KLKC Obituaries

11/10/2025

Retired First Sergeant, Henry A. Gatewood Jr., 84, passed away the morning of Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Labette Health in Parsons.
The funeral service with full military honors will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, November 15, 2025. at Brown-Bishop, VFW Post 704, 105 Main, Parsons. The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m., until the service begins at the VFW.

Henry Arthur Gatewood was born on July 6, 1941, to Henry and Maxine Laura Lee (Darkis) Gatewood in Parsons. While growing up in Parsons, he attended Douglass School and graduated from Parsons West High School. After graduating from Parsons Junior College, now known as Labette Community College, he entered basic training for the United States Army at Ft. Jackson in South Carolina. Next, he began advanced individual training at Ft. Leonard Wood in Missouri.

His stateside assignments as an Army advisor with the 875th combat engineer battalion were: Ft. Meade, Maryland, Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, Ft. Carson, Colorado, Ft. Capp, Pennsylvania, West Point, New York, and Jonesboro, Arkansas.

While serving, he also had many overseas assignments including: two tours in Germany, and tours in Panama, Nicaragua, Korea, and Vietnam with the 11th armored Calvary regiment, 919th engineer company, and fourth platoon.

Henry had a very successful and highly decorated military career. He received the following awards: the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster (meaning that he received the award multiple times), a Meritorious Service medal with oak leaf clusters, an Army Commendation medal with oak leaf clusters, the Arkansas Commendation medal, an Army achievement medal, a Good Conduct medal multiple times, a National Defense Service medal, a Korean Service medal, a Vietnam Service medal with three Bronze Stars-Campaign TET 69 counteroffensive Vietnam summer/fall 69/ Vietnam winter-spring 70, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional development ribbon 3rd Level, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, President Unit Citation, IMJIM Scout Badge, Jungle Expert Badge, Driver-Mechanic Badge, Expert/Sharp Shooter Badge Small Arms.

While in the military, his duty positions included combat engineer, squad leader, and platoon Sgt., drill Sgt., Army advisor, intelligence Sgt., instructor and First Sergeant.

Henry retired from the Army December 1, 1985, after 25 years of active duty.

After retirement, he worked at Southland Care Center in Fayetteville, Missouri, until 1990. He then worked at Kemper Military School and College in Booneville, Missouri, from 1990-1999. Next, he worked at the Labette County Correctional Camp in Oswego in a variety of positions including as a Drill Corporal, a Disciplinary Non-Commissioned Officer, and a Work Sergeant. In addition, he taught classes to staff and inmates until the camp closed.

Henry was an active member of Hamilton Chapel in Parsons. For the last several years, Henry had served as a trustee of Brown Bishop VFW Post 704 in Parsons and as 3rd district commander in the state of Kansas VFW. In October 2017, he was inducted into the Kemper Military School and College Alumni Association Hall of Fame. He was recognized for his military service and his service to the local community with a LCC Distinguished Alumni Award in 2018. In 2025, Henry and First Sergeant Charles Slone were appointed colonels in Kemper Corps of Cadets – the only two non-cadets to receive the award.

His greatest enjoyment came from spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed sports, cruising and traveling to reunions with family and his fellow military veterans.

On July 5, 1974, Henry and Martha S. (Cason) Sheley were united in marriage in Alexandria, Virginia. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include:

Five children – U.S. Army Retired Howard D. Sheley (Marie-Anne) of Colorado, Springs, Colorado

Henry A. Gatewood III (Gidgette) of Lake Charles, Louisiana

Marvin L. Sheley of Columbia, Missouri

Adonus Stewart (Kenneth) of Lake Charles, Louisiana

Numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren

Siblings – Charles Gatewood, James Gatewood (Peggy), Emmett Gatewood, and Shawnell Reece (Michael) all of Parsons, Kansas; Maurice Gatewood (Katie) of Wichita, Kansas; Debra Sanchez and Marva Cullom of Olathe, Kansas; and Richard Gatewood

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Julie Robertson; and his brother, Larry Gatewood.

11/05/2025

Dale L. Romine, 89, of St. Charles, Missouri, and a former Neosho County resident, passed away at 8:24 a.m., Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at his home in St. Charles. Among his survivors is his wife, Wanda Romine, of the home. Further obituary information and service arrangements will be announced by the Pierce-Carson-Wall Funeral Home of Erie.

11/04/2025

Craig E. Basoco, 61, of Chetopa, passed away Saturday, November 1, 2025, at his home. He is survived by his wife, Melanie, of the home.

The graveside service will be at 2:00 p.m., November 14, 2025, at Oak Hill Cemetery in Chetopa.

Craig Ernest Basoco was born on September 15, 1964, to Ernest Jasso and Paricia Marie (Price) Basoco in Los Angeles, California. He grew up and attended school in southern California. After completing his freshman year in high school, he moved with his family from Whittier, California, to southeast Kansas, graduating from Labette County High School in 1983.

Following high school, Craig served in the United States Army. Throughout his career, he worked as an automotive technician and a machine operator.

Craig had a strong Christian faith and wanted everyone to believe in the resurrection of Christ. He had the talent of building things out of “junk” and enjoyed working on small engines.

On May 14, 2016, Craig and Melanie Ann Johnson were united in marriage in Parsons. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include:

Two sons – Clinton Craig Basoco of Victoria, Texas

Zachary Basoco of Pittsburg, Kansas

Two daughters – Lee Ann M. Cruz of Chetopa, Kansas

Amanda Elliott of Joplin, Missouri

Eight grandchildren

One brother – Steve Basoco of Parsons Kansas

One sister – Kathy Levre of Parsons, Kansas

He was preceded in death by his parents and infant son, Ernest Ray Basoco.

10/30/2025

Raymond Paulie, 68, of St. Paul, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at his home.

The funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at St. Francis Catholic Church in St. Paul. Burial will follow at St. Francis Cemetery in St. Paul. The rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, at St. Francis Catholic Church. The family will receive friends following the rosary.

He was born on October 8, 1957, to John Joseph Paulie, Sr. and Theresa Marie (Westhoff) Paulie in Parsons. He grew up and attended school in St. Paul.

Most of his working career, he worked for the Neosho County Road and Bridge Department, retiring after 35 years in 2022.

On November 27, 1981, Raymond and Rose Robinson were united in marriage at St. Francis Catholic Church in St. Paul.

His survivors include his wife, Rose Paulie; two daughters, Rachel Paulie and Roxane Paulie (Bryan Frame); three grandchildren, Austyn Paulie, Joshua Pritchard, and Braeden Frame; and siblings, John Paulie, Jr. (Jackie), Lora Paisley (Roy), Jean Kroenke, and Jim Paulie, all of St. Paul, and Mary Creasser (Wayne) of Sedgwick, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Carl Paulie.

Memorials are suggested to St. Francis Catholic Church. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

10/30/2025

Greg Jones, 68, of rural Parsons, passed away early Wednesday morning at his home.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, November 7, 2025, at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home. A reception will follow the service at the Wall Family Center. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday. Memorials are suggested to the Greg Jones Memorial Fund, and these may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, 112 N. 26th St., P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS 63757. Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.

Greg was born on January 10, 1957, at Lake Andes, South Dakota to Albert and Frances (Hylland) Jones. He grew up on the family farm near Lake Andes and attended schools there, graduating from Andes Central High School in 1975. He later attended Black Hills State University, where he received a bachelor's degree in biology, and then received a master’s in special education from Texas Tech University.

Greg worked on the family farm until 1984. He owned and operated Dakota Gun Dogs from 1985 to 1988. He worked as a youth counselor in the child protective services department for South Dakota and as a jailor and dispatcher for the City of Lake Andes. He moved to Parsons in 1997, where he worked for Class Ltd. and then for SKIL and was one of their first staff members. He was a fierce lifelong advocate for people with disabilities. He retired in 2015 and then worked for Greenbush until 2019. He also raised German Wirehaired Pointers and goats.

He is survived by his daughters, Allie Jones of Parsons and Rhona Nelson of Denver, CO; his brother, Walt Jones of Denver, CO; two sisters, Lucille Hartman of Sioux Falls, SD, and Cheryl Nincehelser Pierre, SD; and several nieces and nephews.

Carson-Wall Funeral Services in St Paul, Parsons, Erie and Girard, KS provides funeral, memorial, aftercare, pre-planning, and cre... Learn More

10/28/2025

Kenneth E. “Hungry” Strickland, 89, of Columbus, passed away surrounded by his family, Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Freeman West, Joplin, Missouri. The visitation is Tuesday, October 28, at 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home at 605 Locust St., Chetopa, Kansas. The funeral service will be Wednesday, October 29, at 10:00 a.m. at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 2803 SW Greenlawn, Columbus. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery, rural Columbus, Kansas.
Kenneth Eugene Strickland was born on March 30, 1936, to Walter and Minnie Belle (Needham) Strickland in rural Oswego, Kansas. He grew up and attended school in Chetopa, graduating in 1954 from Chetopa High School.

Most of his working years, he was employed at BF Goodrich, in Miami, Oklahoma, from which he retired in 1986. After retirement, he worked for Day and Zimmerman in Parsons and CNC Machining in Joplin. In his earlier years, he served in the National Guard.

Kenny enjoyed hunting, fishing, picking pecans, and having a garden. He was mechanically gifted, fixing anything with a motor, including small engines to vehicles.

He and Ersie D. (Casey) McKee were united in marriage on September 6, 1961, in Miami, Oklahoma. She preceded him in death on June 28, 2016.

His survivors include:

Six children -

Brenda Carter of Chetopa, Kansas

Beckie Keith and her husband, Robert, of Chetopa, Kansas

Brian Strickland and his wife, Kellie, of Chetopa, Kansas

Darrell Lamme and his wife, Teresa, of Elwood, Kansas

Robin Lamme of Hutchinson, Kansas

Mark Lamme and his wife, Carolyn, of Everest, Kansas

Numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren

One brother – Duane Strickland of Raymore, Missouri

One sister – Patricia Lollar of Haysville, Kansas

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; son; Henry Wilson; stepson, Billie L. McKee, II; son-in-law, Mark Carter; granddaughters, Amanda Moore and Christy McCuen; and sister, Ramona Gwartney.

Memorials are suggested to the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

10/28/2025

Rodney L. "Rod" Shrum, 65, of Overland Park, and a former Erie resident, passed away Thursday, October 23, 2025 at his home in Overland Park. Further obituary information and service arrangements will be announced by the Pierce-Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Erie.

10/28/2025

Kathleen Gerdes, 81, of Altamont, passed away the afternoon of Monday, October 27, 2025, at her home. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Gerdes, on November 8, 2023.

The funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 7, 2025, at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Parsons. Burial will follow at Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Parsons. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Parsons.

Kathleen Sue Beaty was born on August 11, 1944, to Evert Cleon and Frankie Virginia (Conklin) Beaty in San Diego, California. She grew up and attended school in Parsons. After graduating from high school, Kathleen attended Kansas State University for a time. She transferred to Kansas State Teacher’s College, now Pittsburg State University, where she earned a teaching certificate and met the love of her life, James Gerdes.

Before starting her teaching career, Kathleen worked as a cook at Labette County Medical Center. For 30 years, Kathleen was a teacher at Labette County High School.

An accomplished amateur photographer, her favorite subjects were wildflowers, sunflowers, zoo animals and landscapes and she was awarded numerous ribbons for her photos. She had a special love for animals. She also enjoyed reading and traveling with her sister.

On August 28, 1965, Kathleen and James were united in marriage at Central Avenue Christian Church in Parsons. He preceded her in death on November 8, 2023.

Survivors include:

Two sons – Kevin Gerdes of Altamont, Kansas

James E. Gerdes and his wife, Kari, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

One daughter – Sarah Bolin of Altamont, Kansas

Two grandchildren – Hannah Gerdes and Nicholas Bolin

One great-grandson

Two sisters – Gretchen Garrett and her husband, Doug, of Olathe, Kansas

Janice Beaty of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother, Joe Beaty.

Memorials are suggested to Proud Animal Lovers Shelter (PALS). These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

10/27/2025

Janet K. Easter, 82, of Girard, Kansas passed away October 23, 2025, at the Girard Medical Center.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m., Today, October 27, 2025 at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Girard with Pastor Rick Prideaux officiating. Burial will be in the Girard Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m., until service time today. Friends may call after 2:00 p.m., Sunday at the funeral home.
She was born August 3, 1943 in Pittsburg, Kansas, a daughter of Leo and Betty (Madison) Serra. Janet grew up in Capaldo and graduated from Frontenac High School, Frontenac, Kansas in 1961.

She married the love of her life, Leroy Easter on June 9th, 1962. They celebrated 51 years of marriage before Leroy passed away on September 6th, 2013.

Janet worked at Western Insurance Company in Fort Scott, Kansas before she had her children. She then gave birth to her first child Doug in 1967, followed by Pam in 1969, and finally Patty in 1971. She stayed at home to raise her children until they were in high school. Then she started working at Ramsey’s in Pittsburg, Peoples Saving and Loan in Girard, and the Girard National Bank.

Throughout her life Janet had many adventures, watching Leroy race boats, traveling across the country, even living in Florida with Leroy for a short time. She loved collecting all things Coca Cola and had a wide collection of porcelain dolls. Janet enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and playing board games such as Scrabble and Yahtzee, which she was a whiz at. Not to mention her love of jigsaw puzzles and the many hours spent at the dining room table.

Janet is proceeded in death by her husband Leroy Easter, along with her parents Leo and Betty Serra.

Survivors include a son, Douglas Easter, and his wife, Kimberly, of Carl Junction, Missouri. Her daughters, Patricia Cox, and her husband, Randy, of Girard and Pamela Lawson, and her husband, J.H., of Asbury, Missouri. Her grandchildren include Emily Smalley, Chelsey Williams, and her husband, Mike, Zac Palumbo, and his wife, Kelci, Malarie Chamberlain, and her husband, Dakota, Andrea Tucker, and her husband, Trenton, Dalton Cox, and his wife, Kelsi. She is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m., Monday, October 27, 2025 at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Girard with Pastor Rick Prideaux officiating. Burial will be in the Girard Cemetery.

10/23/2025

At 12:13 a.m., Wednesday, October 22, 2025 Debbie Wolken, 69, of Girard, surrounded by her loved ones, joined the love of her life Bub.

Debbie was born February 6, 1956 in Fort Scott, a daughter of Virgil Keith and Wilma Carol (Gilmore) Murrow. She graduated from Mapleton High School in Mapleton, Kansas.

She owned and operated Deb’s Country Crafts in Girard and Sue’s Taco Food Truck.

Debbie worked for over 20 years as a manager in the Dollar General Stores in Girard and Arma.

She married Harmon “Bub” Eugene Wolken, Jr. on October 11, 1980 at Mapleton and he preceded her in death on October 25, 2016.

Debbie enjoyed her family, especially her grandchildren, traveling, gardening, going to the lake, the casino, and boating.

Survivors are her sons, Harmon “Chip” Wolken, and his wife, Brandy, of Cherryvale, and Shane Wolken, and his wife, Sarah, of Baxter Springs. Her daughters, Shonda Jefferis, and her husband, Joe, of Chanute, Carol Denham, and her husband, Tyler, of Girard, Teresa Wolken, and her husband, Ben Eck, of Oak Grove, Missouri, and Misty Covvey, and her husband, Charles, of Carl Junction, Missouri. Her grandchildren, Eve Busby, Joey Jefferis, Tony Jefferis, Whitney Blackmore, Tristan Wolken, Sydney Wolken, Madison Trombold, Lance Denham, Jack Wolken, Hattie Wolken, Kramer Wolken, Aria Covvey, Mila Covvey, and Mackenzie Covvey. Her great-grandsons, Jason Jefferis, and Quinn Busby. Her brothers, Michael Murrow, and his wife, Loretta, of Mapleton, Eugene Murrow, and his wife, Donna, of Dennison, Kansas, and Kelly Murrow of Mapleton.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her sister, Brenda Meyer, and a brother, Kirby Murrow.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, October 24, 2025 at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Girard where friends may call after 2:00 p.m. on Friday.

Celebration of Life services will be held at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association and these may be left at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home, 518 W St. John, Box 258, Girard, 66743.

Condolences may be sent to www.wallfuneralservices.com

10/23/2025

Ronnie Ray Baker, Jr., 70. of Pittsburg, formerly of Girard, died at 11:01 p.m., Monday, October 20, 2025 at his residence.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 25, 2025 at the Blackjack Cemetery near Nashville, Missouri with Pastor Randy Woods officiating. Friends are asked to meet at the cemetery.

Ronnie was born August 1, 1955 in Wichita, a son of Ronnie Baker, Sr. and Virginia (Russell) Baker. He grew up and attended schools in Girard and St. Paul.

Ronnie served in the US Army at Fort Leavenworth as an Aid de comp to generals at the Combined Arms Command and as an instructor to combat engineers. He received his honorable discharge as an E-6 Staff Sergeant.

He married Sherri Lynn Easton on August 7, 2023 at Miami, Oklahoma and she survives of the home.

Ronnie worked for Beachner Construction in St. Paul and at Producers Coop in Girard. He and his sister, Leanna Adams, remodeled houses, built decks, and other carpentry projects in the area. He worked for the City of Pittsburg before retiring in February of this year.

Ronnie was a member of the First Baptist Church in Girard and he enjoyed fishing, shooting guns, watching westerns, traveling, and playing golf.

Survivors, in addition to his wife, Sherri, of the home, are his sons, Ronnie Baker, III, Johnny Baker, Henry Baker, Ethen Baker, Jordan Baker, Seth Baker, and Ronnie Baker, IV., his daughters, Caszie and Billye; numerous grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, his brothers, Gregory S. Baker, Troy Baker, and Routy Baker, and his wife, Jennifer, his sisters, Leanna Adams, and her husband, Wayne, Danna Summers, and her husband, Rick, and Tracy Stacy, and her husband, Shannon.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Jennifer Grant.

Memorials are suggested to assist the family with expenses and donations can be made out to the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home and may be left at the service or mailed to the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home, 518 W St. John, Box 258, Girard, 66743.

Friends may call from 2:00 until 7:00 p.m., Friday and from 9:00 a.m., until noon on Saturday at the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent to

Carson-Wall Funeral Services in St Paul, Parsons, Erie and Girard, KS provides funeral, memorial, aftercare, pre-planning, and cre... Learn More

10/21/2025

Barbara A. Mattox, 86, of Mound Valley, passed away the morning of Monday, October 20, 2025, at Asbury Village of Coffeyville.

Complete obituary details and funeral arrangements will be announced by the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Altamont.