Emery Lee Folkers, 80, of Hays, Kansas, went to be with the Lord on August 31, 2016. Emery was born on the family farm south of Wakeeney, Kansas, November 20, 1935, to Frieda Finkbeiner Folkers and Herman Folkers of Wakeeney, Kansas. Emery grew up on this same farm and attended a one room school from first through eighth grade. He graduated from Trego Community High School where he lettered in football and track, was a member of the Glee Club, band, and drama club. He then went on to graduate from Salt City Business College in Hutchinson, Kansas with a degree in Accounting.

He enlisted in the Army as an E1 Private on September 14, 1954. His service duty was supposed to take him to Korea; however, because the conflict was ending, servicemen were sent elsewhere. His unit was assigned to Greenland to protect the United States from Russian planes flying westward. He was honorably discharged from the Army as an E4 Corporal in June 1956.

Emery owned and operated a construction business in Hays providing many young men in his employ a vocation. He coached little league football and orchestrated championships. Later in life, he drove an 18-wheeler helping people along the road with stalled cars, coming to the rescue of those involved in accidents, and cheering people up in roadside cafes. He picked up or delivered loads in all the lower 48 states.

Emery never met a stranger; he had a hearty laugh, an infectious smile, and invariably made the people around him feel welcome. He was an avid card player and would shuffle and deal a deck of cards to anybody who would sit down and play. Whether it was bridge, gin, pinochle, Go Fish, War, Uno, or Old Maid, he loved the fun and the competition a deck of cards brought to a family gathering. He always played the role of “banker” during board games such as Life or Monopoly and was usually the first to buy a house or hotel.

Emery loved to tell jokes. He would often remind people that he had a Rolodex in his head sorted by joke topic. People everywhere, if they met Emery, can probably remember a joke or two he shared with them. He loved to sing with his family and friends. He would always sing a good ole hymn like “How Great Thou Art” or “The Old Rugged Cross” if you asked him.

Whether it’s Emery, Dad, or Grampy . . . he will be dearly missed by his family and all who knew him.

Emery is survived by his loving companion of thirty-six years, Carol Shepherd, of Hays, Kansas; a sister, Dorothy Fuller, of Beloit, Kansas; a sister, Valetta Kesler, and husband Roland, of Quinter, Kansas; a sister Corleen Morris, of Arvada, Colorado; a sister Ruby Pranger, of Golden, Colorado; a daughter, Leasha Holderbaum, and husband Mark, of Rogers, Arkansas; a son, Craig Folkers, and wife Stephanie, of Leawood, Kansas; a son Todd Shepherd and wife Tina, of Hutchinson, Kansas; a son Michael Shepherd and wife Janet, of Miami, Florida; six grandchildren: Nicholas and Claire Folkers, Abby and Adam Holderbaum, and Tylor and Treyton Shepherd; and numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Emery was preceded in death by: his parents, one sister, Marjorie Marcy, one brother, Eldon Folkers, and one grandson, Matthew Folkers.

A memorial service to remember Emery will be held 10:30 AM Friday, September 9, 2016 at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601 lunch will follow at the VFW, Hays, and internment at 2:30 PM on Friday at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery, Wakeeney, Kansas. Military Honors courtesy of the Hays VFW Honor Guard

If you are so inclined, the family requests that donations be made to Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery, P.O. Box 185, Wakeeney, Kansas, 67672.

.Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or emailed to [email protected].

Clarence C. Milke, 88, La Crosse, formerly of Hays, died Monday, September 5, 2016 at the Rush County Memorial Hospital Long Term Care.

He was born January 15, 1928 in Gorham, Kansas the son of Joseph and Caroline (Rohleder) Milke.  On July 20, 1953 he married Vera Rose Jacobs in Antonino. She preceded him in death on August 21, 2008. Early in their marriage they owned and operated the Texaco truck stop in Plainville. You wouldn’t have met a man that worked harder. 

He was an oilman his entire life. He was a U.S. Army veteran during the Korean War, and was a member of the American Legion and VFW. He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and a member of the Third Degree Knights of Columbus Council #6984. He loved his family and grandchildren and loved the Catholic Church.

Survivors include his son; Rod Milke and wife Lori of Hays, a sister; Sister Gerry Milke of Concordia, KS, seven grandchildren; Zachary, Joseph, Sarah, Benjamin, and Matthew Milke, Emilie Eaton, and Jessica Beaver, and five great grandchildren; Beau, Presley, and Jordyn Eaton, Aria Milke, and Declan Scott.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Vera, a son; Joe Milke, two sisters; Mildred Hoff and Delores Dechant, and a brother; Francis Milke.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm on Friday, September 9, 2016 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1805 Vine St.  Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 4:00 until 7:00 pm on Thursday and from 1:00 pm until service time on Friday, all at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine St.  A parish vigil service will be at 6:30 pm with a Knights of Columbus rosary at 7:00, all on Thursday at the funeral home. 

Memorials are suggested to the Rush County Hospital Long Term Care, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com.

Robert Charles “Bob” Budke, 58, Hays, died Sunday, September 4, 2016 at his home.

He was born January 18, 1958 in Beloit, Kansas the son of Charles H. “Charlie” and Cecilia (Meyer) Budke. He was a 1976 graduate of TMP High School and received his BS degree in Industrial Arts from Fort Hays State University. He was the owner and operator of Budke Construction. 

On May 22, 1981 he married Mary Ann (Weikert) Shorman and on September 3, 1999 he married Sandra Dreiling. He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus Council #1325, and Marked Men for Christ. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, sports, coaching, KU basketball, and the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. He enjoyed volunteering and helping others, was very loyal, and loved spending time with his family and grandchildren and trying to keep up with his dog, Sophie.

Survivors include his mother; Cecilia of Hays, two sons; Matthew Budke and wife Laura of Spring Hill, Kansas, and Austin Budke of Kansas City, MO, a daughter; Rachel Wolf and husband Scott of Colby, three grandchildren; Evan, Olivia, and Madisyn, four brothers; Dennis Budke and wife Diana of Hays, Carl Budke and wife Jama of Arvada, CO, Earl Budke of Olathe, Chuck Budke and wife Diane of Salina, seven sisters; Marilyn Werth and husband Tim of Hays, Mary Hallagin and husband Troy of Hays, Lucia Knopp and husband Steve of Russell, Barb Sechrist and husband Gary of Lyons, Diane Frantz and husband Terry of Phillipsburg, Charlene Juenemann and husband Ron of Phillipsburg, and Nancy Miller and husband Jeff of Spring Hill.

He was preceded in death by his father Charlie, two sisters; Cecilia Terese and Kathleen Marie, and a granddaughter, Ella Lynn.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1805 Vine St. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 4:00 until 8:00 pm on Wednesday, and from 1:00 pm until 1:45 on Thursday, all at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine St. A parish vigil service will be at 6:30 pm followed by a Knights of Columbus Council #1325 rosary at 7:00, both on Wednesday at the funeral home. 

Memorials are suggested in Bob’s memory to TMP-Marian High School, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com.

Kenneth L. Owen, age 90 and resident of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, passed away in St. John Medical Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Thursday.

Kenneth Lester Owen was born in a small house in Horton, Kansas on February 20, 1926. He was the son of William M. Owen and Alice C. (Gilbert) Owen. He moved with his family to a farm near Fairview, where he attended a one-room schoolhouse. He graduated Fairview High school in 1944. Kenneth was drafted into the Army that same year. He served in Belgium and Germany during WW2 in both the 1st and the 3rd Armies. He served both as an anti-aircraft gunner, then transferred to the infantry as a rifleman and radio operator. Kenneth fought in the Battle of the Bulge and he participated in the crossing of the Rhine. He was honorably discharged on June 17, 1946, with the rank of Sergeant First Class.

Kenneth married Ruth Irene Hawks in Fairview, Kansas in 1947. They made their home there in the Fairview area. Ronne, their first child was born in 1948, Donald was born in 1949, Cheryl was born in 1950, Kenneth Jr. was born in 1952, Stephan was born in 1954, Naomi was born in 1956, and Meredith was born in 1958.

He worked with a variety of heavy equipment, building ponds and terraces. He did everything from clearing land to digging basements for 15 years. Living a life of sin, he became convicted through the Holy Spirit for not only the life he was living, but for how he was raising his children without the benefit of Sunday School and benefitting from the knowledge that only a church could give. He was saved at the age of 27 and soon was called by God to the ministry. Taking a home study course from The Pilgrim Holiness Church, he set out with $100 in his pocket and seven children and a wife to bring the Gospel to others. He served in smaller churches along with his wife. Together, they removed and trimmed trees and cleaned and waxed commercial floors. He served 20 years as a fireman laborer in the U.S. Post Office. He knew God would supply his need if He supplied the man.

He served the Wesleyan Church for 21 years. He then was called to minister to the Church of Modoc, Kansas, along with the Scott City, Kansas Church, giving them 19 years of service. He spent a year in Pence Community Church until they found a pastor. He served numerous times as supply for the First Baptist Church in Scott City, Kansas; Shallow Water Community Church, and Friends Church. He filled pulpits in the Nazarene, Southern Baptist, Presbyterian, Christian Church and Independent Christian. He held revivals in Wesleyan, as well as Church of Christ, in Christian Union in Texas. He ended his ministry by ministering to a Non-Denominational Congregation in Zapata, Texas for years. He spent seven years as Music Minister in another group and retired at the age of 82.

God blessed his ministry by leading his seven children to the Lord with several serving in various capacities in churches where they live. He blessed many with his singing, held hundreds of funerals, scores of weddings, had a Radio Ministry for a year on a Christian Radio Station at KFLA in Scott City, Kansas; taught Sunday School classes, youth groups and provided truck and trailer and with others, hauled tons of clothing to the Native American missions in South Dakota, Nebraska, and Keams Canyon, Arizona.

His wife, Ruth, was a constant companion, help-mate, and critic of his sermons and served in many ways to help him minister to many souls. They were married for 50 years when Ruth passed away in 1998.

Kenneth married Marjorie L. Reynolds on November 26, 1998. They made their home in Bartlesville. Kenneth kept very busy with his many interests, such as woodworking, socializing at the Senior Center, attending East Bartlesville Christian Church, teaching seniors Bible study and music, and spending time with his family.

Survivors include his son, Ronne Owen and his wife, Karen of Cedar Hill, Texas; son, Donald Owen and his wife, Gwen of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; daughter, Cheryl Brock and her husband, Joe of Grove, Oklahoma; son, Kenneth Owen Jr. of Edwardsville, Kansas; daughter, Naomi Warren and her husband, John of Dodge City, Kansas; and daughter, Meredith Morton and her husband, Wesley of Ponca City, Oklahoma. He is also survived by 22 grandchildren; 58 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, William I. Owen; sister, Lois Clouser; wife, Ruth I. Owen; son, Stephan Owen; and 2nd wife, Marjorie Owen.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations, in memory of Kenneth, be made to a memorial in his name at East Bartlesville Christian Church, 3221 E. Tuxedo Blvd., Bartlesville, OK 74006.

Visitation for Kenneth was held on Sunday, from 1:00-8:00 PM in the Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home, 710 S, Dewey Ave. Family was present to greet friends from 6:00-8:00 PM.

Services will be held on Wednesday at 10:00 AM in the East Bartlesville Christian Church, 3221 E. Tuxedo Blvd. Bartlesville. Pastor David Mabon will be the officiant.

Inurnment will be held in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas on Friday, September 9 at 3:00 PM.

Larry LeRoy Appel, age 66 of Grant, passed away Thursday, September 1, 2016 in rural Venango.

Larry was born July 5, 1950 at Scott City, Kansas to Raymond Jacob and Margaret Jean (West) Appel. He graduated from Scott County High School with the class of 1968. In 1984 he graduated from the University of Colorado in Ft. Collins with a degree in Agronomy. In 1991 he received his Masters Degree in Entomology from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.

Larry was married to Bonnie Long on December 23, 1972 at Scott City, Kansas. Their union was blessed with 2 children, Zachary and Andrea. They moved to Grant in 1984. Larry was a constant and steady presence in his family, patient, supportive, and caring. In addition to attending all his children’s extra-curricular activities, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and hiking with his family. They spent many weekends at Lake McConaughy, boating, jet skiing, and having fun. When his life was blessed with grandchildren, Larry experienced a new and special kind of joy and happiness. Larry and Bonnie frequently traveled to visit their children and grandchildren, and they made many wonderful memories on trips the families took together.


After moving to Grant, Larry was employed as an Agronomist with Agro Serve for six years. In 1990 he started Appel Crop Consulting, Inc. He built his business on honesty, hard work, and a sound knowledge of the agricultural industry. Larry loved the work, and over the years attended conferences and training to keep current with the latest research and technology. He always maintained a focus on his clients and was well-respected as a local businessman.

Larry was a volunteer for the Perkins County Fire Department and EMS from 1992 through 2008, serving as Ambulance Captain from 1995 through 2008.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; brother, David and sister, June Palen.

Survivors include his wife, Bonnie of Grant; children, Zachary (Erica) Appel of Evanston, WY, Andrea Tatum of Albuquerque, NM; 3 grandchildren, Gabriel Tatum, Amberlee Appel and Roan Appel; his siblings, Noreene Jaeger of Overland Park, KS, Sharon Appel of Denver, CO, Jim (JoDee) Appel and Terrance (Karen) Appel, all of Scott City, KS; mother-in-law, Gloria Long of Leoti, KS; brothers and sisters-in-law, Steve (Patricia) Long of Garden City, KS, Mary (Neal Mazer) Long of Albuquerque, NM, Lori (Eric) Batman Kennewick, WA, Todd (Diana) Long & Roger Long, all of Leoti, KS, Jim (Jeanne) Long of Houston, TX; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Larry was loved by friends and family and will be greatly missed.


Memorials are suggested to the Perkins County EMS or the Perkins County Pool Project in Larry’s memory. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com or www.priceandsons.com.


Services will be on Monday, September 5, 2016 at 2:00 PM at the Zion Lutheran Church in Grant with Rev. Ben Francisco officiating. Graveside services will be held in Leoti, Kansas at the Leoti Cemetery on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at 10:00 AM. No public visitation is planned at this time.

Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant, Nebraska & Price & Sons Funeral Home in Leoti, Kansas are in charge of arrangements.