Obituaries

Timothy Allen “Tim” Snell, 62, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Sunday evening, January 19, 2025, in Geuda Springs.

Jesse Larimore, 62, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Monday morning, January 20, 2025, at Wesley Medical Center.

James H. Macklin, 78, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Sunday afternoon, January 19, 2025, at his home.

Tom Frederick Wells Sr., 83, of Arkansas City, KS passed away Saturday, January 18, 2025 at his home. Memorial services will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, January 24, 2025 at the Shelley Family Funeral Home of Arkansas City. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross, donations may be left in the care of the funeral home. Tom was born on October 3, 1941, in Columbus, KS to parents Thomas Wells and Meria (McCormick) Wells Banister, the family later moved to Arkansas City where he graduated from high school. He took some college courses at Cowley County Community College before joining the Army, he was later part of the Army National Guard. Tom was united in marriage on January 6, 1962, to Dolores Vannoster, the couple later divorced. Tom worked for Shanks Grocery , delivered for Pepsi, and then worked for Rodeo Meats in maintenance for 23 years. He later worked at the Winfield State Hospital and then for the Cowley County Sheriff's Department. Tom was a lifetime member of the NRA, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening, being ornery, and spending time with his family. Tom is survived by his children, Cheryl Palmer (Rich), Cynde Feste (Gene), Tom Wells Jr., and Tammy Weih (Cole), sister Jorita Scruggs, 12 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, step-father Jay Banister, and brothers Thomas, David, and Kevin Wells.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Charles Edward "Chuck" Watson, Sr., age 89, on January 10, 2025. Born in Arkansas City, KS, he was a devoted Christian, beloved father, grandfather, and friend. Charles was known for his pioneering work with Kansas Special Olympics and his unwavering commitment to his family, his community, and the University of Kansas Jayhawks.

Illean Gail King, 86, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Sunday evening, January 12, 2025, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita.

Sandra Jean Murray, 82, of Udall, Kansas, passed away Wednesday evening, January 8, 2025, at William Newton Hospital.

Raymond Sparlin, 81, of Arkansas City, KS passed away December 30, 2024.

Judith Eileen Thomas, 78, of Oxford, KS, passed away on January 3, 2025, in Bartlesville, OK.

Darrin Glenn Johnson went to be with his mother and grandparents on the morning of January 3, 2025, in Tulsa, OK. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, January 10, 2025 at the Shelley Family Funeral Home of Arkansas City, There will be a visitation from 9-10 AM Friday, prior to services. Private graveside services will be held. Memorial contributions may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, donations may be left in the care of the funeral home. Darrin was born on May 29, 1968, in Arkansas City, KS, to parents Melvin and Millie (Bilyeu) Johnson. He started school at IXL, and in 1977 the family moved to Cedar Vale, where he graduated from high school. Then he got a job at Ark City packing plant until it closed, and then he took A and P classes at Cowley College. He then worked at McDonald's until he had to leave for health reasons. Darrin enjoyed music and finding new artists to listen to, was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan, and enjoyed the KC Royals, WWE, and old sitcoms. He had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. He is survived by his father, Melvin; sister Liz Smith (Andy); brother Stoney Johnson; uncles Robert Johnson and Rex Johnson; and aunt Ellen Simon; nieces and nephews Kaitlyn, Dalton, Trevor, Devon, Gage, and Korie. He is preceded in death by his mother and niece, Kyndell Smith and nephew Dallas Smith.

Eddie Frank Neubecker, 84, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Friday evening, January 3, 2025, at Winfield Senior Living.

Steven Ralph Lankton, 71, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Friday, December 27, 2024, at William Newton Hospital.