Author: RumseyYost

Brian Michael Fadden

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A Memorial Service for Brian Michael Fadden, 48, of Lawrence, will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, November 23, 2024, at St. John the Evangelist Church, Lawrence, Kansas. Gathering after service TBD. A private burial will take place at a later date. 

Brian died Sunday, October 27, 2024, at Stormont Vail Health in Topeka, KS, surrounded by his loved ones.

He was born December 15, 1975, in Dixon, IL, the son of Michael and Cynthia Fadden. He grew up in Wichita, Kansas and graduated from Kapaun Mount Carmel High School in 1994 and then moved to Lawrence, Kansas. Brian earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Kansas in 2001.

Brian had three goals immediately following graduation: own a business, own a home, own a boat. In short order, he achieved them all. In 2003, he began Fadden Enterprises, LLC (dba Parkway Wine & Spirits), in partnership with his father. He purchased a home in Lawrence near his business and bought a Four Winns ski boat. After selling the business in 2019, Brian most recently worked as a training coordinator for Amarr Garage Doors in Lawrence.

Brian’s talents included fine arts, ceramics and music (drums and percussion). He enjoyed sports, both participating and spectating. He shared the joy of life with his family and friends, usually donning an impish grin. His charisma sparked lighthearted fun and enlivened many moments for those around him.

Brian is survived by his son, Owen, Topeka, Kansas; girlfriend Courtney Commons, Lawrence, Kansas; father and step-mother, Michael and Sharon Fadden, Sunrise Beach, Missouri; step-father, Jeffrey Berman, Castle Rock, Colorado; brother Kevin Fadden, Kansas City, Missouri; sister Kate Roos (Jeff), Kansas City, Missouri; nieces Alex Landon, Wichita, Kansas, and Keeley Roos, Kansas City Missouri; nephews Devin Fadden, Elizabeth, Colorado; Bailey, Kieran, Aiden, and Quinmby Roos, all of Kansas City, Missouri.

Brian is preceded in death by his brother, David Fadden (2012) and his mother, Cynthia Powers (2021).

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Van Go, Inc. of Lawrence, Kansas (www.van-go.org)

Online condolences may be sent at www.rumsey-yost.com.

Marjorie Eleanor Walton

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Marjorie Eleanor Walton died Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living in Lawrence, KS. A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at 2pm at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home in Lawrence, KS.

She was born November 28, 1932, in Liberal, KS, in the heart of the Dust Bowl during the Great Depression. One of four children, she had two older brothers, James and Robert, and a younger sister, Norma.

Her mother, Eleanor Kendall, was a librarian and a lover of books and reading, and her father, Carl Kendall, was a lover of baseball. She inherited and carried on both of these passions to her family and friends. She was an avid Jane Austen fan and faithfully re-read “Pride and Prejudice” every year. She reveled in taking her children and grandchildren to libraries and bookstores. She also loved the Kansas City Royals and was thrilled to see them in the 2014 World Series (she attended the first game) and then win the 2015 World Series. She added her own love of Kansas Jayhawks basketball and of professional tennis. Two of her happiest memories in recent years were being in San Antonio in 2008 to see the Jayhawks win the NCAA title, and then seeing Roger Federer on Centre Court at Wimbledon in 2013 with her children and grandchildren.

Marjorie’s family moved from Liberal to Topeka in the 1940s to be near other relatives. Marjorie graduated from high school there and started part-time at Washburn and then at McPherson College, while supporting herself working at libraries and bookstores. She soon decided that she wanted to experience teaching in a one-room schoolhouse before they were eliminated, and she took a job at London School in Peck, KS. There, she met a wonderful community, including her future husband Gene Walton.

They married in May 1957 and farmed together in Peck. They had a daughter Linda in August 1961. Gene died in a farm accident in November 1963. Their daughter Rita was born in June 1964.

Marjorie and her daughters moved to Lawrence and then to Topeka, and Marjorie finished her college degree at KU and Washburn. She graduated from Washburn in 1970, majoring in history, another lifelong passion. They then returned to south-central Kansas, moving to Belle Plaine. She remarried there and acquired five new children. In February 1973, her daughter Karen was born. The marriage ended in divorce in 1977.

While she lived in Belle Plaine, she served on the Library Board and the School Board, volunteered as a 4-H leader, and later began working as a reporter for the Belle Plaine News. Eventually, she became the editor of the Oxford Register and the Clearwater Times.

She moved back to Lawrence in the 1990s and worked in apartment management until her retirement in 2004. In her years after retirement, she remained active in volunteer activities, especially as a leader in the local FCE branch.

She also supported and contributed widely to social justice nonprofits, especially those focusing on women’s rights and racial justice.

She fiercely loved her grandchildren and her nieces and nephews, and stayed very involved with them. She also loved contributing stories for the family genealogy.

She was preceded in death by her husband Gene Walton; by her siblings, James Kendall, Robert Kendall, and Norma Hunt; and by her beloved stepson Brian Holinde.

She is survived by her daughters Linda Walton, Rita Walton, and Karen Hogan; her grandchildren Copper Crane, Clio Walton, James Hogan, and Ace Hogan; and her stepchildren Renee Ockwood, Gerard Holinde, Michelle Hamilton, and Mary Hunt, as well as by their children; by Brian’s sons, Kyle, Kolten, Karter, and Kole Holinde; and by many nieces and nephews.

To honor Marjorie’s love of books and libraries, the family suggests memorial donations to Lawrence Public Library Friends & Foundation, 707 Vermont St., Lawrence, KS 66044; LPLFF.org.

Larry L. Wynes

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Services for Larry L. Wynes, 83, of Lawrence, will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Interment ceremonies will take place at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in El Dorado Springs, Missouri later in the Spring.

Larry passed away Sunday, October 20, 2024, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his family.

He was born January 4, 1941, in Dedrick, Missouri, the son of J.C. (Jim) and Ethel Hargrove Wynes. He graduated from Nevada High School in 1959 and attended one year of college at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas.

Larry was a kind and caring man whose warmth, compassion and easy-going manner made him a favorite among both family and friends. He was well loved because he was so easy to love. You could count on Larry. He listened without judgement and loved unconditionally. He possessed an amazing sense of humor. He always had a joke or funny comment to share and assigned family members the most colorful nicknames. He was a car enthusiast and sports fan who especially enjoyed cheering on the KC Chiefs. He enjoyed country music and was a talented musician who learned to play guitar when he was a young boy. The Wynes family played and sang on KNEM radio in Nevada, Missouri from 1949 through the early 50’s and later performed under the names Wynes Country Rhythm Band and The Family Tree at area events and private clubs during the 70’s and early 80’s.

Larry settled in Lawrence in 1988 where we worked at Farmland Industries until he retired. He married Shirley Valentine on April 12, 1996, who survives of the home.

Other survivors include 3 daughters, Debbra Peres, Lawrence, Kansas; Sharri Hacker, Independence, Missouri; Kassy Wynes, El Dorado Springs, Missouri; bonus daughters, Cathy Brittain, Christina Brittain, both of Lawrence, Kansas and Amanda Brittain, Overland Park, Kansas; sister Lois Mead and brother Linn Wynes, also of Lawrence, Kansas; 12 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, 2 nieces and 3 nephews. Online condolences may be sent to www.rumsey-yost.com

Lois Buxton

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Mrs. Lois Buxton of Salina, Kansas was born April 30th, 1926 in Wilson, Kansas to John and Elizabeth (Peirano) Heard. She passed away October 17, 2024, at home in Lawrence, Kansas. She is survived by her son, Dr. Rodney Buxton of Denver, Colorado, and daughter, Shelly Buxton Hornbaker (Tom Hornbaker) of Lawrence, Kansas, three grandchildren, Jaime Dupy (Matt Dupy), Jennifer Hornbaker (Justin Krajci), and Alan Hornbaker, and two great-grandchildren, Hailey and Adam Dupy. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Buxton, parents, sister, Jackie Graf, and
two brothers, Aaron and Richard Heard.
Lois graduated from Wilson High School in 1944 and the Asbury Protestant Hospital School of Nursing in 1947 as a U.S. Army Cadet Nurse. She retired in 1978 as a floor supervisor of a medical and surgical care floor at Salina Regional Health Hospital. Lois was a devoted member of the Mentor United Methodist Church in Mentor, Kansas, where she taught Sunday School and Bible School and served on many committees. Two committees were especially close to her heart – the Study Committee and Building Committee, which raised funds for construction modifications to the Fellowship Hall, making the Hall accessible to all who visit the Church. In addition to her service to her church, Lois volunteered with the Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank, Hospice of Salina, and Salina RSVP. In 2005, Lois was awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Award recognizing volunteers who dedicated over 4,000 hours to their local agencies.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mentor United Methodist Church, 616 E Mentor Road, Mentor, KS 67416, or the Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank, P O Box 1482, Salina, KS 67401. Friends are invited to a celebration of Lois’s life at the Mentor United Methodist Church, 616 E Mentor Road, Mentor, KS, on Saturday, November 16, at 11:00 am.

Donald Dean White

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Funeral Services for Donald Dean White, 90, Lawrence, will be at 10 am, Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at the First Southern Baptist Church, Lawrence.

He died October 19, 2024, at his home.

Donald was born November 17, 1933, on a farm near Randolph, Kansas, the son of John Wesley and Ida Ellen White. He graduated from Randolph High School in 1952, and worked at Kansas Farm Bureau, Manhattan, Kansas, for over 43 years. He served in the Kansas National Guard from 1952 to 1961.

He was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church, Lawrence, Kansas. He was also a member of The Gideons International.

Survivors include wife, Wilma, two sons, Randall Joe White (wife, Sheryl) of Ft. Collins, Colorado, Christopher Brian White (wife, Claire) of Leawood, Kansas, two step-sons, William Darrin Clouse (wife, Krista) of (Charlottesville, VA), Kent Andrew Clouse (wife, Angela) of (Fayetteville, GA), seven grandchildren, Alexander and Brenna White, William Clouse, Emma and husband Jacopo Scrinzi, Chloe and husband Connor Mahan, Lily, and Sophia Clouse, one sister-in-law Carolyn White, of Manhattan, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ida White, one sister, Doris Springer, four brothers, Vernon, Kenneth, Willard, and Dale White.

Friends may call from 9:30 to 10 am, Wednesday, at the First Southern Baptist Church, 4300 W 6th St, Lawrence, KS 66049.

The family suggests in leu of flowers memorials be given to The Gideons International Faith Fund or The First Southern Baptist Missions Fund.

Michael P. Vesco

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Private services are planned for Michael P. Vesco, 59, of Lawrence, Kansas .  He passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 12, 2024.

Michael was born December 31, 1964 in Lawrence, Kansas to Michael J. and Barbara C. (Cline) Vesco.

Survivors include his wife, Carol (Ussery) Vesco; father, Michael J. Vesco; brother, David Vesco; and sister, Kristina McNish.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara.

Derek Kent Mitchell Sr.

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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Derek Kent Mitchell Sr., 59.  He left behind his earthly life on Saturday, October 12, 2024, surrounded by his family. Derek was born on March 2, 1965, to Kenneth Mitchell and Donna (Vann) Mitchell in Lawrence, KS. Derek attended Lawrence Public Schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. During his early elementary years, Derek was known to leave Pinckney without permission and walk to his grandmother’s house. He would show up at her door and exclaim a whole day of school is too long. He attended West Junior High School and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1983.

Derek started work as a teenager with his first job being a paper boy with his very own route. In high school, he moved from throwing papers for the Journal-World to dishwashing at Sirloin Stockade. Upon graduating from high school he worked briefly at Packer Plastics and then landed a job at K-Mart Corporation/Sears Holding Company where he worked for 33 years in quality control. During this time Derek also completed certifications through Kaw Valley Vocational School and operated Mitchell’s Cabinetry for 10 years while working full-time at K-Mart Corp. Many homes have cabinets built by Derek from his one-man shop. He was a skilled and talented carpenter. Derek’s last 5 years of employment were spent with Hallmark Cards. Derek valued hard work and displayed it every day of his life through his work ethic and the sacrifices he made to support his family.

Derek was a 1st round draft pick as an armchair quarterback and he loved cheering for KU basketball, yelling at KU football, and celebrating the KC Chiefs. Derek was a car enthusiast, especially automobiles and motorcycles with power and speed. He appreciated good music from all genres and could often be found in his music studio picking on one of his many guitars. He always said, “A man could not have too many guitars.” Over the years he played in a few bands, the most notable of all was “Fried Chicken” and in the past, he had also played for his church choir.

Derek’s first and second loves were music and cars. He knew them long before his third and final love, Tina. Derek married Tina on June 23, 1990, and they enjoyed 34 years together. They were blessed with two children. Derek will forever beam with pride over the man and woman his son DJ and daughter Tori have become.

Derek gave his life to Christ as a young father and was fully aware of the meaning of his commitment and privilege. He embraced God’s love and promise.

Derek was preceded by his grandparents, Elmer Oliver Vann, Mildred Fern (Reddick) Vann, and Samuel and Sarah Mitchell.

Derek is survived by his wife, children, and parents and by his brother, Mychael Mitchell; sisters, Pamela (Isiah) Lawson, and Kimberly (Keith) Fowler; nieces and nephew, Gementri Fowler, Andre McNeely, Lauren (Braxton) McNeely-Harris, Chanelle McCluer, and DeOnna Fowler;  brothers and sisters-in-law, Harold (Muriel) Cook, Sandra Hardin, Terry Cook, James (Cathy) Hilliard, Gary (Brenda) Hilliard, Nicki Carter, Rudy (Becky) Hillard, Rhonda Smith, Dale (Susan) Hilliard and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Visitation will be held at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS on Friday, October 18, 2024, from 4:00 – 6:00 PM. Funeral services will be officiated by Rev. Reginald E. Bachus, Pastor of Friendship Baptist, Chicago, Il., and Rev. Delmar White, Senior Pastor at New Mount Zion Baptist Church, Topeka KS at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at the funeral home.  A Repass and Celebration of Life will follow at 6 Mile Chop House at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the American Heart Association, 5800 Foxridge Dr., Mission, KS 66202 or your local blood bank.

Joan Elizabeth Audley

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Services for Joan Audley, 76, Iola, will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday at Midpoint Baptist Church, 3965 US-54, Moran, KS 66755.

Joan died surrounded by family, on Monday, Oct. 14th, 2024, at home.  She was born July 1, 1948 in Iowa, the daughter of Clarence and Leta Faye Rafferty. She moved to Iola (from California) after her previous husband received a position with the police department. And to be close to her mother also of Iola.

She retired after many years from Haldex Brake. She loved to cook, travel and spend time with family.

She married John Audley on September 17, 2000. He survives of the home. Other survivors include 4 daughters, Laurie Swiler (Bob) Erie, KS; Linda Stange, Kansas City; Judy Weide (Eric) Iola, KS; Kathy Sealy (Bo), Kansas City; 2 sons Danny Conner (Stacie) Iola, KS; 2 step-children Deandra Audley Olathe, KS; Shane Audley Kansas City, and 22 grandchildren 1 preceded in death Kurtis Carr and 28 great-grandchildren one proceeded in death Clayton Sargent.

The family suggests memorials to Humanity House Foundation,  110 East Street Iola, KS 66749.

Donald Eugene Haar

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Donald Eugene Haar, 75, of Lawrence, Kansas, formerly Peoria, passed away at 9:30 p.m. on Monday, October 7, 2024 at Bridge Haven in Lawrence, Kansas. Don was born on September 6, 1949 in Burlington, IA to Ralph and Margaret (Welch) Haar. He was raised in the Monmouth area and graduated from Avon High School in 1966.

He married Linda S. Bensel on April 8, 1972, in Peoria.

After high school, Don attended the University of Illinois in Champaign and completed his degree in Engineering at Bradley University. He worked as a service engineer for Caterpillar Inc. for 39 years, serving globally and residing in Peoria, Lafayette, IN and Geneva Switzerland.

Upon retiring he consulted part-time, specializing in emission enhancements for a cleaner environment, and moved to Lawrence, Kansas. Don enjoyed gardening, sports and playing card games and croquet with family.

He is survived by one daughter, Angela Haar and one son, Aaron Haar (Megan Kepler). Also surviving is Linda Haar, two nephews and two grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Christine (Haar) Musava.

A service will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024, 10:30 a.m., at First United Methodist Church located at 221 E. Broadway in Monmouth, followed with a burial at Warren County Memorial Park Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank Bridge Haven and Interim Healthcare for their support and excellent care they provided to Don.