Obituaries

Christopher Wesley Meador

Christopher Wesley Meador

May 16, 2026

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Christopher Wesley Meador, 54, of Elk City, Kansas, who left us peacefully on May 16, 2026, due to natural causes. Born on February 24, 1972, in Independence, Kansas, to parents Clyde Meador and Edwina Bowers. Christopher dedicated his life to the open road as a truck driver, a passion...

Timothy Lynn Ward Sr.

Timothy Lynn Ward Sr.

May 5, 2026

Timothy Lynn Ward Sr., a beloved father, grandfather, son, and friend, passed away on May 5, 2026, at the age of 56. Born on March 3, 1970, in Independence, Kansas, Timothy's adventurous spirit and love for family shaped his life in profound ways.

Growing up, Timothy and his family traveled frequently, never staying in one place for more than a month....

Rick A Knapp

Rick A Knapp

Apr 21, 2026

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Rick A. Knapp, 67, of Independence, Kansas, who left us on April 21, 2026. Rick was born on September 23, 1958, in Independence, where he also spent the majority of his life, nurturing lifelong connections within his community.

Rick was a proud graduate of Independence High School, completing his education...

Patty Jo Clay

Patty Jo Clay

Apr 19, 2026

Patty Jo Clay, a beloved educator, treasured mother, and vibrant spirit, passed away on April 19, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of 78. Born on June 21, 1947, in Salina, Kansas, Patty dedicated her life to nurturing the minds and hearts of countless children throughout her remarkable career in education.

Patty was a graduate of the University of Indiana...

David Earl Eytcheson

David Earl Eytcheson

Apr 15, 2026

David Earl Eytcheson passed away on April 15, 2026 surrounded by loved ones. David found joy in life's simple, meaningful moments. A devoted family man, he was happiest when surrounded by those he loved. His home was always open. There was a place for anyone who walked through his door.

David enjoyed Saturday night races, visits to the casino, and cheering...

Marlyn Louise Long

Marlyn Louise Long

Mar 29, 2026

Marlyn Louise Long, 78, of Independence, Kansas, passed away at home on Sunday, March 29, 2026. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Potts Chapel. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 10, 2026, at First Assembly of God Church in Independence, Kansas. Memorials are suggested to assist the family with expenses, and...

Betty Joanna Meyer

Betty Joanna Meyer

Mar 29, 2026

Betty J. Meyer, 93, of Independence died on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at Credo Senior Living. Betty Joanna Meyer was born in Cedar Vale, KS on September 8, 1932 to James H. and Helen (Morgan) Page. She graduated from Independence High School in Independence, KS in 1950. Betty married Robert H. Meyer on November 14, 1954 in Independence. She worked...

Peggy Ann Tucker

Peggy Ann Tucker

Mar 25, 2026

It is with bittersweet feelings, we announce the passing of Peggy Ann Tucker, a beloved mother, sister, grandmother and friend, who left this world peacefully on March 25, 2026, in Cherryvale, Kansas. Peggy was born on November 20, 1934, in Broadus, Montana, a place where her journey began, and where the seeds of her abundant love for family and community...

Julia W. Douglass

Julia W. Douglass

Mar 16, 2026

Julia W. Douglass, a cherished mother, beloved wife, and devoted grandmother, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026, at the age of 82. Born on May 11, 1943, in Pratt, Kansas, to William and Bertha Epley, Julia's life was a testament to love, family, and community. She found her home in Independence, Kansas, in 1972, a place that became woven...

Leonard L. Morrison

Leonard L. Morrison

Mar 14, 2026

Leonard Morrison, 86 years old, resided in Independence, KS until his passing on March 14, 2026. He was born October 2nd 1939 to James Morrison and Chloe Irene Richards in Wellman, Iowa. He joined the United States Marine Corps October 1956.

Leonard married Elnora Chaffin on November 18, 1961. Leonard loved his country and went through 2 tours in Vietnam. In...

Mary L. Bowen

Mary L. Bowen

Feb 27, 2026

Mary Lou Bowen, 76, of Independence, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Jane Phillips Medical Center in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, surrounded by the love of her family.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Potts Chapel of Independence. The family will greet friends from 5:00–7:00 p.m., Wednesday evening at...

Marvin Dean Julian

Marvin Dean Julian

Feb 27, 2026

Marvin Dean Julian, 86, of Independence, Kansas, passed away peacefully at his home on February 27, 2026. He was born on October 9, 1939, in Moline, Kansas, to Raymond and Nellie Lewis Julian.

As a young man, Marvin proudly served  in the U.S. Army. Following his service, he built a long and dedicated 27‑year career in the airline industry, spending most...

Angus Drew Connell

Angus Drew Connell

Feb 22, 2026

Angus Drew Connell, 73, of Independence, Kansas, passed away on February 22, 2026.

Angus was born in Pittsburg, Kansas, and spent his life doing what he did best: learning, building, fixing, and quietly amazing the people around him.

A chemical engineer by profession and a problem-solver by nature, Angus had one of those rare minds that seemed to understand just about everything....

Robert "Mickey" M. Werner

Robert "Mickey" M. Werner

Feb 10, 2026

With love, remembrance and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Robert “Mickey” Michael Werner of Grove, Oklahoma. Mickey passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, February 10 at the age of 70. Mickey was born March 8, 1955, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to John and Billye (Davis) Werner. He resided in Independence, Kansas and attended Independence Public Schools. In...

Richard Dwain Driskel

Richard Dwain Driskel

Feb 3, 2026

Richard Dwain Driskel passed away on February 3, 2026. He was born on August 28, 1941, to James W. Driskel & Gladys B. Coy in Coffeyville, KS. He married Mary Moser on January 30, 1964. They had 2 children, Loretta Driskel & Richard Driskel (Ricky). He was a Sargent in the Air Force. After he was honorably discharged from the...

Linda Lee Ross Wheaton

Linda Lee Ross Wheaton

Jan 28, 2026

With heavy hearts and profound gratitude, we announce the passing of our beloved Linda Lee Ross Wheaton, who left this world peacefully on January 28, 2026, at the age of 78. Born in the serene landscapes of Twin Falls, Idaho, Linda embraced life with warmth and grace from the very start. She was the cherished daughter of Clifford Curtis Ross...

William J. Reynolds

William J. Reynolds

Jan 25, 2026

William “Bill” Joseph Reynolds, known to most as dad, grandpa and the limo man, passed away peacefully on January 25th, 2026, at the age of 84 years old. He was born on June 27th, 1941 at Mercy Hospital in Independence, KS to Gladys and Joseph Reynolds. William graduated from Independence High school in 1960. During that time, he played baseball,...

Orlin D. Smith

Orlin D. Smith

Jan 13, 2026

Orlin D. Smith

Orlin D. Smith, 87 of Independence, Kansas passed away Tuesday January 13,2026, at Eagle Estates where he resided since April 1, 2025. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Potts Chapel, and a Celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Potts Chapel.

Orlin was born April 24th, 1938, to...

Judy Kay Quigley Keltz

Judy Kay Quigley Keltz

Jan 10, 2026

Judy Kay Quigley Keltz, age 76, of Gainesville, Texas, passed away on January 10, 2026.

Judy was born on April 21, 1949, in Independence, Kansas, to Walter and Lena (Blanchard) Sanders. She was a graduate of Independence High School.

She married David L. Quigley on May 22, 1971, and together they shared many years of marriage and raised two children. David preceded...

Sharon Kay Hanks

Sharon Kay Hanks

Jan 7, 2026

Sharon Kay Hanks, a cherished wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away on January 7, 2026, at the age of 83. Born on November 8, 1942, in Columbus, Kansas, Sharon was the embodiment of love and devotion throughout her life.

She shared a profound bond with her husband, Gary R. Hanks, to whom she was married for 60 wonderful years. As a...