December 9, 1939 ~ October 16, 2018 (age 78)

Services are pending at Koons-Russell Funeral Home, Goodland.

On October 14, 2018, John W. Jaco Sr. passed peacefully at his home in Great Bend, Kansas, surrounded by friends and family after a short illness.

The son of Harry M. Jaco and Inez (Brown) Jaco. John was born March 27, 1929 at Nowata, Oklahoma. He married Dorothy Ruth Miller, March 9, 1952 at Plainville, Kansas. She preceded him in death May 6, 2006. He later married Carrol (Brumbaugh) Burkholder, August 18, 2007 in Great Bend, Kansas. He is survived by wife Carrol of the home; son, John W Jaco Jr. also of Great Bend. Other survivors include brothers, Gene C. Jaco and wife, Phyllis of Plainville, Kansas, Michael G. Jaco and wife, Bonnie of Springfield, Colorado., and nieces, Jana J. Kuhn and husband Raymond of Overland Park, Kansas and Jill J. Brin and husband Mark of Godley, Texas.

John was a veteran of the United States Air Force and was posted at various locations around the United States including Washington D.C. John served the Air Force as a cryptographer during his tenure in the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant.

After moving to Great Bend in 1961 John began a career in the real estate and insurance industry. In 1967 John partnered with Luther Moore and formed the Moore-Jaco Agency. In 1976 he became president of John Jaco Insurance, Real Estate and Financial Services. In 1980 his son JW Jaco joined the agency and continues the legacy of his father. This agency grew to be one of the largest in the Great Bend area.

John was a very active community member he participated in many local organizations. John was instrumental in starting many organizations in Barton County such as Hospice and Crime Stoppers. John was president of the Barton County Association of Independent Insurance Agents, chairman of the Cancer Fund drive, president of the Great Bend Board of Realtors, Realtor of the year 1989, director of Barton County Crime Stoppers, chairman Great Bend 3i Show, chairman of the Pari-mutuel Task Force, served on the Real Estate Advisory Committee for Barton County Community College, president of the Independent Insurance Agents Barton County, 1992 president Great Bend Board of Realtors. John’s emergency and protective services included chairman of Barton County Civil Defense in the 1960s and 70s as well as reserve officers for both Barton County Sheriff’s Office and the Great Bend Police Department. Until his time of passing, John was an elder in the First Christian Church of Great Bend, Kansas.

Services for John W. Jaco Sr. will be held Saturday, October 20, 2018 at the First Christian Church at K96 and Broadway in Great Bend at 10:30 A.M. Visitation will be Friday 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. with the family receiving friends 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 pm all at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to Kansas Honor Flights or the Water #4 Foundation, in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Interment will take place at the Great Bend Cemetery on Broadway with Military Honors by McConnell AFB Honor Guard.

Leonard Joseph Augustine Sr., age 88, of Ellis, Kansas passed away Monday, October 15, 2018 at Hays Medical Center with his twelve children by his side. He was born November 5, 1929 in Ellis to Joseph and Sophia (Flax) Augustine. He married Otillia “Tillie” Flax on August 21, 1950 at St. Mary’s Church in Ellis. She preceded him in death on August 17, 2015.

Leonard started the family dairy farm in 1953 until his retirement. Along with the dairy farm he worked at Trego County Soil Conservation Office, Cedar Bluff Reservoir Survey Crew and Oil Refinery, Golden Belt Coop in Ellis where he delivered feed and worked at the service station, and Mid-America Dairyman Milk Plant in Ellis until his retirement.

His favorite hobby was music. He played with the Dutchmasters polka band, the Hermanettes, the Leonard Variety Band as well as numerous other bands spanning 31 years. This was something Leonard and Tillie enjoyed spending weekends in music halls. The Catholic church was very important to Leonard in his faith life being very active in the church. Leonard was drafted into the US Army in 1951 and served until 1953. He was stationed in Aberdeen, Maryland where he earned a diploma in bakery school. It was common for him to cook for 1,300 servicemen daily.

He is survived by his children, Loretta (Elmer) Zerr, Melvin (Becky) Augustine all of Salina, Dewayne “Dewey” (Pam) Augustine, Kenneth “Luther”(Donna) Augustine all of Colby, Richard (Deanna) Augustine of Hays, Michael (Linda) Augustine of Ellis, Randy (Elaine) Augustine of Hays, Darrell Augustine, Leonard Jr. (Cheryl) Augustine all of Ellis, Kathy (Rod) Stack of Salina, Timothy (Lori) Augustine of Ellis and Mark (Noalee) Augustine of Hays; a brother, Harold (Kay) Augustine of Hutchinson, two sisters, Dorothy (Eddie) Younger of McPherson and Janie (George) Daniels of Laramie, Wyoming; two sisters-in-law, Margie Augustine of Hays, Phyllis Augustine of Hutchinson and Rosita Augustine of Topeka; 24 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Eric Augustine; brothers, Elmer, Donald, Larry and Robert and a sister, Martha Beer and her husband William Beer.

Funeral services will be 10 AM Friday, October 19, 2018 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellis. Burial with military honors will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be Thursday 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM with a combined rosary and parish vigil at 7:00 PM all at St. Mary’s Church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Mary’s Church or the Good Samaritan Society, Ellis.

Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E 17th Ellis, KS 67637.

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

William Eugene Brooks, age 80, of Brewster passed away Saturday, October 13, 2018 at the Community Hospital of McCook, NE.

He was born August 15, 1938, at home in Steele, MO, to Carl Thomas (C.T.) and Georgia Thomas-Brooks. He was blessed to be raised by Sylvester “Gene” and Eunice “Uni” Johnson. Bill was influenced by many adults in his childhood days. His Christian education was given by Ann Marie “Ma” Brooks. Bill learned farming and a strong work ethic from Sylvester “Pa” Brooks. After high school, Bill learned the tool & dye trade from his Uncle Hubert Hale. Bill worked in this industry for several years in Mississippi, Indiana, Tennessee, and Colorado. He made crowns for a dental company, name plates for telephone poles, and even identification badges for NASA using a camera from an old Airforce bomber. He also loved horses and the cowboy way. He spent his spare time in Colorado working with race horses.

On October 1, 1966, Bill married Cecelia Anne Hamilton in Denver, Colorado. Bill and Cee lived in Aurora, Colorado while he continued working in the tool & dye industry, and Cee worked as a lab technician in Denver. They moved to Lochbuie, Colorado in 1968 where they began farming and ranching together for many years. On February 17, 1973, they were thrilled with the birth of their only child, Ann Marie Brooks. To hear them tell it, this child was so perfect, they never wanted any others. They continued farming and ranching for a few years in Keenesburg, Colorado, where Bill served on the local fair board. He was known for his shenanigans, including riding his horse into the local pool hall, the “Town Talk”, and ordering a drink from the bar! Said horse was also the first one Ann was bucked off (fell off, don’t worry folks) at the age of 3!

Bill and Cee spent their married years in Lochbuie, Keenesburg, and Wray Colorado. They spent countless hours teaching Ann about life on the farm. Bill was especially fond of horses, and he instilled that love into his daughter. He and Cee hauled Ann to every 4-H show and county fair around, so she could show her horses……and goats….and pigs…..and sheep. He was probably a little irritated with Ann wanting to show every animal possible. However, Ann’s love of animals, and dedication to hard work, was a direct reflection of Bill. He was most proud of his daughter for this.

Bill returned to Missouri in 1991 to farm with his brother-in-law Jimmie Lee, Jr. Bill was so proud of his cotton crop. In 1992, Bill was blessed to gain a son, Randall Rath, when he married Ann in St. Francis, Kansas. Bill loved Randall like he was his own flesh and blood. Even when Bill was hurting so badly, he would never tell anyone except Randall. The bond the two men shared is noteworthy.

In 1998, Bill moved to Brewster, Kansas, to be closer to the little girls he never knew could make his heart feel so full, Taylor, Kaylen, and Marlee. “Grandpa Bill” was instantly in love with these three. Slumber parties and breakfast at Stuckey’s was always a highlight for all of them. Grandpa continued his shenanigans with them, letting them drive his brown, Ford Ranger pick-up (aka the rolling turd) when they couldn’t even reach the pedals, decorating his roof with Santa in the chimney just to see them laugh, cruising in his 1948 restored Chevy pick-up when the front wheel fell off, and teaching them all his one-liners, even though they weren’t always politically correct!

In all seriousness, he loved nothing more than his granddaughters, and watching them grow up into beautiful, talented, and thoughtful young women.

In Bill’s “retirement years” he worked for Mitchek Farms. Bill was never happy just sitting still. He had to be working on something. He especially loved being on the ranch in Strasburg, Colorado, and felt at home there. He loved giving us tours of the countryside. He also loved spending time “at the farm” with the Rath family, which he considered his family as well.

There are far too many memories and stories to share of the life Bill lived. Surely, he will be remembered for his zest for life, incredible work ethic, silly sayings, and his extreme love of his family, friends, and animals (cats excluded).

Bill was preceded in death by his biological parents Carl Thomas (C.T.) Brooks and Georgia Thomas-Brooks, his Dad and Mother, Sylvester and Eunice Johnson, his half-brother Carl Thomas (Brooks, Jr.) Koehler, and half-sister Donna June (Brooks) Koehler-Smith.

Survivors include his Daughter, Ann (Randall) Rath of Trenton, NE; granddaughters: Taylor (Andrew) Willis of Aurora, NE; Kaylen Rath of Aurora, NE; and Marlee Rath of Manhattan, KS. Sister, Marita Jo (Jimmie) Lee of Hornersville, MO; Great grandchildren, Austyn and Ledger.

A memorial service will be Friday, October 19, 2018, at 2 p.m. MT at Bateman Funeral Home, 211 East 11th Street in Goodland. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to Bill Brooks Memorial Fund and may be left at the service or mailed to Bateman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 278, Goodland, KS 67735. For condolences or information visit www.batemanfuneral.com

Carlton F. Hartman, 93 of San Antonio, Texas, died on September 19, 2018.

Mr. Hartman was a resident of the Army Residence Community, and a former resident of Windcrest for over 25 years. Carlton was born in Russell, Kansas in 1925.

A survivor of the Depression and Dust Bowl, he graduated from high school in 1943, joining the US Army Air Corps soon after. After the war, he attended Syracuse University, and graduated with a BS in Civil Engineering in 1950. He served as Principal Engineer, and later, Deputy Commissioner of Public Works for the City of White Plains from 1957 thru 1985. He was a Colonel in the USAF, and a WW2 veteran. Carlton served as Scoutmaster of White Plains Troop 1 from 1964 thru 1974, helping many young men develop skills to reach their life goals.

After traveling much of the world, including South Africa, he retired to San Antonio, with his wife June, who passed away in 2008. He was married to Eleanor Webb in 2009, who survives him. Carlton was a member of Windcrest Methodist Church, for many years, and served on the finance committee. He also was a member of Airstream RV Club, and several Veterans organizations, including the B-17 Bombardier/Navigator Association. Carlton will be greatly missed by both Hartman and Webb & Hoch families, as well as friends and relatives for his wisdom and great sense of humor. May he rest in peace.

Carlton is survived by his wife Eleanor, of San Antonio; sister, Colleen Walizer, of Russell, Kansas; son, Stephen, of Waterloo, NY; grandsons, Benjamin, of Hammondsport, NY, Andrew and John, of Middletown, NJ, and their families.
He was predeceased by his first wife, June; son, Douglas, and sister, Norma Winter.

A graveside memorial service to celebrate Carlton’s life will be held at 11 A.M. on Saturday, November 03, 2018, at the Russell City Cemetery in Russell, Kansas. Cremation has been selected by the family and inurnment of the cremains will follow the graveside service. Military rites will be performed by the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240. The Hartman family will greet guest the day of the graveside service. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the memorial service.

Dane G. Chaney, age 59, passed away peacefully in his mountain home on Wednesday, October 10, 2018 in Divide, Colorado. He was born on December 5, 1958 in Tribune, Kansas to Charles L. Chaney and Margaret V. (Basgall) Chaney.

He was born with blue baby syndrome and was immediately transported to Denver for a blood transfusion, which saved his life. Soon after he was baptized in Sharon Springs, Kansas at the Holy Ghost Catholic Church, which his grandfather, Alexander Basgall, helped to build.

Growing up in the middle of five sisters was tough, but it was the girls who had to fight Dane for bathroom time. But growing up with lots of sisters and hardworking parents had its perks – he learned how to cook and clean, how to work hard, fair and honest, and how to love his family. Some might say he had the biggest heart of them all.

He learned plumbing from his dad while working at C&M Hardware, which was owned by his parents. He worked there throughout high school and continued afterwards. He was a football player and homecoming king at Wallace County High School, where he graduated in 1976.

He married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn A. Wehner, on November 4, 1978 in the same church he was baptized. At the age of 21, Marilyn and Dane bought C&M Hardware and ran it as Sunset True Value. They welcomed their first child and daughter, Janelle Renee on July 21, 1983. After selling Sunset True Value, they moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1985 to help run Pikes Peak True Value. In 1987 they moved to Tulare, California, where he was the manager of FISCO Farm and Home store. During their time in California, they welcomed two sons, Jeron Charles on May 23, 1989 and Joshua Francis on June 11, 1992. He was an active parishioner at St. Aloysius Catholic Church. The family stayed busy with frequent visits from family and friends, taking them to Pismo Beach, Sequoia National Park, Disneyland, and checking out local wineries.

Wanting to be closer to home, they moved to Denver, Colorado in 1994. Dane decided to go back to his plumbing roots and got his Master Plumber’s License. In Colorado, they spent their free time boating at the lake, enjoying picnics in the mountains and attending family gatherings. After 25 years of marriage, Dane and Marilyn divorced, but maintained a healthy relationship to continue raising their two youngest sons.

Dane met Cindy S. Meyer in 2007 with a single rose and a smile. They shared a loving 11 years together filled with dancing the night away at Tom Petty concerts, watching the stars, moon, and meteor showers, and sharing their love of God’s word. In October 2017, Dane sold his house in Colorado Springs to his son Jeron and purchased a cabin in Divide, Colorado. His last days were spent with Cindy working on making it their dream mountain home to grow old together in.

He loved to grill, play cards and horseshoes, root for the Broncos, and collect anything and everything related to eagles. He was incredibly hardworking and always willing to help anyone who needed it. Even through the many challenges of life, he always exuded positivity and knew that God had a plan for him.

Dane was a true nature lover, spending as much time as he could outdoors, whether it was going on mountain hikes, working in the yard, or just enjoying a quiet peaceful evening on the porch or in the hammock to enjoy the tranquillity that God provided around him.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret V. Chaney; and his nephew Marc W. Graham.

He is survived by his father, Charles L. Chaney; three children and son-in-law, Janelle R. (Peter) Kusch, Jeron C. Chaney, and Joshua F. Chaney; his significant other and life partner, Cindy S. Meyer; his five sisters and their husbands, Darletta K. (Denny) Collins, Kathy A. (Gary) Robinson, Rodene L. (Gary) Doty, Teresa J. (Roger) Havel, and Denise M. (Wayne) Weyerman; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, October 19, 2018 at 10:00 AM MT at the Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Sharon Springs with Father Andrew Rockers officiating. Private family inurnment will be held in the Sharon Springs Cemetery.

A Rosary Service will be held on Thursday, October 18, 2018 at 7:00 PM MT at the Church in Sharon Springs.

Memorial contributions may be designated to the American Eagle Foundation at www.eagles.org/donate, Children’s Hospital Colorado and may be left at the services or mailed Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735, or you can donate blood at your local Red Cross.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Sharon Springs.

Derrick David Barnett, 41, died Wednesday October 10, 2018 in Kansas City, Kansas. He was born July 7, 1977 in Colby, Kansas to Terrence Neil Barnett and Cheryl Kay Nowak Barnett.

A life time resident of Colby Kansas, Derrick went to Colby High School. He enjoyed his family, camping, fishing (especially with grandparents), and hanging out with friends. Derrick had a heart of gold. He loved his dog Duke and took him everywhere with him. He was a wonderful uncle who was adored by his nieces and nephews, because he was funny. He loved tricking his car out with the latest stereo equipment to make sure everyone knew he was coming. He will be greatly missed by all.

Survivors include mother Cheryl (Rocky Urban) Barnett of Colby Kansas; father Terry (Kathy L’Heureux) Barnett and Grandmother Olivet Barnett all of Fort Morgan Colorado; sister Lisa (Cameron) Fowlkes, Loveland, Colorado; brother Chris (Christie) Barnett Rexford Kansas; brother Andrew (Rose) Urban Loveland, Colorado; Siblings (children of Terry & Kathy) Jessica Wilson of Loveland, CO; Amanda, Caleb and Dorian Barnett, all of Fort Morgan, Colorado; 5 nieces and 3 nephews. He is preceded in death by his paternal grandfather Victor Barnett and his maternal grandparents Louis and Caroline Nowak.

Visitation hours are from 2pm to 5pm Thursday October 18, 2018 at Kersenbrock Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on October 19, 2018 at Kersenbrock Funeral Chapel Colby, officiated by Pastor Carl Dumler. Burial will be at Beulah Cemetery in Colby.

Condolences may be sent to Kersenbrock Funeral Chapel 745 South Country Club, Colby Ks, 67701 or www.kersenbrockfuneralchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, you can make donations to the funeral home to help pay for funeral expenses. Please put Derrick Barnett in the memo line.