Author: RumseyYost

Wanda Jeanne Vann Homes-Syed

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Funeral service for Wanda Jeanne Vann Homes-Syed, 76, Lawrence, will be 12:30 Tuesday April 23, 2013, at Calvary Church of God in Christ. Burial will follow at Oak Hill cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wanda Jeanne Vann Homes-Syed Memorial Fund, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

IN CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE OF WANDA JEANNE VANN HOMES-SYED
Wanda Jeanne Vann was born October 26, 1936 in Mound City, Kansas to Olaf Vann and P. Aberta I. Bonner Vann, the eldest sibling of Olan L. “Pete” and Rose Marie. It was evident even then Wanda was something special. She and her siblings enjoyed a rich upbringing, as the family they were blessed into was a family of believers in Jesus Christ. As such, Wanda flourished and was reared in the fear and admonition of The Lord. Wanda began her ministry as a psalmist early in life singing in the church, and as a minister, in that, she was an inspiration not only to her family, which was and remains quite large but to anyone who got to know her. To know her was to love her.

Wanda attended and graduated from High School here in Lawrence and began taking college courses. But, life and love called one summer while she was visiting her mother’s sister, Aunt Ruth in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Wanda fell in love and married Lern Alexander Homes, who predeceased her in 1985. The love these two shared was great and Lerna Jeanne Homes and Harvey Alexander Homes were born. Wanda and her family lived in Queens, New York by this time. Although Wanda Jeanne was a loving wife and a truly doting and spanking mother, she never lost her love of singing. As a result she began to sing at many well known venues in and around New York. It wasn’t long before the secular world learned what the Body of Christ in Kansas and surrounding areas already knew, she was gifted.

In the mid 60’s Wanda Jeanne co-wrote a song called “Let Me Know” with Leon Pegosi and “Joya Landis” was born. Almost immediately she was asked to come to the island of Jamaica, West Indies to record a couple of songs and see what happened. Well, if you can access “itunes”, the internet and Google, then you would know that those couple of little dittys became extrordinary hits in the islands, states and abroad. Currently, those same songs can be purchased in a variety of venues and are included in many “Greatest Hits” compilations distributed by various labels.

Wanda’s heart was torn between her love of music and her family. Despite her success in music, she chose her family over fame and fortune, a choice many mothers today would not make. But she recognized the need to “be there” for her family, especially, her children. She was an outstanding mother, instilling the love of The Lord into her children. Her love of children didn’t stop with her own, so one day as she was riding the elevator in her building she met a girl, Francine, who had a brother, Freddy and a love affair began. Though Francine and Freddy had parents who loved them, Joya still became their adopted mother, a relationship as mother and child that has endured more than 42 years and remained in tact until her death. Joya’s love of music and her love of The Lord remained a constant so she married the two and began to sing at churches and religious functions throughout the country. That way she could use her gift and still live a life she could be proud of.

Her life and love brought her back home to Lawrence, Kansas to care for her ailing mother who was able to recuperate fully. That was when she met the family that would become hers until her departure to Glory, Calvary Church of God in Christ, Elder William Dulin, Pastor. That devine connection gave rise to the fundraising concert that produced the finishing of a portion of the basement of Calvary that remains to this day. After returning to New York, moving to California and then back to Lawrence to care for her beloved brother “Pete” who ultimately succumbed to illness and passed away in 1999, “Wanda” reemerged. Sadly, in 2000 and again in 2001 both Olaf and Alberta passed away, leaving Wanda and Rose to continue the legacy of God and family. Wanda remained in Lawrence and was a vital member of the community where she also continued her love of children, working at Southwest Junior High School, and was always an inspiration to her students and collegues alike. Besides family and dear friends, she also embraced her church family at Calvary Church of God in Christ and Barack Obama. She was thrilled to see his Presidency in her lifetime and was an ardent supporter. You may not agree with her politics but you couldn’t find fault in her walk with The Lord.

Whether you knew her as Wanda, Joya or the combination you were blessed because she shared her truest, greatest love, her love for God. She remained a faithful warrior of the Cross until her death on April 17, 2013. She passed peacefully, as the saints of God most often do.

Wanda Jeanne Vann Homes-Syed is survived by her baby sister, Rose Marie Vann Armstrong and her brother in law Ronald Armstrong, her daughter, Lerna Jeanne Homes Galbreith Conner, and her son, Harvey Alexander Homes, daughter in law Faye Homes. Grandchildren Danesha N.Galbreith Nichols and her husband Tyrone G. Nichols, Alyson F. Homes Griffin and her husband Thomas Griffin, Derek Amaire Galbreith, Jana J. Homes, Matthew A. Homes and his wife Courtney, great grandchildren, Alaneon Ford, Alyssa Ford, Avery Nichols, the triplets; Nathanael Nichols, Morgan Nichols, Kennedy Nichols, Kennedi Homes and the anticipated London Griffin. Additionally, sons-in-law Derek L. Galbreith and Billy C. Conner Jr, the children of Francine, Freddy, the children of Thomas Griffin, the children of Billy C. Conner Jr. are “her babies” and were loved by her dearly. There are a host of cousins, aunts, uncles, neices, nephews and extended family that survive her and grieve. Further, the community, friends, merchants and all who have had the priviledge of knowing her grieve with the family.

Wanda Jeanne Vann Homes-Syed left this plane of cosciousness to be with The Lord whom she adored but she left her mark on all our hearts and Joya Landis left her mark on music. Though Wanda is no more until we reunite with her in “that great getting up morning” Joya Landis is a keystroke away making her voice immortal, fitting since she put on immortality when she exchanged this life for life everlasting. Remember always, God loves you and so does she.

Rev. Ernest R. Swanson

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Funeral services for Rev. Ernest R. Swanson, 80, Eudora, will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, with Rev. Steve Swanson, Pastor Rory Lewellyn, and Gary Edge officiating. Burial will follow in Eudora City Cemetery.

Rev. Swanson died Thursday, Apr. 18, 2013, in Eudora, KS after an extended illness.

He was born Nov. 28, 1932, in Red Wing, MN, the son of Ernest R. Swanson Sr. and Angie M. Pearson. He graduated from Central High School in Minneapolis, MN, and later graduated from North Central Bible College with a degree in Pastoral Studies.

Rev. Swanson was an Assembly of God minister and a nursing home administrator in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, and Texas. He was a farmer at heart and enjoyed long drives in the country. He also loved reading, fixing things, and spending time with his wife, children, and their families.

He married Mary Ann Bowman on May 29, 1954, in Granada, MN. Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann, of almost 59 years, and three of his children, Deborah A. Lewellyn and husband Rory, Ephrata, WA, Rebecca L. Edge and husband Gary, Irving, TX, and Stephen K. Swanson and wife Beth, Eudora, KS, a sister, Katherine M. Swanson, Memphis, TN, twelve grandchildren, namely, Mandy (Eric) Mason, Heather (Riley) Brewer, Whitney Lewellyn, David Lewellyn, Jonathan Lewellyn, Emily (Grant) Bruscoe, Nathan Lewellyn, Abigail Edge, Benjamine Edge, Colin (Paige) Edge, Kent Swanson, Kyle Swanson and six great grandchildren, Ben Mason, Stella Mason, Caleb Brewer, Isaiah Brewer, Galilee Lewellyn, and Eleanor Lewellyn. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a son, Robert Mark Swanson.

The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until service time

Daniel M. ‘Danny’ Mayeux

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Daniel M. ‘Danny’ Mayeux, 55, died April 15, 2013, at his home in Lawrence. He was born Dec. 15, 1957, in Bad Hersfeld, Germany, the son of Donald and Sally Ann (Elizabeth) Mayeux, American citizens. Donald was a U.S. Army serviceman stationed in Germany, and, as a result of these circumstances, Henry A. Kissinger, U.S. Secretary of State, signed a form in 1975 certifying Danny’s birth records.

Danny resided in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, when he joined the U.S. Army in 1978. Danny served as a private first class, metal worker. He was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He earned the distinction of ‘Marksman.’ He was honorably discharged in 1979.

Danny was hired at the University of Kansas, Facilities and Operations on March 19, 1990. He worked for a while with the Electrical Shop before transferring to the Construction Shop, then to the newly formed KU Construction group in 2012, where he remained until his death.

Danny’s job was to work on concrete and asphalt jobs, all types of labor work in construction, and he also performed snow removal for the University. He was often the face that people saw when patch work was done on streets and parking lots. He also did a lot of the crack filling on streets. He was a dependable, conscientious worker and took his job seriously, most often one of the first to show up for work. He worked well with almost everyone and then liked him. Danny took pride in the work truck assigned to him and he took care of it.

His interests beyond work revolved around getting together with friends at the local watering hole. He enjoyed all types of music.

He was affectionately nicknamed ‘EWE’ by many of his friends. The name came during a conversation about a news article on sheep that mentioned an ewe, which is a full grown female sheep, and he asked what an ‘eewee’ was, not knowing how to pronounce the word. His nickname stuck with him for all these years. Danny, or EWE, in turn developed names over the years for some of his coworkers and supervisors. Larry was called ‘Dad’, Mike was ‘Peanut’, Joe was ‘Uncle B@##$%’, Don M., now retired, was called ‘Grandpa’, and Kody had several names before ‘Dody’ stuck with him.

Danny was a very sociable guy who everyone liked. He seemed to always be in a good mood. His good nature helped lighten the work atmosphere. He entertained his fellow workers with his off-work escapades, some of them unbelievable and a lot non-repeatable. People will laugh at these stories, and he laughed with them, enjoying the fact that he had amused them.

Danny showed concern for others away from the University. He never failed to give blood diligently and over the years donated to one of the Children’s Hospitals multiple times.

Danny will be remembered for a long time with fond memories. He will be missed and the University and his friends are better because of him.

Danny was reportedly predeceased by his parents, Donald and Sally Ann (Elizabeth) Mayeux, his wife (name unknown), and his brother-in-law (name unknown). He is survived by a stepson, Quentin, his sister, Starlene Smith, his aunt, Louise Pennewell, and his friends Rick and LeAnn Farrier.

Danny expressed his intent not to have a funeral service, but instead a party for his friends. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 27, beginning at 2 p.m. at Playerz, 19th & Haskell Ave. His remains will be cremated and inurnment will be a private ceremony at a date and location to be determined.

Dr. Randel L. Wolfe

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Randel Lynn Wolfe, DMA, 52, of Reading, Pennsylvania, passed away April 14 following a long illness.

Wolfe was Director of Music & the Arts Emeritus at Historic Trinity Lutheran Church, Reading, where he had served for 12 years.

He previously served as Director of Music with Trinity Lutheran Church in Lawrence, Kansas.

A native of Bakersfield, California, he earned a bachelor degree in music from the California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, California; a master in sacred music from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio; and a doctor of musical arts in choral conducting and organ performance at the University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas. He undertook post-graduate studies at Uppsala University in Sweden.

An accomplished scholar and musician, Wolfe was a member of the American Guild of Organists and past President of its local chapter. He was a member of the Guild of Carillonneurs in North America, the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians, and Chorus America. He served on the Board of Directors of the Royal School of Church Music in America, Princeton, New Jersey.

Locally, he was Chairman Emeritus of the Friends of Chamber Music, was Chairperson of the Fall Festival of the Arts Committee, served as an instructor at Alvernia University, and was a former section director with the Berks Youth Chorus. He was a member of the Worship and Music Team of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

He performed with the Reading Symphony Orchestra and the Kansas City Symphony, and sang with the Wheatland Chorale. An acclaimed baritone, he sang the National Anthem in Allen Field House before Kansas basketball games.

He is survived by two brothers, Robert in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and Ronald in Bakersfield, California; by his mother, Donna, also of Bakersfield; and by his long-time partner, David B. Kersley, of Reading. He was predeceased by his father, Robert, of Bakersfield.

A Rite of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Historic Trinity Lutheran Church, 529 Washington, on Saturday, April 27 at 2:00 p.m., His service will be web broadcast on the church’s website. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the organ fund at Trinity Lutheran, or to the Humane Society of Berks County. 935 Centre Avenue. Reading, PA 19601

Anna A. Drum

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Anna A. Drum, 91, of Lawrence, Kansas formerly of Mountain Home, AR passed away April 15, 2013 at Pioneer Ridge Nursing Facility in Lawrence, Kansas. Born in Anna, IL October 25, 1921 to Oakley and Bessie Pitts. Anna married Robert Drum October 31, 1942, Robert departed this life October 16, 2008. They previously spent many happy retirement years in Mountain Home, AR. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, 8 brothers and 1 sister. She is survived by her daughter and husband, Claudia Jean and Rev. Bill Woodard of Lawrence, her son and his wife, Dennis Robert and Chris Drum of Peoria, IL, one grandson, Brandon Thomas Drum also of Peoria, IL and one granddaughter and her husband, Cynthia Kay and Jay Perdum of Creve Coeur, Il. Funeral services will be held at Roller Funeral Home, Mountain Home, Arkansas at 11:00 am Thursday, April 18, 2013 with visitation 1 hour before the service. Pastor David Wiley to conduct services. In lieu of flowers please make memorials to Norfork Baptist Church where she was a long time member.

Luey R. Bornheim

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Memorial services for Luey R. Bornheim, 69, Lawrence, will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, with the Rev. Angela Lowe officiating. Luey died Monday, Apr. 8, 2013, at his home.

He was born Aug. 14, 1943, in Denison, Tex., the son of Luey William Jr. and Martha Frances Smith Bornheim. He attended Lawrence schools, and graduated from Lawrence High School. He had been employed at Hallmark Cards, Dillon’s, and had owned a motel in Hutchinson before hiring on with the Lawrence School District as a Warehouse Supervisor, retiring in 2004 after 20 years of service. He was a member of KASBO, the Lawrence Corvette Club, coffee groups, and a past member of Wheelsport Motorcycle Club. Luey enjoyed fishing, camping, traveling, motorcycles, and drag racing.

He married Judy K. Avery on Aug. 19, 1962 in Lawrence. They later divorced. He married Eloise Smith on Nov. 24, 1997, in Las Vegas. She survives of the home. Other survivors include a daughter, Dawn Thompson and husband Gregg, Salem, Ore.; a step daughter, Mischa Bell and husband Chris, Lawrence; a step son, Rich McCart and wife Jennie, Parker, Colo.; three brothers, Jack Bornheim and wife Judy, Colbert, Okla., Jerry Bornheim, Colbert, Okla., and Rickie Frame and wife Vickie, Nevada City, Calif.; a sister, Paulette Hathaway and husband Ted, Midvale, Idaho; and 8 grandchildren, Tyler Pracht, Teal Collins, Trevin Thompson, Allison, Aspen, and Jackson McCart, Aeron Stokes, and Lexy Bell.

The family will receive friends following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, or the American Cancer Society, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044 Online condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com.

Betty B. George

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Betty B. George, age 83, passed away April 6, 2013, in Port Charlotte, FL. Betty was born April 25, 1929, in Lawrence, KS., the daughter of Robert L. and Mayme Webster. She attended Lawrence schools and later worked for the Gas Company. She married Richard L. George on June 27, 1953. They were married for 59 years. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She loved traveling, bowling, and golf. Twice she was the golf champion at Lawrence Country Club. She was known by many for her sense of humor, smile, and generosity. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Norman Johnson.

Surviving is her husband, Richard L. ‘Dick’ George, her brother, Bill R. Webster, a son, Steven L. George and wife Eva, her daughter,1 Lynnie S. Kendrick and husband David, four grandchildren, Tyler, Sam, Joshua, and Patricia, and one great granddaughter, Madison.

No one can express our love for her nor our sorrow of her passing. The family will greet visitors on Saturday, April 13 from 10:30-11:30 at West Side Presbyterian Church. A memorial service will follow with burial at Oak Hill Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions to West Side Presbyterian Church, 1024 Kasold Dr., Lawrence, KS, 66044. Online condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com.

David Lee Fulkerson

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Funeral service for David Lee Fulkerson, 59, St. Marys, will be 2 pm Saturday, April 13, 2013, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Vinland Cemetery.

He died Wednesday, April 10, 2013, at his home.

He was born March 30, 1954, in Topeka, the son of James and Maxine Neely Fulkerson. He graduated from Washburn Rural High School in Topeka, and grew up in Auburn, KS.

David served in the U.S. Air Force from 1972 to 1975. He later worked for Andrews Asphalt for 15 years, and was a member of the Laborers Local Union 1290.

He married Paula Schutz on September 1, 2001, in Vinland, KS. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include two sons, Kyle and wife Rhonda Fulkerson, Willis, TX, and Marc and wife Sarah Carlson, St. Marys, KS.; two daughters Kathleen and husband Matt Gray, St. Marys, KS, and Heather and husband Chris Jackson, Baldwin City, KS; two brothers, James Fulkerson Jr. and John Fulkerson, both of Topeka; three sisters, Elva Williams, and Mary Gabehart both of Topeka, and Susan Hanna, Blue Jay, CA.; nine grandchildren, Nathaniel and Addison Gray, Bentley Fulkerson, Ashley and Jordan Jackson, Elizabeth, Trent, Trevor, and Alexis Carlson, many nieces and nephews and more cousins than you can count.

Friends may call from noon to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, where the family will receive them from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

The family suggests memorials made to Grace Hospice or Vinland Cemetery, sent in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana Lawrence, KS 66044

John ‘Jack’ Williamson

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A Celebration of Life for John ‘Jack’ Williamson, 59, Lawrence, will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 12 at Mustard Seed Church 700 Wakarusa Dr Lawrence, KS 66049. Jack died Saturday, April 6, 2013, from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.

Jack was born July 3, 1953, in Aurora, Ill., the son of John and Barbara Baker Williamson. He graduated from Ritenour High School and later earned his Bachelor’s degree from Missouri State University and a Master’s of Science and Education from the University of Arizona.

Jack worked as a UniServ Director and organizer for the Kansas National Education Association serving teachers and other education employees in Douglas, Miami, and Franklin Counties. Previously, he taught history and economics in Springfield, MO where he also served as wrestling coach. Jack was himself an accomplished wrestler and avid bicyclist. He took up motorcycling with the same enthusiasm and advocated for motorcycles legislation. He was a member of ABATE and the X WINOS Motorcycle Club.

Jack was also a member of the Holmes Brigade Union Civil War Reenactment Group, using his love of American history while participating in historical reenactments throughout the Midwest.

Jack loved politics and worked tirelessly to elect pro-public education candidates. His enthusiasm was contagious and brought many teachers in both Kansas and Missouri into political action.

Jack married Virginia ‘Ginny’ McQuaide on Apr. 17, 1987 in Joplin, MO. She survives of the home. Other survivors include four sons – Joe Williamson, Austin, TX; James Williamson, Columbia, MO; Aaron Snyder, Chattanooga, TN; Joel Snyder and wife Katie, Springfield, MO; and two daughters – Erin Williamson, Kansas City and Cara Snyder, Topeka. Survivors also include his mother, Barbara Williamson, Brighton, MI; six sisters – Mary Bischoff, Malvern, PA; Gail Hall and husband Warren, Del Mar, CA; Lynda Henderson and husband Phil, Colorado Springs; Diane Williamson, Brighton, MI; Karen Ruffatto and husband Jim, Chatham, IL; and Barbara Mekkes and husband Greg, Norfolk, VA; and one grandson, Evan Snyder.

The family will receive friends following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to National Alliance on Mental Health, 3803 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste 100 Arlington, VA 22203, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044. Online condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com

I fear nothing. I want nothing. I am free… Nikos Kazantzakis