Craig Edward Buckner, 90, of Ozark, Mo. and formerly of Coffeyville, Kansas passed away peacefully on April 24, 2022, in Rogersville, Mo. He was surrounded by a loving family. 

Craig was born December 6, 1931, in Coffeyville to Robert F. and Gladys N. (Craig) Buckner.  

He attended Garfield Elementary and then graduated in 1949 from Field Kindley High School where he was active in football and also played clarinet in The Highlighters Dance Band. 

He joined the Air Force in June of 1952 and served his country in Korea until returning to the states in 1953. He was stationed at Webb Air Force Base in Big Spring, Texas until June of 1956. 

In 1958 Craig married Barbara (Wilkinson) DeHaven. Barbara had 4 children from a previous marriage and Craig raised and loved them as his own. Craig and Barbara had 2 more children together.  They lived on a farm just East of South Coffeyville, Ok. where Craig raised cattle. There, with the help of the family, he built “The Buckner Cabin” just down the road from the farmhouse. Many wonderful memories were made at that log cabin where he would gather with his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and many, many friends over the years.  Barbara passed away in 2004.

He worked part time at the family furniture store in Coffeyville. Later he and his brother Bob took over the family business until it closed in 1990. Craig also worked part time selling real estate. 

He married Kitty Long in 2006 but later parted ways. 

He was a member of First Baptist Church in Coffeyville until moving to Missouri in 2017. There he joined Riverdale Baptist Church in Nixa, Mo.  Craig was a caring, gentle soul whose love for the Lord was apparent as he was loved by everyone he knew. 

Craig also loved music, and many remember him playing his clarinet at different venues around the area.  He always put his faith in our Lord and his family first.

Craig was preceded in death by his loving wife Barbara Buckner; father Robert Buckner; mother Gladys Buckner and brother Bob Buckner.

Craig is survived by 3 daughters: Sharlyn Gates of Williamston, Mi, Jan Owens of Wilmington, NC and Cindy Powell and husband Warren of Coffeyville, Ks. 3 sons; David DeHaven and wife Susan of Broken Arrow, Ok, Bob DeHaven of Wichita, Ks. and Chris Buckner and wife Liz of Ozark, Mo.; 14 grandchildren; David Drews and wife Tisha, Darrick Drews and wife Shawna, Annie Batten and husband Eric, Jill Rolen and husband Kevin, Jamie Cleland and husband Jared, Robin Gowen, Johnnie, Nick and Michael Williams, Craig Powell and wife Amber, Brian Powell and wife Caitlin, Michelle Wilson and husband Lee, Cass Head and wife Kaycee and Fulton Buckner and fiancée Hannah; and many great grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, April 29, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 300 W. 9th Street, Coffeyville, Kansas with Pastor Dick Smith officiating. Services will be streamed live from the church website www.firstbaptistcoffeyville.com . The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 28, 2022, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, 2405 Woodland Ave., Coffeyville, Kansas. The family has requested memorial contributions be made payable to either, First Baptist Church or Terrace Home Health Hospice, 4650 S. Nation Ave. Suite D-2, Springfield, MO 65810.  Contributions may be left in care of Ford-Wulf-Bruns.  To leave an online condolence or to share a memory visit www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com

Dwight Gene Fields, age 83 of Tyro, Kansas was called to meet Christ his Savior on April 18, 2022, in

Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

Dwight was born in Tyro, Kansas on May 7, 1938, the oldest son of Clyde and Vera Cargile Fields.

He attended school in Caney and went on to college at Kansas State University. After graduating in

1960, he served in the Army stationed in Fort Riley. Upon leaving the Army, he moved back to Caney

and worked for Phillips Petroleum until he retired.

Dwight was united in marriage to Marcia McKee of Caney, Kansas on March 20th, 1993, at Tyro

Christian Church in Tyro, Kansas. He loved spending time with his family and friends and cheering on K-State sports teams. Dwight

was an avid golfer and greatly enjoyed the rural country lifestyle. He was a member of Caney United

Methodist Church for most of his life.

Survivors include one daughter Deborah (James) Castillo of Houston, Texas; two sons Oren (Charla)

Fields of Keller, Texas; and Ernest (Cyndi) Fields of Wills Point, Texas; one step-son Michael (Jill)

Tatum of Manhattan, Kansas; one sister Linda (Warren) Newby of Coffeyville, Kansas; one brother

Loyd (Patty) Fields of Caney, Kansas; nine grandchildren Zachary (Emily) Castillo of Lindale, Texas;

Nathan Castillo of Denton, Texas; Adeline, Eleanor and Evelyn Fields of Keller, Texas; Marissa and

Angelina Fields of Wills Point, Texas, Drew and Jay Tatum of Manhattan, Kansas; one brother-in-law

Phillip (Ruth) McKee of Wayside, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Marcia and

parents Clyde and Vera Fields.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, April 30, 2022, at the Caney United

Methodist Church, 114 N High Street in Caney, Kansas with the pastor Brad Sanders officiating.

Burial will be at Robbins Cemetery West Coffeyville. Visitation will take place from 6:00 until 8:00

p.m. on Friday, April 29, 2022, at the Caney United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions in honor of Dwight Fields may be made to The Journey Home; contributions

may be left with or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337. To share a memory or to leave the family a message of condolence, please visit www.dwbfh.com

Mary “Pinky” Atkinson was met at Heavens Gates on April 15, 2022.  Pinky was 91 years young and passed away Windsor Place in Coffeyville, Kansas where she had resided the last several years at after her health began to fail.

Mary “Pinky” Wanda Hepner Atkinson was born during the Great Depression in Coffeyville on August 17, 1930.  When she was born, she was a pink baby, and so her family gave her the lifelong nickname of “Pinky”.   Her parents, Ed and Iva (Parsons) Hepner, had 9 children, so there was never a dull moment.   Pinky loved reading as a child and said that she would hide in a closet to read so she could have quiet and privacy.  She attended Coffeyville Schools.

She married Jimmie Dee Atkinson on March 27, 1948.  When Jim passed away in August of 2018, they had been married 70 years.

On Facebook, she declared, “I am a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, but was first, a Christian, always.”  She gave her life to Christ as a teenager at Springhill Church. Her heart for Jesus included being a Sunday School teacher or bringing neighbor kids to First Baptist Church or making sure people knew about the special occasions going on that celebrated Jesus.

When you have a name like “Pinky”, you have to be creative, and she was not only creative but artistic and innovative.  Raising their family south of Dearing near James Road and then in West Coffeyville, she was often doing artistic projects or coming up with creative adventures. Jim and Pinky’s kids, Danny, Kristi, Joe, and Chuck, had childhoods full of spontaneous adventures and projects from their mom, while their dad would laugh, smile or shake his head. Pinky made thousands of milkshakes for Jim and their family.

After Chuck started school, Pinky decided to return to school and was a psychology major with an art minor at Pittsburg State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in 1974.  She went on to teach some classes at Coffeyville Community College and owned her own home preschool for a short time.   She was a square dance teacher for Dearing Bees 4-H Club, Scout Den Mother and was a part of the Night Writers of Southeast Kansas Authors Group and Kansas Authors Club.   She wrote several books of memories.

Pinky had a matter-of-fact way of explaining almost everything from how easy it is to cook or the best way to do just about anything, usually with a smile.  She loved teaching others and art.  She could be bold and strong especially when it came to justice or righteousness. Again, her boldness was usually with a smile.

When they retired, Jim built their home just north of Dearing and Pinky enjoyed painting deer that wandered through their land and they both loved having their family together.   When the place became too much for the two of them to care for, they moved back into town.   Pinky also enjoyed attending church at First Baptist in Coffeyville or Dearing Christian Church — sometimes going to both churches on the same Sunday.

Pinky enjoyed time with family and friends including her lifelong best friend, Doris Moyer Slayter Hoyt.  Pinky credited the Moyer family to taking her to church when she was a girl.  Doris and Pinky shared a passion for education.   Pinky illustrated several curriculum books for Doris through the years.  She loved talking to people at auctions (her dad was an auctioneer) and the grocery store or in the doctor’s office.   Sometimes she even gave them advice and ideas.  She was extremely generous giving away just about everything she had to others.

When computers and cell phones became prominent, Pinky embraced technology and learned quickly.  She insisted on taking her smart phone to the residential care facility.

As family and friends celebrate a life, well-lived, we remember Pinky with a smile on our faces and the hope of Heaven in our hearts.

Celebrating her life and cherishing their memories are her daughter, Kristi Gay Howard and her husband Norman; sons, James Joel "Joe" Atkinson, Charles "Chuck" Arthur Atkinson and his wife Angie; three grandchildren, Angela Barrow, Kassy Howard, Daniel Atkinson and his wife Amber, eight great grandchildren, Colsen, Ayden, Braylen, Bynlyn Barrow, Karyssa Hall, Bryce, Brayden and Kinsley Atkinson; She is also survived by her brother, Bob Hepner, Jim’s sister, Kathryn Lucille Wise and lots of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Jim, she was preceded in death by her son, Danny Atkinson, his wife, Marcia and her daughter-in-law, Joe’s wife, Hope, along with her parents, brothers and sisters, Leon Hepner, Wilma Tesh, Clary June Alvey, Edgar Hepner, Kenneth Hepner, Jodee Bainter and Donnie.

Funeral services celebrating the life of “Pinky” will be held on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 9th & Elm, Coffeyville, Kansas with Pastor Dick Smith officiating.  The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, 2405 Woodland Ave., also in Coffeyville.  “Pinky” will be laid to rest next to her husband Jim at Robbins Cemetery west of town.  To leave an online condolence or to share a memory visit www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com

Joshua Scott Daniel Jr. a loving, caring and giving young man passed on April 4, 2022, at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma very unexpectedly.

A day before his mother's birthday, on the Saturday before Easter in 2006. It was a warm, beautiful spring day and, a beautiful baby boy Joshua Scott Daniel Jr. was born to Joshua Scott Daniel Sr. and Tammy (Ridings) Robinson in Joplin, Missouri.   Taking their newborn home to Riverton where they resided until his parents moved to Coffeyville.  Joshua lovingly welcomed his brother, Austin James and little sister, Abigal Grace and was the best big brother, always willing to help them.   His parents divorced but, continued to love their children unconditionally. Tammy remarried and Levi Robinson has loved Joshua and his siblings as his own.

Joshua was quite the jokester and at times just goofy but most of all he had the sweetest disposition, always gave the best hugs. Most teens don't always want to spend time with their family they would rather just hang out with friends. Joshua truly loved spending time with family and was such a proud "Big Brother". He enjoyed working puzzles, playing video games, climbing trees, camping, watching anime, swimming, fishing, and working every kind of Rubik's cube he could find.  He was a math genius and loved science; he was super smart even though school wasn't his favorite thing.  He often commented to his parents "Why should I show them how to do the work, if they are the ones teaching it".  Their reply because "That's just the way it is".

As a young child Joshua loved going to the Boys and Girls Club.  He enjoyed it so much that as a teen he continued active building relationships, participating in Robotics, and willingness to participate in club activities such as community service.

Because of his love for science, recycling, active role in his sibling life and willingness to help at the Boys and Girls Club, his parents wanted to be able for his purpose to continue through donating his organs to those in need.  Because of this donation at least seven lives were instantly affected with this selfless act of love.

Because of the joy that he brought to so many lives many will grieve his unmeasurable loss but none more that his parents, Tammy and Levi Robison of the home, Joshua Scott Daniel Sr., siblings Austin James and Abigal Grace Daniel of the home; maternal grandparents, Mark and Karen Haslett; paternal grandma, Tina Long; step paternal grandparents, Wayne and Lynette Robinson; paternal great grandparents, Jack and Kay Carpenter; and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandpa, William Ridings and paternal grandpa, Mark Daniel Sr.

Joshua spent countless hours fishing at LeClere Park, so it only makes sense to celebrate his life at one of his favorite fishing holes. Services will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at 1 p.m. at LeClere Park just off Stark Street in the shelter west of the tennis courts, please bring a lawn chair for those who desire to have a seat.   His best friend's dad, Pastor Kevin O'Connor will officiate the services.  The family will receive friends on Friday, April 22, 2022, at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, 2405 Woodland Ave., Coffeyville from 5 to 7pm.  The family has asked that any contributions be made payable to them to help defray the unexpected expense and may be left in care of Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, 2405 Woodland Ave., Coffeyville.  To share a memory or to leave an online condolence visit www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com

Ralph Hayward of Coffeyville, Ks passed away on March 24, 2022, at age of 50. He was born August 10, 1971, in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Ralph was the son of Robert Lee Hayward and Dora Lee Mayfield “Hayward”. During his youth he accept Jesus into his life.

In 1984 Ralph was active in ROTC at Frasier Junior High in Memphis, Tn. In Highschool Ralph participated in Basketball and also Track and Field. Ralph Graduated Field Kindly Memorial High School in 1991. After graduating he went and worked for the Co-op and The Union Pacific Railroad. Ralph earned a brown belt practicing Martial Arts. He also had an impressive collection of swords and Nun chucks. Ralph was very knowledgeable about all exotic and rare cars. No one was a stranger when it came to meeting Ralph. He loved his brother and sister's and nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews dearly.

Ralph was very outspoken, he loved to talk for hours and hours at a time. Ralph was preceding in death by his father in March 2016 Robert Lee Hayward and his Stepfather April 2019 Bryant Keith White.

He leaves to cherish his mother of the home Dora Lee White, as well as his Four siblings. Marilyn Hayward, Angela Hayward, Jacqueline Hayward and Shundale Hayward husband of Kati. Along with seven nieces and nephews, Devante Mccoy, Delaisha Mccoy, Ashtoyn Hayward “Baldwin”, Denasha Hayward, Seandale Hayward, Ravyn Hayward, and Shamira Hayward. He cherished his ten great nieces and nephews Iy’lana Sales, Deverra Mccoy, Legend Hayward, Taylin Hayward, Sincere Baily, Devante Mccoy Jr., Kayson Mccoy Fate Hayward, Joshua Baldwin and Royce Mccoy.

The family of Ralph Hayward would like to extend our appreciation to his Aunt Minnie Nash, Charlie Lett,Delma Young, and Essie Haywood. To his uncle Morris Whitelaw. To his cousins. As well as his Grand Father Bishop James Whitelaw.

He will always be with us in our heart. Ralph will truly be missed.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4

Homegoing Services will be held on Wednesday, April 13, 2022, at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, 2405 Woodland Ave., Coffeyville, Kansas with Bishop James Whitelaw officiating.  The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, from 5-7 p.m. at the chapel.  Ralph will be laid to rest in Fairview Cemetery in Coffeyville.  The family has requested contributions to go to the family to help defray expenses. To leave an online condolence visit www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com

Ronald Wayne Carnine, 68, of Coffeyville, Kansas, unexpectedly went home to be with the Lord on April 4, 2022.

Ron was born in Sac City, Iowa, to Robert and Beverly (Richards) Carnine. He grew up in Odebolt, Iowa, and graduated from Odebolt-Arthur High School in 1972.  He attended Missouri Western, where he obtained a degree in Criminal Justice.  Ron was blessed to meet the love of his life, Vickie Butcher, while at Missouri Western. The two were wed in Nashua, Missouri, in 1974.  He and Vickie moved back to Iowa, where Ron worked for the Sac City Police Department and the Ida County Sheriff’s Department, where he was promoted to the department’s investigator.

In March of 1979, Ron and Vickie moved to Kansas City, where Ron worked for General Motors in the gas tank assembly line.

In June of 1980, Ron accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior. He attended Open Door Baptist Bible College, earning his Pastoral Theology degree.  In 1985, the family relocated to Coffeyville, KS, where Ron pastored a couple of churches.  While pastoring, Ron served as chaplain for the Coffeyville Police Department, quickly adding the position of police officer.  While serving as a sergeant, Ron was trained to develop and work on the gang unit for the department. Ron was a police officer until 1997 when he was injured in the line of duty, and, subsequently, received the American Police Hall of Fame Law Enforcement Purple Heart.

Ron was a family man who put his faith in God and his family first. He enjoyed reading and studying the Word, even after he quit preaching. He loved riding motorcycles and playing with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. They were the light of his life and brought so much joy to his heart!

Ron was proceeded in death by his mother, Beverly Carnine; his sister, Pamela Carnine; his paternal grandparents, Louie and Bea Carnine; his maternal grandparents, Ronald and Eva Richards; two grandchildren, and a great grandchild.

Ron is survived by his wife, Vickie, of the home; daughters, Jennifer Gaines and husband, Jarrod, of Peabody, KS; and Amy Carnine of Coffeyville, KS; five grandchildren, Devon Gaines; Morgan Gaines, and Weston Gaines; Serenity Stephens and husband, Courtland; and Bradyn Johnson; two great grandchildren, Cameron and Carter Stephens; father, Robert Carnine of Odebolt, IA; sister, Julie Economaki and husband, Bob, of Des Moines, IA; and Ben Johnson of Coffeyville.

A Celebration of Ron’s Homegoing will be held on Thursday, April 7, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the Shrine Barn, 107 E. 7th, Coffeyville with Dwight Bunch officiating. Graveside services will be held at the Veterans Memorial Patio immediately following the celebration.  The family has requested Memorial Contributions be made payable to the American Police Hall of Fame in Titusville, Florida, or St. Jude Children’s Hospital and may be left in care of Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, 2405 Woodland Ave., Coffeyville, KS.  To leave an online condolence or to share a memory visit www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com

Aurelia Gracie Applegate passed away on Friday, March 25, 2022, at the age of 94, at Coffeyville Regional Medical Center.

Gracie was born on February 1, 1928 in Henrietta, Texas to Enrique and Marth Lucio.  She was baptized in Wichita Falls, Texas.  With her mother and grandparents, Eluteterio Coboz and Maria Sanchez came to Coffeyville, Kansas when Gracie was 4 months old.  She graduated from Field Kindley High School in 1947.  She worked at Kresses before marrying Charles Sholwater in 1953.  They lived in several places while he served in the United States Army.  Gracie worked various jobs.  They later divorced.

In 1978, she married Charles Applegate in Miami, Oklahoma.  She worked at the Kansas Ammunition Plant in Parsons, Kansas.  She retired from MedSource Laundry Service in Coffeyville.  She then worked at the Coffeyville Hospital Auxiliary, she was a member of AARP, a member of Holy Name Catholic Church, the Altar Society and of Faith & Light.

Gracie loved all of God’s creatures, especially her cats.  She loved her family, her assisted living family, her church family and the many many friends she had.  People always said, “Everyone knows Gracie.”

She was a woman of great Faith, a very patriotic woman, she loved America and was also very proud of her Mexican heritage.  She was fun, funny and very opinionated.

Survivors include her niece, Irene Wright and husband, Kevin of Coffeyville, nephew and Godson, Caesar Rodriguez of Independence, several great nephews, a half-brother, Benny Lucio of Arizona and family friends Tony and Debbie Rodriguez, Joe and Carla LaFon and the Jose and Manuela Families.  She was preceded in death by her husbands, her parents and grandparents, twin brother, Enrique Jr., brother, Sammy and Carmen Rodriguez, great niece, Wendy Beard and a very special friend, Jim Scott.

On Saturday, April 9, 2022, at Holy Names Catholic Church the Rosary will be prayed at 10:30 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial to follow.  Father James Schibi will officiate.  Inurnment will take place at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Coffeyville.

The family suggests memorial contributions can be made to the Coffeyville Friends of Animals or to Holy Name Catholic Church; these may be left with the funeral home or mailed in care of David W Barnes Funeral Home 306 N. Cline Rd. Coffeyville, KS 67337.

David W Barnes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 

Robert Merle Bierbrodt took the hand of Jesus to enter Heaven’s gates on Sunday, April 3, 2022, at Labette Medical Center in Parsons, Kansas at the age of 78.

Merle was born on March 15, 1944, in Coffeyville, Kansas to Hubert and Mary (Babcock) Bierbrodt.  Merle attended school in Coffeyville, graduating from Field Kindley Memorial High School in 1962.  He then took classes at Coffeyville Community Junior College before he enlisted in the US Navy on March 20, 1964. He received his honorable discharge on March 19, 1970.

A Navy buddy, who happened to be his future wife’s cousin, introduced him to a beautiful young woman named Patricia and it was love after the first letter. They didn’t meet in person until after writing for several months.  Following a two-year pen pal courtship, he married Patricia “Pat” Sherley on September 9, 1967, at the Blessed Sacrament Church in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. In 1968 the couple moved to Coffeyville, where they made their forever home raising their three daughters, Debbie, Donna and Judy.

Merle was a machinist by trade, having worked at Funk Manufacturing and then for John Deere where he also retired. He enjoyed taking spontaneous road trips with his family and having a popup picnic at a scenic spot. Merle enjoyed cooking for his family, trying a number of different cuisines.  His daughters particularly all enjoyed his Sweet and Sour Chicken.  He followed in his family’s footsteps by competing in a local bowling league with his brother Jerry.  Merle could be found at the local casino earning prizes to surprise his family with.  Merle was a very responsible casino visitor; he was quite strict with his budget.  Dave Ramsey has nothing on the Merle Bierbrodt budgeting.  He had developed the envelope method of budgeting long before anyone had heard of Dave Ramsey. Above all other hobbies his favorite was spending quality time with his family and doting on his wife, Pat.

Merle will be forever missed by his daughters, Debbie and her husband Bill Beckmeyer, their children Mary and Eillen, Donna and her husband Gib English, their children Jessika and fiancé Taylor Prince, Dezirae Hamrick, Jake English and wife Jessica, Zach English and his wife Rebecca, Judy and her husband Chris Smith and their children Ryan and Blaine; seven great grandchildren; brother, Carl Gerald Bierbrodt and his wife Helen; sister-in-law, Deborah and her husband Les Marshall; brother-in-law, Joseph Sherley; several nieces, cousins, extended family members and friends.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Pat and his parents.  He was loved deeply and will be deeply missed.

Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, April 8, 2022, at 10am with Father Schibi officiating at Holy Name Catholic Church, 408 Willow St., Coffeyville. The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 7, 2022, from 6 to 8pm at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, 2405 Woodland Ave., Coffeyville, KS 67337.  Memorial contributions to be made payable to Holy Name Catholic Church and may be left in care of the chapel. Merle will be laid to rest next to his wife Pat, in the Spring Hill Cemetery in Parsons, Kansas.  US Navy will provide graveside military honors.  To leave an online condolence or to share a memory visit www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com

Spencer Loyd Vest, 39, of Coffeyville passed away Saturday, March 26, 2022, at his home in Coffeyville.

He was born on December 11, 1982, in Coffeyville to John Clinton and Hazel Marie (Hallum) Vest. Spencer grew up and attended school in Coffeyville.

Spencer worked as a welder, and mechanic. In his spare time, he enjoyed working on cars, and building and racing demolition derby cars.

He is survived by his parents, John and Hazel Vest of Coffeyville; brother, Larry Vest and wife, Mary Ann of Oswego, Kansas; and three nieces and nephews that he adored, Zoey, Paul and Tre; along with several extended relatives and close friends.

Spencer was preceded in death by one brother, Bruce Allen Vest, and his grandparents, David and Betty Hallum, and William and Margaret Vest.

Graveside Services will at held on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Elmwood Cemetery in Coffeyville.

Friends may call on Monday from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville

The family suggests memorials to the Coffeyville Friends of Animals; contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.

To leave a message for the family please visit www.dwbfh.com.

David W. Barnes Funeral Home of Coffeyville is in charge of arrangements.

For 61 years, 6 months, and 15 days Mark Bastian lived. Born September 14, 1960, to Donald and Mary Belle Bastian in Bozeman, Montana; he spent his childhood as one should - outside, playing in creeks, fishing, camping, and laying pennies on the railroad track with his friends.

In high school Mark was known for being helpful, kind, and athletic. Early on Mark developed a knack for teaching and coaching others and this carried on to his children’s little league and softball teams, friends’ kids, and nearly anyone who crossed the threshold and entered his living room over the years.

In 1981 Mark married his high school sweetheart, Lisa James, and they completed college at Kansas State University. Mark and Lisa had two bright and loving children who never argued or disobeyed. Andy and Ashley learned to play ball, fish, build a derby car, ride bikes, enjoy a good book, obsess over a puzzle, and fall asleep in a busy room from their father. They also learned the value of hard work, resilience, and the art of telling a good story. As sometimes happens, Mark and Lisa ended their marriage and he moved back home to Coffeyville.

There he found work managing the flour mill for many years. He also found a beautiful and charismatic new dance partner with an unrestrained laugh and a smile as big as Texas. In 2004 Mark married Heather Pritchard and became mentor and father-figure to her two children, Samantha and Justin. Together they built a welcoming home that often saw friends and family at the dinner table or swinging by just to shoot the breeze.

Not long after their marriage, Mark started experiencing what would become an unreasonable portion of health problems. Over the past 15 years Mark experienced kidney failure, hip replacements, a few different cancer diagnoses, and sometimes it felt like getting kicked while he was down. It was through his own resilience and the bounty of friendships he fostered that he kept getting back up and living life as fully as possible. From keeping score at high school games to volunteering at the Dalton Museum, Mark found ways to be with people and contribute. A born extrovert, Mark would only turn down an opportunity to fish or mushroom hunt or go to a game if he absolutely had to.

The pride of Mark’s life was his grandchildren. He could often be found with them in his lap hearing a story, beside him in the kitchen cooking, casting a line he baited for them, or taking them around town. It is for Addy, Juliet, and Violet Dawson, Zander Holler, Emerson and Autumn Bastian, and Alyssa and James Hurst that he fought so hard, and they brought joy to his life every day.

It was on the warm and beautiful day of March 29, 2022, that the skies rejoiced to welcome Mark to eternal life where he is free from bodily pain. He passed holding his wife and daughter’s hands, surrounded by the women who loved him most, including Samantha and his faithful and kind nurse T.J.

Mark was preceded in death by his father, Donald Bastian, his sisters, Laurinda Jones and Lynn Morrow, brothers-in-law Mark Jones and Preston Morrow, and father-in-law Mike Pritchard.

An indelible loss will be carried on by those who survive him. That includes his wife Heather Bastian, his mother, Mary Belle Bastian, his brother whom he lovingly called his hero, Kent Bastian, his sister-in-law Janie Bastian, his children, Andy (Karen) Bastian, Ashley (Pete) Dawson, Samantha Holler, Justin Hurst, his eight grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and countless friends.

Memorial Services celebrating Mark's life will be held on Saturday, April 9, 2022, at 10:00am at Westside Christian Church, 402 N. Ohio, Coffeyville, Kansas, with Mike Elrod officiating.  The family has requested memorial contributions to be made payable to American Kidney Fund, 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852 or may be left in are of Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, 2405 Woodland Ave., Coffeyville, Kansas 67337.  To leave an online condolence or share a memory visit www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com