Allen Webster Hawkins, a 57-year resident of Osawatomie, Kansas, died Friday, April 8, 2016. He was 90 years old. He had recently been in declining health. He was a noted former Kansas newspaper editor-publisher and community leader.

Mr. Hawkins, who preferred to be called by his nickname, Web, was born Dec. 15, 1925, at Advance, Mo., a son of Arthur C. Hawkins and Winness McNeely Hawkins. He attended grade school in Advance and graduated in 1943 from Flat River High School in Flat River, Mo.

Web’s first salaried job was with the St. Francois County Journal in Park Hills, Mo., while he was a sophomore in high school. It was there he learned to operate a Linotype typesetting machine, among other things. This knowledge of the Linotype allowed him to work his way through Flat River Junior College and attend classes at Washington University.

After graduating from Flat River Junior College in 1944, Web accepted a teaching position in De Soto, Mo. He taught seventh and eighth grade mathematics and coached high school football and track for two years before entering the University of Missouri-Columbia. While attending M.U., he operated a Linotype for the Columbia Daily Tribune. He was graduated from the M.U. School of Journalism in 1947.

In September of 1947, Web left on a bus from Columbia to Russell, Kan., where he had accepted the position of managing editor of the Russell County News, which was owned by the Townsley family. The day after he arrived, the newspaper switched from a weekly publication to being printed six days a week, not without presenting challenges for a young man fresh out of journalism school.

In 1950, Web’s career took an unexpected turn. He was drafted to serve in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After basic training, he became a public information officer, serving at Fort Riley, Kan.; Fort Sam Houston, Texas; and Camp Pickett, Virginia. He was discharged as a corporal in 1952 and returned to Russell to resume work as managing editor at The Daily News.

On Nov. 25, 1956, Web was married to Gladys Ann Schmidt of Russell, Kan. She had grown up in Russell and preferred her nickname, “Schmitty.” The couple were married in Sulphur Springs, Texas, by a close friend.

In January of 1959, Web and Schmitty moved to Osawatomie. Web accepted the position of managing editor of the Osawatomie Graphic-News under then-publisher Nelson S. Reppert. Mrs. Hawkins became the newspaper bookkeeper. She had previously worked at a bank in Russell.

Within a couple of years, Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins became half owners of the weekly newspaper in Osawatomie. They later acquired full ownership of the business. The newspaper name was later officially shortened to The Graphic. Web took pride in his policy of writing at least three editorials a week for the hometown newspaper’s editorial page and regularly encouraged people to write letters to the newspaper for publication. He didn’t necessarily expect people to agree with him on local, state and national issues. Of course, many didn’t agree but Web got pats on the back by others.He knew it was a personal responsibility to stimulate thoughts and opinions with his editorial page. He stayed firm with his editorial stances..

Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins gradually expanded their newspaper holdings. They acquired the Linn County News at Pleasanton, Louisburg Herald and Emporia Times. They also owned a partial interest in the Hillsboro Star-Journal and The Herington Times.

After becoming involved in newspaper ownership, Web became actively involved in the Kansas Press Association that serves most newspapers in Kansas, including both weekly and daily publications. He served on the KPA board of directors and was president of the board in 1970. He also became involved in leadership of the National Newspaper Association, which was based in Washington, D.C. at the time. He became president of the NNA in 1988.

Web Hawkins earned the Robert M. Bailey Award from NNA in 1988, the University of Missouri School of Journalism Honor Medal in 1987 and the Clyde M. Reed Jr. Master Editor Award from KPA in 1996. He is enshrined in the Kansas Press Association’s Newspaper Hall of Fame.

In 1998, Web and Gladys retired from the newspaper publishing business and sold their last two newspapers, The Osawatomie Graphic and Lousburg Herald, to Miami County Publishing Co. of Paola.

Web was a member of the Osage Valley Lodge No. 24, A.F. & A.M.; Scottish Rite, Shrine and the Elks Lodge. He was a past patron of the Order of the Eastern Star Lodge.

He served on the board of directors of the former First Federal Savings & Loan Association in Osawatomie for more than 30 years. He was chairman of the board many of those years.

Web was active in the Osawatomie United Methodist Church, serving on various church boards and committees.

Web and Gladys took a deep interest in local civic activities and community betterment projects. In the 1960s. They were among the first residents to build a new home in an all-new residential subdivision that was later fully developed in the northwest part of town. That was their residence the remainder of their lives.

Web also oversaw the development of a central printing plant operation in 1968. East Kansas Offset, Inc., was set up in the The Graphic building after an extensive remodeling. This allowed The Graphic to switch its printing method from letterpress to offset. Joining in the modernized printing operation was the semi-weekly Garnett newspaper and later the semi-weekly Paola newspaper. The Graphic and East Kansas Offset jointly occupied an all-new building in the 500 block of Main Street in 1973 after a disastrous hotel fire the year before, next to the longtime Graphic-News building. The Graphic had escaped damage. Some other new business buildings were also constructed in the same block after the enlarged newspaper office and printing plant were built.

Mr. Hawkins was one of the founders of Greater Osawatomie, Inc., (GO, Inc.) an economic development corporation in the community, which helped spearhead additional businesses and new housing in the 1970s and ’80s.

Web and Gladys were major contributors to the establishment of a family fitness center and indoor swimming pool adjacent to the Osawatomie High School building in 2007. A wing for school newspaper production and adult education classes at the new facility was dedicated in their names when the fitness center opened. It was known as a Family YMCA when it opened. It now carries the name of O Zone USD 367 Sport & Fitness

The couple were also major contributors to the Kansas Newspaper Foundation, a non-profit subsidiary of the Kansas Press Association. The Hawkins couple also created a local foundation which will eventually assist in Osawatomie civic improvements in the future. Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins’ legacy of community service will be ever-lasting in numerous and untold ways.

Mrs. Hawkins died on Feb. 15, 2009, after many contributions of her own to the betterment of the Osawatomie community. She loved working as a volunteer on civic projects, especially the Community PRIDE Committee for several years. The PRIDE program was recognized twice at the state level. Schmitty was truly Web’s soulmate.

Web’s favorite pastimes were reading and being an avid golfer. He enjoyed viewing sports on TV. He was an active member of the Osawatomie Golf Association most of his years in Osawatomie. In his retirement, he continued to play golf past age 80. When he gave up playing the game, he was still a regular visitor at the Osawatomie Golf Course clubhouse where he routinely visited longtime golfing buddies during coffee hour in both the mornings and afternoons.

Besides Web’s wife and parents, he was also preceded in death by three brothers, Gene Hawkins, Charles Hawkins and Kenneth Hawkins; and four sisters, Helen Webb, Sally Spray, Rose Biggs and Carol McCormack.

Survivors include one sister, Mrs. Betty Gilmer, and her husband, Billy Gilmer, of Maryland Heights, Mo.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Joyce Marie Nickelson, age 75, passed away on Monday, April 11, 2016 at Via Christi- St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kansas. Joyce was born March 21, 1941 in Scott City, Kansas, the daughter of Roman F. & Josephine P. (Kessler) Droste. A lifetime resident of Western Kansas, she was a mill dispatcher for Seaboard Foods Inc. retiring in 2013.

Joyce was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Daughters of Isabella and Alter Society all of Marienthal, Kansas.

Joyce’s surviving family includes-

Three children-

Stacy & JoAnne Seaton- Leoti, Kansas

Cindy McRae- Scott City, Kansas

Travis Seaton- Scott City, Kansas

One sister-

Paulette Schultz- Castleton, Kansas

Six Grandchildren

Her parents precede her in death

Vigil services will be held at 7:00 pm Thursday, April 14, 2016 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Marienthal, Kansas.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am Friday, April 15, 2016 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Marienthal, Kansas with Father Benjamin Martin officiating.

Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery in Marienthal, Kansas.

Friends may call from Noon until 5:00 pm Thursday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Leoti, Kansas.

Memorials may be given to the Joyce M. Nickelson Memorial Fund in care of the funeral home.

Sylvia Kathleen Wolf, 83, passed away on April 9, 2016 with her family by her side.  Sylvia was born on January 21, 1933 in Solomon, KS, to Harold and Zelma (Butcher) Boettcher.  She was preceded in death by her parents. 

On May 30, 1953 in the First Presbyterian Church in Beloit, KS, Sylvia Boettcher married John Irvin Wolf.  Married 63 years, Sylvia and Irvin honeymooned in Grand Lake, CO which has been a family tradition to return to ever since. 

Surviving are their children, Karen Heinrich of Paola, KS; Tom Wolf of Olathe, KS; Melissa Atkins of Hill City, KS; and Kim Renyer of Quinter, KS.  Survivors also include her siblings Jarold Boettcher, Beloit, KS; Janet Wesselowski, Wichita, KS; and Kathy Aros, Tuscon, AZ.  Also surviving are 14 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her great joy. 

Sylvia lived in Solomon until she moved to Beloit as a toddler.  She graduated from Beloit High School in 1951.  Sylvia graduated from Fort Hays State University with a degree in Education in 1966, and later received her Master’s in Reading Education from Fort Hays State University in 1987.   

Sylvia taught school for 29 years spanning from third grade through freshman algebra.  Sylvia was a member of Church of the Brethren.  Sylvia’s family will always treasure memories of her cooking, relaxing a bit with a good book, and sharing her love of teaching with others.  Sylvia thought her greatest legacy was her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Per Sylvia’s request, a private service for immediate family only is planned.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Sylvia’s name to the Sylvia Wolf Memorial Scholarship to support students who plan to major in mathematics or education.  Checks can be mailed to Schmitt Funeral Home, at 901 Main Street in Quinter, KS.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.schmittfuneral.com.

Dorothy Irene Bemis, 93, while battling pneumonia, passed quietly in her sleep April 9th, 2016 at the Sunny Vista Living Center in Colorado Springs. The third child of six, and only daughter of Carl and Sadie Kraus, she was born in the northwest bedroom on the first floor of the family home July 27, 1922, She grew up during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression on the family farm located southwest of Hays on Yocemento Road. In 1940 she entered Fort Hays College as a journalism major. The next fall she transferred to Kansas State University and joined the college newspaper. That spring she found herself writing many obituaries of the alumni who perished at Pearl Harbor.
 
In June 1942 she married Ralph Bemis, Jr. who lived on a farm seven miles west of Hays. Both families were members of the Hays First United Methodist Church. Ralph Jr. had volunteered for the Army Air Force Cadet program to become a pilot. Shortly after arriving in England, his plane crashed due to maintenance issues. He is buried in a group plot at Zachary Taylor Memorial Cemetery, Louisville, Ky.
 
Dorothy returned to Kansas State University, changing to become a nutrition major. As a part of her training, she interned for a year at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. After the war, she worked as a dietitian at Fort Logan, a VA hospital in Denver.
 
The VA sent Dorothy to the Harvard School of Public Health for further training. The plan was for her to become the supervising dietitian at a new VA hospital in California. But Robert “Guy” Bemis, the younger brother of Ralph Jr., had other plans. In December 1949 they were the second couple married in the newly completed sanctuary of the Hays First United Methodist Church and soon bought a small farm near Oberlin, Ks. Three of their five children were born there. In 1957 they returned to Hays after they bought his parents’ farm. Dorothy was pregnant with their fourth child when the whole family fled to the safety of the farmhouse garage roof during the Flood of the Century.
 
Dorothy took an active interest in her children’s activities. In the 1960’s she helped teenage 4-Hers make decorative ceramics to sell at Sidewalk Bazaar to finance their summer trips. In the 1970’s she oversaw the many fundraising projects for the Hays High School Orchestra’s European trip.
 
When the kids were grown, she renewed her dietitian’s license in order to consult area small hospitals with their meal service for several years.
 
Over the years she was also active in Chapter BQ, P.E.O., Prairie Garden Club, the Sorosis Club, and Kansas CowBelles (currently Kansas CattleWomen – the women’s half of the Kansas Livestock Association). She served as President of most of these organizations. She was an avid quilter.
 
At the unexpected death of her husband in 1985, she maintained his business interests which included Ellis County Feeders, Black Gold Oil, 1st National Bank, and cattle and farming interests, in order to sell them.
 
Four years ago she moved to Colorado Springs near a daughter to enter assisted living. While Dorothy enjoyed the view of Pikes Peak from her apartment, she always missed Kansas.
 
Dorothy is survived by three brothers, Kenneth Kraus and wife Dottie of Hays, Warren Kraus and wife Rosemary of Ellis, and Harold Kraus and wife Virginia of Hays, and three of her children. They are son, Taylor Bemis and his wife Sheryl of Hays, grandchildren Dustin Bemis and wife Anne of Hays and Kristi Koch and husband Larry of Clyde, Kansas, great-grandchildren Tee, Trextin and Brodin, Kara and Gavin; daughter Faye and husband Scott Palmer of Colorado Springs, Colorado, grandchildren Ray Palmer and wife Melanie of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Carl Palmer of Wichita, great-grandchild Elise; and daughter Amy and husband Bill Stricker of Rochester Hills, Michigan.

She is preceded in death by her older brothers, Eldon and John Kraus, first husband Ralph Bemis Jr., second husband Robert “Guy” Bemis, and two daughters, Sue Malinda (1951-1954) and Sally Kay (1964-1973).

Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at the First United Methodist Church, 305 W. 7th Street, Hays. Burial will follow in the Fort Hays Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 pm on Friday at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, and from 1:00 pm until service time on Saturday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com.

James E. Denny of Mulvane, formerly of Plainville, Kansas passed away Friday, April 8, 2016 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas at the age of 86. Jim was born on January 27, 1930 in Jefferson, Kansas to the late Lester Raymond and Lena Pauline (Walker) Denny.

Jim grew up in Jefferson, Kansas and graduated from Caney Valley High School with the class of 1947. He attended Coffeyville Community College in Coffeyville, Kansas. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served his country during the Korean Conflict. After being honorably discharged from the Marines, Jim met the love of his life, Joyce Van Dyke. They were united in marriage on October 8, 1955 in Topeka, and made their home in Caney, Kansas.

Jim’s work for Farmland Industry Pipeline took them to several communities, beginning with Bartlesville, Oklahoma, El Dorado, Kansas, Winfield, Kansas, and finishing his career in Plainville, Kansas. He worked for Farmland for more than 41 years.

Jim was a member of the United Methodist Church in Plainville. He loved the outdoors, from the family camping trips to the fishing and boating they all so enjoyed in the earlier years. His passion for woodworking was shown in his wonderful craftsmanship of cabinets and tables. Throughout his life he could always be found watching his favorite team, the Kansas City Royals.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Lena Denny; his wife Joyce; son, David Denny; brother, Raymond Denny; and sister, Pauline Webster.

He is survived by his daughter, Denise Monk and husband Kerry of Mulvane, Kansas.

A Family Graveside Service was held in the Mulvane Cemetery in Mulvane, Kansas. Memorials are suggested to the Plainville United Methodist Church or Donor’s Choice and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd, Plainville, Kansas 67663. Condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com.

Richard A. “Rick” Rhoades passed away Thursday, April 07, 2016 at the age of 63. He was born on May 28, 1952 in WaKeeney, to the late Wayne E. and Doris V. (Jamison) Rhoades. He graduated from Quinter High School with the Class of 1970 and served in the Air Force after graduation.

Rick drove a fuel truck by trade, but his real love was driving his Corvette. Throughout his life, Rick enjoyed photography and especially enjoyed photos of his family.

Rick is survived by two daughters, Abigail (Jacob) Crandall, Hays, and Crista Rhoades, Salina; two grandsons, Austin Rhoades and DeLane Sauvage, Salina; one brother, Bob (Gail) Rhoades, Quinter; and his step-mother, Phyllis Rhoades, Wichita.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Lynette Rhoades.

Cremation has been chosen. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, April 14 at the Church of the Brethren, Quinter. The family will receive friends at 1:00 p.m. Inurnment will be in the Baker Township Cemetery, Quinter. Memorials may be made to the Sheridan County Fair Board and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, P.O. Box 204, Oakley, KS 67748. For information and condolences, visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

Liz Beth (Walker) Barrett, 54, of Pratt, Kansas and formerly of Paradise, Kansas, passed away Saturday, April 9, 2016 at her home.

Liz was born May 8, 1961 in Russell, Kansas, the daughter of Robert J. and Patricia (Kilian) Walker. She grew up in Russell and graduated from Russell High School. She then attended Barton County Community College where she graduated with a nursing degree.

Liz was united in marriage to Scott Branum in 1983 in Russell. This union was blessed with two children; Trent and Sarah. They made their home in Russell. Later Liz was united in marriage to Max Barrett on June 20, 2008 in Hays, Kansas. They made their home in Paradise before moving to Pratt in 2015.

Liz was a LPN Nurse. She worked for Signature Nursing as a traveling nurse, Vintage Place in Russell. Trego and Wallace County and was working for Cunningham in Kingman County. She was a member of the Latter Day Saints. She enjoyed driving her car and loved spending time with her granddaughter Jayda.

Surviving family include her husband of seven years, Max of the home; son Trenton Branum of Topeka, Kansas; daughter, Sarah Branum of Hays, Kansas; two stepsons, Taylor Barrett of Hays, Kansas and Travis Barrett of Kansas City, Missouri; mother, Patricia Walker of Russell, Kansas; brothers, Roy Walker (Jackie) and David Walker (Terry) all of Russell, Kansas; sister, Denise Guth (Thomas) of Russell, Kansas; and granddaughter, Jayda Rae Branum. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert.

Celebration of Liz’s Life will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at St. John Lutheran Church in Russell. A private burial of ashes will take place at a later date. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Tuesday at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A Memorial has been established as the Jayda Branum Education Fund. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

Randall M. Schwindt, age 58, passed away on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas. He was born on March 1, 1958 in Wakeeney, Kansas, the son of Delano and Amelia Rohr Schwindt. A lifetime resident of Utica, Kansas he was the owner and operator of Aeroswint Manufacturing in Utica, Kansas and ran the family farm in Trego County, Kansas.

He was a member of the christian faith and had completed 3 years of ministry training at Charis Bible College.

Survivors include his Three Sons – Robby & Tala Schwindt of Chicago, Illinois, Eric & Tomara Schwindt of Scott City, Kansas, Dillon & Alix Schwindt of Woodbury, Minnesota, Two Brothers – Bob & Donna Schwindt of Colby, Kansas, Rick & Mary Schwindt of Utica, Kansas, Two Sisters – Marilyn & Bill Johnson of Utica, Kansas, Lynn & Joe Folkenroth of Clinton, Arkansas and Four Grandchildren.

Memorial Services will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society in care of Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.

There will be no calling times.