scoring 51 points in a game. He worked in the private sector for several years and played semi-pro basketball prior to returning to college, graduating form Parsons Junior College in 1960. He was a member of the 1960 National Championship basketball team. He continued his basket career at Washburn University in Topeka earning his bachelor's degree in 1963. He later earned a master's degree in education from Pittsburg State University. He started his career in education as a teacher and coach at Codel, Osborne, Kanopolis, Salina and Chetopa Kansas. He returned to Parsons in 1973 to teach and coach at Parsons Jruior High and Parsons Senior High until his retirement in 1995. He married his high sweetheart, Neola Hamsher, on Aug. 23, 1959 at First Baptist Church in Parsons. They would have observed their 63rd anniversary this August. He was a member of First Baptist Church. He enjoyed playing golf throughout life making many friends along the way and an occasional hole-in-one. He also enjoyed being outdoors and working on various family projects in the yard. He is survived by his wifeNeola of the home, four sons, Brad Strathe(Carol) of Manhattan, Dr. Greg Strathe (Chery) of Owasso, Oklahoma, Brian Strathe of Parsons and Jeff Strathe (Johnna) of Pittsburg, 14 grandchildren, and a brother James "Jim" Strathe of Wichita. A brother Sam Strathe preceded him in death. The service will be at 10 am Monday at First Baptist Church in Parsons with Pastor Travis Ball officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 pm Sunday at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to the Parsons Area Community Foundation or First Baptist Church and they may be left at or sent to the funeral home at P.O. Box 942, Parsons, Ks 67357. Online messages may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com 88888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888 WORLD FAMOUS NELLY DON CLOTHES DESIGNER ICON #1 SELLER OF WOMENS CLOTHES IN THE 1950'S FROM PARSONS H. S. Born Ellen Quinlan March 6, 1889 Parsons, Kansas, United States Died September 8, 1991 (aged 102) Kansas City, Missouri Nationality American Education Lindenwood College, St. Charles, Missouri Occupation Fashion designer of Label Nelly Don Ladies Clothing, Former Parsons High School student, manufacturer and world famous #1 seller of womens clothing in the 1950's and and survivor of being kidnapped for ransom in Kansas City. OBITUARIES FOR FAMOUS PEOPLE BEAUTIFUL SINGER CONNIE SMITH AND WIFE OF MARTY STEWART Funeral Final-January 16, 2021 The "Secret" Hidden Celebrity Cemetery DOWNTOWN IN L A. IN WESTWOOD. HOME OF MARILYN MONROE, DEAN MARTIN, BURT LANCASTER, DON KNOTS, HUGH HEFNER, NATILE WOOD, FARAH FAWCETT, JOANNE CARSONS, 2nd wife of Johnny Carson, ROY ORBISON, MERV GRIFFIN, RICHARD DAWSON, RODNEY DANGERFIELD, AND MORE FAMOUS GRAVE TOUR #1 CLARA BOW, the "it" girl FAMOUS GRAVE TOUR #2 FAMOUS GRAVE TOUR #4 MICHAEL JACKSON, ELIZABETH TAYLOR, CLARK GABLE, CAROL LOMBARD GABLE, JEAN HARLOW Clever Gravestones By People Whose Sense Of Humor Will Live Forever FAMOUS GRAVE TOUR #4 FAMOUS GRAVE TOUR #5 At Alan Jackson's tragic funeral 5-28-23 GO BACK | ||