David Thomas “Squirt” McNorton, 80, passed away January 1, 2018. He was born on February 4, 1937 at the family farm in North Topeka, to Fred and Mildred (Hiller) McNorton. He graduated from Seaman High School and later served in the U.S. Army. He married Evelyn Gomel in 1964. He worked as a US Postal Service truck driver for 35 years.

One of his favorite pastimes was helping friends and a family fix anything that needed fixing and share a joke. His greatest joy was watching kids and grandkids compete in their various activities. He was active with the North Topeka Saddle Club, Shawnee County 4-H, and was a faithful blood donor.

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Boyce, Clyde, and RosaDell.

Squirt is survived by his spouse, his brother, Wayne (Bonnie) McNorton; a sister Kathleen Nolting; their three daughters, Tamara (Butch) Drylie of Hays, Kansas, Christine (Randy) Mercer of Columbus, Kansas, and Stacie (Brian) Adams of Meriden, Kansas; their grandchildren Cody, Cash (Laura), and Clay Drylie, Randi (Dustin) Wiley, Beth (Dexter) Jones, Grady Mercer, Shanie and Kassie Adams; and a great granddaughter Karsyn Drylie.

Funeral Service will be Thursday, January 4, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Davidson Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Rochester Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 3, 2018 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Davidson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Christian Youth Rodeo Association (CYRA) Scholarship, or Joplin Miracle League Baseball and sent in the care of Davidson Funeral Home.

Funeral Service

Thursday, January 04, 2018
10:00 AM

Davidson Funeral Home
1035 N Kansas Avenue
Topeka, Kansas 66608-1241

Funeral Service: Wednesday, January 3rd at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home in Oberlin with Pastor Gordon Pettibone officiating

Burial: Oberlin Cemetery

Memorial Funds: Oberlin United Methodist Church and Good Samaritan Society-Decatur County

Visitation: Tuesday from 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. and Wednesday after 8:00 a.m.

In Loving Memory
Rowena Mae Cathcart was born August 29, 1925, to Albert and Maude (Loomis) Lacey at their farm home near Hayes Center, Nebraska. She passed away Saturday, December 30, 2017, at the Good Samaritan Society in Oberlin, Kansas, at the age of 92.

Rowena attended a country grade school near her family’s farm and graduated from high school in Hayes Center. Her family attended Bethel Missionary Church. Before her marriage, Rowena worked at the McCook Montgomery Ward and McCook Equity, where she met her future husband.

On May 15, 1958, Rowena married Virgil Clarence Cathcart in Oberlin. They resided on the Cathcart Family farm southeast of Danbury, Nebraska, where they raised their two daughters. Rowena was a loving and devoted farm wife, mother and homemaker who took pleasure in helping around the farm and making a home for her family.

Her faith, family and friends were the highlights of her life. Virgil and Rowena were active members of Prairie Chapel Church near their home for many years. They also enjoyed attending activities their girls and grandchildren were involved in, and Rowena liked to keep in touch with her grandchildren and others through letter-writing. She was an excellent cook, enjoyed embroidery work, and took an interest in what was happening around the farm, especially the cattle.

After living on the family farm for almost 35 years, Virgil and Rowena moved to Oberlin. They continued to enjoy their Prairie Chapel community and later became members of the Oberlin United Methodist Church. They also took time to do some traveling.

Rowena is survived by her daughters and son-in-law, Carolyn Hackney, of Oberlin, and Joyce and Lynn Rippe, of Danbury, NE; one brother and sister-in-law, Lloyd and Karen Lacey, of Culbertson, NE; eight grandchildren: Julie Plotts, Leslie Fox (Travis), Amie Burge (Darin), Lorie Kaczmarek (Kevin), Lewis Plotts (Tina), Marie Klee (Rob), Buddy Plotts, and Alyssa Rippe (Cole May); in addition to 20 great-grandchildren, eight great-great grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Virgil on February 26, 2008; parents, Albert and Maude Lacey; two brothers, Loren Lacey and Donald Lacey (in infancy); and a sister, Alpha Kinsey.

Deward Maxwell Deem Jr., 75, of Russell, Kansas, died on Saturday, December 30, 2017, at his home in Russell, surrounded by his family.

Max was born on September 18, 1942, in Cairo, West Virginia, the son of Deward Maxwell, Sr. and Mary (Jinkins) Deem. He grew up in the Smithville and Harrisville, West Virginia areas and graduated from Harrisville High School in the class of 1960. In 1961, he moved to Russell, Kansas at the age of 19. He met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Marjorie Ann Barton on April 16, 1966, Russell, Kansas, at St. John Lutheran Church. From this union they were blessed with two sons; Kevin and Keith. Max started working in the oilfield as a tool pusher and worked his way up to rig supervisor with Praden & Deem Drilling, Gabert & Jones Drilling, Shield Oil Company and Cheyenne Drilling. When he was younger he developed a love for working with wood by helping his father as a carpenter. He enjoyed gardening, planting flowers, cooking, old cars and spending time with his family.

Surviving family include his wife Marjorie of 51 years, sons Kevin and Keith Deem both of Wichita, Kansas; Brothers Roger Deem (Linda) of Smithville, West Virginia and Mike Deem of Harrisville, West Virginia.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Phillip Deen.

A funeral service for Max will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, January 04, 2018, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas with Pam Jenkinson officiating. Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Wednesday, January 03, 2018 at the mortuary, with the family present to greet friends from 6 PM to 7 PM. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Eileen (Meyers) Chesney, 93, of Natoma, Kansas passed away Friday, December 29, 2017 at her son’s home in Stockton, Kansas.

Eileen was born May 9, 1924 in Woodston, Kansas, the daughter of Marcel and Amy (Guthrie) Meyers. She grew up in Woodston and graduated from Woodston High School. She then attended Ft. Hays State University.

Eileen met, fell in love, and was united in marriage to Homer Bruce Chesney on April 6, 1947 in Woodston. This union was blessed with five children: Bruce, Ronald, Earl, Lawrence and Everett. They made their home in the Natoma, Kansas area. Homer preceded her in death on March 19, 2004.

Eileen was a devoted wife and homemaker. She also worked at the Plainville, Osborne and Russell Sale Barns. She was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Plainville. She enjoyed quilting and spending as much time as she could with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Surviving family include her four sons; Ronald M. Chesney, Earl L. Chesney and Lawrence W. Chesney all of Natoma, Kansas and Everett G. Chesney (Fay) of Stockton, Kansas; sister, Donalee Circle of Woodston, Kansas; six grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren and two great-great grandsons.

Eileen was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Bruce Chesney, two brothers, Merlin Meyers and Donald Meyers; and two sisters, Verla Chesney and Reba Meyers.

Celebration of Eileen’s Life will be held at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at the United Methodist Church in Plainville, Kansas. Burial will follow at the Survey Cemetery south of Woodston, Kansas. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A Memorial has been established with the United Methodist Church of Plainville and Hospice of Hays Med. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

Delbert D. Deschner, 90, former Natoma resident, died December 27, 2017 in Wichita Kansas.

He was born December 6, 1927 at the family farm north of Natoma, Kansas, the son of Martin and Emma (Blank) Deschner. Delbert was a 1945 graduate of Natoma High School and had spent his life as a farmer and stockman on the family farm until declining health caused his move to Wichita in 2011 to be close to his daughter. Delbert served his community on the USD 399 school board and the Round Mound Township board. He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church, Natoma where he held several offices.

On September 7, 1952 he was united in marriage to Barbara Griffin. She preceded him in death April 5, 1970. He then married Charlotte (Young) Meyers. She preceded him in death April 15, 2008. Delbert’s greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends. He especially loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was very sociable, loved challenging family to chicken foot dominoes, and enjoyed playing the harmonica and guitar, often performing for others.

Delbert is survived by his four sons, Michael Deschner (Coleen) of Scott City, Ks Bruce Deschner of Topeka,Ks, Bradley Deschner (Karry) of Great Bend, Ks. and Michael L. Meyers of Topeka, Ks and two daughters, Kim (Roger) Davis, Manhattan, Ks and Lori (Brad) Wangsgard, Wichita, Ks. Also surviving are ten grandchildren: Brandon (Bridget) Deschner, Krystal (Chris) Nelson, Rebekah (Jovann) Gamble, Zachary (Kimberly) Davis, Matthew Deschner, Joshua (Tiffany) Deschner, Barbara Deschner, Mitchell Meyers, Katharine Meyers and Olivia Meyers as well as ten great grandchildren: Tyler, Brooke, Paige, Pierce, Emory, Carlie, Piper, Lettie, Ari and Ehla. He is also survived by his sister, Delphine (Mart), Atkinson of Excelsior Springs, Mo as well as many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his wives, his sister, Darlene, and grandson Justin Deschner.

A memorial service to celebrate Delbert’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, January 06, 2018, at the Peace Lutheran Church in Natoma, Kansas with Pastor Michael Schmidt officiating. Cremation has been selected by the family and inurnment will follow at the Natoma Lutheran Cemetery. Family will greet guests at the church the day of the memorial service. Memorials can be given to the Peace Lutheran Church or Natoma Heritage Seekers Museum and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Natoma, Kansas, is in charge of the memorial services.

Velma Ruth (Beach) Cool passed away on Friday, December 29, 2017 at Redbud Village in Plainville, Kansas at the age of 96. She was born on January 17, 1921 in Hiawatha, Kansas to the late Oliver C. and Ruby L. (Housh) Beach. She grew up in Hiawatha and graduated from Hiawatha High School with the Class of 1939. On October 13, 1940 she was united in marriage to Paul Leander “Brick” Cool in Hiawatha. They were blessed with three children, William, James, and Bette.

Velma began working in the drugstore in Hiawatha as a young woman. One day a young man came in to purchase a package of gum. Six weeks later they were married and “the rest was history” as they say. Over her lifetime, Velma worked for many years as a bookkeeper for several Chevrolet dealerships including Bemis, Button, and Nelson all of Plainville, and Lyda, Schlagek, Gewecke, and Russ Harvey all of Russell, Kansas. She went on to work for thirteen more years with H&R Block before retiring. A hard working woman, but always a lady, she had one weekly requirement her entire life: to get her hair done properly. She loved raising huge gardens and canning, crocheting, crafting with her many craft club friends, going for walks, and even playing volleyball into her 70’s. She was a member of the First Congregational Church in Russell, where she also worked as the financial secretary, and always sang in the choir; a member of the United Methodist Church in Plainville, The Red Hat Society, Russell Regional Hospital Auxiliary, and a Lifetime Member of Order of the Eastern Star.

Velma is survived by her daughter Bette Stamper and husband Kent of Plainville; daughters-in-law Bonnie Haugen Cool of Edina, MN, and Judy Legleiter Cool of Houston, TX; brother Darrell Beach and wife Janie of Seward, NE; grandchildren Marcie Diaz and husband Tony of Plainville, Heather Stamper-Voss of Plainville, Kevin Stamper of Wichita, Michelle Seloover of Houston, TX, Stephanie Dunshie and husband Bob of Houston, TX, William “Bill” Cool and wife Kristina of Omaha, NE, Randall Cool and Sabrina of Omaha, NE, Patrick Cool and wife Sonja of Edina, MN, and Katharine Cool of Edina, MN; and great-grandchildren Amanda Diaz, Kent Diaz, Cynthia Bressler, Luke Voss, Chloe Stamper, Ella Waggoner, Sam Waggoner, Jamie Seloover, Jacob Dunshie, Malyssa Cool, Will Cool and wife Courtney, Stephanie Cool, Brandon Cool, Abby Cool, R.J. Cool, and Crystal Cool.

She was preceded in death by parents Oliver and Ruby Beach; husband Paul “Brick” Cool; sons James Cool and William Cool; brothers Raymond Beach, Albert Beach, and Robert Beach; sister Thelma Beach; grandsons Anthony Cool, Donald Cool, and Matthew Stamper; and great-granddaughters Rachel Cool and Jessica Diaz.

The colors of the Eastern Star remind us to raise our eyes to the blue of heaven, to warm our hearts with the warmth of the yellow sun, to know that our souls will dwell in the white of purity and peace, that we shall live for all eternity as the evergreen symbolizes, and to live our daily lives with the fervent love and devotion symbolized by red. Velma lived her life in humble service, faith, and love to her Lord, her family, her sisters, and friends. Her shadow hour has fallen and she has been found worthy and ready to answer the call, “Come, thou good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of thy Lord.”

Click HERE for service information.

Middleton Johnson “M.J.” or “Walt” Walton passed away on Monday, December 25, 2017 at Rooks County Health Center in Plainville, Kansas at the age of 82. He was born on March 17, 1935 in Clairton, Pennsylvania to the late James and Edith (Hunter) Walton. He grew up in Clairton and graduated from Clairton high School with the Class of 1954. He went on to serve in the United States Air Force from 1955-58. He was united in marriage to Cheryl Cooper on March 28, 1987 in Arvada, Colorado.

Middleton worked as a gear machinist in the aviation/aerospace industry. He loved to travel, and after retiring in 1991 and making their home in Woodston, Kansas, was able to spend much time on the road with Cheryl, visiting people and places all over the United States. He was an avid baseball fan and enjoyed football as well, always rooting for his beloved Pirates and Steelers.

Middleton is survived by his Wife Cheryl Walton of the home in Woodston; daughter Susan Boyle and husband Jon of Licking, MO; step-son Anthony Daddario of Woodston; and three granddaughters.

He was preceded in death by his parents James and Edith Walton, brothers James Walton and George Walton, and sister Katheryn Walton.

A private family inurnment will be held at a later date. Condolences to the family may be mailed in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. 1st Street, Stockton, KS 67669.

Harold James Giebler, 90, Hays, died Sunday, December 31, 2017 at Via Christi Village.

He was born December 9, 1927 in Hays the son of Edmund and Anna (Staab) Giebler. He was a 1945 graduate of St. Joseph Military Academy and served in the U.S. Army during World War II and played with the 5th U.S. Army Band. On June 20, 1953 he was united in marriage to Petronilla “Nellie” Leiker at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays. They celebrated over 64 years of marriage. He attended Fort Hays State College for two years and was a mail carrier for many years with the United State Postal Service. After his retirement from the USPS, he was a bus driver and van driver for over ten years with USD 489. He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Third Degree Knights of Columbus Council #1325, and the Hays American Legion. He was a cantor for many years at Immaculate Heart of Mary, and was also a member of the church choir and the Volga German Men’s Choir. He was very active, true to his word, and was known to be able to build or fix anything.

Survivors include his wife Nellie, of the home in Hays, four daughters; Cecilia Burke and husband Marty of Lawrence, Rose Coon and husband Steve of Topeka, Teresa Schrant and husband Larry of Hays, and Barbara Gonzales and husband Mike of Wichita, a son; Andrew Giebler and wife Tara of Andover, a sister; Berniece Schumacher of St. Louis, two brothers; Norman Giebler of Hays and Patrick Giebler and wife Terri of Colby, eighteen grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and infant son; Stephen Giebler, a sister; Sybilla Schukman, and three brothers; Albert, Herbert, and Edmund Giebler, Jr.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Barry Brinkman officiating. Burial with military honors by the Hays VFW Honor Guard will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Tuesday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Wednesday, all at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. A Daughters of Isabella rosary will be at 6:00, a parish vigil service will be at 6:30, and a Third Degree Knights of Columbus Council #1325 rosary will be at 7:00 pm, all on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church or to masses, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Susan M. Davis, 74, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away peacefully Thursday, December 28, 2017, following a long-term illness.



Services will be held on Wednesday, January 3, at Little Sisters of the Poor, 8745 James A. Reed Rd, Kansas City, MO, where Susan lived since moving to Kansas City from Hays, Kansas, four years ago. She will be buried next to her parents at St. Fidelis Cemetery in Victoria, KS. Visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m. with a Rosary at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30.



Born on her Mother’s birthday, April 24, 1943, in Hays, KS, Susan grew up in nearby Plainville, KS, where she attended Sacred Heart Grade School and then graduated from Plainville Rural High School in 1961. She worked in the family grocery store from an early age until the store was sold a few years after she graduated from high school. Many years later, after starting her family, Susan returned to school, and in 1989 she earned an Associate of Science degree in Secretarial Administration from Fort Hays State University.



Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Emil E. Kuhn and Zita (Giebler) Kuhn. She is survived by her three children: Cynthia Davis, Michael Davis and wife (Shana), and Christopher Davis; four grandchildren: Micaela, Austin, Ayden, and Rylie Davis; five brothers: Ronald Kuhn (Cindy), Earl Kuhn (Kasey), Richard “Whitey” Kuhn (Fran), Raymond Kuhn (Jana), and Vernon Kuhn (Cindy); and one sister, Phyllis Schapker (Richard); as well as many loving nieces and nephews and their families.



In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Little Sisters of the Poor or the Kidney Foundation.