Domoney Funeral Home

11/15/2023

Although, Dewey has sold the funeral business, we will still be available to help you with monuments/headstones. Contact us at
785-454-3492.

09/08/2023

Welcome Sylvia Schoen (Beloit)to the Downs Area!!
She has purchased Domoney Funeral Home and will available for all your funeral needs. You can reach her at 785-454-3325
THANK YOU to all who have entrusted your loved ones to our care over the years!!

06/28/2023

Rosalie Poore, wife of Emery Poore and resident of Alton Kansas, passed away Monday evening, June 26, 2023 at 6:18pm. Rosalie was born on October 25th 1936 at the Axtell Kansas county hospital to her parents Hazel and Howard Kirk of Axtell Kansas.

Unfortunately, at just 18 months of age, due to her father’s early demise, Her mother had to take employment far away as a surgery nurse in Humboldt Nebraska in order to support them. So Rosalie was placed under the care of her grandmother and grandfather Hinton of Sabetha Kansas and there she would grow up sharing this space with all 9 of her older aunts and uncles. But at the age of 16, Rosalie was allowed to join her mother in Humboldt Nebraska and stay with her at the hospital. The hospital employed her to wash dishes, but she never knew that it was her mother who had actually designed this job and was paying her wages.

After her mother’s long courtship of 13 and 1/2 years, she married Calvin Peters of Downs Kansas and as a High school sophomore, Rosalie was finally able to move to Downs and have the real honest to goodness home and family which she had always dreamed of.

Rosalie attended Downs High School, and participated in many high school functions. As a senior, she was a member of the Downs High School Marching band and she also performed in many drama productions, which is how she meet her first husband Harold E. Dunkleberg of Osborne Kansas, who proclaimed after seeing her perform,“this is the girl that I am going to marry!” And so it was, Rosalie graduated in 1955 and married Harold E. Dunkleberg in 1956.

Seven months later, Rosalie took a remote job offer with the Bell telephone Co. in La Mirada California where the two of them moved and established their first home. Two children came from this union, Dee and Dan (Born 1961 and 1963.)

During these early years of marriage, Rosalie like her mother, was an amazing seamstress and would make many of her and her children’s clothing. She was also active at her local church and supported several scout groups in LA for the benefit of her children, and worked for Kmart as a sales clerk in the clothing department.

Rosalie and her small family, moved back to Osborne Kansas in 1972 where Harold joined the Dunkleberg family construction business and Rosalie worked for the Hillsinger Drug store of Osborne as a sales clerk and cashier. Later, she would also run her own business out of her home, clipping poodles to make extra money and in the late 70’s, Rosalie worked for Vic Rief at the Town and Country grocery store in Osborne Kansas, where she served as cashier and order manager of the candy section.

In 1979 Rosalie unfortunately lost her first husband Harold, to a battle of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. She not only displayed herself to be courageous and heroic by the measure of facing and supporting his illness, but also by selling the new family home that Harold had built by hand and most of the family’s belongings in order to pay the many bills.

Rosalie then met and was courted by Emery Poore of Alton KS and on June 7th of 1980, they were married and she began her new life as a farm wife. She was married for 43 years, and has been an amazing cook and homemaker while also helping assist for many years in the family’s yearly wheat harvest.

She was an active member at the Alton Methodist Church and has helped with many of functions such as the annual Easter Sunrise service.

Rosalie and Emery where avid bowlers and joined a local bowling league and were also long term members of “ The Rural Life Club” a group of rural friends and neighbors who meet often over the years to laugh and play cards which brought them much entertainment and enjoyment.

Rosalie along with Emery also loved to travel and have enjoyed trips to Europe, Australia, The Panama Canal, Alaska, the rivers of the United States and have taken many trips to Branson every fall.

Rosalie loved flowers, raising her many cats and dogs and has been an avid collector of many things. She enjoyed collecting QVC cookware, jewelry, clothing, Boyd’s Bears, Yesterdays Child figurines and antique crystal Candlewick table wear. She also has acquired an extensive collection of Classic and limited edition Longaberger baskets after having become a Longaberger basket dealer years ago.

Sadly Rosalie’s symptoms of an earlier diagnosis of Vascular Dementia began to display in 2021 and she was moved to the Progressive Care Center in Alton Kansas in March of 2022. She then was transferred to the Parkview Care Center in Osborne Kansas where she lived out the remainder of her days.
She and the family wish to say that they have been greatly blessed by the love, care and support that she has received while at Parkview Care Center and that their end of life ministry has been such a supportive comfort to them all, and they are truly grateful.

In closing, one of the dearest joys of Rosalie’s life has been to remain very close friends with a group of high school classmates throughout the years. They along with their spouses, have enjoyed making mischief of one kind or another for what has been decades now. They have been like family and she has loved them so very much. They all have brought so much joy and happiness to her heart.
Truly Rosalie’s smile and her outgoing jovial personality has been cast far and wide to a large array of dear family and friends over the years, and it is likely that her love, smile and laughter will not soon be forgotten.

As part of the body of Christ and with “Jesus” as her own personal Lord and savior, there is no doubt that Rosalie is now in Heaven with the Father. we give thanks to God for the gift of her life, having the blessing of her love and the many beautiful memories that we will have forever.

Rosalie is survived by:

Husband Emery Poore of rural Alton Kansas
Daughter Dee LaRosh (Dr. Michael) of Overland Park, Kansas
Son Dan Dunkleberg of Laguna Niguel California

Stepsons:
Tony Poore (Rhonda) of Lake Havasu Arizona
Alan Poore ( Cindy ) of Alton Kansas
Jay Poore ( Sheri ) of Topeka Kansas

Grandchildren Are:
Dr. Matthew LaRosh ( Jordan)
Jessica LaRosh- Guese ( Rannell )
Taylor LaRosh ( Kate )

Step Grandchildren:
Sean Poore ( Mary Martinez )
Kevin Poore ( Natalie Hernandez )
Craig Poore ( Heather )
Lacey Holloway ( Tracy )
Dr. Meredith Harold ( Mike )
Katy Poore – Madl ( Willie )
And 14 Great Grand Children

Funeral service will be held Monday, July 3, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, Alton. Visitation will be Sunday evening from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the church. Burial will be in the Sumner Cemetery, Alton. Memorials may be given to Alton Rural Fire Department or Osborne County Community Foundation in care of Domoney Funeral Home, PO Box 127, Downs, KS 67437

06/14/2023

Walter E. Schoen, 90, passed away June 12, 2023.
Born on March 10, 1933, in Cawker City, Kansas, Walter was the son of Eldon and Sinnie (Folger) Schoen. He was raised on the family farm north of Cawker and attended Chandler Grade School and Cawker City Baptist Church where he was baptized as a young man. Walter graduated from Downs High School in 1951 and then attended Kansas State University (KSU) where he graduated with a degree in Animal Science and from the Air Force ROTC program.
During his senior year at KSU, a hometown girl caught his eye. Walter and Janette Myers were married on April 22, 1956, and promptly moved straight to Texas for his Flight School. Walter’s active-duty assignment was Geiger Air Force base near Spokane, Washington. He was a combat rated all-weather interceptor jet fighter pilot. In 1958, Walter was the first Jet Fighter Pilot to successfully eject from an F-102 and survive.
Expecting the birth of their third daughter, Walter and Jan made the decision to return to farming. Walter was a farmer and rancher, once again. Together, he and Jan raised the “three D’s on the farm.” Many memories were made between father and daughters as they worked hogs and cattle, carried irrigation pipe, chopped thistle, fixed fences, loaded hay bales, and harvested wheat and corn. The lack of sons did not deter Walter from teaching his daughters how to work hard at anything they did. He rewarded hard work with occasional trips to town for French fries and malts. He particularly loved purebred Herefords and named this business “Triple D Herefords.” Walter and Jan were very active in raising their daughters in the church. In later years, Walter learned sign language to translate parts of the church services for several deaf members. Walter and Jan enjoyed their worship at the Dispatch Christian Reformed Church.
Through the years, Walter belonged to various organizations. He was house manager and treasurer for the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity at KSU, Block and Bridle Treasurer, Ag Council Representative, Barnwarmer Commission Chairman, and a member of Collegiate 4-H, Arnold Air Society, Young Republicans, Meats Judging Team, and Little American Royal Commission. He and Jan started the Baptist Mission Church in Cheney, Washington. Walter became a Sunday School Teacher, Baptist Youth Fellowship Sponsor, a Township Treasurer, a church deacon, church trustee, a Masonic member, and proud member of the Kansas Hereford Association, National Cattlemen’s association and the Kansas Livestock Association.
Walter actively farmed for the next 40 years. He was known for his passionate views, quick wit and hard work. It was common for him to challenge young men in town to beat him at one-handed pushups. During the Farm Crisis, he took training at KSU to become a financial farm counselor for Ag Services and helped farmers in Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa and Oklahoma navigate financial strains.
During his retirement years on the farm, he and Jan enjoyed entertaining others. They looked forward to visits from their daughters, sons-in-law and 10 grandchildren every Labor Day weekend to hunt dove and fish, in the winter to celebrate the Christmas and New Year holidays and special summer trips.
In 2012, Walter and Jan made the decision to move from the farm to Newton, Kansas to be closer to family. He spent his last years in that area.
Walter is preceded in death by his parents (Eldon and Sinnie Schoen), and his sister and brother-in-law (Geraldine and Keno Stephenson). He is survived by his wife, Janette Schoen; his daughters, Deborah Thompson (Steve) of Kansas City, MO, Diane Busenitz (Dwight) of Whitewater, KS, and Doreen (Ted) Alward of Kansas City, MO, and by his ten grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews.
Funeral Service will be held Saturday, July 1, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the Dispatch Christian Reformed Church, rural Cawker City. Visitation will be Friday evening from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Memorials may be given to the church or Heart Choices of Beloit in care of Domoney Funeral Home, PO Box 127, Downs, KS 67437

05/23/2023

WARREN L. OTTE

Warren Leon Otte left this world on Sunday, May 21, 2023 at the age of 76. He will be sadly missed and will always hold a place in our hearts.
Warren was always interested in how things worked and Grace often shared stories of his interest in her small appliances; taking them apart and only occasionally returning them to their original working condition. This was only the beginning of his love of electronics which led him to a career as a pioneer in the field of computer technology.
After graduating Downs High Schol in 1964, he attended Denver Electronic Institute and learned to repair electronic typewriters. In 1970, he studied integrated circuits (Microchips) technology and computer wiring at IBM technical school, which led to relocating to California and a job in Silicon Valley. His career not only took him across the country but internationally, including trips to Korea, Japan, and Australia.
He retired and returned to Downs after the passing of his mother in 2014.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Weldon Bart (1967).
He is survived by his wife Anne M. Otte of the home; children: Kristi Gamble (Scott) of Littleton, CO, Janna Frederick of Downs, Kate Knight (Darrick) of Independence, MO, Melissa Otte of Topeka and eleven grandchildren: Jacalyn Gamble, Jessica Gamble, Jennifer Schmitt (Dustin), Charles Nathan Frederick (Erin Bandy), Taysja Sevilla, Trennon Sevilla, Tyson Sevilla, Talon Sevilla, Hayden Otte, Tegan Woodall, and Danny Woodall.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, July 29, 2013 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at Domoney Funeral Home, Downs, KS. Memorials may be given to Downs Parks and Recreation or KDPW-Youth Fishing in care of Domoney Funeral Home, PO Box 127, Downs, KS 67437.

05/15/2023

05/10/2023

Howard Glen Cary was born to Warren and Celeste (Easterly) Cary on April 15, 1931 at the family farm immediately southwest of Downs. He passed away on February 14, 2023 at the age of 91. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, June and her husband Lloyd Boxum.

Howard married Joyce DeBey on October 15, 1950. At the time of his death they had been married 72 years.

Howard was a life-long farmer, farming first with his parents and later with his sons, Jim and John. He also was involved in local businesses, including Huiting & Cary Fertilizer & Grain and Cary Trucking. He was a custom wheat harvester for 30 years, traveling to Oklahoma, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska and South Dakota. Many of his customers became life-long friends.

He played an active role as a leader in the First Christian Church of Downs, serving in many capacities including elder. His Christian faith was central in his life.

As a young man he also enjoyed hunting and fishing and racing midget racing cars. He played and lettered in basketball at school. He was active in the Downs Masonic Lodge serving as Master and District Deputy Grand Master.

Howard is survived by his wife, Joyce of the home; children, Curtis of Downs, Leslie (Irene) of Vancouver, Washington, James (Nancy) of Downs, John of Downs, Susan (Brad) Schoen of Manhattan, and William (Ronda) of Olathe; 6 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends.

A memorial service will be held on May 27, 2023 at 11:00 am at the First Christian Church, Downs, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the First Christian Church, Downs, Kansas or Solomon Valley Hospice in care of Domoney Funeral Home, PO Box 127, Downs, KS 67437.

05/08/2023

Gary Ray Doane was born to Ralph and Eileen Doane on July 28, 1948. He was raised on a farm northwest of Downs, KS with his three brothers. He married his wife, Glennys Elaine Gilmore, on November 5, 1977 and enjoyed 45 years of marriage while farming and raising three children just a few miles from his childhood home. Gary passed away on May 7, 2023 at Mitchell County Hospital.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, mother-in-law, brother, Keith, sister-in-law, Marcia Sparks and nephew, Nathan Sparks. He is survived by his wife, Glennys; children, Amy of Downs, Vic (Amanda) of Prairie Village, and Edie of Manhattan; two grandchildren, Will and Grant; brothers, Brent (Linda) of Portis and Steve (Heidi) of Downs; father-in-law, Ralph Gilmore of Aledo, Ill.; sister-in-law, Marsha Doane of Downs; brother-in-law, Jim Sparks of Winterset, Iowa; and sister-in-law, Linda (Lee) Tank of Bettendorf, Iowa. He was blessed with many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews whom he loved and held dear.

Gary grew up in the Rose Valley Church and was an active congregant all his life. He was passionate about sharing his faith with the Downs community and frequently invited, and often even drove, kids and young people to church or related events.

After graduating from Downs High School, Gary attended Kansas State University where he received a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics in 1970. During his college years, he was involved in a variety of activities, but most notably enjoyed his time and friendships in the FarmHouse fraternity. He remained a dedicated K-State fan throughout his life.

Gary lived his life with intentionality and purpose, working to make his community and North Central Kansas a place where people would enjoy spending their lives. He was profoundly impacted by his friend and mentor, Doyle Rahjes. He sought opportunities to serve others in the areas of agriculture, healthcare, civic issues, politics and leadership, with a specific goal of empowering young people and those in need of some extra help. While he gave his time generously to numerous organizations, two were especially meaningful to him because of the people he encountered and experiences he had.

He served at the county and state level in the Kansas Farm Bureau, including a term on the state Young Farmers & Ranchers committee and eight years on the state board of directors. His involvement took him throughout the state, nation and around the world. Farm Bureau gave him a platform to work on issues that were important to Kansas agriculture, such as water, taxes and international trade. Gary also served as chair of the board of directors for the Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership (KARL) program and accompanied groups of leaders on domestic sessions and international trips as they saw the best of Kansas and learned from people all over the world. These organizations instilled a love for experiencing cultures around the world and he (often accompanied by Glennys) traveled to Venezuela, Russia, Ukraine, England, Denmark, Sweden, Lithuania, South Africa, Chile and Cuba, where Gary never met a stranger.

Gary enjoyed farming but felt that the greatest thing he could cultivate was a new generation of people to take over the communities and quality of life that make Kansas a wonderful place to live and raise a family. He often said he wanted to help raise new leaders to pass along on the types of opportunities he enjoyed in North Central Kansas. He spent his life growing, building and sustaining his family and community and now leaves a legacy of leadership and investment in the lives of people all over Kansas and beyond. Gary was never more excited than when he saw someone younger taking interest and developing a passion for growing, building, and sustaining future generations to come.

The Doane family would like to thank the doctors and nursing staff at Mitchell County Hospital for their diligent and compassionate care of Gary in the final months of his life.

The family invites you to celebrate Gary’s life with them at a visitation at 7:00-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 10 and a service on Thursday, May 11 at 11:00 a.m., both at Rose Valley Church. Gary will be laid to rest with a graveside service at the Rose Valley Cemetery following the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, please consider continuing Gary’s legacy by donating to one of these organizations that were important to him:

Heart Choices of Beloit
Kansas Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture
Kansas Agriculture & Rural Leadership Program (KARL)
Memorials may be sent to Domoney Funeral Home, PO Box 127, Downs, KS 67437

GARY'S SERVICE WILL BE LIVE STREAMED ON ROSE VALLEY CHURCH FACEBOOK PAGE!!!

03/28/2023

Eugene “Gene” Wagner

Downs—Eugene “Gene” Wagner passed away Saturday, March 25, 2023. He was born September 24, 1933 to Frank and Philomena (Gradig) Wagner on a farm south of Downs.
Mr. Wagner was a farmer.
He is preceded in death by his sisters; Leona Budke and Loretta Eilert and grandson, Justin Wagner.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara of the home; children: Larry (Christy) Wagner of Wellington, CO, Dale (Shelley) Wagner of Columbia, MO, Richard (Sandy) Wagner of Downs, Bill (Theresa) Wagner of Rock Springs, WY, Connie (Gerald) Potts of Woodston, Judy Wagner of Victorville, CA, Betty (Jesse) Schreuder of Lee’s Summit, MO, and Leslie (Hollie) Wagner of Nixa, MO; 24 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Downs. A Vigil service will be held Friday evening March 31 at 7:00 p.m. at the church. Memorials may be given to Downs Care & Rehab Center or the church in care of Domoney Funeral Home, PO Box 127, Downs, KS 67437
Gene's Service will live streamed on Domoney Funeral Home page at 10:00 a.m. Saturday morning.

03/25/2023

Downs---Dennis Muck, 74, passed away December 18, 2022. He was born November 24, 1948 in Beloit, Kansas, the son of Paul “Jake” and Betty (Chase) Muck.
After graduating from Downs High School, Dennis served in the Army from 1967 to 1970. Upon returning home to Downs, Dennis and his parents owned and operated Muck’s Hy-Klas Market in Downs for many years. He was widely known for having the best meat market in the area. After leaving the store he became an award winning smoke master, calling his mouthwatering smoked meats "Butt Rubbers". Through the years he also worked for Griffith/Pork Packers, Downs; Peterson Industries, Smith Center; and an insurance company. Dennis was an avid hunter and fisherman, a great story teller, and a lover of quotes/sayings. He was a big guy with a big heart and the most memorable laugh anyone ever heard.
He is preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his sister, Cheryl (Lane) King of Farmer’s Branch, Texas; stepson, Chris (Mandy) Burda of Downs, step-daughter, Shannan (Mitch) Hempler of Norton, 6 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and numerous cousins and friends.
Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. at Waconda Lake, Cawker City Park. Memorials may be given to the Waconda Lake Cultural Association or Glen Elder Dept. of Wildlife and Parks in care of Domoney Funeral Home, PO Box 127, Downs, Ks 67437