Obituaries

Marlene Grove transcended to her final home on May 4, 2022 at SBA Hospital. She made her grand debut on April 18, 1933 in Lincoln, Kansas to Dorothy (Wentling) and Clyde Dickerson. At a young age, after the death of her mother, Marlene moved to El Dorado, KS and was raised by her father and grandparents. She attended El Dorado High School and was an active participant in her local church and the pep club. It was after a church function when Marlene‘s life changed forever when a handsome young man named Jack gave her a ride home. Soon after, Marlene married Jack G. Grove in El Dorado, KS on September 29th, 1950 and her most valued treasure, her family, began. Jack and Marlene raised their 3 sons and daughter in the Chelsea and Cassoday communities on the family farm. It is here were many memories, love and laughter were shared. In 1986 after raising a rowdy bunch, Jack and Marlene moved to El Dorado where Marlene worked at the First Baptist Church Daycare. She adored all the children she was able to care for throughout the years and the many friends she made. This was a perfect fit for her, as she had the most loving, caring nature and a strong love for the Lord. She retired in 1995 and spent the rest of her years doting on her family and spending times with her many friends.

Napoleon “Poe” Brown’s life began on July 4, 1947 in Holly Grove, Arkansas; the son of Alfonso N. and Rozella (Houston) Brown. He graduated and received his diploma from El Dorado High School. Poe proudly served his country in the United States Navy. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Henrietta “Penny” Clayborn on June 16, 1967 in El Dorado. Poe worked hard for his family, working as a fireman and then for Getty and Texaco refineries and the Shell Pipeline and in retirement worked at the carwash. He enjoyed staying active and loved running. Poe enjoyed playing basketball and watching sports on T.V. He had a deep and rooted faith and loved the Lord. Poe’s greatest joy was his family, which includes his wife, Penny of El Dorado; children Thalvis Brown of Wichita and Lynette (Aaron) Martin of Wichita; grandchildren Chaylondra Johnson, Damonn Johnson, Dajay Brown, Jaiden Davis, Brooklynn Martin; great-grandchildren Maya Brown and Anyla Johnson; and sister Loree (Mac) Rice of El Dorado. Poe went to be his Lord on April 25, 2022 in El Dorado. He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings Othello “Stell” Ball, Juanita Thomas, Lugene Brown, and Alonzo Brown. Friends may gather with the family from 5-7pm on Thursday, May 5 at Carlson Colonial Funeral Home. Homegoing Service will be held at 11am at Carlson Colonial Funeral Home on Friday, May 6. Poe will be laid to rest at Sunset Lawns Cemetery in El Dorado.

Robert (Bob) Duane Ward, Jr., 59, of Wichita, passed away Tuesday, April 19, 2022 due to long-term COVID-19 complications. A graveside service for Bob will be held Friday, May 13, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.

Robert L. Rumsey passed away May 1st 2022 at Wesley Hospital after a long battle with lung cancer. Bob, as he was known by, was born to Robert R. and Edna Lee Rumsey on Aug. 1st 1949. He attended El Dorado High School and on June 22nd 1969, married Linda Keith in Trinidad, Colorado.

Age 61 Of El Dorado Michael “Mike” Harden’s life began on January 8, 1961 in Colorado Springs, CO; the son of Robert and Marie (Yeakel) Harden. Mike had a passion for education and earned a bachelor’s degree from Southwestern College.

L. Joe Cope, 80, was born on July 2, 1941 in Yates Center, Kansas.

Betty Jean Howerton was born on July 10, 1935 in Herrington, Kansas; the daughter of Edward and Lenora (Fisher) Meyer. She was a class of 1953 graduate from White City High School. Betty was briefly married and had one son, Dan. She was a longtime member of Grace Lutheran Church and was an avid collector of cow figurines. Her greatest joy in life was her family which includes her son, Dan (Betty) Howerton; siblings, Linda Pagel and Darrell Meyer and neices, Lisa Rosenbaugh and Yvonne Brown. Betty went home to her Lord and Savior on April 23, 2022. She is preceded in death by her parents and brother, Willis Meyer. Friends may gather with family on Friday, April 29 from 9:30-10:30 am at the Grace Lutheran Church in El Dorado where her funeral service will immediately follow. Burial will take place at Sunset Lawns on Friday at 1:00 pm. Memorial contributions can be made to Grace Lutheran Church of El Dorado. Please sign her online guestbook at www.carlsonkirbymorris.com

Carol Joann Overley was born on January 3, 1953 in El Dorado, Kansas; the daughter of Raymond L. and Luma Dean (Brown) Day. She was a graduate of Circle High School Class of 1971 and achieved her associate’s degree from Butler Community College. Carol was crowned homecoming queen while attending Butler. She worked as an executive assistant at a few institutions over the years. Her most memorable places of work were Walnut Valley Bank, GMM, Inc and Andover State Bank. While working at Walnut Valley Bank, Carol met Jerry Overley. She was united in marriage to Jerry on May 24, 1980. Her greatest joy in life was her family which includes her sons, Travis Overley of Wichita and Brad Overley of El Dorado; granddaughter, Lauren Overley of El Dorado; mother, Luma Dean Day; siblings, Cheryl (Gary) Nace, Ray Day and Celia (Mark) Ralston; special cousin, Cindy Saunders; and numerous nieces and nephews. Carol passed away on April 25, 2022 at her home surrounded by her family. She is preceded in death by her father, Raymond Day and husband, Jerry Overley. Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at Carlson Colonial Chapel at 1:00 PM. Burial will follow at Hamilton Cemetery in Hamilton, Kansas at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be directed to Shepherd’s Chapel, PO Box 416, Gravette, AR 72736. Please sign her online guestbook at www.carlsonkirbymorris.com

Gary Richard Frye passed away at the age of 70 on Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at Kansas Medical Center in Andover, KS. A visitation will be held from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.