GROOM, MARY BELLE SWEET (MRS. ROBERT)

CHANUTE TRIBUNE
July 17, 1972

Mrs. Robert Groom - A former Chanute resident, Mrs. Robert (Mary Belle Sweet) Groom, 50, died Thursday in Arlington, Va.

She had served as governor of Kansas Girls State of Girls Nation when she was in high school. Before moving to Arlington in 1948 she had resided in Lawrence.

She was born in Chanute Oct. 14, 1921.

The widower survives in Arlington.

Funeral services were held today at st. Agnes Catholic Church in Arlington.

Submitted by Juanita Alloway

FRANKLIN, GENE A.

Gene A. Franklin
March 1989

Parsons - Gene A. Franklin, 69, Parsons, died Friday, March 17, 1989 at the Westbrook Manor, Parsons, where he had lived since August. He had been ill for two years.

The son of Arthur and Gladys Whitworth Franklin, he was born Jan. 8 1920 at Erie. He graduated from Erie High School in 1937 and from Chanute Junior College in 1939. He served in the Army Air Force as an aerial gunner in the European Theater in World War II and was awarded three bronze stars.

After the war, he worked for Beechcraft and then, for 38 years, for Arco Pipeline Company. With Arco, he lived and worked in Illinois, Texas and Alaska and was the project surveyor who drew the map for the path of the Alaska pipeline project.

He was married to Hermoine Stevenson Oct. 13, 1940. She died June 28, 1966. He married Mira Jean Weitzel, April 18, 1987 in Parsons.

He retired in 1985 but continued to serve as a consultant until 1987. He lived in Independence from 1974 to 1987.

He was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church, Parsons; Fortitute Lodge 107, AF&AM, Independence, Royal Archmasons of Orient No. 31 and Knights Templar No. 5, both of Morris, Ill.'; and the Scottish Rite Joliet Council No. 82, Joliet, Ill.

Survivors include his wife of the home; three sons, James A. Franklin, Leonard Town, Md.; and John P. Franklin and Joel B. Franklin, both of Morris, Ill.' two daughters, Jeanne Lobb and Julie Leach, both of Morris, Ill; two stepdaughters, Beverly Rodgers, Norfolk, Va., and Gaynell O'Connor, Bartlesville, Okla.; two brothers, Junior Toby Franklin, Zillah, Wash., and Glen Neal Franklin, McMinnville, Ore.; a sister, Esther Berthot, Cottonwood, Ariz; 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by an infant daughter and an infant sister.

Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Wesley United Methodist Church, the Rev. Jean Marie Grabher and the Rev Paul Hett officiating. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery, Cherryvale, with military honors provided by Parsons VFW Post 704.

Friends may call at the Burris-Carson-Wall Funeral Home, Parsons, from 7 to 8 p.m. today.

Memorials are suggested to the Wesley United Methodist Church Scholarship Fund or the American Cancer Society.

Think it was from the Wichita Eagle, Submitted by Juanita Alloway

HAYES, FRANCES

CHANUTE TRIBUNE
June 21, 1991

Frances Hayes

Frances Hayes, 101 N. Evergreen, died this morning, June 21, 1991 at Fredonia Regional Hospital.

Funeral arrangements will be announced by Johnson Mortuary.

Submitted by Juanita Alloway

MILLER, JANE KLINGNER

CHANUTE TRIBUNE
June 21, 1991

Jane Klingner Miller

Jane Klingner Miller, 70, died Thursday, June 20, 1991, at her home, 912 S. Plummer. She had been ill since 1982.

The daughter of Oliver and Laura Kaney Klingner, she was born Nov. 16, 1920, in Chanute.

A homemaker, she was a member of First United Methodist Church.

She was graduated from Chanute High School in 1938, attended Lindenwood Girls College in 1939 and was graduated from Chanute Junior College in 1940 where she was Junior College queen. She was the first woman in the War Training Service Aviation program earning her pilots license in 1940 and was an early member of the 99er's Aviation Club.,

She was a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, vice president of Alpha ETA Chapter at Manhattan, graduated from Kansas State University in 1943, past-president and member of Art and Literature Club, Outlook Club, member of the Shakespeare Club and past vice-president of National Association of Retired Federal Employees local chapter No. 799. During World War II she served in the US Coast Guard (SPARS).

On Nov. 20, 1943, she married William R. Miller in Chanute. They lived in Brooklyn, N.Y., San Diego, Calif., Guam,M.I., San Bruno, Calif., Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Tokyo, Japan, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Ind., and Washington D.C. before returning to Chanute in 1974.

Survivors include her husband of the home; two sons, William Randolph Miller, Florham Park, N.J., and Jeffrey Dean Miller, Aitkenvale, Townsville, Australia; her mother, Laura M. Klingner, of the home, two grandchildren and a sister, Ann Louise Krurm, Newton, Iowa.

Funeral arrangements will be announced by Johnson Mortuary.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, Victory in the Valley Lodge, Wichita, or American Cancer Society.

Submitted by Juanita Alloway

LEWIS, LILLIAN J.

CHANUTE TRIBUNE
January 1997

Lillian J. Lewis of Chanute, died Wednesday, Jan. 15, 1997 at Neosho Memorial Regional Medical center in Chanute. She was 75.

She was born April 22, 1921 in Chanute, the daughter of Melvin Samuel and Grace (Eaton) French. She was raised in Chanute and attended Chanute public schools, graduating from Chanute High School in 1939.

After graduation, she joined the United States Coast Guard and served in Washington, D.C. for three years.

She married James N. Lewis July 15, 1945 in Buffalo. After their marriage they traveled while he was in the service, returning to Chanute in 1963.

She was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and the American Legion Auxiliary. A housewife, she was an active bowler and loved to travel.

Survivors include her husband of the home; a son, James N. Lewis II of Corpus Christi, Texas; two brothers, Harold L. French and Melvin S. French Jr., both of Wesleco, Texas, a sister, Ruth Campbell of Wesleco, Texas and two grandsons.

The funeral was held at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 18, 1997 at Johnson Mortuary Chapel. Pat Crowl officiated. Military honors were presented by Ameican Legion Post No. 170. Burial was held at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Submitted by Juanita Alloway

SHIPLEY, BETTY L.

CHANUTE TRIBUNE
Feb. 1997

Shipley, Betty L., 72, Wal-Mart associate, died Tuesday, Feb. 4, 1997. Service 10:30 a.m., Thursday, First Christian Church.

Survivors: sons, Gene of Simi Valley, Calif., Joe of Chanute; daughter, Janet Maher, mother, Grace Drake, both of Chanute, sisters, Martha McGrath of Chanute, Margaret Ranabargar of Petrolia; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren. Memorials have been established with First Christian Church and the American Lung Association. Gibson-Koch-Friskel Chapel.

Submitted by Juanita Alloway

CAMERON, RALPH S SR.

CHANUTE TRIBUNE
Mar. 1997

Cameron, Ralph S. Sr., 75, retired Kansas Department of Transportation mechanic, died Tuesday, March 11, 1997. Service 10 a.m., Saturday, Otterbein United Methodist Church.

Survivors: wife, Pauline; sons, Ralph Jr., of Topeka, Raymond of Chicago, Ronald of Chanute, Ricky of Raytown, Mo.; sisters, Rosaline Phillips of Great Bend, Dorothy Neville of Tremont, Ill., Luella Wampler of St. Louis, Louise Armstrong of Kohoka, Mo.; five grandchildren; one great grandchild. Memorial has been established with Otterbein United Methodist Church. Gibson-Koch-Friskel Chapel.

Submitted by Juanita Alloway

CUNNINGHAM, OSCAR

CHANUTE TRIBUNE
June 1997

Oscar Cunningham

Oscar H. Cunningham, 89, 322 Hillside Drive Circle, died Sunday, June 8, 1997 at Iowa Methodist Hospital, Des Moines, Iowa, while en route to the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.

He was born Dec. 7, 1907 on a farm north of Humboldt, the son of Oliver C. and Melissa May Simmons Cunningham.

He attended a one-room, one-teacher rural school for eight years, attended Chanute High School, graduating in 1924. He helped his father on the farm until January of 1926 when was employed by Santa Fe Railroad Company as a clerk-stenographer in the division superintendent's office. On Nov. 24, 1931 he went to work at The Petroleum Products Company and became manager of the company's refinery in January 1937. In May 1943, M.F.A. Oil Company bought the refinery and changed the name to M.F.A. Oil Company where he was retained as manager. The company in 1948 purchased the Delta Refining Company, Memphis, Tenn., and for eight years he managed both.

In December 1955 he and three friends bought the Chanute refinery. He became president of the refinery that was changed to Mid-America Refining Company. In 1968 he bought all the stock and became sole stockholder. He sold the refinery and retired in Sept. 30, 1973.

He later became a real estate salesman for a year and then started another company, Square Deal Oil Company. He sold that business in January 1984 and was retained as a consultant until Feb. 28, 1985.

He married Bea Nelson March 12, 1965 at Miami, Okla.

He served as mayor of Chanute from 1975 to 1977.

He was a member of First Christian Church, Chanute Rotary of which he was past president, B.P.O., Elks Lodge No. 806, American Legion Post No. 170, past president f the Chanute Chamber of Commerce and the 0900 Club. He was a board of directors member of First National Bank for 17 years. In September 1979 he received a distinguished service award from M.F.A. Oil Company at its 50th anniversary meeting. He and his wife were also instrumental in the founding of the Soup Line and he served as secretary of the Chanute Athletic Association in 1947.

Survivors include his wife, of the home; a daughter, Deanna Burngardner, Wichita, a brother, Miles Cunningham, Senatobia, Miss.; a sister, Myra Jean Weitzel, Parsons; two grandchildren and a great-grandson. He was preceded in death by a brother, Kenneth C. Cunningham and six sisters, Roberta Fay Gifford, Hazel McCollough, Mary Heilman, Louise Harding, Doris Bell and Lotos M. Reinhardt.

Funeral will be at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, at First Christian Church, the Rev. David Jenkins, officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery with a special graveside service. Friends may call at Gibson-Koch-Friskel Chapel until 11 a.m., Wednesday.

Memorials are suggested to First Christian Church.

Submitted by Juanita Alloway

WELLS, RICHARD A.

CHANUTE TRIBUE
January 1998

Wells, Richard A., 65, oil field supply salesman, died Saturday, Jan. 24, 1998. Service 2 p.m., today. Memorial Park Cemetery.

Survivors, wife, Margie, son, Steven, daughter, Debra Kiddoo, both of Chanute; brother, Jim of Ponca City, Okla.; sister, Beverly Haynes of Newkirk, Okla.; two grandchildren, one great-grandchild. Memorial has been established with American Diabetes Association. Johnson Mortuary.

Submitted by Juanita Alloway

WEST, FLOYD L.

CHANUTE TRIBUNE
January 1998

West, Floyd L., 76, retired Townley Hardware sales representative, died Sunday, Jan. 25, 1998. Service 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, First Baptist Church.

Survivors: wife, Lou; son, J. Scott of Ankeny, Iowa, daughters, Terri Orozco, Jana Geiger, sister, Anita Fairchild, all of Chanute; four grandchildren. Memorials have been established with First Baptist Church and Cherry Street Project. Gibson-Koch-Friskel Chapel.

Submitted by Juanita Alloway

HARROLD, PAUL C.

CHANUTE TRIBUNE
September 23, 2002

Paul C. Harrold, 1921-2002

Park City, Utah - Lt. Col. (Ret.) Paul C. Harrold, 81, Park City, Utah, died Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2002 at the South Davis Community Hospital in Bountiful, Utah.

He was born Jan. 26, 1921 in Wichita, the son of Lawrence and Nellie Custer Harrold. He moved to Chanute and later the rural Galesburg area with his family during his youth.

He graduated from Chanute High School and attended Chanute Junior College.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel.
Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2002 at the South Davis Community Hospital in Bountiful, Utah.

He was born Jan. 26, 1921 in Wichita, the son of Lawrence and Nellie Custer Harrold. He moved to Chanute and later the rural Galesburg area with his family during his youth.

He graduated from Chanute High School and attended Chanute Junior College.

He was a fighter pilot with the U.S. Air Force and flew in World War II and the Vietnam War. His military career included work in military intelligence and being attached to the Pentagon. His medals include the Silver Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross with 10 Oak Leaf Clusters.

He settled in Park City, Utah upon his retirement from the Air Force in 1970.

He was a private pilot and an avid hunter, fisherman and skier.

In 1945 he married Dollie Alford. The later divorced.

He later married Alda Johnson. She survives.

Other survivors include two sons, Robert H. Harrold, San Francisco and Matthew H. Harrold, Alameda, Calif., a daughter, Barbara Jo Harrold, Cody, Wy., and three grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Jack Harrold.

Graveside services will be at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 24 at the Mt. Hope Cemetery, Galesburg, led by Chaplain Charles Carpenter. Military honors will be provided by the Cecil J. Meeker Post No. 1654, V.F.W., Chanute.

Carson-Wall Funeral Home, Parsons, is in charge of arrangements.

Submitted by Juanita Alloway

FOSTER, DEAN

CHANUTE TRIBUNE
October 26, 2006

Dean Foster 1922-2006

Dean Foster, 84, of Chanute passed away Friday, October 27, 2006 at his residence.

He was born February 6, 1922 in Chanute, Kansas, the only child of Fred R. Foster and Lillian G. (Funstein) Foster.

Dean was united in marriage to Iota Mae Brown on February 8, 1948 in Chanute, Kansas. She preceded him in death on December 1, 2005. He was a World War II veteran, served two terms on the USD #413 School Board, active in Chanute Area Chamber of Commerce, Director of the Chanute Chapter of the Salvation Army, and helped with Meals on Wheels. Dean graduated from the University of Kansas in 1947 and was a avid KU fan. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, American Legion Post #170, VFW Cecil Meeker Post #1654, and the BPOE (Elks Lodge). In 1948 he bought the firm co-owned by Don McCune and began his business "Foster Clothing Company" which he owned until he retired.

Dean is survived by two daughters, Marcia Foster of Seattle, Washington and Susan Sadowsky of Overland Park, Kansas, and one grandson, Josh Newell of Newton, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Iota, and a son-in-law, Roger Newell.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 31, 2006 at 10:00 a.m., at the First United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Mr. Foster will lie in state at the Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church Memorial Fund or the American Legion Post #170 and left at the funeral home.

Submitted by Juanita Alloway

BLANTON, WILLIAM H.

NEWS-LEADER
Springfield, MO
26 February 2005

Obituary - William H. Blanton

William H. Blanton, 86, of Springfield, passed away Thursday, February 17, 2005, in Primrose Place following a brief illness. Bill was born in Chanute, Kan., on August 22, 1918 to Clyde A. and Lena Blanton. He graduated from Chanute Senior High School and
Chanute Junior College. Born into a Santa Fe Railroad family, Bill would take many train trips west to visit his older brother who lived in southern California. His love of travel nearly took him to Africa as a member of the Martin and Osa Johnson Safari team. When he was sixteen, Osa, who was from Chanute, asked him to join them on their next safari. Bill was forced to decline in order to continue his high school studies.

Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army and was attending communication training at the time of the attack on Pearl Harbor. He was eventually assigned to the Aleutian Islands as a part of a select joint Army/Navy communications unit and was involved in the support of the Battle of Attu.

While on leave in Chanute, he married Jean DeBolt, the love of his life, before returning to the Aleutians. Bill was later transferred to Fort Sam Houston, Texas, where he served the remainder of his military service as a member of a military police unit. It was during
this time that his son Jim, was born. The Blanton family returned to Chanute where Bill began his 31 year career with Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. The family moved to Coffeyville, Kans., and later to Parsons, Kan., when Bill was promoted to manager of the Parsons sales unit. He transferred to Springfield in 1964, where he continued with Metropolitan until his retirement. Bill was a senior instructor with the Life Underwriter Training Council education program for 18 years serving as chairman for a number of those years. Bill was recognized by Southwest Missouri State University for his contributions to improvement of the insurance industry. He was a member of the National Association of Life Underwriters, serving as President while in Parsons and was a member of the Million Dollar Roundtable.

Bill was also a professional tap dancer. During his college years, he gathered together the most talented ladies of the Chanute Junior College to form a dance troupe that traveled throughout the four state area. Several of his students and troupe members went on to successful careers in stage and screen. He also performed his tap dance routine on various occasions for the troops wherever he was stationed during World War II.

Bill's public service began as a member of the Coffeyville Jaycees, serving as president in 1953. During his administration, the Jaycees initiated a project to give recognition to the citizens of Coffeyville for their defense of the town during the infamous Dalton Gang bank robbery of 1892. That memorial still stands today in the plaza of Coffeyville, near the very site of the historic robbery.

Bill's public service continued in Springfield where he served for many years on the Springfield Board of Adjustment including several terms as chairman.

Bill was an excellent contract bridge player, learning the game from a master bridge player he was stationed with during his time in the Aleutians.

Bill was a life member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elk, Lodge 409, serving as their treasurer for nearly 10 years. He was feared by many an opponent of the lodge pool table and was dubbed "The Terminator". He was a past member of the VFW and American Legion. He was achieving the level of master mason, 32nd degree. He continued on his Masonic journey with acceptance into the Abou Ben Adhem Temple of the Mystic Shrine.

An avid golfer, Bill was a special fan of the late Payne Stewart.

Bill loved meeting people and sharing experiences and was always eager to thirst for learning and using technology and was quite competent in his later years with using his computer to email friends and browse the internet to answer his daily questions.

He will be missed by his many friends and loving family. He is survived by his wife, Jean, of the home and his son, Jim, who resides with his wife, Patricia, in Seattle, Wash.

Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospices of America, Southwest, MO. Offices. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, February 21, 2005 in Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel.

Submitted by Juanita Alloway

FOSTER, IOTA MAE

CHANUTE TRIBUNE,
Saturday, Dec. 3, 2005

IOTA M. FOSTER 1920-2005

Iota Mae Foster, 85, Chanute, died Thursday, Dec. 1, 2005, at her home.

She was born March 12, 1920 in Chanute, the daughter of Fred and Pearl McDonald Brown. She was a lifelong resident of Chanute, living with her aunt and uncle, Mabel and George Sheffler, during her school years. She graduated from Chanute High School in 1939.

She was a homemaker and past sponsor of a high school sorority and Beta Sigma Phi. She was active in American Legion Auxiliary and VFW Auxiliary. She volunteered for blood drives and the election board as well as for Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center. She was a member of First United Methodist Church.

On Feb. 8, 1948, she married Dean Foster in Chanute. He survives.

Other survivors include two daughters, Marcia Foster, Seattle, Wash., and Susan Sadowsky, Overland Park and a grandson.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Lou Brown.

Funeral will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, Dec. 5 at First United Methodist Church, led by the Rev. Larry Myers. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 1-8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home where memorials to the church may be left.

Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel, Chanute, is in charge of arrangements.

Submitted by Juanita Alloway

WEITZEL, MYRA JEAN

CHANUTE TRIBUNE
Saturday, May 26, 2007

MYRA JEAN WEITZEL 1921-2007

Myra Jean Weitzel, 85, Parsons, died Thursday, May 24, 2007, at the Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, Mo. She entered the hospital in Parsons on Friday, May 18 and was transferred to Joplin Monday.

She was born Oct. 16, 1921 on a farm in the Big Creek area between Erie and Chanute to O. C. and Mellisa M. Simmons Cunningham. She graduated from Chanute High School in 1939 and Chanute Junior College in 1941, before teaching school in Neosho County for five years.

On May 21, 1944, she married Elme W. Weitzel in Erie and lived in Poarsons most of the following years. He preceded her in death on March 31, 1976.

She marrie Gene Franklin on April 18, 1987. He preceded her in death on March 17, 1989.

She was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church in Parsons where she taught Sunday school classes and seved as chairperson of the education committee for several years. She had served on the administrative board and finance committee of the church.

She was a "people person" and never said no when asked to do something. She was described by a friend as somewhat of a Florence Nightengale.

She also enjoyed playing bridge and was a member of several bridge groups.

Survivors include two daughters, Beverly Vick, Parsons and Gaynell Bowman, Monkey Island, Okla.; two grandchildren, Brandon Dean and Shawna Reininger, both of Broken Arrow, Okla.; two great-grandchildren, Brent and Anne Dean, both of Broken Arrow, Okla.; three stepsons, James Franklin, Leonardtown, Md., and John and Joel Franklin, both of Morris, Ill.; two stepdaughters, Jeanne Lobb, Mt. Sherman, Ky., and Julie Leach, Morris, Ill.; seven step-grandchildren and several step great,great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a 3-yr. old son, Terry Lynn Weitzel on Sapril 8, 1952; three brothers and six sisters.

Funeral will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 29 at the Wesley United Methodist Church with the Rev. Peggy Hillmon officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery under the direction of Carson-Wall Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m., Monday at the funeral home.

Contributions may be made to the Wesley United Methodist Church in care of the funeral home, Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357.

Submitted by Juanita Alloway

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