Chapel Oaks Funeral Home

12/27/2025

TIMOTHY DAVID HALLIER

Timothy David Hallier, loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, brother, and uncle passed away at the age of 72 on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at the Community Hospital in Onaga.

He was born May 24, 1953 in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Otto and Patsy Smith Hallier. From the age of eleven, Tim was raised by Otto and his step-mother, Marjorie.

Around this time, while at summer Bible camp, Tim understood his need for a Savior, and began to follow Christ as his Lord. He shared about Christ with his step-mother, and she also believed, and they were baptized together. He was involved in youth group at their church, where he learned much about the Lord.

He participated in ROTC at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School, and graduated in 1971. Because of the influence of his grandparents, John and Reva Junod Hallier in his life, he then moved to the Onaga area and took jobs working for a local farmer, Roscoe Melton, and the Onaga Lumberyard.

He married Lynne Anne McDowell 47 years ago on November 11, 1978 in Olathe. She survives, of the home. Tim was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church in Onaga, and later Havensville Christian Church. He worked for Frito Lay in Topeka, as well as Custom Wood Products in St. Marys.

Along with the Bible, the traditional values and wisdom passed from his beloved family were a guiding compass for the way Tim lived and led his family. He had a deep love and appreciation for God’s creation and the natural rhythms of nature, farming, and weather. Tim had a special interest in Hereford cattle as his great-grandfather, Paul Junod had before him, and could often be found spending time outdoors working with his animals, plantlife, or simply observing the weather or birds. He enjoyed testing his daughters about a certain bird song or tree leaf. He had a strong work ethic and intentionally passed that on.

Tim was preceded in death by his parents Otto and Marjorie, his birth mother Patsy, and a step-brother Greg Hallier Lindberg.

Other survivors include three daughters, Catherine Freeman (Alvin), Excelsior Springs, MO, Michelle “Shelly” Will (Brandon), Denison, and Grace St. Louis (Jeremy), Scott Air Force Base, IL, two brothers, Leslie Hallier, Houston, TX and Mark Hallier, Seneca, a step-brother, Reed Walker, Kansas City, KS, a step-sister, Rhonda Walker, Pompano Beach, FL, eight grandchildren, Benjamin and Levi Freeman, Garrett (Hannah), Gavin, Clara and Carter Will, Aiden and Eliza St. Louis, and one great granddaughter, Abigail Will.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 30th at the Havensville Christian Church. Visitation will be from 1:00 until service time. Burial will follow the service in the Neuchatel Cemetery. A meal will be served following the burial, at Havensville Christian Church. Tim will lie in state from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Onaga. Memorials are suggested to the Topeka Rescue Mission, and may be sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 312, Onaga, KS 66521. On-line condolences may be made at chapeloaksfuneralhome.com .

A live stream of the service will be available on Pastor Ora Martindale's YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/

12/17/2025

DOROTHY “DOT” SOSNA

Dorothy R. “Dot” Sosna, 89, of Hoyt, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, December 15, 2025 at her home.

She was born July 22, 1936 in Kansas City, Kansas, the daughter of Henry and Stella Mortko Dolinar. She graduated from Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, KS in 1954.

Dot was a devoted member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Mayetta and the Altar Society at the church.

She married Robert L. Sosna on April 7, 1956 in Kansas City. He preceded her in death on January 20, 2019.

Dot was preceded in death by her parents, her step-parents, Helen Dolinar and Al Basey, a daughter, Cheryl Stewart, and her step-brother, Michael Basey.

Survivors include three daughters, Susan Shumaker (Roger), Topeka, Denise Murray (Brian) and Lori Winter, all of Hoyt, a step-sister, Marsha Basey, Olathe, eleven grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 23rd, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery at Hoyt. Dot will lie in state after 9:00 a.m. Monday at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hoyt, where a Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m., followed by visitation until 7:30. Memorials are suggested to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, and may be sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 280, Hoyt, KS 66440. On-line condolences may be made at chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

12/15/2025

DAVID L. ADKINS

David Leon Adkins, 78, of Topeka, KS, lost his battle with cancer and gained his eternal life with his Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, December 12, 2025.

Born on December 7, 1947, in Concordia, KS, to Ralph Otis and Katherine Leona (Gustafson) Adkins, David grew up in Delphos, Kansas, attending Delphos schools until his senior year of high school, when the family moved to Jacksonville, Arkansas. He graduated from Jacksonville High School, and then returned to Kansas to earn his bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from Kansas State University in 1970. In September of that year, he married his college sweetheart, Susan Brown, in Hutchinson. He and Susan had two children, Stephanie and Eric, and resided in Holton, KS.

David’s professional career began when he was appointed Vice President of Talmage State Bank in Talmage, KS. He then purchased a private insurance agency in Holton, which he named the Adkins Insurance Agency. He served the Holton community as the agency’s owner and operator for nearly 30 years until selling it upon his retirement in 1993. However, he did not stay retired long. He soon embarked on a new career, accepting a position with the U.S. Postal Service as a rural letter carrier in the Holton area. He very much enjoyed that work for many years, staying active in the community and developing friendships with those along his routes. He also assisted with training for other letter carriers in the area. He retired from the postal service in September of 2019.

In addition to his professional pursuits, he had numerous personal hobbies and interests. He had a lifelong love of farming, and from his early years in Delphos until after his retirement, he continued to maintain farmland wherever he lived. He was also an avid fisherman who always looked forward to his yearly fishing trips to Canada with a group of friends. He rarely came home from those trips without good stories to share. Fishing with his son was one of his favorite things to do, and he had many great memories of the time they spent together on the water.

David was known for his adventurous, competitive spirit. As a proud K-State alumnus, he playfully harassed his friends and family who were fans of KU whenever his team beat theirs in any sporting event. He would call his daughter and sing the K-State fight song to her on such days, even while she was a student at KU. He was a faithful viewer of “The Price is Right,” enthusiastically trying to beat the televised contestants to the correct answer from his armchair at home. He loved to watch football and baseball with his son and he would loudly cheer on his favorite teams, whether or not they were winning. For a long time, he also enjoyed trying to beat his family at board games every Sunday afternoon at his daughter’s house before settling in for a long nap in the recliner. His loved ones think his favorite game of all may have been the annual Chicken Fried Steak Adventures, where family members would spend his birthday taking him to various cities - sometimes in other states - looking for the place that he would declare had perfectly prepared his favorite dish.

Sharing his time and talents was something David very much enjoyed. He was always quite fond of working with his hands, and loved fixing and building things with his son, as well as successfully tackling building projects throughout the years with others, from home improvements to helping to construct a new building for his church. A man of great faith, he was amongst the first members there, serving in different positions, including as a board member and treasurer. He regularly participated in and led various prayer and Bible study groups. He was a voracious reader and researcher, and enjoyed engaging in spirited conversations on just about any topic.

David cherished his role as a grandfather. Tyler and Zachary remember that he was always there for every event while they were growing up, whether they were playing a sport, performing in a play, or participating in a concert. He even cheerfully attended their grade school violin concerts. He let them know that he was very proud of them, and they will miss him dearly.

David is survived by his daughter, Stephanie (Jeff) Brown, and son Eric, and grandsons Tyler and Zachary Brown, all of Topeka. He is also survived by a sister, Barbara (Joe) Davis, and brothers Max (Susan) Adkins, Dan (Judy) Adkins, and Don (Remy, deceased) Adkins, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Gary Adkins.

Visitation with friends and family will take place on Thursday, December 18, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 524 Pennsylvania Avenue, Holton, KS.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, December 19, at Family Life Church of the Nazarene, 1211 NW 46th Street, in Topeka.

David’s final resting place will be in the Holton Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Family Life Church of the Nazarene, 1211 NW 46th Street, Topeka, KS, 66618.

12/10/2025

THOMAS ALAN McKINSEY

Thomas Alan McKinsey went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on December 8, 2025.

Thomas was born to Alan and Janet McKinsey on May 15, 1968 in Onaga. He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Duluth, where he was baptized on June 9, 1968, and confirmed in 1982. He attended school in Emporia until the 7th grade when his family moved to Onaga. He graduated from Onaga High School in 1986 and attended Kansas State University after high school. During college he suffered a life altering injury while working, leaving him incapacitated for the rest of his life.

Thomas is survived by his parents, Alan and Janet McKinsey, three brothers, Jason McKinsey (Bonnie), Daniel McKinsey (Sarah) and Joshua McKinsey (Jamie), nieces and nephews, Alexis, Katelyn, Emma, Aidan, Gabriel, Gracie, Isabel and Charlotte, many aunts, uncles and cousins, and a very special friend, Michelle Berges Simonsson.

As the oldest of three brothers, he carried a strength that shaped the lives of those who looked up to him. He led with love, humor and kindness, that can only come from a heart devoted to his family and friends. He was a protector, a leader and a source of comfort.

Though his time here was shorter than we could have ever imagined, we find a peace in knowing he is now held in the comforting arms of his Lord and Savior, welcomed into eternal rest.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, December 15th at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Burial will follow in the Onaga Cemetery. Thomas will lie in state from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Sunday at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Onaga. A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the church on Sunday. Memorials are suggested to CHCS Home Health, and may be sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 312, Onaga, KS 66521. On-line condolences may be made at chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

12/03/2025

ANGEL LEA BROWNELL

Angel Lea Brownell, 40, of Omaha, Nebraska, passed away on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 in Omaha.

She was born February 23, 1985 in Onaga, and graduated from Holton High School in 2003.

Angel was a pharmacy technician for Pet Paws Rx Pharmacy in Omaha.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Max and Rosa Brownell, and an aunt, Rita Shupe.

Survivors include her partner, Justin Hayes, Omaha, her mother, Judy Brownell, Falls City, NE, two brothers, Bradley Dover (Esther), North Platte, NE and Nicholas Dover, Omaha, NE, a sister, Traci L. Waggoner (Jeremy), Rulo, NE, her nieces and nephews, Russell Max Dover, Anthony Winters, Chris Winters and Kala Waggoner, and her loving pets, Beau Atticus and Navy Josephine.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 9th at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow in the Holton Cemetery. Angel will lie in state from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Brain Injury Association of Colorado, and may be sent in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 1034, Holton, KS 66436. On-line condolences may be made at chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

11/21/2025

FRED R. DYSART

Fred R. Dysart, 70, was called to Heaven on November 20, 2025 at home in Netawaka, Kansas.

Fred was born July 6, 1955 in Garnett, Kansas, the son of William and Elma (Lee) Dysart. Growing up on the family farmstead near Parker, Kansas, Fred was active in 4-H, FFA and church. He graduated from Prairie View High School in LaCygne and attended Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College and Kansas State University.

He worked as a welder for BMB and Alamo Company. Later he retired from Goodyear Tire Company.

Fred was an avid horseman and started in rodeo with steer wrestling, and then advanced to team roping. As a member of Circleville Saddle Club and as a lifetime member of AQHA, Fred loved team roping, trail rides and play nights at Circleville Saddle Club. He especially enjoyed helping his daughters at horse shows and riding lessons. Fred worked with many colts, starting them with basic groundwork and ending with many wet saddle pads. His slow and gentle hand showed through on all his horses. Winter evenings he would be cleaning leather and watching training videos.

Fred also enjoyed hunting and fishing and experiencing the great outdoors.

In recent years, Fred’s greatest pleasures came from watching the grandkids participate in sports and 4-H activities

Fred married Diane Marie Spade on June 14, 1981. She survives of the home, along with his son, Jacob Dysart, Hays, two daughters, Valerie (Adam) Niehues and Jamie (Eric) Hermesch, all of Kelly, and seven grandchildren, Wade, Beau, Violet and Maggie Niehues, and Fredric, Clare and Jay Hermesch. His brother Bill (Beckie) Dysart, Louisburg, also survives. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m. Monday, November 24th at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Holton. A visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until service time. Fred will lie in state from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday and from 9:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Monday. The casket will remain closed. Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 25th in the Cadmus Cemetery in Cadmus, Kansas. Memorials are suggested to Wetmore United Methodist Church or Circleville Saddle Club, in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 1034, Holton, KS 66436. On-line condolences may be made at chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

11/14/2025

CHARLES J. MORRIS

“Charles J. Morris, “Babishkėt” 68, of Hiawatha, passed away on Saturday, November 1, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

He was born July 20, 1957 in Inglewood, CA, the son of Calvin and Thamar Williams Morris. He graduated from VHHS in Tujunga, CA in 1976, where he lettered in baseball and football.

Charles was a tribal member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation in Mayetta, Kansas. He was baptized in the Catholic faith and named Babishkėt by the Bear Drum.

He worked as a cashier at Golden Eagle and Sac and Fox Casino for about twenty-five years.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Marie Clement.

Survivors include two sisters, Lucie Morris (Richard Vest, Jr.) and Lysette Morris, all of Mayetta, and a brother, Herbert Morris. Other survivors include nieces and nephews, Elliott Morris, Lisa Morris, Jason Wilder, Nick Wilder, Desirée Morris, Cassandra Clement, and his great nieces and nephews as well.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 22nd at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Holton. On-line condolences may be made at chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

11/11/2025

This Rosary was found by the gas pumps at the Casey's on the highway in Holton. If you lost it or know who it belongs to, you can contact St. Dominic Parish Office at 785-364-3262.

10/25/2025

RODNEY “ROD” STROUP

Rodney “Rod” Stroup, 67, of Holton, passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at his home surrounded by those who loved him.

He was born on November 29, 1957 at Topeka, the son of Russell and Virginia Segrist Stroup.

Rod had worked for Henry Brothers in Holton for over twenty years, before starting Rod’s Small Engine Repair. He operated that for over twenty years until retiring for health reasons.

He married Sharon Kennedy on September 17, 1983 in Holton. She survives, of the home.

Rod was preceded in death by his parents, Virginia and James Nelson and Russell and Marcia Stroup, his father-in-law, Harold Kennedy, two sisters, Jackie Begesse and Pam Forrister, and a brother, J.D. Nelson.

Other survivors include two daughters, Baylee Stroup (Bobby), Topeka, and Sondra Stroup (Chad), Holton, a son, Andrew “Bo” Stroup, Holton, two sisters, Gayla Gurley (Vaughn), Gary, TX and Rose Ener, Pasadena, TX, and five grandchildren, Alexis, Kamara, Liam, Reagan, Hailey and Mariana.

Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 1st at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Holton. Private inurnment will be later in the Spring Hill Cemetery at Whiting. On-line condolences may be made at chapeloaksfuneralhome.com.

10/24/2025

10/23/2025

GARY LEE BLACKSMITH

Gary Lee Blacksmith, 68, of Horton, passed away on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at the Holton Community Hospital.

He was born February 1, 1957 in Holton, the son of Harmon and Mary Ann Negonsott Blacksmith.

Gary was a member of the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas and the Santee Sioux Tribe.

He graduated from Atchinson Vocational Technical School, where he learned mechanic and auto body work, trades he thoroughly enjoyed. Growing up he worked on all his family’s vehicles and enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents and a son, William Blacksmith.

Survivors include two daughters, Rachelle Blacksmith and Jesse Blacksmith (Cesar), all of Horton, one sister, Terri Blacksmith, Horton, fourteen grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

Family burial will be in the Negonsott Cemetery on the Kickapoo Reservation. Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Holton is assisting the family. On-line condolences may be made at chapeloaksfuneralhome.com