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Month: October 2019

Lindsay helps give Broncos’ Fangio first win as coach

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CARSON, Calif. (AP) — Phillip Lindsay ran for 114 yards, Denver’s defense forced three turnovers and the Broncos got their first win under Vic Fangio by defeating the Los Angeles Chargers 20-13 on Sunday.

Joe Flacco completed 14 of 20 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown as Denver (1-4) raced to a 17-0 lead in the second quarter and held on for the 500th victory in franchise history.

Los Angeles (2-3) struggled most of the day and had two turnovers inside the Denver 5. The Chargers got within 17-10 midway through the fourth quarter, but Denver’s Brandon McManus put it out of reach with a 46-yard field goal with 1:55 remaining.

Chase McLaughlin’s 32-yard field goal brought LA back within a touchdown with 15 seconds remaining, but Denver recovered the onside kick to put it away.

Philip Rivers was 32 of 48 for 211 yards with two interceptions. Melvin Gordon was held to 31 yards rushing in his first game back after a holdout. Fellow running back Austin Ekeler had 15 receptions for 86 yards.

The Broncos dominated from the start and scored touchdowns on their first two drives for the first time in 17 games. Lindsay’s 4-yard run up the middle marked the first time Denver scored on its opening drive this season. The Broncos didn’t have a play over 20 yards on the first drive over the first four games. But Flacco had a 26-yard strike to tight end Jeff Heuerman and Lindsay had a 21-yard gain off left guard to put the Broncos deep in Chargers territory two plays into the game.

After a Chargers punt, Denver took a two-TD lead when Courtland Sutton went 70 yards up the left sideline. Sutton caught the ball at the Chargers 45, slipped out of an attempted tackle by Rayshawn Jenkins and then eluded a diving Roderic Teemer for this third touchdown in the past two games.

McManus added a 40-yard field goal to give Denver a 17-0 halftime lead.

Los Angeles had two chances to score in the first half, but came up empty both times. New kicker McLaughlin’s 48-yard field goal was partially blocked midway through the second quarter. Ekeler then was stopped at the Broncos 1 by Kareem Jackson and fumbled as he tried to reach the goal line. It is the first time since 2012 the Chargers have been shut out in the first half at home.

The Chargers’ red zone woes continued in the third quarter. Kyzir White’s interception of Flacco gave them the ball at the Denver 7, but Rivers tried to throw it into double coverage and was picked off by Alexander Johnson in the end zone on third-and-goal from the 2.

The Chargers finally get on the board with 31 seconds remaining in the third quarter when Desmond King returned a punt 68 yards. It is the second punt return TD in his career, the eighth player in franchise history with multiple scores.

Los Angeles closed to 17-10 on McLaughlin’s 45-yard field goal with 6:52 remaining.

SLOW RETURN

Gordon had 38 scrimmage yards in his first game back after a 64-day holdout due to a contract dispute. The Chargers got him involved quickly with a 4-yard screen pass on their first play. Gordon reported back on Sept. 26 and was activated prior to last week’s game at Miami but did not play.

The Chargers came into the game averaging 103.5 rushing yards but were held to 35. The Broncos allowed 225 yards to Jacksonville’s Leonard Fournette a week ago and had the third-worst run defense.

INJURIES

Broncos: CB De’Vante Bausby was strapped to a backboard and taken off the field on a cart during the second quarter. He was injured when he collided with Johnson while making a tackle on Ekeler. Bausby was taken to a local hospital and was reported to have movement in his arms and legs. … LB Justin Hollins suffered a knee injury during the second half.

Chargers; C Mike Pouncey suffered a neck injury during the first half and did not return.

UP NEXT

Broncos: return home to face Tennessee next Sunday.

Chargers: host Pittsburgh next Sunday night.

Police identify victim in 2nd fatal weekend shooting in Topeka

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Police on the scene of the shooting investigation photo courtesy WIBW TV

SHAWNEE COUNTY– Law enforcement authorities are investigating the second fatal weekend shooting in Topeka.

Shortly after 2:30 a.m., Sunday police responded to the 1100 block of SW Polk on a report of shooting, according to Lt. Jennifer Cross.

Officers located a later identified as Antonio Clark, 37, Topeka, suffering from life threatening gunshot wounds. 

He was transported to a local hospital where he died, according to Cross.

Police released no additional details and have not reported an arrest. A 45-year-old man died after a shooting early Saturday morning in Topeka.

Kan. man enters plea in stabbing death of his wife, her cousin

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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man has pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder in the July 2018 beating and stabbing deaths of his estranged wife and her cousin.

Sportsman -photo Shawnee Co.

Bradley Sportsman, 41, of Hollenberg, man entered the plea Friday in Shawnee County District Court and faces nearly 46 years in prison when he’s sentenced Nov. 20.

Sportsman is one of three men charged in the Topeka home invasion deaths of 28-year-old Lisa Sportsman and her 17-year-old cousin, Jesse Polinskey. Police say the women had been stabbed and beaten to death.

A first-degree murder trial is set Dec. 9 for 32-year-old Richard D. Showalter, of Greenleaf. Twenty-year-old Matthew Hutto, of Clay Center, was sentenced to two life terms after pleading guilty to two first-degree murder counts. Hutto is seeking to withdraw that plea and has a Nov. 15 hearing on the motion.

Les Miles makes changes on KU football coaching staff

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LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas Football head coach Les Miles today announced that offensive coordinator Les
Koenning has been relieved of his duties effective immediately, and Brent Dearmon has been promoted to fill the
role.

“I would like to thank Coach Koenning for his contributions to Kansas Football,” said Miles. “This was a difficult
decision, but it is in the best interest of our football program both now and in the future. There is still a lot of football left to play this season and I want to put our players in the best position to be successful, which is why I am making the change now.”

“Brent is one of the brightest individuals I have encountered in all of my years coaching. His experience as a recordsetting coach and quarterback at the collegiate level will benefit our offense immediately. I believe our players willbe naturally drawn to Brent’s leadership and coaching ability. I have the utmost trust in his ability to lead young menand this move puts our players in the best position to be successful moving forward.”
Dearmon joined the staff at KU after a one-year head coaching stint at Bethel University (Tennessee) where he
produced the nation’s highest-scoring offense at any level in 2018.

“I am humbled and grateful to Coach Miles for giving me this opportunity to be the offensive coordinator at the
University of Kansas,” said Dearmon. “I am excited to get to work right away with the staff and players, and invest
in their future both on and off the field. There are a lot of talented young men on this team and it’s up to us as an offensive staff to have them prepared each and every week, and that will be our number one priority.”

In his one season as head coach of his alma mater, Bethel University, Dearmon guided the Wildcats to its best seasonin school history. BU posted a 10-0 regular season mark and a No. 3 ranking, while averaging 540.3 yards and a nation’s-best 55.0 points per game, the highest scoring offense not just in NAIA, but in all of college football.
Prior to his time at Bethel, Dearmon spent three seasons as the offensive coordinator at Division II Arkansas Tech
and two seasons as an analyst on Gus Malzahn’s staff at Auburn.

In his first year at Arkansas Tech, the Wonder Boys produced the biggest offensive turnaround in college football,
including a 360% increase in rushing yards from the previous season. Tech’s offense was the second-rated offense
in the Great American Conference (GAC), racking up 36.5 points and 458.8 yards per game. During the 2017 season
at Tech, Dearmon’s offense averaged 40 points per game which was tops in the GAC.

Dearmon had a quarterback named to the all-conference team in each of his three seasons at Arkansas Tech. While
directing the offense at Tech, they ranked in the top four in the league in rushing offense and several other offensive categories. In 2017, Dearmon’s mentored quarterback, Ty Reasnor, was named a DII Academic All-American.
Dearmon spent the 2013 season as a running backs analyst and the 2014 season as a wide receivers analyst at Auburn
University. While Dearmon was at Auburn, the Tigers posted a combined 20-7 record, including an 11-5 mark in SEC
play. The 2013 Tigers captured the SEC title en route to an appearance in the BCS National Championship Game.
Dearman began his coaching career at Bethel in 2007, where he served as a student assistant coaching the defensive
backs as the Cats posted an 11-2 record.

After his student assistant stint at Bethel, Dearmon spent three seasons as the offensive coordinator at Vigor High
School in Prichard, Alabama, before taking the reins of the program at B.C. Rain High School for two seasons.
Dearmon won a state championship at Vigor in 2008 as his offense averaged 36.0 points per game.

A four-year starter at Bethel, Dearmon re-wrote the school’s record book while leading the Wildcats to the school’s
first conference title, first playoff appearance and first playoff victory. He remains the school’s career and singleseason record-holder in passing yards (7,045) and touchdowns (77). He spent time after college playing quarterback in the arena and indoor football leagues.

Kansas Athletics Media Relations

The Latest: 9 shot, 4 killed in shooting at Kansas bar

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Police on the scene of the investigation late Sunday morning image byKelli Taylor courtesy KCTV News

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Two men opened fire inside a bar in Kansas City, Kansas, early Sunday, killing four people and wounding five others in a shooting believed to have stemmed from an earlier dispute, police said.

Authorities were searching Sunday for the two gunmen, said Officer Thomas Tomasic, a police spokesman. He said the two men had apparently gotten into some sort of disagreement with people inside Tequila KC Bar, left, then returned with handguns.

“We think there was something that happened in the bar earlier probably,” Tomasic said. “Unfortunately, they left and decided to take it to another level, came back and started shooting.”

Around 40 people were inside the small bar when gunfire erupted around 1:30 a.m., Tomasic said. The gunfire sent people running for the exits, with the injured leaving trails of blood as they fled. One of the injured was trying to get a ride to the hospital when ambulances arrived.

“It’s a pretty small bar, so if you have two guys come in and start shooting, people are just running, running anywhere they can,” Tomasic said.

All four men who were killed were Hispanic, but Tomasic said authorities do not believe the shooting was racially motivated. The shooting happened in a neighborhood with a large Hispanic population.

Tomasic cautioned that police were still investigating exactly what happened. He said they were reviewing surveillance video and interviewing witnesses while looking for the gunmen.

“Obviously being a bar at 1:30, stories vary a lot,” he said.

Among the dead was one man in his late 50s, another in his mid-30s and two in their mid-20s, police said. Authorities did not immediately release their names.

However, Juan Ramirez, of Kansas City, Kansas, told The Kansas City Star that his 29-year-old nephew was among those killed. He said his nephew left behind a 6-year-old son and a 4-year-old daughter.

“I don’t wish this upon anybody,” Ramirez said.

Bartender Jose Valdez told the newspaper that he had refused to serve one of the suspects on Saturday night because the man had previously caused problems at the bar. Valdez said the man threw a cup at him and left, but returned later with another man shortly before closing time.

The gunfire created smoke inside the business, Valdez said, and he thought the building was “going to cave in.”

“I don’t know what to make of it. A sad day for everybody who lost their lives and their families,” he said, choking up. “How can you go into a place full of people and just start shooting?”
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KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say a gunman entered a Kansas City, Kansas, bar and shot nine people, fatally wounding four.

fficers were called Sunday at 1:30 a.m. to the Tequila KC Bar for a shooting.

Police said someone entered the bar and opened fire. Four people were shot dead inside the bar. Five others were taken to a hospital in stable condition for treatment.

No one has been arrested in the shooting. Authorities do not know if there is more than one shooter. The motive for the shooting is also unknown.

Kansas City, Kansas, police are investigating the shooting and gave brief details on their Twitter account.

Tiger women’s soccer posts fifth shutout of season; defeat Jets

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Courtesy FHSU Athletics / Allie Schweizer photo

WICHITA, Kan. – FHSU Women’s Soccer improved its record to 6-3 (2-1 MIAA) with a 1-0 shutout over Newman (5-2-3, 1-1-1 MIAA) Sunday afternoon. Fort Hays State has won four out of its last five matches, including a big win at No. 14 Central Oklahoma on Friday night (Oct. 4). FHSU has outscored opponents 7-3 in that five-match stretch, allowing just one goal in the four wins.

There was not much going offensively for either side in the first half. Both sides only mustered up one shot and no shots on goal. A quiet first 45 minutes had both teams scoreless going to the locker room.

FHSU broke through just seven minutes into the second half. Sophomore forward Cailey Perkins notched a shot past keeper Jackie Lari in the lower left corner. Emily Reitz was credited with the assist. The Tigers were able to hang on for the victory thanks to a solid defensive effort, holding the Jets to just four shots for the entire match.

Fort Hays State put up four shots on goal with Perkins claiming half of those. Newman put three shots on goal, all by different players and all stopped by Megan Kneefel (5-2). Kneefel also recorded her 13th career shutout.

The Tigers complete the weekend with two conference road victories after a tough home loss in their MIAA opener. They will be on the road once again next weekend starting with a Friday night match at Missouri Western. The match is set for 6 pm in St. Joseph, Mo.

FHSU grad joins Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball

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ABBB

The certified public accounting firm of Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball, Chartered (ABBB) is pleased to announce the addition of Michael Robinson to their professional team.  Robinson joins the firm as a staff accountant in the Hays office.

“I would like to extend a warm welcome to Michael as he joins the ABBB team,” said Brian Staats, CPA, CGMA, managing partner of ABBB. “We look forward to watching his career evolve with us.”

Robinson earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Fort Hays State University.   While at FHSU, he interned at a Big 4 accounting firm for two years and was involved in the university’s accounting club. He currently lives in Hays, Kansas.

Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball, Chartered provides a wide range of traditional and non-traditional CPA and consulting services to clients throughout Kansas, including agriculture organizations, construction companies, feed yards, financial institutions, governmental and not-for-profit organizations, manufacturers, medical practices, oil and gas companies, professional service firms, real estate companies and small businesses. Founded in 1945, today the firm maintains 13 office locations throughout the state. For more information about Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball, please visit www.abbb.com. 

KDA represents U.S. Meat Export Federation in Japan

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Heartland Tour participants toured Tokyo Meat Market where they saw a Japanese Wagyu beef carcass auction.

KDA

MANHATTAN — The Kansas Department of Agriculture was among 23 different organizations represented during the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Heartland Tour in Tokyo and Sendai, Japan, September 1-7, 2019. Suzanne Ryan-Numrich, KDA international trade director, and Bob Haselwood, Berryton, Kansas Soybean Commission, represented the state on the mission.

The Heartland Tour visited Japan upon the announcement of the U.S.–Japan bilateral agreement. “The agreement is exciting for Kansas. Japan is consistently one of our leading and most valuable trade partners,” said Ryan-Numrich. “In 2018, Kansas exported over $754 million in agricultural commodities to Japan. This agreement will reduce tariffs and put us at a more level playing field with our competitors.”

Heartland Tour participants Bob Haselwood, Berryton, Kansas Soybean Commission; Suzanne Ryan-Numrich, KDA; and Caleb Plyler, Arkansas Beef Council, at a USMEF promotional event at Weber Park in Tokyo. The group showed Japanese consumers how to grill a ribeye steak and pork back ribs — grilling is a new method of preparation for most Japanese consumers.

During the Heartland Tour, participants observed the USMEF staff working to promote U.S. red meat and were able to join in on promotional events such as the USMEF Urban BBQ, a U.S. Beef and Pork promotion event with a celebrity chef, and a consumer event where they were able to demonstrate how to grill a ribeye steak and pork ribs. Grilling is a new method of preparation for most Japanese consumers.

The group was provided a market briefing by U.S. Department of Agriculture–Japan officials, toured the Tokyo Meat Market and beef carcass auction, and met with the Japan Meat Traders Association, Prima Ham, and Starzen, one of Japan’s largest meat importers and distributors. The team also traveled to Sendai, Japan, toured Kawaguchi Wagyu Farm, and met with the Sendai Beef Tongue Association.

Kansas exported nearly $726 million in red meat to Japan in 2018. “Not only can we look at exports in terms of red meat, but also exports of corn and soybeans in all forms. In 2018, the U.S. exported 40 million bushels of corn and 9.7 million bushels of soybeans to Japan in the form of red meat,” said Haselwood. “The USMEF has partnered with corn and soybean checkoff dollars to promote U.S. corn- and soybean-fed pork at the retail level. As a Kansas farmer, that’s meaningful work.”

Immediately following the USMEF Heartland Tour, the Kansas Department of Agriculture, along with the Kansas Department of Commerce, participated in the 51st Annual Joint Meeting of the Midwest U.S.–Japan Association and Japan–Midwest U.S. Association in Tokyo, Japan. The meeting is an annual gathering of business leaders from each association to reinforce the economic, political, and cultural ties that link the national economy of Japan with the regional economy of the Midwest.

KDA strives to encourage and enhance economic growth of the agriculture industry and the Kansas economy by exploring and expanding both domestic and international marketing opportunities. KDA is offering two upcoming opportunities to Kansas farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses to participate in State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grant trade missions planned for 2020: VICTAM Asia/Petfood Forum Asia, Bangkok, Thailand, March 24-26; and NAMPO Harvest Day, Bothaville, South Africa, May 12-15. Interested persons should contact Suzanne Ryan-Numrich at [email protected] or 785-564-6704.

Cecile M. Billings

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Cecile M. Billings, age 96, passed away on Saturday, October 5, 2019 at the Park Lane Nursing Home in Scott City, Kansas. She was born on August 3, 1923 in Sylvia, Kansas, the daughter of John & Marget H. McGuire Gatlin.

In 1927 she moved from Reno County, Kansas to Finney County, Kansas. In 1930 she moved to Scott County, Kansas where she attended grade school. She attended high school at Friend, Cripple Creek, Colorado and graduated from Garden City High School in 1940. She was a school cook in Friend, Kansas, owned and operated Billings Decorated Cakes and was on the election board.

She was a member of the Prairie View Church Of The Brethren in Friend, Kansas. Her other memberships included 4H Club Project Leader, Friendly Friends EHU, Lazy Daisy EHU, VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Lifetime Member of Friend PTA, and was a Clerk for the Prairie View Church Of The Brethren.

On January 26, 1942 she married Nathan Millard Billings in Leoti, Kansas. He passed away on February 20, 2001 in Wichita, Kansas.

Survivors include her Two Sons – Larry & Donita Billings of Holcomb, Kansas, Kenneth L. Billings of Bessemer, Michigan, Two Daughters – Delinda & Thurman Dunagan of Scott City, Kansas, Ann & William Beaton of Scott City, Kansas, Three Sisters – Beulah McVey of Glasco, Kansas, Doris Warren of Clay Center, Kansas, Pauline Puterbaugh of Salida, Colorado, Twelve Grandchildren, Twenty Great Grandchildren and Twenty Great Great Grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her Parents, Two Brothers – John D. Gatlin, Paul Gatlin, One Sister – Margaret Bayer and One Daughter In Law – Patti Jo Billings.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at the Prairie View Church Of The Brethren in Friend, Kansas with Pastor Jon Tuttle presiding.

Memorials can be made to the Prairie View Church, Park Lane Nursing Home or Garden City Hospice in care of Price & Sons Funeral Homes.

Interment will be in the Prairie View Church Of The Brethren in Friend, Kansas.

Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday and 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.

Leon Eugene France

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Leon Eugene France, age 77, passed away on Saturday, October 5, 2019, at his home in Scott City, Kansas. He was born on March 22, 1942 in Scott County, Kansas, the son of Theodore and Violet France. He was resident of Scott and Wichita County, Kansas where he was a farmer and cattleman.

Leon was a Christian and was baptized in 1942. Growing up, Leon attended the Sunnyside Nazarene Church in Wichita County. As a child, he and his siblings attended a one-room schoolhouse 2 miles from their home. Leon took pride in being the one to light the fire every morning for the schoolhouse. He was a graduate of Scott Community High School in 1960.

Leon was an excellent horseman and cattleman and enjoyed time in the arena. In 1975, Leon and his friend and neighbor, Bob Wiles started the Wichita County Team Roping Association, in which he was president for 14 years. He was a member of the Wichita County Fair Board for seven years, a member and president of Leoti Rough Riders. Leon was also a member of the Kansas Livestock Association and the American Quarter Horse Association.

On July 19, 1991, Leon married his longtime friend, Cheryl K. Huseman-Martin, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Together they enjoyed traveling, spending time with their children, grandchildren, and friends and family. Leon treasured the life they had built together.

Survivors include his Wife – Cheryl France of Scott City, Kansas, One Daughter – Tracy France of Roeland Park, Kansas, Two Sons – Clint & Amy France of Marienthal, Kansas, Heath & Tara France of Hays, Kansas, Two brothers – Ted France of Scott City, Ron and Carrie France of Garden City, Sister-in-law – Joann & Jerry Riemann of Dighton, Kansas, Six Grandchildren – Caleb & Kennedie, Madison, Ivan, Delaney, Calli and Jury, One Great Granddaughter Prim. Leon also treasured his nieces, nephews as well as his great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his Parents, One Daughter – Lydia France, Two Sons – Justin Martin, Dallas & Kandace Martin, One Brother – Darrell France, Three Sisters – Zelpha, Margaret & Evelyn.

On October 10, 2019, at 10:30 am, there will be a morning of remembrance at the First Christian Church in Scott City, Kansas, with Steve Payne & Pastor Don Williams.

Inurnment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.

Memorials can be made out to the Wichita County Amusement Association or the St. Catherine Hospice in care of Price & Sons Funeral Homes.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday and 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.

Maryln Janell (Gallagher) Rogers

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Maryln Janell (Gallagher) Rogers, 68, went to be with the Lord on October 4, 2019. She passed away at The University of Kansas Health System –HaysMed Campus, Hays, Kansas surrounded by her family. Maryln was born in Quinter, Kansas on January 7, 1951. She was the daughter of Frank and Joyce (Jacob) Gallagher. Maryln was baptized at the St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, Seguin on March 18, 1951. Maryln attended Hoxie High School and was a member of the class of 1969. She recently attended her 50th High School Class Reunion.

Maryln was a homemaker and had two children Randy and Laurie. She was a wonderful mother and a good cook. Maryln was a seamstress and made many of her and her children’s clothes. In fact, she just recently bought material to start a new sewing project. Maryln was a talented artist and enjoyed painting. In 1978, Maryln attended Cosmetology School in Great Bend, Kansas. She earned her certification as a Cosmetologist and worked in the profession for several years. She also owned and operated a flower and gift shop for a few years. Colorado and the mountains were where she loved to spend time. She managed a Lodge in Estes Park, Colorado and finally became the owner of a Lodge in that area. There was no place she would rather be than in the mountains. When Maryln wasn’t working, she loved to play BINGO.

Maryln dearly loved her children and family. One very important part of her family was her dog, Pixie. Pixie was a constant companion and like another child to Maryln.

Maryln is survived by her parents, Frank and Joyce Gallagher of Hoxie, Kansas; daughter, Laurie Garrison of Concordia, Kansas; son Randy Washburn and wife Erin of Jetmore, Kansas; brother, David Gallagher and wife Rosie of Oakley, Kansas; sisters, Leanna Sloan and husband Tom of Hoxie, Kansas, Ladonna Joslyn and husband Mark of Hoxie, Kansas, and Mary Dumler and husband Alex of Hoxie, Kansas; Grandchildren, Tanner Archer, Jacey Archer, Kolt Washburn, Kayln Washburn, Kapri Washburn, and Kollin Washburn; and many nieces and nephews.

Maryln has gone to her heavenly home and is with her brother, Stanley Gallagher and grandson, Dalton Garrison.

A Celebration of Life Service is planned for Tuesday, October 8, 2019, at 2:00 P.M. at Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home in Hoxie, Kansas. Stan Smith will preside. Visitation is planned for Monday, October 7, 2019, from 1:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. with family greeting friends from 5:00 P.M. until 6:30 P.M. The family will also greet friends from 10:00 A.M. to noon, on Tuesday, October 8, 2019. All visitation will be held at the Funeral Home. A private family inurnment will take place in the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Cemetery in Hoxie at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials to the Sheridan County Benefit Walk, and they may be sent in care of Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740. Online condolences may be left at www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com

Marilyn was a loving, caring person. She would ask you to shed few tears but rather celebrate her life. Think of her often with thoughts of happiness and love.

Debye Kirkhart

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Debye Kirkhart passed to her heavenly home in the early morning hours of Friday, Oct.4, 2019, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, Hutchinson.

Debye was born April 12, 1950, in Oklahoma City, to James W. and Lela Zell (Monroe) Putman. She grew up in Perryton, Texas. Following graduation from Perryton High School in 1969, she attended North Western State College in Alva, Okla. where she met the love of her life, Tommy Wayne Kirkhart. They were married in Perryton on January 24, 1970. The couple settled in Forgan, Okla. for the first 20 years of their marriage, moving to Great Bend in 1990. Two daughters, LaDesha and TaKura, were born to this union.

Debye and Tom spent their 50 years together doing what they loved most – raising their daughters, becoming grandparents and traveling. She was an involved parent in all aspects of her children’s lives and activities, and to her delight, this continued with her grandchildren, attending school functions and many a ball-game. Their appetite for traveling took Debye and Tom to a variety of locales around the world through the years.

One look at her flower garden and you knew Debye had a “green thumb” and a passion for gardening. This was evidenced each year by the abundance of beautiful blooms in her yard.

Survivors include her husband, Tom, of the home; daughters, LaDesha Clark and husband Todd of Great Bend, and TaKura Price and husband Jasen of Salina; one granddaughter, Shailey Clark; three grandsons, Talus and Andin Price, and Cody Clark; sister, Janie Mooneyham of Horseshoe Bay, Texas; nieces, Leslyn Wallace of Horseshoe Bay, Devyn Haley of Weatherford, Texas, and Becky Powell of Laverne, Okla.; nephews, Sambo McLain of Hico, Texas, and Shane Kirkhart of Forgan, Okla.; numerous cousins, of which she had a special bond with, Norma Mounts of Perryton, Jan Watson of Midland, Texas, and Biff Yocham of Round Top, Texas; and by the many friends she cultivated over her life’s path.

Debye was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Great Bend, where funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 8, 2019. Visitation will be 2:00 to 9:00 p.m. Monday, October 7, 2019, at Bryant Funeral Home, with the family receiving friends from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Interment will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery, Great Bend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church Endowment Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

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