Katie J. Tomlin age of 81 passed away at the Guest Home Estates with her family by her side on February 20,2024 in Caney, Kansas.

Wilse and Beulah (Nolan) Snell welcomed their daughter Katie J. into this world on July 14, 1942, she was born in the family home in Schaburg, Arkansas. Growing up in Chester, Arkansas offered a simple life and splendor of the mountainous region of Arkansas. Katie attended school in Chester, Arkansas where she completed her education.

As young women, she and her sister decided to move to Fort Smith, Arkansas to seek employment and shortly after their arrival they began working as waitresses in a local diner where the owner’s son Tommy stopped in one day and the two were instantly attracted to each other… it was love at first sight.  After a few short months of courtship Katie married the love of her life, Orville E. “Tom” Tomlin, on May 10, 1962.  Katie and Tom started their lives together and they moved to Kansas, settling in Coffeyville to raise their three children, Wendell, Kim, and Shelly. They were deeply in love for over 60 years, he preceded her in death on October 8, 2022.  The day he passed he took a big piece of Katie’s heart with him.  Katie was also preceded in death by her sister and best friend Dixie Smith(Snell), and her parents.

There were many things that Katie enjoyed in life….she loved good food especially sweet desserts, chocolate/candy, word and  jigsaw puzzles, crocheting, and camping, but mostly just being with her husband and family. Family recalls fun memories of Katie and Tommy putting on a record and dancing in the living room, everything from the Twist to a beautiful Waltz. Christmas was her favorite time of the year; she loved her family coming together no matter the time of the year.  Her relationship with her grandchildren was unique, special, and individual to each of them, all of whom she always loved.

Katie was a stay-at-home mom until her children were in grade school.  She began her outside the home employment at Gibsons, JCPenny, Dairy Queen and then Wal-Mart where she worked until her retirement after 17 years of dedication. After both Katie and Tom retired, they moved to Altamont near their daughter, Shelly. They resided there for 18 years until their health began to fail, they moved closer to Kim in Tyro.

Katie longed for the day to join her husband in Heaven and her family sat beside her side as she entered the presence of Jesus. She leaves behind her children; Wendell Rigsbee and wife Cathy, Kimberly Betts and husband Lonnie, Shelly Wiley and husband Scott. Grandchildren: Wendell Rigsbee Jr.,  Shawn Rigsbee and wife Andrea, Nikki Pease and husband Mark, Crystal Jusino and husband Michael, Zach Reeves and wife Tiffany, Carrie van Andel and husband Hayden, Dakota Wiley, Dalton Wiley, ShyAnne Wiley and Dawson Wiley.  Great grandchildren: Zaylie, Trinity, Gunnar, Piper & Raiden Rigsbee, Whyatt Cates, Emery Pease, Brock Mejia, Adrian, Penelope, Piper & Poppy Jusino, Isabella Reeves, Mylan, Justin & Jackson Wiley. 

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at 2:30pm at Tyro Christian Church with Evangelist David Bycroft officiating. Thursday the family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 1pm until service time, at Tyro Christian Church.  The burial will take place at Harrisonville Cemetery north of Tyro where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband Tom.  The family request memorial contributions payable Guest Home Estates memo marked Activities and may be left in care of the chapel.  Services are under the direction of Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel in Coffeyville.  To leave an online condolence, share a memory or view services visit Katie’s obituary page at www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com

Elizabeth Ann (Jontra) Keene, more commonly known as Betsy, Bep-Bep, Momma, and her favorite; Nene, was born on October 12th, 1982 in Coffeyville, KS and she left this earthly home on February 22nd, 2024.

Smart and compassionate, Betsy was a registered nurse in the healthcare field, where she made a significant impact on countless lives and was pursuing her Master's Degree. She was well-known for her amazing cooking, meat judging in her youth, love for 4-H, fat fluffy steers, Tom Petty and George Strait. Betsy's world revolved around her children and grandkids. She loved her people with her whole entire being and if you were one of them, you knew. Betsy could always be found at a game, rodeo, or school event that her kids or grandkids were competing in.

Betsy leaves behind a beautiful legacy through her mother, Mary Kay Jontra; her husband, Jimmy Keene; her children Madison (Jonathan) Simmons, Morgan (Lane) Ewing, Kadyn Covey, Heidi Keene, Emery Keene, and Arley Keene; her grandchildren, Boady Simmons, Korde Simmons, and Maverick Ewing; her siblings, Melissa (Steve) Hannah, Melanie (Duane) Stewart, and Travis (Abby) Jontra; many loved nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her loving father, Roy Melvin Jontra.

The family invites you to celebrate Betsy's life on Saturday, March 2nd, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. at the Tyro Christian Church, located at 301 South Market Street, Tyro, Kansas 67364. Graveside Service to immediately follow at Robbins Cemetery. Prior to the service, a visitation will be held on Friday, March 1st, 2024, from 12:00pm to 5.00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home, located at 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, Kansas. The family will greet friends later that evening from 6:00pm to 8:00 p.m. at the Tyro Christian Church.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Heidi, Emery, and Arley's college fund. Donations can be left with or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.

In honor of Betsy's memory, we encourage you to share your stories, memories, and upload photos to the memorial page at www.dwbfh.com. Celebrate Betsy, remember her love, her laughter, and the joy she brought into our lives. Let us remember her not with sadness, but with the same warmth and love she so generously gave to us.

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

Kasey Anne Hoggatt, 52, of Coffeyville passed away on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at Ascension St. John Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

She was born on August 27, 1971, in North Hollywood, California, to Edwin and Janet (Dickeson) McGarvey.  Kasey brought a radiant light into the world that illuminated the lives of all those who had the privilege to know her. For over 52 years, Kasey's loving nature, supportive heart, and talented spirit graced the lives of her loved ones and created countless cherished memories.

She married Kevin Hoggatt on June 23, 1990, at Holy Name Catholic Church in Coffeyville. Following their marriage Kasey and Kevin made Coffeyville their home where they raised their children Raisa and Larson,

Kasey was a treasured presence in Coffeyville, Kansas, where she resided and worked as an Administrative Assistant at the Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce. She was dedicated not only to her work but also to her family, which was the center of her world. Kasey made every moment count.

She passionately supported her children in all their school activities and sports, a testament to her unwavering dedication as a mother.

An avid runner, Kasey often participated in local 5K runs with her family, adding yet another dimension to their shared experiences. Her talent for photography was another aspect of Kasey's multifaceted personality. Operating 'Kasey's Photography' for many years, she captured moments of joy, love, and life with her unique eye. Not just a hobby, but a passion, her photography offered a glimpse into Kasey's perception of the world, filled with beauty and warmth.

Survivors include her husband, Kevin, children, Raisa Hoggatt and Larson Hoggatt; her mother, Janet McGarvey, her brother, Mark McGarvey, and her sister, Corinne McGarvey. Her father, Edwin McGarvey, preceded her in death.

Visitation for Kasey will be held on Monday, February 26th from12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road in Coffeyville.

A Rosary Prayer service will also be held on Monday at 7:00 p.m. at Holy Name Catholic Church in Coffeyville.

Mass celebrating Kasey's life will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, 27th at Holy Name Catholic Church with Father James Schibi officiating. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Coffeyville.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Holy Name Catholic School or Holy Name Catholic Church; 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 in Coffeyville is in charge of arrangements.

Jerry Douglas Smart, 79, a lifelong resident of Sedan passed away Friday, February 23, 2024, at Sedan City Hospital.

He was born on November 16, 1944, at Cedar Vale, Kansas to Harry Conner and Madge (Council) Smart.  Jerry grew up and attended school in Sedan.

On July 10, 1964, he married Loma Stone in Sedan.  Following their marriage, they made their home in the Sedan area where Jerry was employed at Bilt-Rite Construction, Shull Electric and later for Chautauqua County in the Sanitation Department and they raised their sons Dale, Randy, Bill, and Dusty.

Jerry attended the Methodist Church.  In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, hunting mushrooms and loved spending time with his family. He was always there to cheer on his sons in their sporting activities.

Survivors include his wife Loma of the home; and three sons Dale Smart of Sedan, Randy and wife Melissa of Holcomb, Kansas and Dusty Smart and partner Toni Storm of Emporia, Kansas; fifteen grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Madge Smart; one son Bill Smart; one brother and one sister.

A Memorial Graveside service will be on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Riley Cemetery east of Sedan with Pastor Dale Stone officiating.  Inurnment will follow the service.

The family suggests memorials in Jerry’s memory to the Wauneta United Methodist Church. 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 in Coffeyville is in charge of arrangements.

Connie Lynn (Fisher) Phifer, 75, of Coffeyville passed away Sunday, February 11, 2024, at her home.

She was born on February 14, 1948, at Coffeyville to Charles Fredrick and Billy Jean (Middleton) Fisher.  Connie attended school in South Coffeyville, Oklahoma and Lenapah, Oklahoma, graduating from Lenapah High School.

Following high school Connie married Greg Berry and they had three children.

The couple later divorced.

Connie was a veteran serving in the U.S. Army for four years.

She married Phillip Eugene Phifer on August 17, 2007. Connie and Phillip were together 17 years prior to their marriage.  Phillip preceded her in death on November 28, 2015.

Survivors include three children Joan Tallhamer, Meissa Hanzelka, and Greg Berry; one step-daughter Desirae Blythe; three sisters, Cheryl Green, Patty Kucyk, and Shelia Morales; numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and siblings, Bobby Fisher, Sandy Phillips, and Tammy Knisley.

Following Connie’s wishes cremation has taken place.  A Memorial Service celebrating her life will be on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1022, 1714 West 8th St., Coffeyville.  Military Honors will be conducted by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1022 and American Legion Post #20.

The family suggests in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the VFW Post #1022 Ladies Auxiliary; 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.

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

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

Thomas “Tom” L. Moley known by his family as the best husband, dad, papa, brother, uncle and friend God could have ever given them passed away on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at CRMC in Coffeyville, Kansas.  

December 15, 1957, marked the day that Joseph Benjamin and Dorothey Mae (McNeil) welcomed their son Thomas L. Moley into this world in Pittsburg, Kansas. The Moley family moved to Coffeyville when he was about 5 years of age.  He began school attending Garfield grade school and completed his education at Field Kindley Memorial High School.  After high school he enlisted in the US Navy where he received an Honorable Discharge. Upon his return home to Coffeyville, he attended SEK Trade School enrolling in carpentry, upon completing the course, he began working as a carpenter. 

Tom had a good friend that happened to be a girl by the name of Terri Hamlin all through Jr. High School.  As each of them pursued different interests that led to different friendships, the two simply went separate ways after high school. Fast forward a few years later after Tom was out of the service, he decided to change jobs from being a carpenter and obtained employment at what became a lifelong career at OK Electric.  Mr. Hamlin, his boss was his Jr. High friend, Terri’s dad.  That is where the next chapter of his life began, the two fell in love and were married on November 15, 1985, and just celebrated 39 years together.  Tom always told Terri she was his first and forever love.  Tom and Terri eventually became the owners of OK Electric. Tom continued to operate OK Electric with the same integrity as his father-in-law always had.  

People traveled from all over Southeast Kansas and Northern Oklahoma to bring motors, pumps, alternators, and any other type of electrical component to OK Electric because of his knowledge and ability to repair or redesign almost anything.  He was a man of his word, if he said he would do it he followed through with it.  He helped countless customers with midnight repairs of blower mowers to heat or cool their homes in extreme conditions.  He always kept his charges at a minimum never wanting to price gouge his customers.

He was “Mr. Fix It” if he didn’t know how to fix a carpentry need, automotive repair, motor repair, he would put great thought and self-taught engineering into it until he came up with a solution. He put the same efforts into his personal relationship with his family and friends.  He always put his wife before his own wants or needs, teaching the importance of being a good husband and father to his sons, also teaching them to love and to put others before themselves, he led by example not just in talk.  He also knew that there were some things in life he couldn’t fix but he could be a good husband, dad, grandpa, friend, or neighbor by spending time with that person and simply listening to them.  That is what made Tom compassionate, caring, giving, loyal and a fair businessman but most importantly a good family man.  

Our community will miss Tom Moley but no one more than his wife Terri of the home; his children Jason Nash and wife Shallon, Jesse Moley and wife Carrie; his siblings Joe Moley, Linda Moley, Cathy Moley and Becky Simpson; grandchildren Jaylin Nash, Mercedes Nash, Brieah Nash, Hadley Moley, Thomas Moley, Charlotte Moley; bonus grandchildren Raskan Lindsey, Kiara Lindsey, Aubrey Battaglear, Sophie Battaglear; bonus great grandchildren Kiya Neal, Darius Lindsey and Milo Neal. He also leaves extended family and longtime friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Dorthy, father and mother-in-law Dale and Patricia Hamlin, and son Joey Moley.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, 2405 Woodland Ave., Coffeyville at 2:00 pm, Pastor Gary Davis will be officiating.  Graveside services will follow with Military Honors at the Fairview Veterans Memorial Patio.  Tom will be laid to rest in Fairview Cemetery near his son. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, from 6 to 8pm at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel.  The family request memorial contributions to be made payable to the Jaylin Nash Medical Fund established at Equity Bank and may be left in care of the chapel.  To leave an online condolence, share a memory or view services visit Tom’s obituary page at www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com

Paul E. Wilson Sr. passed away on February 18, 2024. He was born in Coffeyville, Ks on October 4th, 1946, Paul attended Coffeyville Public Schools and graduated from Field Kinley High School in 1964.  He then attended Coffeyville Junior College, transferring to Kansas State Teachers College where he was drafted/enlisted to the Air Force for the Vietnam War. After receiving an honorary discharge in 1970, Paul completed his education with a B.S. degree in Law Enforcement Administration and completed hours towards a master’s degree in public administration at the University of Oklahoma.

Paul became the Director of Intramural Sports at the Huston Huffman Center in 1976, also working an adjunct instructor in the Department of Health and Exercise Science, teaching Sports Officiating courses for 35 years. He was an avid OU sports fan. He loved watching Sooners football, holding season tickets for over 40 years. He also loved refereeing basketball, traveling to several states as well as within the state of Oklahoma for over 30 years. He also umpired softball and was inducted into the Oklahoma Softball Hall of Fame. He was also later inducted into the OU Football Club Hall of Fame.

Paul was very active in the Norman community, serving on several committees and boards, including but not limited to, Norman Regional Hospital IRB Board, Norman Regional Hospital Foundation Board, O.U. Federal Credit Union Board member, Oklahoma Sports Officials Association, National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, and the National Intramural Recreational Sports Association- NIRSA. Paul was also an active member of Rotary Club International, proud of more than 25 years of perfect attendance until Covid-19.

Paul was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather Cora and Joe Hubbard, brother Charles Wilson, granddaughter Khloe Washington and sister-in-law Barbara Homer. He is survived by his wife Charlotte, sons Paul (Ravon), Emmanuel and Marlon Wilson, daughter Payge, stepdaughters Angela Washington and Kristi Dixon, grandchildren Liliana, Kylie, Kiara, Kolbi and Elijah and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Friday, February 23, 2024 from 5pm – 8pm at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, 2405 Woodland Ave., Coffeyville, Kansas. Paul’s Homegoing Service will be at St Johns Church of Faith, 602 W. Marting in Coffeyville, on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at 10 am. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery. To leave an online condolence, share a memory or view services visit Paul’s obituary page at www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com

Dennis D. Hughes, 72, of Fall River, Ks passed away Tuesday February 13, 2024, in his home. Dennis was born on October 1, 1951, to his Father George Wesley Hughes and Mother Bessie Wall.

Dennis graduated from Fredonia High school and later attended Wichita State University which made him a huge WSU Shockers fan. He also had a truck that he had built and competed with great success. Dennis worked for Cobalt Boats in the wood shop for over 30 years where he retired. Dennis was the biggest Chicago Bears fan.  Dennis carried his passion beyond where he worked and enjoyed woodworking at home as well. Dennis loved being outdoors where he also enjoyed Yard Work. Most of all though Dennis loved his family, he loved traveling and spending time with his family but most of all loved spending time with his daughters and was extremely dedicated to being a father.

Dennis is Survived by:

Daughters-

Laura Hughes and Life partner Tony Fuller

Beth Espinosa and her husband Derek Espinosa

Siblings-

Lynn Hughes and his wife Karen

Paul Hughes

Kenny Hughes and his wife Sharon

Howard Hughes and his life partner Dosky Russell

Grand Children Chloe and William

He also had 4 Nephews and 3 Nieces

Dennis is Preceded in death by his Father George Wesley Hughes and Mother Bessie Wall.

Memorials in memory of Dennis can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital and may be left with or mailed to the Funeral Home.

Service Details are as follows. Visitation will be held Friday February 23, 2024 at Countryside Funeral Home From 5:00PM-7:00PM. A Funeral Service will be held February 24,2024 at Countryside Funeral Home at 10:00 with Burial to follow at Mt. Zion in Fall River, KS. Services are under the Direction of Countryside Funeral Home 420 S. 20th St. P.O Box 247 Fredonia, KS 66736

William “Bill” E. Raasch, 74, of South Coffeyville, Oklahoma passed away Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Coffeyville Regional Medical Center.

He was born on July 17, 1949, in Coffeyville, Kansas to Erwin and Christine (Klindworth) Raasch.  Bill grew up in Nowata County Oklahoma where he attended Snow Creek Grade School and completed his education graduating from Lenapah High School in Lenapah, Oklahoma.

Bill farmed and ranched for many years in Nowata County. He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.

Survivors include one sister, Jane Tatum of rural Wann, Oklahoma; niece and nephews, Jennifer Tatum, Justin Tatum, and Todd Tatum, six great nieces and great nephews, numerous cousins and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Erwin and Christine Raasch; and an infant sister, Susan Elizabeth Raasch; brother Jerold “Jerry” Raasch; and brother-in-law Randy Tatum.

Following Bill’s wishes cremation has taken place.  A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 27, 2021, at the Fairview Cemetery Veterans Memorial Patio in Coffeyville. Inurnment will follow in Restlawn Memorial Park.

The family will greet friends on Monday, February 26th from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville.

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

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

Billie L (White) Lewark-Wood was born January 21, 1925, to Taylor E and Dona (Hilburn) White in Red Oak, Oklahoma.  She attended schools there and was active in basketball, baseball, track, band, Glee Club, Girls Quartet, and she was valedictorian of her class.

After graduation, she married William H (Bill) Lewark of Coffeyville, Kansas on August 23, 1942, where she inherited a 6-year-old son that she raised as her own, William H (Bill) Lewark, Jr.  Together they owned and operated the Lewark Welding Service, trailer rental, auto tag and tax agency at 707 Spring Street in Coffeyville.

To this union were born two children, Michael H Lewark and Janet Lewark.  They were active with their children in all the school activities, and she was home room mother for many years.

Following the death of her husband, Bill, on October 28, 1978, she continued operating the family business until she decided to enter the world of politics.  She ran for Montgomery County Treasurer in 1980 and was seated in office in October of 1981.  She maintained that position for six terms when she decided to change course and ran for the office of County Commissioner.  She was elected by a good majority in November 2004 and was sworn into office in January 2005.  She was the first woman to hold the office of Montgomery County Commissioner.  She retired January 13, 2009, thirteen days before her 84th birthday.  She was a great believer in public customer service and lived by the Golden Rule treating others courteously, friendly, and respectfully, and always with a smile and usually a hug.

On November 26, 1999, she married Louis B. Wood and she moved from her home of 58 years to rural Coffeyville, KS.

She was active in the Emmanuel Baptist Church where she served on the finance committee and sang in the choir.  She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, White Shrine of Jerusalem, Daughters of the Nile, Coffeyville Women’s Republic Club, and the Kansas Southeast District County Treasurers Association where she served as president two terms.  She belonged to Preceptor Gamma Upsilon Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, Coffeyville Regional Medical Center Auxiliary, Salvation Army Auxiliary, Friends of Brown Mansion, CAP Committee at Coffeyville Resources, Coffeyville Cultural Arts Council and served on the Alamo building committee.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, William H. Lewark and Louis B. Wood, her parents, an infant brother, a sister, Jean Unruh, two sons, William H. Lewark, Jr. and Michael H. Lewark.

She is survived by her daughter, Janet Lewark Tongier of Pittsburg, Kansas, daughter-in-law, Mary Lewark of Pittsburg, Kansas, grandchildren, Terry Hogue, Larry Lewark, Mary Reising, Brock Lewark, Sarah Cantu, Susan Fleming and Paige Bryant Jones, great grandchildren Billy and Rachel Lewark, Nathaniel and Austin Reising, Grace Lewark, AJ, Sadie and Winnie Cantu and Liz and Jake Fleming.

Visitation will be held February 16, 2024, from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, 2405 Woodland Avenue, Coffeyville, KS 67337, followed by funeral services at 2:00 PM by Reverend Wayne Martin.  A private burial will take place at Fairview Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her late husband, Bill.  The family request memorials to be made payable to either the Emmanuel Baptist Church discretionary fund or Shriners Crippled Childrens’ Hospital and may be left in care of the chapel.  To leave an online condolence, share a memory or view services visit Billie’s obituary page at www.fordfwulfbrunschapel.com

Mike Smith, an expert machinist at Solar Technologies and long-time Tulsa resident, died unexpectedly on February 7, 2024, at the age of 52.

Mike is survived by his mother, Judy Smith; his sister, Stephanie Phipps and her husband Rand; his brother, Grady Smith and his wife Debbie; and nephews Grady Lee Smith and his wife Kristin and Taylor Whiteside; aunts and uncles and many cousins. He is preceded in death by his father, Stephen Smith; his grandmother, Bernice Allen; his grandfather, Harold Allen; his grandfather, Ira Lee Smith; his grandmother, Jessye Smith; and nephew, Ethan Smith.

Mike was born in Lawrence, Kansas on March 5, 1971, to Stephen and Judy Smith. He graduated from Field Kindley High School in Coffeyville KS in 1989. Mike attended Emporia State University for 3 years and then began his career as a machinist. Mike married Kelli Voelzke in 1994 and then later divorced.

Who was Mike Smith? If you knew him well, or in many cases, were just an acquaintance, you know he was a devoted son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. You also know that he had a warm heart. He would do anything anytime for (almost) anyone without expectation. You would also know that he was a humble spirit. His quiet accomplishments during his life and career were without boastfulness or the need to take credit.

A more complete picture of Mike Smith must also include mention of his dry, sharp-witted sense of humor, his fun-loving nature (not all of which will be chronicled here), and his work, where he made lifelong friends and was a very humble chili cookoff champion.  Final mention must definitely be made of what are probably Mike’s favorite pursuits – music and sports.  Mike had a broad range of music appreciation from Willie Nelson to Rage Against the Machine.  He particularly enjoyed catching his favorites live and adding new acts to his library.  Sometimes, while combining music trips with an annual pilgrimage to Colorado.

Likely without argument, Mike’s biggest love outside of family and friends was sports. He was a great source of knowledge on a number of sports-related subjects. He was an active fantasy sports participant with a good eye for talent. While managing to follow many sports and teams, there was no doubt in anyone’s mind who knew Mike that his beloved Kansas City Chiefs were the premier franchise on the planet. A walkthrough Mike’s house was a walk down Chief’s memorabilia lane and it was a rare occurrence when Mike was not wearing at least one piece of Chief’s gear. To miss a Chief’s game on radio, TV or in person was considered sacrilege. Interestingly, Mike claimed credit (through his lifetime of support) for the Chief’s recent success. This seems to reveal a chink in his humbleness armor – so what. Way to go Mike!

Services celebrating Mike’s life will be held on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at 1pm at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, 2405 Woodland Ave., in Coffeyville, Kansas. His family welcomes friends to stop in to share a fond memory or pay your respects on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, from 5-7pm also at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel. Following services Mike will be cremated and will be laid to rest in his favorite spot in Colorado and in Fairview Cemetery near his family.  To view services or to leave an online condolence or share a memory go to his obituary page by visiting www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com .

Eugene Arthur Brady, age 91, of Coffeyville, Kansas passed away on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at Coffeyville Regional Medical Center. Leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and dedication that will live on in the hearts of those he left behind.

Born on February 11, 1932, in Fredonia, Kansas, to John and Florence (Douglas) Brady. He grew up in Fredonia where he graduated high school.  In May of 1950 Gene enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served his country, receiving his honorable discharge in May of 1953.

Gene was a man of many talents - his creativity shone in his love for classic cars and trucks, which won him numerous ribbons at local car shows. His joy was infectious as he would drive in the local parades in his prized vehicles, sharing his passion with all of Coffeyville. His generous spirit was evident in his love for camping, attending auctions, and his extensive collection of old country music on cassette tapes, a testament to his appreciation for the simpler joys of life. However, it was his uncanny ability to fix anything and everything that truly set him apart. Gene had the kind of ingenuity that could breathe life back into the most stubborn of machines, a trait that served him well in his career as an auto body repair specialist at Gene's Automotive for many years.

Gene's deep faith was the bedrock of his life. A lifelong member of the Church of Christ in Coffeyville, he married his beloved wife, Judy, in the very same church on June 14, 1959. Together, they served their community wholeheartedly, often volunteering for various church activities. Gene's faith was not passive; he was the reliable hand that kept the church bus running, embodying the servant's heart that he believed in so deeply. Yet, above all, what mattered most to Gene was God and his family.

He is survived by his loving wife, Judy Brady of the home; his son, Rod Brady and his wife Diane of The Woodlands, Texas; grandson, Grant Brady of Dallas, Texas; his sister, Barbara Boston and husband, Bob of Oregon and his half-sister, Sherri Verlanga and husband, Ruban of Texas along with many nieces, nephews, extended relatives, church family and friends. He is preceded in death by his father, John R. Brady; mother, Florence Brady-Patterson; and brother, Bob Brady.

Following Gene's wishes, cremation has taken place under the direction of David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville.

A Celebration of Life service will be held by the family and church in honor of Gene on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at 1:00 pm at the Church of Christ, 1005 Siggins Street, Coffeyville, Kansas, 67337.

The family suggests memorial contributions can be made to the Church of Christ in Coffeyville; 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.

We encourage all who knew Gene to share their stories and photos on his memorial page at www.dwbfh.com