Albert Lee Grayson, Sr

Albert Lee Grayson, Sr. arrived on this side of heaven on April 18, 1930, to his loving parents Willie James and Dorris Ellis Grayson, in Kansas City, Kansas. When he was born, Albert was also welcomed by siblings Dorothy Mae, Betty Jane and James Edward. Two years after Albert was born, Willie and Dorris welcomed their last child, and Albert’s youngest sister, Bobbie Jean.

Having been born in the 1930’s, Albert experienced the many challenges of growing up in a segregated world, but he always met every challenge with his gentle spirit. Growing up, he had several friends, but his closest and best friend was Charles Kelly. They were quite the pair, had fun wherever they went, and were known to pull pranks in the neighborhood or be found sledding down the hilly street, somehow avoiding oncoming cars as they skidded around corners! He’d tell stories of the trains going by and the “coal man” throwing coal down off the train to the people so they could have free coal to heat their homes.

Albert’s educational achievements include his graduation from Sumner High School, Kansas City, Kansas in 1948 where he received numerous accolades from his teachers. This was followed by his attendance at the University of Kansas where he graduated in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. While at KU, he became a very proud member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He was a lifelong Jayhawks fan and would always make sure the family visited campus every time we were in Lawrence.

While at KU, Albert met the woman who became the love of his life – his Anna Marie. They dated and then shortly after his graduation, Albert entered active service with the United States Army and was then stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. It was there that he successfully completed Leadership Training in March 1952, and subsequently became one of the first black candidates at The Engineer Officers Candidate School from May to October 1952.

Immediately following his graduation from Officers Candidate School, he proposed marriage to Anna Marie, and the two were married on November 23, 1952, in Lawrence, Kansas. They lived in Lawrence together where they welcomed their first of five children, Bettina, in 1954. Albert was hired as an Engineer by Westinghouse Corporation, along with his best friend Charles, which is how the move to California began. Albert and Anna Marie bought their first California home in Sunnyvale, and subsequently welcomed 3 additional children, Albert, Jr., Melinda, and William. In 1961 Albert moved his family to Cupertino, where they welcomed their final child, Andrea. In 1976 they moved to San Jose where they stayed until moving to Stockton in 2001.

At Westinghouse Albert oversaw the team responsible for designing the Trident nuclear missile casings for submarines. He retired after over 30 years with the company, after which Albert stayed busy and involved in the community tutoring high school math students, being the Editor for the Reserve Officers Association Newsletter, Chapter 63, and always kept busy in his most favorite job – that of being a Grandpa and traveling the world with his Anna Marie, capturing every moment on his camera.

The Lord blessed Albert to live 93 years on this side of heaven. He is now at rest and was greeted by his wife Anna Marie, who preceded him in death in 2012, as well as his parents, Willie and Dorris Grayson, his sisters Betty Jean Turner and Dorothy Mae Brown, as well as his brother James Edward Grayson, and Baby Grayson. Left to carry on his legacy are his sister, Bobbie Jean Saulet; his children, Bettina Jones, Albert Grayson, Jr. (Catherine), Melinda Griffith (Gary), William, and Andrea; grandchildren Rashaan Yarber, Lydell Yarber, Marquis Yarber, Adrianna Griffith, Erin Grayson, Shanell Grayson; great-grandchildren Jared Yarber, Nathaniel Yarber, Andrew (Yarber) Noland, Elijah Yarber, Kaliah Yarber, Kimani Yarber, and Tenaji Yarber, and Ja’Colby Grayson. The larger extended family left to remember his love and legacy include numerous beloved nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Funeral Services for Albert Lee Grayson Sr., 93, Stockton, CA, will be 11 am, Saturday, August 19, 2023, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Burial with Military Honors will take place at 11 am, Monday, August 21, 2023, at Leavenworth National Cemetery.

Dennis Joseph Supancic, Sr.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Dennis Joseph Supancic, Sr., 73, on April 24th, 2023. After a long struggle with several health issues Dennis passed away at home, as he desired.

Dennis was born on December 30th, 1949, to Tony and Lilly Supancic in Columbus, KS. He grew up in Scammon, KS, followed by Lawrence, KS, where he attended Lawrence High School. He graduated with a High School Diploma in 1967. He was united in marriage to Sheila (Nightingale) on February 11, 1974. Together they were blessed with two children: Daughter Tammy and son Dennis.

After graduating high school Dennis volunteered to join the National Guard and was enlisted from 1970-1974. During this time he trained as a jet mechanic, developing his unique aptitude for troubleshooting large machines and equipment – as well as dismantling, transporting, and reassembling them. Later he established his own brokering business, D&S Graphics and Associates, where he would match buyer and seller for printing and binding equipment and then proceed to break down the equipment for relocation and piece it back together on his own. He approached his work and career with a distinctive tenacity, resourcefulness, and industrial vigor that separated him from his peers.

 

Dennis will always be remembered by those who knew him as a fully devoted father and husband. His family was his passion and purpose in life, and with single-minded determination he supported each member individually with everything at his disposal. His delight was caring for those he loved by addressing their needs. He never stopped looking for ways to provide and communicate his love through ensuring these needs were being met – and that most wants were met as well. He would often accumulate small useful items discovered over the course of his travels to give to his loved ones later, serving as evidence that they were always on his mind.

Dennis will be missed by his wife, children, and loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A private viewing for his immediate family was held on 5/3/23 at Rumsey-Yost, followed by burial at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence, KS.

Dad, you will be dearly and sorely missed. We love you.

Norman Lee Myers, Sr.

Private family services are planned for Norman Lee Myers Sr., 54, Lawrence, who passed away Thursday, May 19, 2022, at his home.

Mr. Myers was born and raised in Topeka, KS. He moved to Lawrence KS in 2012. He passed away at his residence on May 19, 2022. Norman was a kind hearted individual who was highly skilled in all forms of carpentry work. He enjoyed fishing and spending time with his grandchildren. The last years of his life he battled liver cancer but never failed to be there for his family. He will be missed by many and is survived by his four children Lynsi Hedges, Norman Myers jr., Sarah Conklin, Andrea Green and eight grandchildren, Brayden, Kynsleigh, Hunter, Kingstyn, Rylan, Emma, Emersyn, and little Hunter.

Cecil L. Dawes Sr.

Cecil L. Dawes, Sr., former resident of Seiling, passed from this life on June 29, 2018 at his home in Lawrence, KS, at the age of 70. He was surrounded by his loving family after a short but hard-fought battle with cancer. Cecil was born on November 4, 1947 in Concho, OK to Steve Dawes and Mary (Black) Little Coyote. Cecil grew up in Seiling area from age 5 until graduating from Seiling High School with the Class of 1965. He began college at Haskell Institute, and later went on to receive his Bachelor’s degree in Vocational-Technical Education at Pittsburg State University in 1968. He also obtained credits for his Master’s in Human Resources from Pittsburg State University. He was married to Wylma (Davis) Dawes on June 22, 1967 in Seiling, Oklahoma. Cecil began his teaching career at Arkansas City High School until 1983 when he became the Humanities and Graphic Arts teacher for Haskell Indian Nation University until his retirement. Cecil was also a member of the Kit Fox Warrior Society, sponsor of the Indian Club at the University, and a member of the Thunderbird Theater. In his spare time Cecil enjoyed Pow-Wow Dancing and spending time with his grandchildren for all of their school and sporting events.

Cecil was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Little Coyote, his son Cecil Dawes, Jr., and a sister, Wilma Little Coyote.

Cecil is survived by his wife of 51 years, Wylma Dawes; two children, Chelsea Anglin and husband Sutagee of Lawrence, KS and Chebon S. Dawes and wife Jalinn of Lawrence; six grandchildren Brianna, Alexia, Sutagee Jr., Delaney, Chebon H., and Lynzee; and two sisters, Karen Little Coyote of Seiling, OK and Rachel Cole of Ponca City, OK, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

A traditional Cheyenne wake service will be held at 7 PM on Monday, July 2, 2018 at the C-1 Community Building. Funeral Services will take place at 10 AM on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at the Restoration Church. Burial will follow at Brumfield Cemetery.

Memorial Donations in Cecil’s name may be made to the Visiting Nurses Association of Douglas County or Lawrence Meals on Wheels in care of Redinger Funeral Home (Box 236, Seiling, OK 73663)

David Leroy Davis, Sr.

Graveside services for David Leroy Davis, Sr., 57, Lawrence, will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 12, 2018 at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Mr. Davis died June 27, 2018, at his home.

He was born September 29, 1960, in Ukiah, California, the son of Ralph Leonard and Lily Louise McCracken Davis. He graduated from Lawrence High School in 1979.

Mr. Davis worked for the City of Lawrence, Honey Creek Disposal, and as a union carpenter. He enjoyed working on his vehicles, cutting wood, watching TV, and visiting on the porch with family.

Survivors include a son, David “DJ” Davis Jr. of Lawrence; his mother, Lily of Lawrence; sisters, Vicky Rousselo and husband Earl of Lawrence, Brenda Davis-Miller and husband Mike of Lawrence; brother, Ronnie Davis and wife Bonnie of Perry; and 2 grandchildren.

David was preceded in death by his father and wife, Carlene Passell.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the David Davis Memorial Fund, sent in care of the funeral home, to help with funeral arrangements.