Category: Uncategorized

James Elwyn Stanton

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James Elwyn Stanton, 75, Lawrence, passed away Friday, July 23, 2021, at LMH Health.

He was born August 7, 1945, in Freeport, IL, the son of Raymond Charles and Alice Lenore Lindeman Stanton.  Mr. Stanton graduated from high school in New Ulm, MN and later received a bachelor’s of science.

Mr. Stanton served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, stationed in Thailand.  He enjoyed writing books and was published on Amazon.  He also enjoyed collecting stamps.

He married Si Namontri in Thailand in 1969.  She survives of the home.

Other survivors include a son, John Stanton and wife Maricel of Vail, AZ; a sister, Rebecca Stanton of Lawrence, Kansas; and three grandchildren, Samantha, Jett, and Jaden Stanton.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Richard Allen Rist

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Memorial services for Richard Rist, 66, Lawrence, will be 1 pm, Sat., July 31, 2021, at River City Church. He died Friday, July 23rd, 2021, in Lawrence, KS at his home.

He was born on April 18th, 1955, in Lawrence, KS, the son of Floyd and Lottie Rist. He graduated from Lawrence High School in 1973, and started his career at Hallmark shortly after. In 2007 he went out on long term disability due to health concerns, and he retired in April 2020.

Mr. Rist was a member of River City Church in Lawrence, KS. He and his wife Janene Rist enjoyed volunteering through their church, he was always a man to give.

He married Janene Rist on August 22, 2011 in Lawrence, KS. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include three stepsons, Brandon, Dustin, and Sean Reese all three of Lawrence; a brother, John Rist, Sister in law, Terri Rist, and niece Lauren Rist, of Arizona; two nieces Katy and Kristina Foster of Overland Park, KS; grandson Liam of Tulsa, OK and six grandchildren of Lawrence.

A son, Jake Barnes, died August 5th, 2020 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Friends may call from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, where the Family will receive them 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday.

The family suggests memorials be sent to the funeral home.

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

Earl Eugene (Gene) Curl

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Earl Eugene (Gene) Curl, 83, passed away on December 4, 2020 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital while recovering from kidney cancer surgery. He was born on July 30, 1937 to Earl Curl and Rowena Nottingham Curl. After going to a one room schoolhouse for eight grades, he graduated from Oskaloosa High School in 1955 at the top of his class.

Gene lived in the same area of Jefferson County his entire life except for two years in the Army. While in the service he was stationed in Korea in the DMZ zone. His job there was to transport entertainment groups to different locations.

Gene worked for the U.S. Post Office in Bonner Springs, Kansas as a letter carrier for 33 years. He also farmed part time with his father until his father’s death in 1984. His hobbies included collecting and building model planes and trains. He also enjoyed reading the history of just about everything.

A big part of his life was a devoted, lifelong member of Lawrence Masonic Lodge #6, joining in 1978 and holding many positions there.  As a Scottish Rite member, he was endowed with the 33rd degree in 2017. A special, thank to his many lodge friends and coffee buddies.

Survivors include his sisters Mary (Paul) Runyon, Raleigh, North Carolina and Betty (Jay) Wagner, Lawrence, Kansas, one niece and 4 nephews.

Gene had chosen to be an organ donor. Private interment will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Mark Aaron Gile

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Services for Mark Gile, 60, Lawrence will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 24th at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

Mark died Sunday, July 18, 2021, at his home in Lawrence, Kansas with his family by his side. Mark’s passing comes after a long, brave battle with Glioblastoma.

He was born January 15, 1961 in Wichita, the son of Gerald and Dorothy Gile. He graduated from Wichita North High School in 1979 and went to Kansas University where he played baseball before being drafted by the Texas Rangers organization. After playing baseball for several years, he returned to Lawrence.

Mark married Susan Bowen on April 13, 1991 in Lawrence. She survives of the home. They had two children together, Aaron (Lawrence) and Kristen (Overland Park). His children were his pride and joy and he spent their youth attending their sporting events and supporting them in every way possible. He also had a new grandson, Axel who he was just enjoying getting to know.

Other survivors include his mother, Dorothy, Wichita; A sister, Nancy (Nunie), Wichita; three brothers, Harlan (Kelly), Wichita, Galen (Sandy), Foley, Alabama, and Jeff, Fort Worth, Texas; many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his father, Gerald, two nephews, Tom and Nicholas and a Niece, Bayli, brother-in-law, Scott, grandparents, and many aunts and uncles.

Memorials may be made to Rumsey Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Marion King Roberts

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Marion King Roberts was born in Hutchinson, KS, July 14, 1947 to Rubie King and Thomas Allen Roberts.  He died July 17, 2021.  He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Marcia, and sons Seth (Susanne) of Lawrence, and  Spencer (Brittany) of Pacifica, CA., and nine grand children.

He received his Bachelors Degree in Music Education from William Jewell College, his Masters in Music from Kansas State University, and his D.M.A. from the University of Kansas.  He was Chairman of the Department of Music and Director of Music Education at Baker University from 1975-1985.  He was Director of Bands at Blue Valley North High School from 1986-2014.  He was past president and charter member of the Kansas Bandmasters Association, KBA Outstanding Bandmaster, and twice selected as One of Fifty Directors Who make a Difference by the School Band and Orchestra magazine. He received many other teaching awards.  He was inducted into the Kansas Music Educators Association Hall of Fame in 2017.  Until recently he served as associate conductor and President of the Board of Directors of the Lawrence City Band and conductor of the De Soto Brass Band.

He loved vacations with his family from the mountains to the beach, time at the lake sailing and water skiing. He was a car enthusiast and dog lover who never met a stranger.  He was a mentor and teacher to thousands.

Open memorial celebration will be at Cider Gallery, 810 Pennsylvania St., Lawrence, July 31 from 1:00-4:00 p.m.  Service at 1:30 p.m.  Masks required for the unvaccinated…please!  Link to parking:  https://ibb.co/qnQhNWM

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Lawrence City Band (reference Marion Roberts Memorial Fund), 1619 East 686th Road, Lawrence, KS 66049.

Naomi Dixie “Mema” Little

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Funeral services for Naomi Dixie Little, 88, Lawrence, will be 11 am, Saturday, June 20, 2020, at Lawrence Heights Christian Church. A visitation will begin at 10 to service time. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery. The family requests all in attendance please use personal protection to prevent the spread of the Corona virus. If unable to attend the service will be broadcast on Facebook Live. https://www.facebook.com/RumseyYostFuneralHomeandCrematory

Naomi Dixie “Mema” Little passed away peacefully on June 14th, 2020 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, surrounded by the love of her five daughters.

She was born to Robert H. Collins and Cordelia Beatrice Smith on February 13th, 1932. The third eldest of five children, Naomi was born and raised in Mt. Olive, Missouri, where she lived happily among her parents and sisters until relocating to the nearby town of Warrensburg in her teenage years. Naomi spent much of her life as a Warrensburg resident, creating her family there while living and working in the community. She provided for her family with 18 and a half years of service as an employee of Central Missouri State University, and an additional 17 years employed at Rivals Manufacturing. In 1998, after many wonderful years in Missouri, Naomi chose to retire and relocate to Kansas to be closer to family. Naomi spent the last 22 years of life living happily among family and friends as a resident of Lawrence, Kansas

Naomi is preceded in death by her parents Robert and Beatrice Collins, her sister Mildred Goodwin, and sister Dorothy Johnson.

She is survived by her two sisters (Irene Goodwin, Marie Rucker) her five daughters (Lois Avery (Felton), Aurelia Thomas-Ray (Robert), Norma Jean Lyles (Charles), Connie Adams (Gary) and Shelia Hogue (Charles)). Naomi also leaves behind seven grandchildren (Stacy Adams, Ryan Adams, Kourtnie Avery-Chung, Torren Thomas, Cedrick Lyles, Garrett Lyles, Cameron Hogue,) two great-grandchildren (Jordan Adams, Mei Avery-Chung) honorary daughter (Deanna Tetuan) honorary grandchildren (Blake Tetuan, Brooklin Tetuan) and a host of beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Naomi was a woman of strong convictions who lived and walked by faith. She was defined by her unwavering devotion to her family and the Lord Jesus Christ. In all trials and tribulations faced, in times of sadness or joy, Naomi always put God first and lived her life in the spirit of Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”
The family suggests memorial contributions made to Lawrence Heights Christian Church, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street. Lawrence, KS 66044. Online condolences made at rumsey-yost.com

Jonathan Andrew Billig

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The exciting moments of pregnancy have turned to sorrow and loss with the death of our baby boy, Jonathan Andrew Billig on June 2, 2020. He was a much anticipated member of our family and his sister Abigail was delighted to have a sibling. However he was too bright a star and wasn’t ready for this world. He will forever be in our hearts.

He leaves behind his loving family: Parents Shane and Kyla Billig, Sister Abigail Chester, Maternal Grandparents Karen and Kurt Dieffenbach and Steven and Jodi Adams, Paternal Grandparents Karla and Allen Williams and Doug and Esther Billig, numerous Great-Grandparents, several Aunts and Uncles and other loving family and friends.

We want to thank the doctors and nurses at the KU Medical Center and particularly Dr. Winchester and RN Lauren Galvin for the support and care during this difficult time.

Raymond A. ‘Ray’ Urbanek

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Ray Urbanek, 58, died December 10th, 2017. He was born and raised in Topeka, Kansas.

Ray was an avid outdoorsman, as well as a competitive fisherman. He also enjoyed hunting and playing golf.

Ray retired as a Captain from the Lawrence Police Department in 2011 after over 27 years of service. He thrived on a life of service both in his career and his personal life.

Ray spent his time on this planet providing security and love to those around him. He enjoyed 25 years of marriage with his wife Kerrie, and loved working on their home and property.

Everyone that encountered Ray left a wealthier human being. He truly had a selfless spirit and could make a lifetime friend in a moment. He treasured time with his family and friends.

Ray is survived by his wife Kerrie, his son Dustin Chase and his daughter-in-law, Alex, as well as his mother Lois Urbanek, brother Barry and sister-in-law, Carla, and his beloved golden retriever Bella, “FMIL” mother-in-law and father-in-law Sue and Monte Pearson, sister-in-law Kim Fulcher, brother-in-law Kevin Fulcher and wife Trish, and step brother Robert Pearson and wife Debbie, many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, special bonus family Vince, Julie, Alex, Haley, Lila, and Tariku Avila, and innumerable friends.

Ray was preceded in death by his father, Roland Urbanek, and his brother, Randall. He is greatly missed by his family and friends.

Services will be held at Lawrence Free Methodist Church, 3001 Lawrence Ave. in Lawrence, on Friday, December 15th, at four o’clock in the afternoon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to the Fraternal Order of Police Lawrence Lodge #2, the Kansas Walleye Association, or the Lawrence Humane Society, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.

John Wesley Clark

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John Wesley Clark, 78, of Lawrence died Friday, September 15th at Lawrence Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family.

John was born May 15th, 1939 to Amos and Nancy (Tiger) Clark.

He has been a member of the Lawrence community since 1956, when he started school at Haskell Indian Nations University.  He worked for Coca-Cola for 27 years as a warehouse manager, and he also worked for Stokely- Van Camp for some time. In his spare time, John enjoyed fishing and playing pool. Many people around Lawrence knew him as Joe or “The Hustler”, a nickname he acquired over the years of playing pool around town. John was a member of the Indian Methodist church, and was a sponsor for Alcoholics Anonymous, the River City, Jayhawk, and Retreat and Sunshine chapters. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and will be missed greatly.

He married Martha Mae Watson on October 8th, 1962. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include his sons John Clark Jr., Ramus Clark, and David Clark; brother Charles Maylen, sister Mary Chotkey, and step-daughter Laquita Watson. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers James and Andrew Clark.