Obituaries
William Arizona Neidt
William “Bill” Arizona Neidt, 72, of Centennial, Colorado, died after a long struggle with dementia on January 10, 2024. Bill was born in Lincoln, NE, May 20,1951, to Charles and Martha Neidt. When Bill was 11, his family left Lincoln and moved to Colorado where he graduated from Ft. Collins High School. He then attended the University of Kansas where he completed Bachelor degrees, an MA in English Education, and a Ph.D. in Educational Administration.
After teaching English and Spanish for nine years, including six years with the Department of Defense Dependent Schools in Germany, he began his lifelong career in fundraising, where he worked at KU Endowment, UC Davis Medical Center in California, the CU Foundation, and the CSU Foundation. His proudest achievement was helping lay the groundwork for the conversion of Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center to the UCH Anschutz Medical Campus.
Bill’s interests were quite varied. Having earned his Eagle Scout as a teen, he became Scoutmaster of a local troop, mentoring several scouts in their quest for Eagle Scout. His love of music led him to join the St. Andrew UMC church choir. And at 59, he participated in his first triathlon which became an annual tradition for ten years.
A proud family man, Bill is survived by his wife Kyle, daughter Lindsey Baudoin (Chad), son Chad (Laura), four grandchildren, Emmett, Campbell, and Aubrey Baudoin and Charlie Neidt, three sisters, Heather Schweder, Mary Tesch, and Nanci Case (Michael Augustine), and sixteen nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held at St. Andrew UMC, 9203 S. University Blvd., Highlands Ranch, CO, Thursday, January 18, at 10:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, per Bill’s request, donations may be made to Greater Colorado Council, BSA, for Camperships, St. Andrew UMC Music Fund, or KU Endowment in support of School of Education Scholarships at www.kuendowment.org/givenow
Brent Peyton Spake
Brent Peyton Spake, 73, of Overland Park, KS, passed away Wednesday, January 24 at home following a courageous battle with leukemia. The Funeral Liturgy will be at 11:00 am on Friday, February 16, at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, 415 W 13th Street, Kansas City, MO. Interment will be immediately in the church gardens followed by a light lunch in Founder’s Hall. Memorial contributions may be made to Johnson County Christmas Bureau, World Water or One More Wave.
Brent was born on February 26, 1950, in Kansas City, MO, the son of LaVerne B. and Peggy Peyton Spake. A truly remarkable, caring, gentle and generous man, Brent’s core values of kindness, love for family, and generosity will live on as his legacy. An Eagle Scout, Brent returned to Troop 91 as a Scoutmaster for many years and mentored numerous young men during trips to the Boundary Waters, Philmont Scout Ranch, and many other excursions and monthly campouts. His dedication to serving others continued to be seen in his volunteer work at Cross-Lines, serving the homeless through St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, and particularly near and dear to his heart the Johnson County Christmas Bureau.
Brent never met a stranger and he was a beacon of kindness and inclusivity, touching the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him. He was a “gatherer of people”, always making sure to embrace others and make them feel valued and appreciated. His warmth and compassion were boundless, creating an atmosphere of friendship, acceptance and welcome wherever he went. Brent’s ability to see the good in others and his unwavering support made him a cherished friend, confidant, and mentor to many, including the friends of his children, many of whom went on to become close friends of Brent’s as they aged. He worked tirelessly to create environments where everyone felt valued and heard.
Family was at the core of Brent’s existence. His love for his family knew no bounds, and he dedicated himself to creating a home filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support. He was the ever-present father, always there no matter what. From coaching his children’s sports teams, serving as a Scoutmaster, to always being in the stands at wrestling meets and tournaments, football games, baseball and softball games, and soccer games, he constantly showed his support to his children and their friends. He would drop anything to help his kids and taught them valuable life lessons as they grew. He loved being a Papa to his nine grandchildren and carried on that same ever-present spirit of love, support, and teaching of life lessons with them. While his children and grandchildren were his passion, the great love of his life was Ellen, his wife of just short of 49 years. His quiet, gentle presence guided, strengthened, and sustained their life together.
As a spouse, parent, sibling, and friend, Brent’s devotion was a guiding light, and his presence brought immeasurable joy to those closest to him. He will be deeply missed by so many.
Brent is survived by his wife, Ellen; their four children and their spouses Derek (Meagan) Spake, Gavin (Ashley) Spake, Kendall (Jeff) McNeil, and Connor Spake; nine grandchildren Peyton, Cael, Brynlee, Beckett, Henley and Sinclair Spake, Byron and Hayden McNeil, and Breeana Neal; his brother Robert Vanneman Spake (Lindsey); sister Judy Brown, and; numerous nieces and nephews.
Jack Leatherman
Jack Leatherman, 89, died on May 2, 2023 at Neuvant House of Lawrence, Kansas.
Jack was born on April 28, 1934, in Junction City, Kansas to Homer Earl Leatherman and Veva Odle Leatherman. He was raised in Chapman, Kansas, and graduated from Dickinson County High School, now known as Chapman High School. He graduated from the University of Kansas in 1959 where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. He married Lois Hudson on June 11, 1961, in Ellsworth, Kansas.
Jack was a lifetime loyal Jayhawk fan and a season ticket holder in both football and basketball for over 60 years and seldom missed a game. He was a member of the KU Alumni Association, Williams Fund, Chancellor’s Club, the Limestone Society, past president of the KU Quarterback Club, and the Round Ball Club. He served on the board of several charitable organizations and served as Trustee, Treasurer, and on the Pastor Nominating Committee of First Presbyterian Church in Lawrence, KS. He was also a long-time member of the Lawrence Country Club where he served on the Board and greatly enjoyed his golf group.
In his early adult life, Jack taught and coached at his hometown school and managed the Mercantile, his family’s grocery store. Jack and Lois moved to Lawrence in the fall of 1969. For 28 years he was in the retail grocery business, serving for 18 years as Store Director for Falley’s Food 4 Less in Lawrence and for 10 years as Vice President/Director of Operations for the group of 44 Falley/Food 4 Less Stores.
For everyone who knew Jack, they knew his daughter Tori, an only child, was the light of his life. Jack loved his daughter dearly. Throughout Tori’s school years, he rarely missed a rehearsal, performance, or athletic event. When Tori ran cross country and track in high school, Jack would coach and train Tori, frequently giving himself two-three mile head starts, and Tori would still catch him.
Jack also loved his grandchildren dearly. Though his grandchildren lived out of state in Tucson, Arizona for much of his life, he and Lois frequently attended their sporting events and made it a point to attend their graduations from junior high, high school, and college. Regrettably, ‘Poppy,’ as he was so affectionately known by his grandchildren, did not live to see his ‘favorite’ granddaughter graduate from Free State, nor the marriage of his engaged first
grandson, Connor.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by Lois, his wife of 61 years, his daughter Tori McCoy (Kelly) of Lawrence, four grandchildren, Connor (Emily) of Pittsburgh, PA, Carson of Tempe, AZ, Cooper and Alina of Lawrence, his sister, Suzanne, of Albuquerque, NM, and 8 nieces and nephews.
Celebration of Life will be at 2pm on Monday, May 8th at First Presbyterian Church in Lawrence. Burial will be at Indian Hills Cemetery in Chapman, Kansas on Sunday, May 7th at 3pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the First Presbyterian Church, Lawrence Humane Society, or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences made at rumsey-yost.com
Mason Dean Ormsby
Mason D. Ormsby was born in Kansas City, MO., on April 7, 1940, the son of I.M. Ormsby and Edna L. Ormsby. He died on January 8, 2023 at Cedar Point Care Center, Lenexa, KS. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday,
February 18, 2023 in the Chapel at Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Rd., Prairie Village, KS 66208. Mason will be cremated and there will be a private burial at the
Gardner Cemetery, at a future date. Donations may be made to Village Presbyterian Church, K U Endowment, Lakeview Village Foundation or Kansas City Hospice. Condolences may be left at www.brucefuneralhome.com
Mason’s early years were spent in Gardner, Ks; he graduated from Gardner High School in 1958, where he enjoyed playing sports, was Student Council President and an Eagle Scout. Following high school, he went to and graduated from the University of Kansas (School of Pharmacy) in 1963. He met Diana (his wife) when they both were students at K.U. While at K.U., he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity and served as president of the chapter. He practiced pharmacy for a short time and then went on to spend the rest of his career with Eli Lilly & Company and retired in 1999. His career with Lilly involved many corporate transfers throughout the country and contributed to Mason and Diana’s appreciation to travel.
As a member of the Village Presbyterian Church, he had the honor and privilege to serve as a deacon and elder. Also, Rotary was an important part of his life, and he was a member of and past club president of the Shawnee Mission Rotary Club where he was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship, the Quiet Man Award, and the Service-Above-SelfAward. Other areas of community involvement were as a board member of KEYS (Kansas Eastern Youth Services) which became part of TLC (Temporary Lodging for Children) and volunteering at the Kansas City Care Clinic and Johnson County Developmental Supports (Human Rights Council). While serving on the board of Lakeview Village in Lenexa, he became convinced that LVV would become their retirement home. And it did.
He is survived by Diana, his wife, his two daughters Kim Daffin and her two daughters, (Katherine Lane Daffin and Emma Grace Daffin) and Heather Mellor (Matthew) and their two sons (Sean Mason Mellor and Andrew Stephen Mellor). Also, he is survived by Barbara Ormsby Lay, his sister.
Thomas Rowe
August 16, 1956 – August 17, 2022
Overland Park, Kansas – Thomas Patrick Rowe, Sr. (Tom) passed from this life with his family at his side on Wednesday, August 17th one day after his 66th birthday, and a fearless fight against cancer. Tom was a relentless and fair competitor in his profession, sports and card games. He was also the first to win the race to meet our Savior leaving behind 8 adoring siblings; Mary Lou, Kathy, Karen, Denis, Peggy, Patty, Jimmy, and Susan.
The Irish gentleman had a generous heart of gold, and was a lifelong friend.
He was predeceased by his parents Robert S. and Mary (Mooney) Rowe. He is survived by his adoring wife of 29 years, Lori (Vanatta) Rowe, son, Thomas Patrick Rowe, Jr. (T.J.) and daughter Annalisa Kathleen Rowe who is expecting his first grandchild. Tom has a spreadsheet somewhere tracking the ever-growing number of treasured nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws that will carry on his contagious endearing spirit.
The visitation and funeral will be on Wednesday, Aug. 24th at OP Church 13400 W 119th St, Overland Park, KS 66213. Visitation begins at 10:30 am and the service will begin at noon per his request we will do our best to make it short. Tom will be laid to rest following the ceremony at Pleasant Valley Cemetery.
Please, instead of sending flowers, Tom invites you to donate to Barefoot Mission (barefootmission.com/donate-1), and Abnormal Society (P.O. Box 480361 KC, MO 64148 United States). Assistance by Funeral Advocates, LLC. Arr: Signature Funerals 816-214-5174.
Robert (Bob) Lee Magness
Robert (Bob) Lee Magness, 76, passed away suddenly on August 6, 2022 at home in Overland Park, Kansas. He was born in Warrensburg, Missouri to Donald and Hazel Magness.
Bob is survived by his wife, Catherine (Cathy) Magness and his two children, Joe Magness (Courtney) and Pat Magness; grandchildren, Hayden, Skylar (Lennon), Sailor, Brighton, Boston, Peyton, Maylee, Julian; and one great granddaughter Scout; two nephews and a niece that knew him as “Uncle Bobby”.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather William (Bill) Reichel, his sister Donna Petersen, and his parents-in-law Clarence (Sheldy) and Lola Browning.
Bob was someone who was loved by all and will be greatly missed. He was cheerful, kind, selfless, talented, “strong and quiet”, fearless, and was known as “one of the good guys”. He had a sense of purpose and “was comfortable in his own skin”. He was unshaken in the trials of life.
He cherished his marriage and life experiences with Cathy for over 50 years, she was always #1. He supported her career as a flight attendant for decades yet he was fiercely protective of her. He shared responsibilities at home and respected her opinion. One of his children said “I never heard my parents raise their voices or argue in front of us.” He supported his children in whatever they pursued (unless it was jumping or messing around in the house because the house was “not a gymnasium” haha).
Bob adored his family and they all knew it. He leaves a legacy of “family first” and being an example of doing the right thing, even if it is not easy. He first learned this from his mother, and then continued to be inspired by Cathy and lived this way to the end of his mortal life. He was an example of what marriage and fatherhood is all about. He and Cathy were a team and they made this world a better place.
His accomplishments were many and he could do anything. He excelled in school, sports, and much to his chagrin, even music (at a young age). He was a leader in high school and was “the best representative” of his class. He used his influence in the business world to build up and start businesses and he did it right. He had a passion for history, aviation, and golf. But most importantly, he was successful in his home life.
Bob’s funeral service will be held at Johnson County Funeral Chapel: 11200 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66210 on Friday, August 12 at 11:00am.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest contributions to Wayside Waifs,3901 Martha Truman Road, Kansas City, MO 64137 or City Union Mission, 1100 E 11th Street, Kansas City, MO 64106, Attention: Bookkeeping.
Charles (Chuck) Swanson Anderson
Charles (Chuck) Swanson Anderson of Fort Worth, 81, passed away at home on January 9th, 2022, following a lovely family gathering.
Chuck was born on March 10, 1940, in Topeka, Kansas, to Jack William and Verna Swanson Anderson. He was raised in Osage City, KS. He received his Bachelor’s degree and Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Kansas where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon.
After his years at KU, Chuck received an appointment to the Navy Officer Candidate School where he served for three years of active duty and continued to serve in the U.S. Navy Reserve for 24 years, retiring with the rank of Captain.
Chuck married the love of his life, Sherril Murrow, whom he met at KU, in 1964. They raised their two sons, Jeffrey Charles and Christopher John, in the Midwest and Dallas.
Following his active service with the Navy, Chuck began his many years in public service as a City Manager, including in Liberty, MO, Lakewood, CO, and Dallas, TX. One of many career highlights, Chuck was appointed Executive Director of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) where he led the team that designed the system, acquired the right of way, and commenced rail construction on what is today considered among the most effective and longest transit systems in the nation.
Chuck’s tremendous experience and work ethic then took him to the staff of the International City and County Management Association (ICMA) in Washington, D.C. where he advised Central and Eastern European countries on government efficiency. After his work with ICMA, he was appointed Executive Director for the Michigan Education Association (MEA) where he supported one of the largest teachers’ unions in the nation. Desiring to be closer to their sons’ families, Chuck and Sherril moved back to Texas in 2005, where Chuck worked for Waters Consulting as an executive recruiter focusing on public management.
Spanning his impressive 54-year career in public service and private business, Chuck served on numerous boards related to his professional work and community service. He also received dozens of awards and accolades for his leadership.
Notwithstanding his considerable career accomplishments, Chuck deeply cherished and was most proud of his 57-year marriage to Sherril, his two sons, Jeff and Chris, their spouses, Kristin and Jennifer, and his four grandchildren, Ellie, Catherine, Anna Claire and Charlie.
He was also passionate about history, politics, music, theater and his pets. He enjoyed attending theater performances with Sherril and shared many years singing with her in their church choirs, most recently as members of the Choral Union at First United Methodist Church in Fort Worth. He attended theater performances and athletic games for his grandchildren and was unrivaled at obscure political historical trivia in competitive family games. His best attribute was that he never failed to tell every family member how much he loved them as often as he could.
Chuck is preceded in death by his parents Jack and Verna Anderson, his sister Jackie Fink and his brother-in-law Paul Fink. He is survived by his loving wife, Sherril, his sons Jeff Anderson (Kristin) and children Catherine and Charlie; Chris Anderson (Jennifer) and children Ellie and Anna Claire; his brother-in-law David Murrow; and his loving nieces, Susan Bradley (Mike), Sara Houston (Bill) and nephews, John Fink (Stefani) and Paul McElroy.
He ended every correspondence with “Cheers, Chuck.” In that spirit, his family would like to offer a Cheers to Chuck – a wonderful husband, father, Papa, brother, son, uncle, colleague and friend. He built a legacy of love and service and will be greatly missed.
Memorial donations may be made in Chuck’s name to The Women’s Center of Tarrant County by going to their website at www.womenscentertc.org.
George E. Burket III
George E. Burket III, retired abstracter and attorney in Kingman, Kansas, passed away on October 31, 2019, at the age of 77. George was born May 6, 1942, at Kingman Memorial Hospital to Dr. George E. Burket Jr and Mary Elizabeth Wallace Burket, both natives of Kingman, Kansas. George grew up in Kingman and graduated from Kingman High School in 1960. He attended the University of Kansas, where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and graduated with a degree in biological science in 1965.
After graduation, he began work for the US Public Health Service in Detroit, Michigan, leaving in late 1966 to enlist in the United States Army. He went through basic training and officer candidate school at Fort Knox, Kentucky, receiving his commission as a 2nd lieutenant (armor) in November, 1967. He served as an armored platoon leader, company commander, and aide-de-camp to the commanding general of the 24th Infantry Division. During his service he attained the rank of captain. While stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, he met and married Linda M. Rembleske, a native of Wichita, Kansas. They married on December 28, 1968, and celebrated 50 years of marriage this past year. George enjoyed flying and obtained his private pilot’s license while serving in the army.
After his army service, he continued his education at Washburn University School of Law, graduating in 1972. Upon graduation he joined the Charlson & Wilson Title Company in Manhattan, Kansas. Then in 1974, moved to Kansas City where he worked as a member of the legal staff for Chicago Title Insurance Company. In 1977, George and Linda moved to Kingman where George purchased the Kingman Abstract and Title Company. George was owner and president of the company until his retirement in 2006. He served as president of the Kansas Land Title Association and received the Association’s distinguished service award in 1989.
George was committed to the community in which he lived. He served as a member of the board of directors of the Citizens Bank of Kansas for 34 years; he was a member and past president of Kingman Chamber of Commerce; and he was a member of the Kingman Community Hospital Board of Trustees, serving as chairman of the board for several years. He was a member of Lions Club, a director and past president of the Kingman County planning and zoning board, and a member of the board of directors of the Kingman Housing Authority. George was a co-founder, director and past president of the Southcentral Community Foundation. He was a member and trustee of the First Presbyterian Church. An avid outdoorsman, he was a co-founder of the Kingman County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited.
George enjoyed spending time with his family, making many wonderful family memories traveling to Hawaii, Grand Cayman, Florida, and Colorado. His children made him happy and proud, and he attended many of their sporting events, recitals, competitions, and stage productions. In addition, George often enjoyed both golfing and traveling with family and friends.
George supported his alma mater, the University of Kansas, and was a dedicated KU sports enthusiast. He was a lifetime member of the University of Kansas Alumni Association, of the Washburn University School of Law Alumni Association, the Kansas and Kingman County Kansas Bar Associations, and Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity.
George was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Linda; his children, daughter Lindsey Burket Metzler (Rob) of Clearwater, FL; and son Christopher Burket of North Hollywood, CA; and sisters Carol Burket of Kingman and Christine Poole of Wichita, KS, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and relatives. George was the definition of friendship, and his friends will miss his quick wit and sense of humor. Many thanks to his friends for their prayers and support through his illness and to the staff of Rivercross Hospice.
George E. Burket III, retired abstracter and attorney in Kingman, Kansas, passed away on October 31, 2019, at the age of 77. George was born May 6, 1942, at Kingman Memorial Hospital to Dr. George E. Burket Jr and Mary Elizabeth Wallace Burket, both natives of Kingman, Kansas. George grew up in Kingman and graduated from Kingman High School in 1960. He attended the University of Kansas, where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and graduated with a degree in biological science in 1965.
After graduation, he began work for the US Public Health Service in Detroit, Michigan, leaving in late 1966 to enlist in the United States Army. He went through basic training and officer candidate school at Fort Knox, Kentucky, receiving his commission as a 2nd lieutenant (armor) in November, 1967. He served as an armored platoon leader, company commander, and aide-de-camp to the commanding general of the 24th Infantry Division. During his service he attained the rank of captain. While stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, he met and married Linda M. Rembleske, a native of Wichita, Kansas. They married on December 28, 1968, and celebrated 50 years of marriage this past year. George enjoyed flying and obtained his private pilot’s license while serving in the army.
After his army service, he continued his education at Washburn University School of Law, graduating in 1972. Upon graduation he joined the Charlson & Wilson Title Company in Manhattan, Kansas. Then in 1974, moved to Kansas City where he worked as a member of the legal staff for Chicago Title Insurance Company. In 1977, George and Linda moved to Kingman where George purchased the Kingman Abstract and Title Company. George was owner and president of the company until his retirement in 2006. He served as president of the Kansas Land Title Association and received the Association’s distinguished service award in 1989.
George was committed to the community in which he lived. He served as a member of the board of directors of the Citizens Bank of Kansas for 34 years; he was a member and past president of Kingman Chamber of Commerce; and he was a member of the Kingman Community Hospital Board of Trustees, serving as chairman of the board for several years. He was a member of Lions Club, a director and past president of the Kingman County planning and zoning board, and a member of the board of directors of the Kingman Housing Authority. George was a co-founder, director and past president of the Southcentral Community Foundation. He was a member and trustee of the First Presbyterian Church. An avid outdoorsman, he was a co-founder of the Kingman County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited.
George enjoyed spending time with his family, making many wonderful family memories traveling to Hawaii, Grand Cayman, Florida, and Colorado. His children made him happy and proud, and he attended many of their sporting events, recitals, competitions, and stage productions. In addition, George often enjoyed both golfing and traveling with family and friends.
George supported his alma mater, the University of Kansas, and was a dedicated KU sports enthusiast. He was a lifetime member of the University of Kansas Alumni Association, of the Washburn University School of Law Alumni Association, the Kansas and Kingman County Kansas Bar Associations, and Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity.
George was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Linda; his children, daughter Lindsey Burket Metzler (Rob) of Clearwater, FL; and son Christopher Burket of North Hollywood, CA; and sisters Carol Burket of Kingman and Christine Poole of Wichita, KS, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and relatives. George was the definition of friendship, and his friends will miss his quick wit and sense of humor. Many thanks to his friends for their prayers and support through his illness and to the staff of Rivercross Hospice.
George E. Burket III, retired abstracter and attorney in Kingman, Kansas, passed away on October 31, 2019, at the age of 77. George was born May 6, 1942, at Kingman Memorial Hospital to Dr. George E. Burket Jr and Mary Elizabeth Wallace Burket, both natives of Kingman, Kansas. George grew up in Kingman and graduated from Kingman High School in 1960. He attended the University of Kansas, where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and graduated with a degree in biological science in 1965.
After graduation, he began work for the US Public Health Service in Detroit, Michigan, leaving in late 1966 to enlist in the United States Army. He went through basic training and officer candidate school at Fort Knox, Kentucky, receiving his commission as a 2nd lieutenant (armor) in November, 1967. He served as an armored platoon leader, company commander, and aide-de-camp to the commanding general of the 24th Infantry Division. During his service he attained the rank of captain. While stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, he met and married Linda M. Rembleske, a native of Wichita, Kansas. They married on December 28, 1968, and celebrated 50 years of marriage this past year. George enjoyed flying and obtained his private pilot’s license while serving in the army.
After his army service, he continued his education at Washburn University School of Law, graduating in 1972. Upon graduation he joined the Charlson & Wilson Title Company in Manhattan, Kansas. Then in 1974, moved to Kansas City where he worked as a member of the legal staff for Chicago Title Insurance Company. In 1977, George and Linda moved to Kingman where George purchased the Kingman Abstract and Title Company. George was owner and president of the company until his retirement in 2006. He served as president of the Kansas Land Title Association and received the Association’s distinguished service award in 1989.
George was committed to the community in which he lived. He served as a member of the board of directors of the Citizens Bank of Kansas for 34 years; he was a member and past president of Kingman Chamber of Commerce; and he was a member of the Kingman Community Hospital Board of Trustees, serving as chairman of the board for several years. He was a member of Lions Club, a director and past president of the Kingman County planning and zoning board, and a member of the board of directors of the Kingman Housing Authority. George was a co-founder, director and past president of the Southcentral Community Foundation. He was a member and trustee of the First Presbyterian Church. An avid outdoorsman, he was a co-founder of the Kingman County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited.
George enjoyed spending time with his family, making many wonderful family memories traveling to Hawaii, Grand Cayman, Florida, and Colorado. His children made him happy and proud, and he attended many of their sporting events, recitals, competitions, and stage productions. In addition, George often enjoyed both golfing and traveling with family and friends.
George supported his alma mater, the University of Kansas, and was a dedicated KU sports enthusiast. He was a lifetime member of the University of Kansas Alumni Association, of the Washburn University School of Law Alumni Association, the Kansas and Kingman County Kansas Bar Associations, and Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity.
George was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Linda; his children, daughter Lindsey Burket Metzler (Rob) of Clearwater, FL; and son Christopher Burket of North Hollywood, CA; and sisters Carol Burket of Kingman and Christine Poole of Wichita, KS, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and relatives. George was the definition of friendship, and his friends will miss his quick wit and sense of humor. Many thanks to his friends for their prayers and support through his illness and to the staff of Rivercross Hospice.
Nate Langford
Langford, Nate, SigEp ‘1993 (Born: April 30, 1971, Died: February 28, 2019). For those of you that knew Nate Lankford… you know that we lost a great one! Nate was truly a big brother to many at SigEp. He is was always a giving and pure soul. He was such a positive influence, and way too young to lose at 48 years old. Prayers and thoughts for Deedra and their five children. We will miss you, dear friend!!!!
Paul Leroy Skolaut
Skolaut, Paul Leroy 89, was called to God on February 18, 2019. He is survived by his best friend, wife, lover and partner, Mary Ann Carney Skolaut; six children, Mary Birch, Terri Lees (David), Kathi Shaw, Paul Michael Skolaut (Kala), Connie Kisinger (Kirk) and Krista Morrissey (Steve); 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; his sister, Gladys Roller; sisters-in-law, Beverly Skolaut, Sheila Skolaut; and many loving in-laws, nieces and nephews. He goes to join his parents, siblings, daughter, Angela, grandson Nate, son-in-law Mike Shaw. Paul was born in Hoisington, Kansas in 1930, was a Wichita East graduate, a University of Kansas graduate with an Industrial Engineering degree, an ROTC graduate and a Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity member. Upon graduation Paul married the love of his life Mary Ann Carney. He served in the United States Navy as a 2nd Lieutenant JG gunnery officer aboard the USS Brown in the early 1950’s. He returned to Kansas where he moved his family to Great Bend to work in the oil industry until 1969 when he and his business partner wife purchased Hutchinson Pizza Hut. Over the next 21 years they added Emporia and Salina Pizza Huts to their small family business. They sold those in 1990 and retired. They had worked hard all their lives and never had anything or did anything. We are very blessed that they had many years to enjoy their retirement, always together. They moved back to Wichita in 1974 and were very involved in their church and the community. Paul Skolaut was a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother-in-law, businessman, and friend. He was baptized into the Catholic faith and remained faithful to God throughout his life. He was a quiet, kind gentlemen and a man of great humility. His philanthropy and giving nature was intentionally quiet and unnoticed. He was a loving sweet man and good human.
Kevin Condon
Kevin Condon (Kansas ’66), died December 29, 2018 at home in Denver, Colorado. He completed his bachelors and masters degrees in the 1970s and a PhD degree in 1981, all at the University of Kansas. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and was chapter president in 1965. As an alum, he was Sig Ep District #22 Governor in 1977. In 1983 the Grand Chapter Conclave mandated the establishment of a National Ritual Committee. Kevin became the first chairman of the new Sig Ep National Ritual Committee and served as a volunteer in that capacity in the 1980s. Professionally, after graduating from KU, he was in oil and gas exploration for some years, and then he became a Certified Financial Planner. He was also a partner in a startup company to provide online financial advice to people of moderate income. In 1997, 1999 and 2001 Worth magazine named Kevin as one of the top 250 financial planners. Surviving are his wife, Glenda,two daughters- Carrie and Sarah, 6 grandchildren and a brother, Mark Condon.
Larry A. Schindler
Passed away June 25,2006. After graduating from KU with a degree in Architecture, he worked for the Urban Renewal Agency for 13 years. He then worked for the Providence-St. Margaret’s Health Center as the Director of Facilities Planning for 17 years. In 1992, Larry became the franchise owner of National Property Inspections of Kansas City until his retirement in 2005. Larry never missed a Sig Ep Business Lunch. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Janet, his son Brant, his daughter Natalie and two grandchildren.