MELVERN, Kan. – RD “Pat” Patterson, 95, departed this life peacefully Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023, at Brookside Retirement Community, Overbrook, Kan. RD and his twin sister, Norma Dee, were born on the family farm in rural Melvern, Kan., on Dec. 20, 1927, to Verlin and Miriam (Criss) Patterson. His parents and his five siblings preceded him in death.

RD spent most of his life in the Melvern community. He graduated in 1945 from Melvern Rural School and married his high school sweetheart, Norma Nadine Arb, on Aug. 3, 1949, in Lyndon, Kan. She passed away Jan. 29, 2020. They were married for 70 years. To this union, two sons were born, Jim and Bill.

Shortly after they were married, RD and Norma moved to Saxman, Kan. RD worked at a salt mine plant in Lyons, Kan., for two years before they moved back to Melvern. In 1951, RD got drafted into the armed services and was assigned to the Marine Corps and served at Camp Pendleton and 29 Palms, both in California. RD was honorably discharged in December 1953.

In 1955, RD and Norma bought the Melvern Insurance and Real Estate business and renamed it the Patterson Insurance/Real Estate Agency. RD operated the business, which they owned until 1969.

MELVERN, Kan. – Howard Dale Masterson, a man whose life was as rich and robust as the Kansas farms and prairies he hailed from, left this world on Nov. 29, 2023, at the age of 88. Born on Aug. 20, 1935, in Osawatomie, Kan., Howard’s journey was one of purpose, strength, and unwavering commitment to his family and community. He passed away at McCrite Plaza, in Topeka, Kan., after a valiant battle with brain cancer, where the staff affectionately referred to him as their favorite patient due to his sweetness, kindness, and the gratitude he expressed. He received outstanding and loving care from Prairie Wind Hospice. He left behind a legacy of love, hard work, and enduring friendships.

Howard was a beacon of light in the lives of those he touched. His wife of 63 years, Arleta, stood by his side as a testament to enduring love and partnership. Together, they raised a family that included children, Richard Masterson, Brenda Masterson, Dale Masterson, Debra Masterson, Anita Johnston, stepchildren, James Bevan and Rosemary Artzer, and seven grandchildren.

Howard was a guiding star to his family, teaching them the value of hard work and the importance of sticking together through life’s challenges.

OVERBROOK, Kan. – Bruce Alan Faust, 76, of Overbrook, Kan., passed away Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, at the VA Hospital, Topeka, Kan. He was born Nov. 12, 1947, on the family farm in rural Overbrook. He was the first child of Ira Junior Faust and Dorothy Jean (Rice) Faust.

He went to Twin Mound, a one-room schoolhouse in Douglas County through eighth grade and graduated from Overbrook Rural High School with the class of 1965.

Bruce joined the United States Air Force in 1966, and served four years for our country, including two tours in Vietnam. He was discharged in May 1970. He also served in the Kansas Air National Guard from September 1973 until October 1979.

He was united in marriage to Pamala Bagby, Sept. 4, 1971, at the United Methodist Church, Overbrook. They shared more than 52 years of marriage.

CARBONDALE, Kan. – Robert William Benortham, 83, of Carbondale, Kan., passed into glory Nov. 21, 2023. He was born Feb. 28, 1940, at Christ’s Hospital, Topeka, Kan., the son of Fredrick William Benortham and Madeline Lillian (Skonberg) Benortham.

He lived his first five years at 701 Cambridge St. (near the zoo), in Topeka, KS. He moved with his family to a farm near Harveyville, Kan., where his Dad farmed and his mother was a homemaker.

Robert attended Harveyville Grade School, which was just down the road from the farm. He walked to school but occasionally rode a Shetland pony with a neighbor girl. He graduated from Harveyville Rural High School with the class of 1958.

Robert earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Emporia State University. He completed a Master’s in Chemistry from Illinois Wesleyan University in 1966, and a Ph.D. in horticultural science from Kansas State University in 1972. He also took additional course work at Washburn University and the University of Hawaii.

CARBONDALE, Kan. – John Leroy Shepard, of Carbondale, Kan., took his final ride into the sunset Nov. 18, 2023, at the age of 76. John was born March 21, 1947, to LeRoy (Shep) and Eula (Coffman) Shepard.

John spent most of his life in the Overbrook, Kan., and Carbondale area.

John graduated from Overbrook Rural High School and Emporia State College. After graduation, he proudly served his country with the U.S. Army Reserves. John worked many years at Shep’s Enterprise and Collins Industries. He also worked at Wolf Creek Energy Plant, and then worked in sheet metal, retiring from Sheet Metal Local Union No. 2.

John spent many years on the ball field, playing slow pitch for Roy’s Boys and Rappard’s Insurance. He was an avid coon hunter with his Dad, and over the years he owned many mules for leisure, competition, and hunting. John was a member of the Midwest Mule Club for many years, and his children learned to ride mules at an early age. John was also a valued member of the Masonic Lodge for more than 20 years.

CARBONDALE, Kan. – Daryl Jo Makowski, 60, of Carbondale, Kan., peacefully left this earth to go fishing in Heaven on Nov. 14, 2023. He was surrounded by family and friends during his last days. Daryl fought a long and courageous battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease for many years. Daryl was born Oct. 27, 1963, in Chicago, Ill., to Stan and Jean Makowski, who preceded him in death.

He grew up in Chicago and his family moved to Crystal Lake, Ill., after his fourth grade year. This is where he developed his love for animals, being outside, and family. He graduated from Central High School, in Crystal Lake, in 1981.

Daryl leaves behind the love of his life, Beckie, who he met in 1991, after he relocated to Carbondale. They married on Oct. 26, 1993, the day between their birthdays. He claimed he could never forget their anniversary that way. They were blessed with 30 years of marriage, two beautiful children, Jacob and Morgan (Michael), and a beloved grandson, Landon, all of whom miss him dearly. One of his greatest joys was playing with and reading to them as children and spending time with them as adults. He was the best dad!

OSAGE CITY, Kan. – Wanda Aileen (Steinhoff) King, 93, of Osage City, Kan., passed away Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, at Brookside Retirement Community, Overbrook, Kan. She was born May 26, 1930, in Newton, Kan., the daughter of Jess and Effie Fritts Steinhoff.

She attended Osage City High School, and graduated in 1948. Wanda was united in marriage to Edward James King, Oct. 14, 1950, in Osage City. After Ed’s time serving in the Air Force, the couple made their home in Osage City on their farm just north of town.

For most of her life in Osage City, Wanda was an active member of the United Methodist Church. She served as Sunday school superintendent and taught Sunday school for more than 50 years. She was a member of the United Methodist Women and held many other roles in the church. Wanda also served as Cub Scout den mother while her sons were in the Scouts. She also enjoyed her frequent volunteer work with ECAT, part of Harvester’s Food Network.

BURLINGAME, Kan. – Paul Ledgard, age 72, of Burlingame, Kan., passed away Nov. 14, 2023, at Stormont Vail Hospital, Topeka, Kan. Paul was born Oct. 15, 1951, in McKeesport, Penn., the son of Walter Ledgard and Anna Mae (Bilak) Criado.

Paul grew up in the south suburban area of Pittsburgh, Penn., graduating from Elizabeth Forward High School with the class of 1969.

Paul worked for U.S. Steel in Pittsburgh in the late 1970s, eventually leaving to become a supervisor for Popeye’s Fried Chicken in New Orleans, La. In 1991 he moved to St. Louis, Mo., and was district manager for Steak ‘n Shake. In 2006 Paul purchased Heartland Steak ‘n Shake, and owned and operated the Topeka area and beyond Steak ‘n Shakes.

Paul was a wonderful business leader and entrepreneur. He was a mentor to many of his employees and was admired by everyone who worked with him. His professional life was very time consuming but when he had time, he loved traveling with his family. He was able to visit many places in the world including Africa, Japan, Australia, Italy, Germany, and Hawaii to name a few. Those trips were very rewarding and pleasing to Paul, especially sharing those moments with his family that he worked so hard to support. He was also an avid football fan, never missing a chance to cheer on his hometown Pittsburgh Steelers or the Kansas City Chiefs. He also loved NASCAR, especially Jeff Gordon. Many people in Burlingame also know he loved classic cars. His maroon 1949 Chevy pick-up was a favorite.

BONNER SPRINGS, Kan. – Betty Dorothy (Weiss) Pollom, 96, passed away Nov. 12, 2023. Betty was born May 24, 1927, in Quenemo, Kan. She was the only daughter of Albert and Marie (Bachert) Weiss.

She was baptized June 16, 1927, at Zion Lutheran Church, Vassar, Kan., and confirmed at a Lutheran church in East Prussia, Germany.

In 1936, after the death of her father, Betty, her mother and her two brothers, Arno and Herbert, moved to Labiau, East Prussia, Germany. Betty and her mother fled from the Russians in January 1945.

They returned to America after World War II and lived in Topeka, Kan. This is where she met Roy Donald Pollom. Betty and Roy were married at St Paul Lutheran Church, April 14, 1957. They moved to Bonner Springs, Kan., and lived in the same house on Allcutt Street for more than 50 years.

CARBONDALE, Kan. – Clinton Lee Vawter, 81, of Carbondale, Kan., passed away Nov. 11, 2023, at Stormont Vail Hospital, Topeka, Kan. He was born Feb. 25, 1942, in Wakarusa, Kan., the son of Clarance “Bud” Vawter and Betty (Bodine) Vawter.

He graduated from Carbondale High School with the class of 1960.

He proudly served his country from 1963 to 1985 in the Kansas Army National Guard, attaining the rank of Sgt. First Class. He served in several units throughout Kansas. He was ordered to active duty on May 13, 1968, and stationed at Ft. Carson, Colo., to Company A, 2nd Bn, 137th Infantry. He then served in Vietnam, HHC 184th Ord Bn from December 1968 until December 1969.

OVERBROOK, Kan. – Mary Elizabeth Biesemeyer, 97, of Overbrook, Kan., passed away Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, at Brookside Retirement Community, Overbrook. She was born Oct. 7, 1926, in Boonville, Mo., the daughter of William Buckley and Bessie Pearl (Mosier) Buckley.

She grew up and attended schools in Boonville. She graduated from Boonville Junior-Senior High School with the class of 1944.

She was united in marriage to Howard Hugo Biesemeyer in 1946. They settled and raised their four children at Weatherby Lake., Mo. After 30 years of marriage, they divorced. Then she met and married William “Bill” Turnbaugh, in 1985. At the time she was in New York City, N.Y., working for TWA. She and Bill explored New York City and she had the time of her life.

Prior to having children, Mary acted as the bookkeeper for her brother-in-law’s (Ellsworth “Cass” Cassing) and husband’s heating and air conditioning business, in Boonville. They later moved to Wichita, Kan., then moved to the Kansas City area in 1958. In 1974, she began working for Trans World Airlines in Kansas City, transferring to New York City in 1980 to work at LaGuardia and JFK airports.