BUTLER COUNTY, KANSAS

OBITUARIES

AUER, JAMES LESTER "LES"

James Lester "Les" Auer, 81, of 324 N. Summit, died Wednesday morning at Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at the Carlson Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Sunset Lawns Cemetery.

He was born March 25, 1902 at Tina, Carroll County, Mo., the son of William and Sena Miller Auer. He was a banker for the El Dorado National Bank and a lease broker and real estate agent, retiring in 1974. He had lived in El Dorado since 1920 and lived all but one year of his life in Butler county.

He was a member of the First Christian Church, a 50-year member of the Elks Club, a former Lions Club and Rotary Club member.

On May 15, 1937 he married Velma Covert in El Dorado.

Survivors include his wife, Velma of the home; a brother, Bruce Auer, El Dorado; two sisters, Mildred Auer, El Dorado; and Bernice Compton of Manhattan, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Dale and Gerald and a sister, Virginia.

Memorial to the Bradford Memorial Library or the First Christian Church may be left at Carlson Funeral Home where friends may call. (El Dorado Times, May 1, 1984)

AUSTIN, NANCY C.

Funeral services for Mrs. Nancy C. Austin, 82, 501-1/2 West Olive, who died here June 30 were conducted this morning from the Byrd Funeral Home.

Rev. Leonard J. Smoot, pastor of the Methodist Church officiated.

W. C. Lange sang "Goin' Home."

He was accompanied by Mrs. Fred Burr. Mrs. Burr also played an instrumental solo, "The Lord's Prayer."

Pallbearers were Harry Austin, R. M. McCauley, D. D. Morris, W. B. Morris, R. A> Osborn, and Austin Sterchi.

Burial was in Sunset Lawns Cemetery. (El Dorado Times, July 3, 1951)

BEARDMORE, MRS. JAMES M.

Mrs. James M. Beardmore, 80, of 810 South Main street, a resident of El Dorado since 1921, died Friday at Valley View Convalescent home.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at the Kirby Funeral Home Chapel.

Burial will be in Sunset Lawns Cemetery.

Mrs. Beardmore was born May 19, 1887, at Calois, Ohio. She was married to Mr. Beardmore at Tulsa, Okla., on March 13, 1911. She came to El Dorado from Texas in 1921. Mrs. Beardmore was a member of the First Methodist Church.

Surviving are the widower, a son, James W. Beardmore, 1017 North Washington street, three sisters, Mrs. Louise Hendershot, of Malaga, Ohio, Mrs. Mildred Hinton of Lowell, Ohio and Mrs. Cora Lough of Odessa, Tex.; two brothers, Frank Leach of Cisco, Tex., and Herbert Leach of Oklahoma City, Okla. There are two grandsons.

A sister and three brothers preceded Mrs. Beardmore in death. (El Dorado Times, June 3, 1967)

BIDDLE, ERNEST E.

Funeral services for Ernest E. Biddle, 63, of 917 West Carr avenue, who died Tuesday will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Dietz-Pittman Colonial chapel.

Mr. Biddle was employed as a billing clerk on the Santa Fe Railway loading dock prior to retiring in 1958 because of ill health. He had lived in El Dorado for 30 years coming here from Kingman, Kan., and Alton, Mo. He ws born at Kingman on May 25, 1904.

Surviving are two sons, Donald R. Biddle of Claymont, Del. and Richard E. Biddle of EL Dorado Route 2, a daughter, Mrs. Marilyn K. Range, 532 North Emporia street, two brothers, Walter L. Biddle of Wichita and Clarence E. Biddle of Thayer, Mo.; and a sister, Mrs. Lottie M. Gower, 917 West Carr. There are seven grandchildren. Four sisters, and a brother preceded Mr. Biddle in death.

The Rev. Donald D. McCracken, pastor of the First Baptist Church will officiate. Burial will be in Sunset Lawns Cemetery. (El Dorado Times, November 7, 1967)

BOLIN, MRS. NATHAN

Mrs. Nathan Bolin, 60, a resident of El Dorado for the past 20 years, died at her home, 521 North Main Saturday afternoon.

Mrs. Bolin had previously lived at Iola. She was a member of the First Baptist Church and the Golden Age Club.

She was born August 26, 1902, at Appleton City, Mo., and was married to Nathan Henry Bolin, July 9, 1932 at Yates Center.

Survivors include the husband: two step-daughters, Mrs. Florence Mayfield, Chanute, and Mrs. Delores Newby, Plattsburg, Mo., four sons, Buddy Lee, 532 North Atchison, Nathan H., Jr., Buena Vista, Colo., William B. of Wichita and Gary Paul of the home; two sisters, Mrs. Georgia Smith, 627 North Summit and Mrs. Goldie Church, 804 Cherokee; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. A brother preceded her in death.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church with Rev. L. S. Atchison officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Lawns Cemetery. The Kirby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (El Dorado Times, no date given)

BOTKIN, F. C.

F. C. Botkin, 85, 317 West Cave Springs, died Saturday at Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital. Funeral services are scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Kirby Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Sunset Lawns Cemetery.

Mr. Botkin was born Aug. 26, 1889, near Wapakoneta, Ohio, the son of Elvon and Mary Botkin. He married Lillie Peterson, March 20, 1909, in Spencerville, Ohio. He came to the El Dorado area in 1925 from Ohio, and was formerly employed by the Mid-Kansas Oil Company and the Burns and Cox Oil Company as a cable driller.

Survivors include his wife of the home, one daughter, Mrs. Monezelle Parsons of Port Arthur, Texas; three sons, Clark Botkin and F. C. Botkin, Jr. both of Bay Town, Texas, and Vernon B. Botkin, Graham, Texas, nine grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three brothers and one sister.

A memorial has been established in his name with the First Christian Church. (El Dorado Times, May 1975)

F. C. Botkin, 85, 317 West Cave Springs, died Saturday, May 3, at Allen Memorial Hospital. Funeral services for Mr. Botkin, a 50-year resident of El Dorado were held Tuesday at the Kirby Funeral Home Chapel.

Rev. W. Frank Aten of the First Christian Church officiated at the services. Interment was at Sunset Lawns Cemetery.

Casket bearers were Dick Parsons, Earl Hulse, Bill Botkin, Mickey Wiley, Jim Hawkins and Pedro Huaracha.

Mr. Botkin was born August 26, 1889, near Wapakoneta, Ohio, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Elvon Botkin (Mary). He married Lillie Peyerson on March 20, 1909, in Spencerville, Ohio. He moved to the El Dorado area from Ohio in 1925 and was employed by the Mid Kansas Oil Company and the Burns and Cox Oil company as a cable driller.

Survivors in addition to his wife of the home, include a daughter, Mrs. Monezelle Parsons, Port Arthur, Texas; three sons, Clark and F. C. Jr., both of Baytown, Texas and Ned of Texas City, Texas, two brothers, Noble B. Borger, Texas, and Vernon B. Graham, Texas; nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by three brothers and one sister.

A memorial has been established in his name with the First Christian Church. Donations may be made through the church or the Kirby Funeral Home. (El Dorado Times, May 8, 1975)

BRENTLINGER, MAXINE M.

Maxine M. Brentlinger, 68, of Wichita, former El Dorado resident, died Monday evening, Dec. 7, 1992, at HCA Wesley Medical Center. Services are 2 p.m. Saturday in Sunset Lawns Cemetery. The Rev. Jerry Milleson will officiate the services.

She was born Jan. 7, 1924, in Midian to Max and Hazel (Cheney) Fryback, and graduated from Hamilton High School. During WWII, she worked at Boeing Aircraft. On Feb. 9, 1946, she and Robert Brentlinger were married in Hamilton. She had also lived in Great Bend. She was a retired dental receptionist and a member of the Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church and a former member of the Petroleum Club in Wichita.

Survivors include: husband, Robert, parents, Max and Hazel Fryback of Pratt; sister, Gerry Brown of Bluff City.

Memorial are to Mount Olive United Methodist Church, 3515 S. Elizabeth, Wichita. Kirby Morris Funeral Home has the arrangements. (El Dorado Times, December 9, 1992)

BROADSTOCK, AMANDA ELIZABETH

Amanda Elizabeth Broadstock, 74, a lifetime resident here died Friday.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Dunsford Funeral Home here. Burial will be in Sunset Lawns Cemetery, El Dorado, Kan.

She was the widow of Bert Broadstock, who died in 1960. She was a member of First Christian Church, Haverhill, Kan.

Survivors include two sons, Bob, El Dorado and Bill, Augusta, four daughters, Mrs. Nellie Foreman, Seattle, Wash., Mrs. Wilda Nelson, Springfield, Mo., and Mrs. Dorothy Gray and Mrs. Betty Patterson both of Augusta; five brothers, Earl Stonemets, Bellevue, Colo., Bill Stonemets, Buhl, Idaho, Ted Stonemets, Windsor, Colo., and Elzie Stonemets, Fort Collins, Colo., and two sisters, Mrs. Ruth Grubb, Independence, Mo., and Mrs. Lila Westcott, Windsor. (The Wichita Eagle, Saturday, July 1, 1967)

CARPENTER, JOHN M.

John M. Carpenter, was born in Garrard County, KY., on October 29, 1842. He died at his home in Red Rock, Okla., on Monday, June 18, 1928 at the age of 85 years, 7 months and 20 days. Acute indigestion and heart trouble were the causes of his death. He lived in Kentucky with his parents on a farm until 1861. He was one of ten children all of whom preceded him in death, except two sisters and one brother who live in Kentucky. They are Mrs. Mollie Cummings, Mrs. Jennie Edminston and Samuel D. Carpenter.

Mr. Carpenter volunteered with the Union Army at the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861 and served three years and four months in the Seventh Kentucky Cavalry, joining General Sherman on his famous march to the sea. He took part in all of the principal battles, including the battle of Lookout Mountain, Gettysburg and Chancellorville. Mr. Carpenter had the privilege of seeing Abraham Lincoln when he visited the camps at Gettysburg. He became a Second Lieutenant before the close of the war. He was mustered out at Macon, Ga., with an honorable discharge.

He was married to Fannie Reid on April 8, 1861. To this union were born eleven children Kate L., Lucy R., James B., A. Reid, Samuel D., William D., Olive May, Oriana, Dick, Oliver, Logan.

After the close of the war, Mr. Carpenter with his little family moved to Illinois where they lived about three years. They came to Butler County in 1869 and lived in El Dorado. In the winter of 1870, they moved on a homestead one and a half miles west of town.

On June 16, 1871 his home was blown away, losing everything he had. He went to El Dorado bareheaded to get clothing and something to eat but was happy and thankful to know that his family was still alive. He then patched up a little box house and stayed on the homestead. He killed plenty of deer, turkey, and prairie chickens and freighted and provided clothes and groceries for the family. He hunted buffalo, traded with the Indians and sold robes.

It was on one of his buffalo hunts near Medicine Lodge in January 1873, that a terrible blizzard and snowstorm came. The party included several men, some of whom were Stephen Fowler, Dr. Sherrod Dutton, Henry Martin, Josh Holden, L. McFarland, Sam Betts, W. E. Smith, Alfred Comb, Ed Fowler, Tom Lafferty, Henry Martin, John Cupples, and John Carpenter. The trail was so covered with drifted snow that no one knew which way to go, and could travel only as driven by the storm. There were five covered wagons with teams. They had to camp and the snow drifted over the wagons. Some of the men gave up in despair but the others kept moving about to keep from freezing to death. Some of the men died from exposures, Henry Martin was the grandfather of the Martin Brothers who now have a Metal Manufacturing Company in Wichita. Mr. Martin died about a month after this trip due from being exposed and frozen so badly. Twenty buffalo were killed on this trip in spite of the tragedy and suffering.

John Carpenter helped to haul the lumber and build the first frame house in Wichita. He hauled lumber from Emporia to build the first frame house in Sumner City.

During these years of hardships when crops were poor, Mr. Carpenter worked and helped to build the Santa Fe railroad from Emporia to Arkansas City and then on through Oklahoma.

In the year of 1874 he saw the hardest times in his life. The grasshoppers took everything, flour was $8 a hundred and corn $2 per bushel and it all had to be hauled from Emporia which was the cloest railroad at the time.

For several years Mr. Carpenter ran a freezer, killing and freezing game and shipped it to eastern markets. One year he with the help of his sons, froze and shipped 30,000 dozen plovers.

Mr. Carpenter stayed on the homestead, adding more land, until at the time he sold he had 540 acres and a fine herd of Galloway cattle. He sold his land to E. Finney. The land is now in the producing oil area of Butler County, oil being discovered after Mr. Carpenter disposed of his holdings.

On February 14, 1902, his wife, Fannie Carpenter, died and was buried in West Cemetery.

After living in Kansas for 36 years, Mr. Carpenter went to Oklahoma in the fall of 1905 purchasing a farm five miles west of Red Rock where he lived for several years. He kept the farm until 1927 when he sold it to John Diehm.

In the year of 1911, Mr. Carpenter went to Florida and bought land near St. Cloud on which he planted an orange grove. He spent 17 winters there going in the fall and returning to Red Rock in the spring. He fished and hunted and camped out a large part of the time. Mr. Carpenters grandchildren always looked forward each winter for the crates of oranges, grapefruit, and tangerines that he picked from his grove and shipped back to Oklahoma. Mr. Carpenter was a man of God's great outdoors, who loved nature and was in splendid health until the short illness that took his life. It was the first time he was ever confined to his bed because of illness. He always said that his long life was due to outdoor living. Mr. Carpenter was a patient, kind and loving father to the end. He leaves five sons; Reid Carpenter of Harrisonville, Mo.; Samuel D. Carpenter of near Red Rock. They were all at his bedside during his sickness and death. He also leaves seventeen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday afternoon at 5 o'clock at the auditorium in Red Rock. Rev. David Thomas of Perry and Rev. Logan Cornelius of Red Rock, were in charge of the services. Mr. Carpenter's five sons and oldest grandson were pallbearers. A mixed quartette sang: "The Old Rugged Cross," "The End of the Way," and "Whispering Hope," Mrs. Hartman, of Perry sang "The End of a Perfect Day."

The body was brought to El Dorado where a short service was held at the Byrd Brothers Funeral Home. The services were conducted by the Rev. F. W. Condit, pastor of the Christian Church, Charles Harvey, an old time friend of Mr. Carpenter, sang "In the Garden," and "Jesus Savior Pilot Me." Interment was made in the West Cemetery by the side of his wife and four daughters. Mr. Carpenter leaves a host of relatives and friends who mourn his departure. The mounds of beautiful flowers and the large number that were present at the services were evidence of the high esteem in which he was held.

Mr. Carpenter's entire estate was left to his five sons and one granddaughter.

Mr. Carpenter was the third old soldier in Noble county to die since Memorial Day. (El Dorado Times, July 4, 1928)

COLLIER, THOMAS J. "JOE"

Thomas J. "Joe" Collier, 59, of El Dorado, died Saturday, Jan. 12, 2002 at Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital. Services were held at 10 a.m. Thursday at Carlson Funeral Home. Interment followed in Walnut Valley Memorial Park.

He was born July 6, 1942 to Lawrence J. and Josephine (Schmidt) Collier. He served in the United States Marine Corps for 22-1/2 years, serving in Vietnam. He was working for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company as a customer service technician. He was a member of the A. F. L./C. I. O. and Union Steward Communication Workers of America, and was a former reserve firefighter/police officer. He loved to fish and was an avid Kansas Chiefs fan.

On Feb. 19, 1966, he was married to G. Ruthann Hanks in El Dorado.

Survivors include: his wife of the home, sons, Paul D. Collier, and Lawrence O. Collier, both of El Dorado, a brother, Robert Collier of Huntsville, Ala., sister Catherine Olmstead of Columbus, Ohio; 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Lisa G. Braden; and a brother, Lawrence D. Collier.

Friends may call at Carlson Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the Salvation Army in care of Carlson Funeral Home, which has the arrangements. (El Dorado Times, January 19, 2002)

CROOK, LETHA DAVIDSON

Letha Davidson Crook, died November 16, 1905. She had been sick for many weeks, suffering with a cancer, which dreaded disease caused her death. The deceased was born in Hendricks county, Indiana, October 14, 1877. She came to Kansas with her parents in 1878 and has lived in Butler county the rest of her life. She was a faithful member of the Baptist Church. She leaves a husband, J. I. Crook, her mother, Mrs. N. A. Davidson, five brothers and four sisters. Two brothers, S. L. and Charles Davidson live in Ogden, Utah and two sisters, Mrs. A. D. Hoskins of Kemmerer, Wyoming and Mrs. V. A. Morford of Andover, Kansas and Mrs. Josie Ross, O. M. Davidson, John Davidson, Clarence Davidson and Anna Davidson all of El Dorado. The funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 at the Baptist Church. Interment will be in the West Cemetery. (Walnut Valley Times, November 24, 1905)

CUMMINS, WILLIAM C. "BILL"

William C. "Bill" Cummins, 76, of El Dorado, retired Dean of Student Services at Butler County Community College, died Saturday, Dec. 30, at the Veterans Hospital in Wichita. Services will be held at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 3, at the First Presbyterian Church in El Dorado. Interment will follow in Sunset Lawns Cemetery, El Dorado.

He was born Feb. 26, 1924, to William Harry and Cuba Higgins Cummins in Arkansas City. His preparations for teaching began in the fall of 1941 at Arkansas City Junior College. Three years of service in the Navy from 1943 to 1946 temporarily interrupted his goal to become a teacher and athletic coach. In the fall of 1946, he enrolled at Kansas State Teachers College in Pittsburg and obtained a bachelor of science degree in education in the spring of 1947. In 1953, he earned a master of arts in education administration at the University of Wyoming and then in August of 1971, a specialist in education degree at Emporia State University.

His first teaching and coaching job was with Decatur County Community High School in Oberlin, where he taught history and served as head basketball coach and also assisted in football and track. In the fall of 1952, he accepted the position of head basketball coach at Dodge City Junior College.

In the summer of 1960 he accepted the position of head basketball coach at El Dorado Junior College, where he spent 27 years as a coach, teacher and administrator. During the first two years at El Dorado Junior College, he taught five class sections of math in El Dorado Junior High School, coached basketball and assisted with football at the college. In the fall of 1962 he was assigned full time to the college where he continued to teach math and coach.

In the fall of 1965, he was assigned the responsibility of academic dean and was relieved of his coaching duties. He continued in this capacity until July of 1971 when he became the Dean of Student Services. He continued in this capacity until his retirement in1987. After retiring from B. C. C. C. he spent five months at Dodge City Community College as Dean of Students and athletic director and then again for five months at Independence Community College.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, B. C. C. C. Booster Club and the American Legion and was a former Rotarian.

On July 30, 1955, he was married to Esther Longenecker in Wichita.

Survivors include: his wife of the home, a son, Jim Cummins of Emporia, daughters, Janet Rhoads of Wichita and Barbara Gladd of Ponca City, Okla., sisters, Irene Joraski of Vacaville, Calif., and Carolyn Tucker of Arkansas City, and six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother.

Memorials may be made to Butler County Community College or Hospice, Inc. in care of Carlson Funeral Home, 200 S. Star, El Dorado, KS 67042, which has the arrangements. (El Dorado Times, January 2, 2001)

CUNNINGHAM, JOHN CHARLES

Funeral services for John Charles Cunningham, 1 day old son of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Cunningham, Route 4, were conducted this morning from the Kirby Funeral Home.

The infant was born Thursday and died the following day.

Besides the parents survivors are the grandparents Mr. and Mrs. C. Cunningham, Route 4, and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Dovale, Oketo, Kans.; the great-grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Schultz, Maryville, Kans., and Mrs. Annie Dennison, Oketo, and one sister, Barbara Ann of the home.

Rev. Donald C. Morrison, pastor of the Presbyterian Church officiated.

Burial was in Sunset Lawns Cemetery. (El Droado Times, June 30, 1951)

DANIELS, HERBERT CLYDE

Herbert Clyde Daniels, 63, of El Dorado, died Monday, Feb. 8, 1993, at Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital. Services are 2 p.m. Thursday at Carlson Funeral Home. Burial will be in Sunset Lawns Cemetery. The Rev. Stan Seymour will officiate the services.

He was born March 8, 1929 in Swain, Ark., to Roy and Lois Neal Daniels. He had worked for Skelly, Getty and Texaco for 40 years and retired Dec. 31, 1992, as regional manager for Wynne Transportation.

On June 8, 1946, he and Julia Gipson were married in Harrison, Ark., and they moved to El Dorado in 1949. He served in the National Guard for one year and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Harrison and the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers Union.

Survivors include, wife, Julia, sons, Marvin, Roger, both of El Dorado; mother, Lois Duncan of Valley Springs, Ark.; brothers, Bill, Jerry, both of Harrison, Ark., Dolan, Johnny, both of El Dorado; sisters, Marietta White of Towanda, Niva Jo Riggs of Burns, Minnie Greenhaw, Sue Simmons, Donna Larson all of Harrison, stepsister, Helen Edwards of El Dorado; five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father.

Memorials are to the Center for Basic Cancer Research at Kansas State University. (El Dorado Times, February 10, 1993)

DODSON, EARL F.

Earl F. Dodson, 52, of 1501 Shelden street, died Thursday night at Allen Memorial hospital. He had been in failing health for many years.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday at the Dietz-Pittman Colonial chapel with the Rev. Orvell Hess, pastor of the First Church of the Nazarene, officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Lawns Cemetery.

Mr. Dodson was born Sept. 3, 1914, at South West City, Mo., and the family moved to El Dorado in 1926.

Surviving are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Dodson of the home; two brothers, Harold Dodson, 401 Haverhill road, and Glenn L. Dodson of the home; two sisters, Mrs. Howard Sipe, 1241 Douglass road and Mrs. Manley Parson, 1500 Shelden street. (El Dorado Times, December 9, 1966)

FARRIS, STEPHEN DALE

Graveside services for Stephen Dale Farris, infant son of Jack and Joyce Farris of El Dorado, will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at Sunset Lawns Cemetery. Survivors are two brothers, Tommy and Bryan, both of the home; the maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Duntz, 1140 Ellet and the maternal great-grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Phil Stoller, Smith Center. The Kirby Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. (El Dorado Times, November 22,1975)

FIELDS, MAUDE L.

Maude L. Fields, 96, El Dorado, died today at the Augusta Medical Complex. Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday in the Kirby Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Sunset Lawns Cemetery.

Mrs. Fields was born Dec. 2, 1879 in Birdsrun, Ohio, the daughter of Spencer and Mary Marilda Lawrence.

She married Orry Ellison Fields on Feb. 2, 1900, in Onaga. He died in May 14, 1963.

She had lived in the El Dorado area since 1917 coming here from Onaga. She was a member of the First Christian Church and the Royal Neighbors.

Mrs. Fields is survived by one son Lester L. Fields of Wichita. (El Dorado Times, February 12, 1975)

Mrs. Orry Ellison Fields (Maude L.), 96, former El Doradoan, died Wednesday, Feb. 12 at the Augusta Medical complex. Graveside services were held Friday afternoon at Sunset Lawns Cemetery. Kirby Funeral home was in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Fields was born December 2, 1879, in Birdsrun, Ohio, the daughter of Spencer and Mary Marilda Lawrence. She married Orry Ellison Fields on February 2, 1900, in Onaga. He died May 14, 1963. She had lived in the El Dorado area since 1917 coming here from Onaga. She was a member of the First Christian church and the Royal Neighbors.

Mrs. Fields L. Fields of Wichita, son, Lester L. Fields of Wichita, two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. (El Dorado Times, February 20, 1975)

FINLEY, WALTER S.

Walter S. Finley, 79, 1312 South High, a resident of El Dorado since the mid-1920's died Thursday at Allen Memorial Hospital.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday at Dietz Colonial Chapel. Burial will be in Sunset Lawns Cemetery.

Born at Lone Rock, Ark., May 26, 1892, he was a retired employee of American Petrofina and a veteran of World War I.

His wife, Mattie died in 1961.

Mr. Finley was a member of the Church of Christ here.

Survivors include: three brothers, Jackson Finley, Broken Arrow, Okla., Mastin Finley, Norfolk, Ark., and Robert Finley, Lone Rock, Ark. (El Dorado Times, April 20, 1972)

FLEGLER, LUTHER E.

Luther E. Flegler, 58, El Dorado brother in law of Virgil Squires of Augusta, died Friday at the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Oklahoma City, Okla.

His service will be at 2 p.m. tomorrow at the Carlson Funeral Home in El Dorado. Rev. Don Swender will officiate and burial will be in Sunset Lawn Cemetery.

He was born Feb. 12, 1922 in Russell to Alex and Martha Deines Flegler.

He married Darlene Squires Sept. 19, 1942 in Russell. She survives.

He was a trucker and an oil pumper. He also had worked for the Butler County Highway Department.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was a member of the VFW.

Other survivors include a son, Gary, and two daughters, Cheryl Flegler, and Teresa Poe, all of El Dorado, two brothers, Albert Flegler of Russell and Benny Flegler of Las Vegas, Nevada, a sister, Fern Wilhelm of Hoisington and two grandchildren. (El Dorado Times, January 12, 1981)

GAMBLE, CHARLES H.

Charles H. Gamble, 85, of El Dorado route one, who died January 11 at his home near Towanda, was a resident of Butler county most of his life. Although he had suffered from a heart ailment several months, his death was unexpected.

A son of Benjamin C. and Susan (Harshman) Gamble, he was born August 27, 1882 on the Gamble homestead six miles south of El Dorado, and was married to Miss Jeannette Morgan August 8, 1907. With the exception of ten years spent in Canon City, Colo., where he was associated with New Jersey Zinc Company, he had spent his life in farming. For seven years he lived at St. Mary's and five in Cowley county.

Mr. Gamble attended Snow School and was reared as a member of the United Brethren Church. As a young man he was a member of the Kansas State National Guard serving at Manhattan. He also served his community as a member of the boards of education at Atlanta and Emmett (Kansas).

Surviving are Mrs. Gamble; two sons, and two daughters, Bradford Morgan Gamble of DeGraff, Ohio; Warren Edward Gamble, El Dorado route one; Mrs. Ethel Dyer, El Paso, Texas, and Mrs. Clara Williams of Bethesda, Md., 13 grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Mr. Gamble was preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Louise; a brother, Mose gamble and four sisters, Mrs. Guy Maxwell (Mary), Mrs. Nora Shoots, Mrs. Henry McDowell (Lou), Mrs. Robert Bals (Katie).

The Rev. L. D. Peyton, pastor of the Towanda Methodist Church, officiated at services Monday at the Kirby Funeral Home Chapel. Mrs. H. W. Bullerdiek played organ selections. The casket bearers were Michael Williams, Patrick Williams William Williams, Max Gamble, David Gamble and Robert Sommers. Interment was in Sunset Lawns. (El Dorado Times, January 18, 1968)

FRY, CLOVIS L.

Clovis L. Fry who died Tuesday, June 29, at his home, 424 West Kansas avenue, was born July 7, 1907 at Winona, Mo., and came to El Dorado in 1917 with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Henry Fry (Catherine Phillips).

He had been with the Skelly Oil Company twenty three years before his employment at Beech Aircraft in Wichita until1959. In recent years he had operated the Clovis Fry Repair Shop.

Mr. Fry was a member of the El Dorado Moose Lodge.

Surviving are a son, James L. Fry of New York City, two sisters, and two brothers, Miss Irene Fry of the home; Mrs. Ruth Muldon of New York City, Murl Fry, Fort Worth, Texas, and Earl Fry of Houston, Texas, and two grandchildren, Michele and Douglas Fry of New York City.

The Kirby Funeral Home has charge of arrangements. (El Dorado Times, July 1, 1965)

Funeral services for Clovis L. Fry, 57, of 424 West Kansas, were conducted Friday at the Kirby Funeral Home Chapel by the Rev. C. M. Nutter, staff member of the First Methodist Church.

Musical selections were played on the organ by Mrs. H. W. Bullerdiek.

Serving as casket bearers were William K. Hurd, Vernon Mitchell, Davis R. Nelson and Noble Waite.

Interment was made in Sunset Lawns Cemetery. (El Dorado Times, July 6, 1965)

GODDING, VIRGIL K.

Virgil K. Godding, 86, Topeka and a former El Dorado resident died Sunday evening at the Alter Gate Village Health Center in Topeka. Services will be Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. at Carlson Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Sunset Lawns Cemetery.

He was born Oct. 19, 1896 at Galena, Kan., the son of Charles Albert and Emma Smith Godding. He had lived in Topeka for the past two years, moving there from El Dorado where he had made his home since 1917. He was raised in Burns and attended Southwestern College at Winfield.

Godding worked at El Dorado National Bank, now the First National Bank & Trust, from 1917 until his retirement in 1958. He served on the El Dorado City Commission and was also mayor of El Dorado. He was Past Commander of El Dorado American Legion Post, a past president of the El Dorado Lions and a member for over 50 years of Patmos Lodge No. 97 AF&AM.

He served as treasurer of the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce, treasurer of the Salvation Army in El Dorado treasurer of the First United Methodist Church in El Dorado and served on the board of directors of Mid Continent Savings and Loan from 1942 until his retirement. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Topeka. During World War I he served in the U. S. Navy.

On Nov. 5, 1921, he married Elsie M. Brink. She preceded him in death on March 17, 1972. He later married LaVerna M. Gilkeson and she died on April 19, 1978.

Survivors include a daughter, Vina Smiley, Topeka, a brother, Mark A. Godding, Weslaco, Texas, a sister, Genevieve Ridgway, San Benito, Texas; and two grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by both wives; his parents, a daughter and a brother.

Memorials in his memory for the Godding Scholarship Fund at Butler County Community College may be left at Carlson Funeral Home where friends may call. (El Dorado Times, November 30, 1982)

HALFHILL, MRS. CHARLES

Mrs. Charles Halfhill, 211 East Second Avenue, died here early this morning following an illness of three months. She was 67 years old.

Mrs. Halfhill had been a resident of El Dorado 60 years and was well known here. She was born at Fall River February 19, 1873, and resided there and at Iola for a short time before moving to El Dorado. She was married at Eureka in 1915 but her husband died July 5, 1923. Mrs. Halfhill was a member of the Evangelical Church and also belonged to the Security Benefit Association.

Surviving are: four daughters, Mrs. Ada Letzkus, Mrs. Minnie Owens and Mrs. Irene Thomason, all of El Dorado and Mrs. Marcella Eberle, of Wichita, four sisters, Mrs. M. A. Layton, of Long Beach, Calif., Mrs. Sarah C. McDaniel of Santa Maria, Calif., Mrs. J. S. Bailey of Portland, Ore., and Mrs. Myrtle Swanson of Leavenworth; a brother, J. W. Quest of Union Gap, Wash.; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be conducted at the Byrd Funeral Home Monday afternoon at 2:30 with Rev. F. W. Kaiser, pastor of the Evangelical Church, officiating. Interment will be made in Sunset Lawns Cemetery. (El Dorado Times, 1940)

HARMON, ROBERT C.

Robert C. Harmon, 82, 511 S. Gordy, died Sunday. Service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Kirby-Morris Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Sunset Lawns Cemetery.

He ws born June 9, 1898 in Portage, Ohio the sun of Joseph T. and Rosa (Eausnaugh) Harmon.

Survivors include two nieces, Mrs. Laura Jean Scruggs, Memphis, Tenn., and Mrs. Geraldine Rogers, San Antonio, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.

The casket will be closed at the service, and friends may call at the home until 1 p.m. Wednesday. (El Dorado Times, June 9,1981)

HAWKS, ANDREW D.

Services for Andrew D. Hawks, whose death occurred April 4, were held Wednesday at the Kirby Funeral Home, Dr. O. Ray Cook officiating.

Graydon Waldorf, the vocalist, was accompanied by Mrs. H. W. Bullerdiek. The casket bearers were Troy Groves, LeRoy Varner, Harold Wilcox, Kenneth McKnight, Herman A. Weber and Fred Andrus. Honorary bearers were Daniel Van Fleet, William A. Overn, Cyril L. Green, Orfa Fuller, Joffre V. Roberts, Richard Burch, Raymond F. Ralston, Floyd Reed, Ellis Witherspoon, A. D. Shaw, Harry J. Cousland, J. W. Flowers, Obie R. Holladay, John Ray and Langford Pryor.

Interment was in Sunset Lawns. (El Dorado Times, April 7, 1960)

HILL, BEULAH ELLEN (MRS. CARL REX)

Beulah Ellen (Mrs. Carl Rex) Hill, 94, of El Dorado, died early Saturday morning at Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital. Services will be at 3:30 p.m. Monday at Carlson Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Sunset Lawns Cemetery.

She was born April 9, 1889 on a farm north of El Dorado, the daughter of John M. and Louisa Caldwell Milbourn. She spent most of her life in the El Dorado area. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women.

On Dec. 16, 1908, she married Carl Rex Hill at Estancia, N.M. He preceded her in death on Aug. 8, 1981.

She is survived by a son, Delbert, 510 Post Road, a daughter, Grace (Mrs. A. E.) Sheldon of Albuquerque, N.M.; a sister-in-law, Mrs. Shirley Milbourn of El Dorado and four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, five brothers and one sister.

Memorials in her memory for the First United Methodist Church Radio Broadcast or to the donor's favorite charity may be left at Carlson Funeral Home, where friends may call. (El Dorado Times, May 14, 1983)

HOLEM, HERMAN

Herman Holem, 75 years old passed away at his home on Route 2, Sunday, August 20, following an illness of three weeks.

He was born in Marshall county, Indiana, February 2, 1858, and lived there until coming to Kansas when he was 23 years of age. He settled at Ashland, Kansas, later moving to Garden City and a short time later to the El Dorado community, where he had resided since. He was married to Miss Lula Jessie Sluss at Oswego on April 20, 1894.

Surviving are his widow, one daughter, Mrs. Albert Warner of Kansas City, Mo., a son, Virgil of El Dorado, a sister, Mrs. Carrie Pontios of Palmer, N. Y., and three brothers, J. N. Holem of Osceola., Ind., George Clinton Holem of South Bend, Ind., and David Holem of El Dorado and six grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at home Tuesday afternoon, Rev. R. Truesdale, pastor of the Presbyterian Church, officiating.

A duet, composed of Mrs. L. Galvinand Mrs. R. L. Creager sang, "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere," "??? Night There," and "Crossing the Bar." They were accompanied by Mrs. L. E. Tietz.

Pallbearers were V. G. Kennedy, Frank Cron, Clarence King, Fred Unger, Robert Wilson and Frank Kistler.

Interment was made in West Cemetery. Byrd Funeral Home was in charge. (El Dorado Times, August 25, 1933)

HOLLENBECK, JASON ALAN

Jason Alan Hollenbeck, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. John A. Hollenbeck of Topeka, died Monday afternoon at the Allen Memorial Hospital. The infant had been in the hospital since birth.

Surviving are the paternal grandfather, Kenneth Hollenbeck of Willis; the maternal grandparents, Roy J. Andrus, 624 North High and Mrs. G. T. Bailey, Leon, a paternal great-grandmother, Mrs. Helen Hollenbeck, Hiawatha, two maternal great-grandmothers, Mrs. Fannie Andrus, 421 South High, and Mrs. Edith Sparks, Peabody.

A prayer service will be conducted Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. in the Dietz-Pittman Colonial Chapel by Rev. James F. Clark, pastor of the First United Presbyterian Church.

Interment will be made in Sunset Lawns Cemetery. (El Dorado Times, November 2, 1965)

HUTSON, LEONARD W.

Leonard W. Hutson, 84, 1118 Towanda, died Sunday evening at Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital. Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Carlson Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Sunset Lawns Cemetery.

He was born Dec. 16, 1896 near Rosalia, the son of Jefferson F. and Vina Neighbors Hutson. He spent almost his entire life in this area, and owned teams of horses which he used in the oil field. He later worked for Boeing for 15 years, retiring in 1964. During World War I he served in the Army.

On April 19, 1922 he married Flossie Croley Oxender at Iola, Kan.

Survivors include his wife, of the home; one step-son, Lawrence (Larry) Oxender, Indianapolis, Ind., and several nieces and nephews. (El Dorado Times, March 16, 1981)

HUTTENHOFF, HENRIETTA A.

Henrietta A. Huttenhoff, 86, formerly of El Dorado, died Saturday at Kansas City, Mo. Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. John's Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Sunset Lawns Cemetery.

Rosary will be said at 7:30 p.m. today in the Carlson Funeral.

She was born Nov. 3, 1894 at Chicago, Ill., the daughter of David and Anna Faga Sherman. She had been in Kansas City since 1973 moving there from El Dorado where she had made her home for 42 years.

She was a member of St. John's Church, the American Legion Auxiliary, St. Ann's Altar Society, St. John's Alts Society and the Red Cross.

On Sept. 22, 1919 she married Otto Huttenhoff. He preceded her in death June 10, 1961.

Survivors include three sons, Robert, Salinas, Calif., Edward, Waverly, Tenn., and James, Topeka; two daughters, Mary Ann Farmer, Wichita and Phyllis Menard, Los Angeles, Calif.; 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, three brothers and three sisters.

Friends may call at the Carlson Funeral Home. (El Dorado Times, April 27, 1981)

JACKSON, MINNIE CHRISTINA (MRS. CLIFFORD)

Funeral rites for Mrs. Clifford Jackson (Minnie Christina), 76, 622 North Vine, were conducted Saturday afternoon at Dietz-Carlson Colonial chapel. Mrs. Jackson died Thursday, November 21 at Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital.

Rev. W. Frank Aten, pastor of the First Christian church, officiated. Mrs. H. W. Bullerdiek, organist, accompanied Mr. Darryl Patten as he sang "The Old Rugged Cross," "In the Garden, and "Just a Closer Walk with Thee." Casket bearers were Sam Roberson, Robert Durnil, Billy J. Pershall, Walter Williams, Richard Biddle and Ed Busse. Interment was at Sunset Lawns Cemetery.

Mrs. Jackson was born December 29, 1897, at Carthage, Ill., the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Kerr (Anna Schwabe). She married Clifford Jackson August 25, 1917, at Olathe. She had been an El Dorado resident since 1925 moving here from Olathe. Mrs. Jackson was a member of the First Christian church, Triple I Sunday school class, and Circle Three of C. W. F.

Survivors include her husband Clifford, of the home; six sons Ralph of Jonesboro, Ark., Robert of 919 West Pine, Orval of Tampa, Fla., George of Caney, Vernon of Houston, Tex., and Larry of 622 West Pine; five daughters, Mrs. Etta Nichols of Shawnee, Mrs. Helen Marley of Houston, Tex., Mrs. Barbara Page of Ventura, Miss Clarice Jackson of Los Angeles, Calif., and Mrs. Judy Hubman of Grass Lake, Mich.; one sister, Mrs. Mabel Owens of Kansas City, Mo.; 22 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sons, and one sister. (Butler County News, November 28, 1974)

JELLISON, TARYN MARIE

Taryn Marie Jellison, 4-month-old infant daughter of Troy and Jamie (Field) Jellison, died Monday, June 10, 2002 at Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital. Services are 2 p.m. Thursday at the First Baptist Church, El Dorado. Interment will follow in Sunset Lawns Cemetery. Friends may call at Carlson Funeral Home Wednesday and Thursday until noon for visitation.

She was born Feb. 12, 2002, in Wichita.

Survivors include: her parents, of the home; grandparents, Marilyn Wade of Wichita and Gary and Teresa Jellison of Protection, great-grandparents, Bill and Marie Krisle, Ponca City, Okla., Tommy and Vicky Jellison of Protection and Bob and Kay Harmon of Ashland, great-great-grandmother, Edna Johnston, Ashland.

Memorials in her memory for Rainbow Bright Beginnings may be left at Carlson Funeral Home who has the arrangements. (El Dorado Times, June 11, 2002)

JESSUP, MRS. L. D.

Funeral services for Mrs. L. D. Jessup, 76, who died here Thursday, were conducted at the Kirby Funeral Home yesterday afternoon. Rev. Donald C. Morrison of the Presbyterian Church officiated.

Ted Banks, accompanied by Mrs. H. W. Bullerdiek, sang "Sunrise Tomorrow," and "Crossing the Bar."

Pallbearers were Ralph Bongard, Harold Hedges, Ralph Lewis, W. A. Adams, Frank Adams and Lloyd Hammer.

Burial was in Sunset Lawns cemetery. (El Dorado Times, March 20, 1951)

KENNEDY, LARRY ALLEN

Funeral services for Larry Allen Kennedy, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. R. J. Kennedy, Route 2, who died here Tuesday were held this morning at the Arnold-Kirby Funeral Home with Dr. Charles A. Jupin of the First Christian church in charge. Burial was made in Sunset Lawns Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Ralph Cooley, Lee Chandler, Jim Mossman and John Maclean.

Mrs. Grace Templeton and Mrs. Clarence McCeight sang "Precious Jewels" and "Asleep in Jesus." Mrs. Templeton was the accompanist. (El Dorado Times, April 19, 1949)

KIDWELL, DEAN D.

Dean D. Kidwell, 70, of Clements and formerly of El Dorado, died Thursday afternoon at Newman Hospital in Emporia. Funeral services are scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday at Kirby-Morris Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow the services in Sunset Lawns Cemetery.

He was born May 25, 1912 in Augusta, the son of Charlie and Zula (Darr) Kidwell. On Oct. 15, 1938, he married Eleanor Lee Bartholomae in Eureka. She preceded him in death on June 1, 1974.

He had lived nearly all his life in the El Dorado area. In August of 1974 he moved to Clements. He was retired from Getty Refinery, where he had worked for more than 30 years until his retirement. He worked in the lube plant an later worked as a guardsman at the refinery. He had attended the Living Water Chapel in El Dorado and was a member of the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Worker's Local Union. He enjoyed fishing and gardening.

He is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Elizabeth Jack and Mrs.Viola Blake, both of El Dorado and Mrs. Norma Thrush of Wichita, three brothers, Joe and Kenneth Kidwell, both of Augusta and Don Kidwell of Lincoln, Neb.; two sisters, Ellen Diemart and Olga Diemart, both of El Dorado and eight grandchildren and one great-grandson.

He was preceded in death by his wife, and his parents.

Kirby Morris Funeral Home is handling arrangements. (El Dorado Times, May 14, 1983)

MANNION, THOMAS P.

Funeral services for Thomas P. Mannion, 60, of West Second, will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. John's Church. Mr. Mannion, a retired oil company advertising executive died at his home Saturday.

The Rev. J. Patrick Mannion will officiate at the services. Burial will be in Sunset Lawns Cemetery.

Mr. Mannion was born June 22, 1905, at El Dorado and had lived here all his life. He graduated from El Dorado High school and the school of Journalism at Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wis., in 1929.

He was employed by the Skelly Oil Company as advertising manager in its marketing division from 1930 to 1950. For two years, he was employed by Soverign Service in Wichita, and for six years prior to retiring was advertising manager of the marketing division of American Petrofina.

Mr. Mannion was a member of St. John's Church and of the Knights of Columbus.

He never married. Surviving are two sisters, Mrs. Phil McDonough 1115 West Third and Mrs. L. M. Burns, 720 West Second and a brother, William R. Mannion, 719 West Second.

Recitation of the rosary will be at 7:30 p.m. today at the Kirby Funeral Home chapel, with the Knights of Columbus recitation of the rosary at 8 p.m. (El Dorado Times, May 2, 1966)

  
Copyright © 2007-2008 to Kansas Genealogy Trails' Butler County host & all Contributors

All rights reserved