Author: RumseyYost

Delmar Duane Falen

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Delmar D. Falen, 87, passed away March 11, 2022. He was born on February 22, 1935, to Paul W. and Bessie M. (Mathis) Falen in Dillon, KS, west of Herington, KS. He was welcomed into a family of three girls, and one more sister was born later. Their house was the Dillon Post Office as his Mom was the Postmistress. The Dillon Post Office sign still hangs in their home today.

Delmar grew up in a Braum’s Ice Cream shop (Peter Pan); his Mom managed the store in Herington. He made many 35 cent banana splits, and the money he earned put him through college. He remained a lifelong fan of their ice cream. In fact, Delmar and Shyla had just made a trip to Braum’s to restock his freezer.

During his elementary school years, the family moved to Herington, and Delmar graduated from Herington High in 1953. After graduation, he worked for the Rock Island Railroad for two years in Wichita. His boss, noticing his math skills, suggested he go to college – he was the first in his family to attend college and graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science in Business.

In 1957, Delmar met the love of his life, Evelyn Pilkington, at an “hour dance” at KU’s Miller Scholarship Hall where she lived. They were married in Parsons, KS, on June 28, 1959 and celebrated 62 years together.

Delmar’s first job after college was with a CPA firm in Dodge City, KS, where they lived for three years. During that time their first daughter, Kyra, was born. After he passed the CPA exam, Delmar and Evelyn searched for a town to open an accounting firm. They settled on Marysville, KS where he practiced for 36 years. Their second daughter, Shyla, was born in Marysville. Delmar loved small town life, and especially enjoyed working with his clients and doing school audits.

Often when their daughters finished the school year, the family headed somewhere on vacation. Delmar would get up earlier than his family, grab a bite to eat, and was ready for “take-off” when Evelyn and the girls woke up. Except for a couple of bus tours, they saw almost every state by car – however, they did fly to Alaska, Hawaii, and Europe.

Delmar was a gardener and beekeeper and was often seen working in the garden in his good suit, not taking time to change clothes after work. He loved growing flowers but could not remember the name of many – he simply called them “flowers”. Friends will recall he celebrated every holiday season by creating and personally sharing his famous bourbon and rum balls.

Delmar was an avid KU sports fan – his family had season basketball and football tickets even when they had to drive 250 miles to see the games. After they moved to Lawrence, KS, in 1998, he enjoyed attending numerous concerts at the Lied Center. Music was a daily occurrence in the Falen household as Evelyn was either playing an instrument or teaching piano most days – he never complained even when he had to listen to beginners.

Delmar was a member of Jayhawk Breakfast Rotary Club where he served as treasurer for several years. He was also a member of First Baptist Church in Lawrence. In his later years, his favorite activity was putting puzzles together. He had just finished a 1000 piece puzzle before his death.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters Pauline Allen, Lois Miller, and Joyce Rush. Survivors include his wife, Evelyn, two daughters, Kyra Shimizu (Richard) of Superior, CO and Shyla Strathman (Max) of Lawrence. Delmar was so pleased that all his grandchildren received college degrees – Kaitlin Shimizu, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Adelyn Moody (Justin), LaMesa, CA; Tamlyn Shimizu (Till Bachmeier), Buenzwangen, Germany; Adam Strathman, Washington, D.C., and Nate Strathman, Waukegan, IL. Also surviving is one sister, Arlene Girton, Moundridge, KS and his sister-in-law, Delores Giauque (Douglas) of Silver Spring, MD.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 1330 Kasold Drive, Lawrence, KS.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to KSDS Assistance Dogs, 120 W. 7th St., Washington, KS 66968 or to Jayhawk Breakfast Rotary Club, P.O. Box 691, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Sherry Marie Swearngin McBride

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Sherry Marie Swearngin McBride passed away on March 4th, 2022 at Hansen House Assisted Living in Harlan, Iowa.

Sherry was born April 19th, 1939, in Pittsburg, Kansas, to Leonard and Edith Swearngin. She met her high school sweetheart, Walter (Wally) McBride while attending College High School in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. They both attended Oklahoma State University and were married upon Wally’s graduation.

Sherry and Wally lived all over the country, initially due to Wally’s career in the United States Marine Corps and then his career with Phillips Petroleum. They ultimately landed in Lawrence, Kansas, where they set their roots and Wally went into business with his brother, Bob, at M&M Oil Company.

Sherry had a passion for her relationship with God and was always active in her local church. She spent countless hours in service at Westside Presbyterian Church in Lawrence. She also volunteered at the local hospital. She had a generous and compassionate heart.

Sherry was preceded in death by her mother and father, husband and sister, Susanna Griffin.

Survivors include:

-Daughter, Michelle Burmeister and husband Doug of Harlan, Iowa.

-Son, Matt McBride and wife Gina of Olathe, Kansas.

-Son, Kurt McBride and wife Dionne of Round Rock, Texas.

-Brother, John Swearngin of Fort Meyers, Florida.

-Sister, Kristie Swearngin of Leawood, Kansas.

-Seven (7) grandchildren.

-Six (6) great-grandchildren.

-Many other nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

While we mourn the loss of Sherry, we know that she loved Jesus and that we will see her again because of our confidence in our Lord and Savior.

Private services and burial will be held in Lawrence, Kansas. The family requests no flowers, instead please make a donation in Sherry’s name to either to Westside Presbyterian Church; 1024 Kasold Drive; Lawrence, KS 66049; or Hansen House; 703 Dye Street; Harlan, IA 51537; note for Building Fund.

Eugene Nelson “Gene” Watts

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Services for Eugene Nelson “Gene” Watts, 84, Lawrence, will be 2pm Saturday, March 12th at the Eastside Bible Fellowship, 1423 Haskell Ave, Lawrence, KS.

Mr. Watts died March 7, 2022, at his home.

He was born September 30, 1937, in Hilt, California, the son of Nelson Wheadon and Mabel Gwendolyn Williams Watts.

Mr. Watts served in the Unites States Army and was the owner of a back hoe company for over 40 years.  He enjoyed being outdoors, fishing, camping, traveling, and working with wood.

He married Irma Lee Brogdon on November 7, 1998 in Chico, California, they were married 23 years.  She survives of the home.

Other survivors include his children, Greg Watts and wife Kathy of Lynn Haven, FL, Bret Watts and wife Peggy of Lawrence, KS, Matthew Watts and wife Heather of Willows, CA; stepdaughter, Jennifer Mitchell and husband Joshua of Bakersfield, CA; 6 grandchildren; and 4 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, June St. George.

Louis Vincent Volpe

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Louis Vincent Volpe, 97, died peacefully on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living in Lawrence, Kansas, surrounded by family.

He was born November 1, 1924, in Paterson, N.J., the son of Vincent and Teresa (née Caggiano) Volpe.

He grew up in Paterson and was valedictorian of the Central High School graduating class of 1942. He went on to study social studies at Montclair State Teachers College (now Montclair State University) before enlisting in the Army Air Corps in March 1943.

While in the service, Lou studied meteorology at the University of Minnesota before being stationed in Liberal and Pratt, Kansas, as a weather observer monitoring weather for pilot training at the army bases.

After being honorably discharged from the Army Air Corps in 1946, he continued his education on the GI Bill at NYU, graduating with a B.A. in History in 1948 and an M.A. in Education in 1953. He later attended Paterson State College (now William Paterson University) and received another M.A. in counseling.

Lou began his career as an educator in Ridgefield, N.J., teaching elementary school there from 1949 to 1957. He next taught elementary school in Hillsdale, N.J. from 1957 to 1963. He then started teaching junior high school social studies at Anthony Wayne Junior High School, Wayne, N.J. and, eventually moved to Wayne High School as a guidance counselor until his retirement in 1980.

Lou’s love of teaching drew him to summer employment as a tour guide for Parker Bus Tours in the 1960’s during which time he traveled throughout the west and southwest, providing tour groups with engaging stories about the history of the areas.

In November, 1945, while Lou was stationed in Pratt, Kansas, he traveled on leave to Denver to spend Thanksgiving with his cousin Michael Ferrell. On the train ride back to Pratt, he met his future bride and the love of his life. When the train stopped in Garden City, Kansas, Wilma Ruth Thomas boarded, and it was love at first sight. Lou and Wilma were married on June 22, 1947 in Paterson, N.J. at St. Mary’s Church. When Wilma died in 2013, they had been married for over 65 years. They had three children: Vincent, Denise, and Louis.

Lou and Wilma lived with their young family in Paterson in the McLean Boulevard Veterans Apartments until 1956 when they moved to their house in Lincoln Park, N.J. They raised their three children in Lincoln Park where they attended St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Upon their retirement in 1980, Lou and Wilma built a home in Cape Coral Florida where they lived until 2001 when they built a home in The Villages, Florida. They moved to Lawrence, KS, in 2011 to be near their daughter due to Wilma’s declining health. In Lawrence, they lived at Arbor Court (previously Drury Place), and, in August 2021, Lou moved to Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living.

Always the educator, Lou worked as an admissions counselor at Edison Community College in Ft. Myers after retirement, and when he was well into his 80’s, taught Italian at The Villages.

Lou became interested in lapidary as a creative outlet, and enjoyed collecting coins and first-day cover stamps. He spent many leisurely hours enjoying music, old movies, and watching football.

He is predeceased by his beloved wife Wilma, his parents, and his three brothers, Vincent, Julian, and Richard.

He is survived by his children: Vincent Thomas Volpe, St. Louis, MO; Denise Marie (née Volpe) and husband Kyle LaRosh, Lawrence, KS; and Louis Charles and wife, Jennifer Alice (née Murphy) Volpe, Cotacachi, Ecuador; his grandchildren: Michelle (née Volpe) and husband Brad Roe; Andrew Volpe; Kara (née Volpe) and Chrisley Conger; Shane Howard; Teresa Volpe; Rebekah (née Volpe) and husband Jesse Noble; and Sophia Volpe; his great-grandchildren: Henry, Augustus, Ulysses, Winnie, Wilma, Morgan, and David; and a sister-in-law, Betsy Thomas. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and many friends, including his dear friend Ila Wuerdeman.

He was a natural storyteller whose favorite stories included his years growing up on Redwood Avenue in Paterson with his parents and brothers, Julian and Richard; visits from his Caggiano cousins: Anna, Anthony, and Michael during his childhood; working in his grandfather’s store on Union Avenue in Paterson and later, working across the street as an usher at the Plaza Theater as a teenager; his years in the service with his brother Julian, who was stationed with him in Minnesota; his summer road trips with his wife and children to Dighton, KS, to visit his wife’s family with occasional side trips around the west and southwest; his trips to Europe with Wilma; and bragging about his seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

It was the hundreds of childhood Saturday afternoons Lou spent at the Plaza Theatre and then the years as an usher there that was the foundation of his encyclopedic knowledge of films and stories about actors. Lou enthusiastically shared that knowledge with all visitors as well as with his fellow Arbor Court residents when he reached into his vast DVD collection to host the many Friday movie nights there.

But, his favorite story, which he never tired of telling to those he met, was meeting his wife on the train.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 16, 2022, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 1234 Kentucky St., Lawrence, KS 66044, with Fr. Jason Moore officiating. Afterward, friends and family will gather at the home of Lou’s daughter and son-in-law in Lawrence. There will be a private inurnment with military honors at Leavenworth National Cemetery in Leavenworth.

The family would like to extend our thanks to the staff at Pioneer Ridge, Ascend Hospice, and Dr. Eric Huerter for the excellent end-of-life care they provided.

If desired, friends may make memorials to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.

View the service online at https://youtu.be/CMfoMI65kyQ

Dorothy Hall Hanger Adams

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DOROTHY HALL HANGER ADAMS, 95, of Lawrence, KS died Monday, February 28, 2022 at Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living. She was born August 14, 1926 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the daughter of Grace Hall Hanger and David Lloyd Hanger. She lived many places during her life including Hollywood, CA where she attended high school at Hollywood High; Ames, Iowa; Northfield, MN where she attended Carleton College; Jacksonville and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; St Paul, MN; Hayward and Los Gatos, CA; Chicago; Hilton Head, SC; Sarasota, FL; Kansas City and her 2 favorite places on earth: Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Lawrence, KS. She earned a Masters of Social Work from the University of Kansas.

Dorothy was passionate about her animals. She was a true Jayhawk fan and loved to watch Jayhawk sports on TV. She loved adventure and traveled extensively. She often regaled her family with stories of her trips on freighters and visits to exotic places around the globe.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her older brother, David, and younger brother, Kenneth. She leaves behind her daughter Pamela Adams McKean (Doug) and son Craig David Adams, both of Lawrence, and six grandchildren: Lindsey Grace Crifasi, Washington, DC, Adam Vincenzo Crifasi, Silver Spring, MD, Jane Grace Stull (Eric), LaCrosse, WI, Sheryl Pamela Brock (Matthew) Chatham, IL, Mary Dorothy Davidson (Colin), Milwaukee, WI, Robert Duke Adams (Selin) Cleveland, OH and four great-grandchildren Andie and Emmy Stull, Hope and Matthew Brock. A cremation is planned and she will be inurned at Oak Hill Cemetery.

A private family memorial will be held in the near future. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to Voices on the Border (votb.org), a humanitarian organization led by her granddaughter, Lindsey, to support peoples of El Salvador or Lawrence’s local food bank (justfood.org).

Shane McDermott

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A memorial visitation for Shane McDermott, 44, Lawrence, will be from 2-4 pm Tuesday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory. Shane passed away Sunday, February 27, 2022, at his home.

He was born April 11, 1977, in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, the son of Roy Steven and Kathy Ann Schaulis Odom. He graduated from Lawrence High School and later from the University of Kansas.

Shane co-owned and operated Midwest Estates Property Management and had previously owned Budget Blinds. He enjoyed anything outdoors – hunting, fishing, hiking, motorcycles, canoeing, caving, and ATV’s. He could build anything and would help anyone.

He married Dawn M. Pritchard on February 22, 2022, in Lawrence. She survives of the home. Other survivors include two children, Macie and Raegan McDermott, Lenexa; two step children, Taylor Tomaszewski (Brooklynn) and Alex Tomaszewski, all of Brookings, SD; his mother, Kathy Schaulis (Robert Slaughter), Lawrence; two siblings, Billie Chamberlin, Ottawa, and Sonya Palacios (Ramon), Phoenix; and maternal grandmother Donna Stoldt, Topeka.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044. Online condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com

Gary Warren Frager

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Gary Frager, 67, Lawrence, Kansas, passed away on December 2, 2021. Gary was born on August 6, 1954 in Hutchinson, Kansas to Melba and Glenn Frager. He attended Hutchinson High School and Hutchinson Community College. He moved to Lawrence, Kansas to attend the University of Kansas and made Lawrence his home for the rest of his life.

Gary studied journalism and history at KU, but soon realized his deep passion for music. Beginning with the KU Jazz Band he went on to play in many bands including The Bongos, Blue Orleans, Now See Hear, and Kim and the Quake. He was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame two times, in 2006 with Spider and the Crabs and in 2016 with Caribé. Gary played trumpet, trombone, keyboards, and a mean saxophone. In an interview with the Lawrence Journal World after Caribé’s induction into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame, Gary said, “All of that was great, but we were at our best when we were in a room full of people dancing.” Caribé played together off and on for 20 years traveling the circuit from Tulsa to Omaha, St. Louis to Denver, always coming home to their enthusiastic fans in Lawrence. Good times were had by all!

Gary married Susan DeMaranville on August 6, 1980. Studying music at KU, Susan fell in love with him and his music when she heard him practicing his saxophone across the alley in the Oread neighborhood where they each lived. They went on to play in the bands Xanadu and Country Current together. After Susan was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1986, Gary became her caregiver. Susan continued to be his greatest fan attending most of his shows over the years.

Gary and Susan had two sons, Charles and Thomas Frager. Gary was a kind, supportive, soft-hearted, and loving father. When his ‘two good boys’ had a hard time sleeping he would put them in the car and drive out to Clinton Lake with the radio lulling them to sleep.

He was funny, clever, and calm under pressure. He loved cats, BBQ, and a good thunderstorm. He had a passion for collecting antique radios—from his grandfather’s Victrola that he tracked down at an estate sale to vintage horn speakers. He accumulated quite a collection. Gary had a keen appreciation of all things that preceded him. As a teen he and his father restored two antique cars, a 1935 Chevy Standard and a 1935 Chevy Master. He also had a great love for old trains.

After multiple health issues prevented Gary from continuing late night gigs with his bandmates, he became music director at Unity Church of Lawrence. He continued to write and perform music for weekly services there for 15 years. A good listener, he thought deeply and was easy to talk to and made many close friends at the Church. He is fondly remembered by members of the congregation.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Melba Frager. Survivors include his wife, Susan, sons, Charles and Thomas, all of Lawrence; a brother, John Frager (Maggie) of Hutchinson; sister-in-law, Joy DeMaranville (Frank Norman) of Lawrence; brother-in-law, Al DeMaranville of Lawrence; and nieces and nephews.

On Wednesday, March 16, we will celebrate Gary’s life with a 2 pm Memorial Service at Kanwaka Township Hall, 776 US Highway 40 followed by a Music Celebration from 6 to 10 pm at Johnny’s West, 721 Wakarusa.

For condolences, go to rumsey-yost.com.

For Memorial Contributions through the Generosity Network, go to https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/8HCeGsqyrf.

Robert E. Gentry

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Graveside services for Robert Ellis Gentry, 95, Lawrence, will be 1pm Wednesday at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mr. Gentry died Thursday, March 3, 2022, at Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living.

He was born September 23, 1926, in Lawrence, the son of Joseph Robert and Audrey Eva Landis Gentry.  He grew up on the farm in Lawrence, near the Lakeview area.

Mr. Gentry served in the United States Army Air Force as well as the Air Force for close to 9 years.  He later worked at Dupont in Topeka as a Production Control Operator for 27 years before retiring.

He was a member of the Lonestar Church of the Brethren.  He was an outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, camping, and gardening.  He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

He married Bernice Gwendolyn Robinson on September 23, 1950, in Tarrent City, Texas.  She preceded him in death.

Survivors include his children, Larry Gentry and wife Linda of Porter, TX, Sharon Martin of Lawrence, KS, Teresa Flory and husband Roger of Overbrook, KS, Barbara Davis and husband Tim of Lawrence, KS, and Roger Gentry and wife Connie of Lawrence, KS; grandchildren, Matthew Gentry, Jessica Gentry Kitzmann, Tracy Bruce, Tim Flory, Brian Flory, Mark Flory, Kimberly Davis, Laura Davis, Megan Heidrich, Taylor Gentry, and Riley Gentry; 14 great grand children; and 3 great great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and sisters, Dorothy Trapp and Marian Lang.

The family suggests memorial contribution to the Lonestar Church of the Brethren, sent in care of the funeral home.

Gaye L. Kitsmiller

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A celebration of life for Gaye L. Kitsmiller, 64, Lawrence, is pending at this time.

Ms. Kitsmiller died Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at her home.

She was born January 23, 1958, in Lawrence, the daughter of Herman E. Morris Sr and Iris L. Mendell Miller.  She graduated from Lawrence High School in 1976.

Ms. Kitsmiller was an animal lover, she enjoyed her beloved dogs, horseback riding, and was a member of the American Quarter Horse Association.

She is survived by a son, Kevin Kitsmiller of Eudora; daughter, Lacey Kitsmiller of Leavenworth; father, Herman Morris Sr and longtime companion Kay of Lawrence; mother, Iris Mendell Miller of Lawrence; brother, Herman Morris of Lawrence; sisters, Cheryl Freeman and husband Alfred of Lawrence, Kim Moreno and husband Dan of Lawrence; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by two children, Russell Kitsmiller and Lea.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Lawrence Humane Society or Always & Furever Midwest Animal Sanctuary.