Mitchell “Mitch” Steven Walther, age 63 of Lawrence, passed away July 31, 2025 Memorial Services will be scheduled at a later date. Arrangements are with Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home of Lawrence.
Category: Obituaries
Ronald (Ron) Eugene Lewis
Ronald (Ron) Eugene Lewis, 91, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2025. Ron was born on August 8, 1933, in Topeka, Kansas, to Vernon Dean Lewis and Ada Josephine Lewis. He moved to Emporia at the age of eight, where he spent the majority of his life. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1951 and married the love of his life, Mildred Louise Sill, on December 5, 1952. Nearly 20 years ago, Ron and Mildred moved to Lawrence, Kansas, where he spent his later years. Ron proudly served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955 as a military police officer stationed at Camp Gordon near Augusta, Georgia. During his service, he also played trombone in the Army band—an expression of the love of music he carried throughout his life. Ron worked as a police officer at Emporia State University, retiring in December 1995. He remained a devoted fan of Hornet athletics and enjoyed attending basketball and football games. After moving to Lawrence, he quickly became a Jayhawk fan as well, enjoying both KU basketball and football. Ron had a deep appreciation for nature and found joy in fishing and exploring the scenery of Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park. In his later years, he developed a taste for craft beer and proudly attended the Great American Beer Festival in Denver—an experience he fondly remembered. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 67 years, Mildred, who passed away in 2019. He is survived by his brother, Bill Lewis of Topeka; his children: Rhonda Russell (Randy) of Lawrence, Chip Lewis of Cowley, Wyoming, and Mike Lewis (Heidi) of Lawrence; his grandchildren: Nathan, Melanie, Spencer, Tara, Elizabeth, Charlene, his great-grandchildren: Alexis, Julianna, Bailey, Willow, Lily, McKinley, Lincoln, Hunter, Chrysta, Merrick, Hanna, Kannon, and many nieces, and nephews who loved him dearly.
A visitation and viewing will be held at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home 901 Indiana St. in Lawrence, Kansas on Sunday, August 3 from 3:00-500. Ron will be cremated and laid to rest beside Mildred at Evergreen Cemetery south of Emporia. Memorial contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice https://www.goodshepherdhospice.com/donationform/) or Lawrence Meals on Wheels (LAWRENCE MEALS ON WHEELS, 2121 KASOLD DR STE B, LAWRENCE KS 66047-2204), two organizations the family deeply appreciates.
Ron will be remembered for his quiet strength, determination, and unwavering love for his family. He was a man who served his country, loved his community, and lived a good life.
Robert Eugene (Bob) Kerr
Robert Eugene (Bob) Kerr passed away on July 20, 2025, in Lawrence, Kansas. He was born February 14, 1937, in Ellsworth, Kansas, to Dr. Donald E. and Helen M. Kerr.
A standout from the start, Bob lettered in football, basketball, and track and field and was selected as Homecoming King at Lincoln High School. He graduated from the University of Kansas in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. There, Bob was a member of the Kansas Gamma Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, for which he later served as a Distinguished Chapter Counselor, and Alpha Psi Chapter of the Phi Epsilon Kappa Fraternity. He was a lifetime member of the KU Alumni Association and ardent Jayhawk fan.
Bob excelled first as a junior high teacher and coach in Topeka, then later as an Assistant Branch Manager of Capitol Federal Savings and Loan. He returned to Lawrence and entered the insurance profession in 1968 when he founded a property and casualty insurance agency, which he co-owned until 1997. Bob was a producer for Holmes, Peck and Brown, Charlton-Manley, Schifman Remley Associates, Tozier Parkway Housh Jones, and most recently AG Insurance, where he worked until 2025, and served as President of the Kansas Association of Professional Insurance Agents and on the board of USF&G Insurance Company during his long career. Trustworthy and devoted to his clients, Bob earned designations as an Accredited Advisor in Insurance and Certified Insurance Counselor, was deemed an Outstanding Agent by the Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Kansas, and was awarded the Kansas Agent of Merit by the Kansas Insurance Association 1752 Club. Dedicated to serving his community, Bob assumed various leadership and volunteer roles for the Lawrence Luncheon Optimists, Lawrence SERTOMA Club, First Christian Church, Lawrence Country Club, KU Audio-Reader Network, and Veritas Christian School Golf Team.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Bob was an adoring husband, loving father, doting grandpa, and loyal friend who shared his radiant warmth, adventurous spirit, and appreciation for life with everyone he met. You could find Bob teaching his girls how to water ski around Pamona Lake or execute a flawless swan dive, honing his golf game, frying up French toast for family brunch, perfecting his Thanksgiving turkey and stuffing recipes, gifting chocolate covered cherries to friends and co-workers every Valentine’s Day, cussing like a sailor at a Jayhawk basketball game, or by the pool grilling burgers and jamming to Jimmy Buffet. He was each of his daughters’ steadiest supporter (even though they all ended up Wildcats!) and his grandkids’ biggest fan, sitting front row at countless games and performances. We all miss our forever Valentine.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Marcia (Chaney) Kerr; daughters Kelli Brahler, Kandi (Scott) Schaake, and Kylee (Chris) Leatherman; grandkids George (Chelsey Grillot) Brahler and Grace (Neil) Brahler Newsome, Shane (Melissa) Schaake and Shilo (Jamie) Schaake, and Alex Leatherman Frost and Bob Leatherman; great grandkids Morel and Vitales Grillot-Brahler and Miles and Maren Frost; and cherished siblings-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws John and Betty Chaney, sister Barbara Kerr, nephew, Don Snedden and sons-in-law Daryl Duff and John Brahler.
All those who loved Bob are invited to join the Celebration of Life services at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the First Christian Church located at 1000 Kentucky Street, Lawrence, Kansas. Flowers are welcome at the service and guests are encouraged to don their favorite Jayhawk or crimson and blue attire. The family is also collecting donations for the KU Sigma Phi Epsilon (Sig Ep) Fraternity House, the KU Pep Band and the KU Audio Reader program in honor of Bob’s love of the Jayhawks. Funds donated via Rumsey-Yost will be collected and personally presented in Bob’s name. Please make payable to the Bob Kerr Memorial Fund in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, Kansas, and indicate your preferred recipient (KU Sig Ep, KU Pep Band, KU Audio Reader or simply leave it blank for Family’s Choice). Donations can also be made online directly to KU Sig Ep via https://kusigep.com/donate/ (Under ‘Order Notes’, please indicate that your contribution is in honor of Robert (Bob) Kerr) or KU Endowment via https://kuendowment.org/RobertKerr for the KU Pep Band or KU Audio Reader. Your heartfelt contributions are greatly appreciated.
Glenn William Wise Sr
Glenn William Wise Sr. passed on July 26th, 2025, in his home surrounded by friends and family.
He was born on June 22nd, 1959, to Irl and Wyonna Wise in Fredonia KS. Preceded in death by mother, father and grandparents.
He worked at D & D tire in Lawrence Ks from 2000-2008. Then Schmidtz lumber in Lawrence Ks from 2008-2010. Then Wilson Transport / Rock N L Trucking in Eudora Ks from 2010-2023. He retired in 2023.
Glenn Sr. served in the Army as private second class at fort hood Texas in 1978.
He married his childhood friend and love of his life, Anna Wise, on April 20th 2001 in Lawrence KS. They renewed vows on April 20th, 2020, in Eudora KS.
Other survivors include a sister Wilma Wise of Topeka Ks. A daughter Lisa (Michael Pickering) of Ottawa KS. Christina of Iola Ks. Misty (Scott Mannen) of Iola Ks. Glenn Jr (Stacy Wise) of Iola Ks. Kathryn (Michael Pederson) of Myrtle Creek Or. Anthony (Laura Thomas) of Overbrook Ks. Vanessa Cravey of Woodville Tx. Karen (Dusty Schultz) of Linwood Ks. William Wise of the home. 27 Grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Celebration of life will be held at 949 E 1500 RD Lawrence Ks, 66046 on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 6 pm.
Please bring a covered dish and your stories.
Dennis Richins Frederickson
Dennis Richins Frederickson passed away Friday, July 25th, 2025, in his home in Eudora, KS with his loving wife & daughter by his side holding his hands.
He was born on June 22nd, 1952 in Twin Falls Idaho, the son of John C. (Jack) and Zelpha Frederickson. He graduated from Twin Falls High School in 1970 and earned his bachelor’s degree in organizational communication from the University of Kansas in 1992 at the age of 40.
He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to the Oakland, California mission from August of 1971 to August of 1973. While on his mission he was passionate about serving the Lord. He was allowed to enter prisons & teach the inmates about Heavenly Father & give them hope. When he returned from his mission he courted his loving wife, Kathy (Whitehead) Frederickson for four weeks and then they were engaged to be married. They were sealed for all time and eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple on January 11th, 1974 & were married for 51 years. He was in business with his brother, Grant. They ran a residential construction business together. Dennis & Kathy started their family & have four amazing children & seven spectacular grandchildren. They moved to Kansas in 1988 & after graduating from KU he worked for the State of Kansas as a very successful disability examiner.
His children are Justin Frederickson(deceased), Nick Frederickson (Kelly) Corinth, TX, Patrick Frederickson (Amy) Caldwell, ID, and Jodi Kesinger (Casey) Baldwin City, KS. His grandchildren are Travis, Spencer, Danielle, Justin, Jason, Garret & Colby.
Living brothers and sister are, John (Annette) Salt Lake City, Utah, Kent (Sharon) Idaho Falls, Idaho, Grant (Valeta) St George, UT & Mary Twin Falls, ID.
He was a great handy man, friend to all, loving husband and father as well as a compassionate grandfather. He enjoyed serving others & letting them know how important they are. He never met a stranger. The world will not be the same without the laughter & encouragement of Dennis Frederickson.
Services for Dennis Richins Frederickson, 73, of Eudora are as follows:
Visitation: Friday, August 8th, 2025, 6-8pm at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. The address is 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044
Viewing & Funeral: Saturday, August 9th, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The address is 3615 W. 10th Street, Lawrence, KS 66049
Viewing: 9-10am
Funeral: 10am
A zoom link for the funeral will be updated once received for those that wish to attend but are not able to travel.
Memorial contributions may be made to Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, to help the family purchase Dennis’s headstone.
Zoom the service at
In the Zoom app or on the Zoom website (www.zoom.us)
Webinar ID: 954 8767 5931
No passcode is needed to view the funeral. Also, a participant does not need to have their own Zoom account
Doris Jean John
Doris Jean (Boyd) John, 85, passed away peacefully on Thursday July 24th, 2025. She was born on May 1st, 1940 to Vernon and Grace Boyd in Fullerton, CA. She graduated from Holcomb high school and briefly attended Eastern New Mexico University.
She married Norman John on August 16th , 1959 in Garden City KS. They enjoyed traveling and taking cruises with good friends. They were just short of celebrating 66 years of marriage.
Doris spent her work career in medical and professional offices. Doris also enjoyed making her home beautiful with her decorating abilities.
She will be missed by her husband, Norman, her sister, Judy of Fairview, TX, her daughters, Cheryl(Doug), Pamela(Steve), four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Ascend Hospice for the great care and comfort they provided or the Southside Church of Christ where Doris was a member.
A Celebration of Life Service will be 10:00 A.M. Saturday, August 30, 2025 at the Southside Church of Christ, 1105 W. 25th St. Lawrence, KS 66046. Arrangements are with Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home of Lawrence.
Price Terrance Banks
Price Terrance Banks, 82, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 21, at Bridge Haven. Since December 2020 he fought the debilitating disease of multiple myeloma caused by his exposure to Agent Orange while in Vietnam in 1965.
He was born in Saginaw, Michigan, the son of Wayne and Vera (Archambault) Banks, on May 17, 1943. He graduated from Alma High School in Alma, Michigan. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in Resource Development from Michigan State University. He earned a Juris Doctorate degree from Cooley Law School in Lansing Michigan.
He married Marge (Marjorie) Jordan in 1968.
In his early career he was an Urban Planner for the City of Lansing, Michigan, for Genessee County, Michigan, and for the City of Howell, Michigan. Then he was County Administrator for Livingston County, Michigan. In 1982 he and Marge and family moved to Lawrence, Kansas where he was the Planning Director for the City of Lawrence and Douglas County. In 1994 he opened his own law practice in Lawrence, Kansas and retired in 2012. He conducted seminars for the Michigan League of Municipalities and Michigan Association of Counties, the Kansas League of Municipalities and the Kansas Association of Counties. He taught at the Kansas Graduate School for Urban Planning.
Price and his family were very active and he prompted many adventures.
His primary passion was his family. In addition to those travels and activities, he was dedicated to running. He completed three Detroit Marathons. He enjoyed fly fishing and fished in multiple states with Marge and with dear friends. Having enjoyed hunting birds and deer with his father and brother in his childhood, he continued hunting with friends in and out of state. Sailing was another favorite, including bare-boat chartering in the Caribbean and Mexico with his cousin, with Marge and the kids, and with close friends.
Survivors include wife Marge, son Trevor Banks of Arvada Colorado, daughter Taylor Reynolds of Lake Orion, Michigan. Grandchildren – Kayden and Carter Reynolds of Lake Orion, Michigan and Zoe and Maya Banks of Arvada, Colorado and sister-in-law, Gladys Banks. He is preceded in death by brother Robert Banks and sister Charmaine Robinson. Both Trevor and Taylor graduated from Lawrence High School and the University of Kansas.
The family wishes to acknowledge the outstanding care Price received from staff at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Pioneer Ridge and Bridge Haven, surgeons at the University of Kansas Medical Center, and caregivers of Elara Caring and VNA Hospice.
The family suggests acts of kindness and/or donations to the Lawrence Community Shelter would honor Price.
Celebration of Life of Price Banks, Saturday, September 6 at Arterra Event Gallery, 2161 Quail Creek Dr., Lawrence, KS. Drop in between 3:00 and 5:00 and share a memory or two with family and friends.
Frank Lowell Leslie
Frank Lowell Leslie, age 94 of Lawrence, passed away July 21, 2025. Memorial services will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are with Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home of Lawrence.
Marilyn Elaine Swoyer
Marilyn Elaine Swoyer, age 87 of Lawrence, Kansas passed away July 20, 2025. Memorial Services will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are with Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home of Lawrence.
Walter Charles “Walt” Houk, Jr.
Walter Charles Houk, Jr., 84, of Lawrence, passed away Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living of Lawrence. He was born in Lawrence on February 13, 1941, to Walter Charles Houk, Sr. and Elizabeth (Betty) Houk Spencer. He was raised in Lawrence, Kansas, graduated from Lawrence High School and attended The University of Kansas.
He married his beloved wife, Janice LeeAnn (Stewart) Houk, on August 9, 1959. They have two children, Kent Houk and Kimberly (Houk) Bickling and her husband, Ryan; four grandchildren, Zachary Bickling, Mackenzie Bickling, Coleman Houk, and Chase Houk; one great-grandson, Calvin Walter Houk; and one sister, Becky Gaurotte. Walt was with Maupintour for 35+ years and was an owner of Travellers, Inc. He is also survived by his close friends and business partners Judi Rawlings (>50 years), John Novotny (>40 years). and Rosemary Stipe (>30 years).
He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Houk Spencer, and father, Walter C. Houk, Sr. who was killed in action in WWII in Germany.
Walt was in the travel business since he was 17 years old and travelled extensively to many places in the world, often with his family and business partners. His travels took him to the Caribbean, Mexico, Cozumel, Merida, Central America, South Pacific, Alaska, Canada, Hawaii, the Bahamas, Europe, the Orient, and the entire United States. He was President and Board Member to many travel organizations. He enjoyed spending time with those he loved.
His main hobby/interest was in baseball, and he was one the founders of DCABA (Douglas County Baseball Association), Travellers Semi-Pro team and coached in the South Park League and American Legion, working with youths and young men for over 50 years. He established friendships with hundreds of his players.
He was active in other organizations: Lawrence Country Club, Board of Directors on the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Cosmo Breakfast Club, and the Quarterback, Roundball, and Diamond clubs at KU. He also helped start Crime Stoppers.
A celebration of Walt’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, August 1, 2025 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Walt Houk Memorial Scholarship Fund, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS 66044.
