Obituaries

Robert D. Hecht (Bob) of Topeka, Kansas, youngest child of Jesse and Flossie Hecht, passed away on August 21, 2025, at the age of 90 years. He was born October 17, 1934, in Nemaha County, Kansas, in the same farmhouse his father was born in 1893 and his grandfather in 1861. This farm was homesteaded by his great-grandfather. Bob’s family moved to Topeka when he was two and he was raised in the Oakland area attending Oakland Elementary, Holiday Jr. High and graduating Topeka High in 1952. He attended Washburn University graduating with a B.B.A. degree and Washburn Law School graduating with a Juris Doctorate in January, 1958, accomplishing both degrees in 5 ½ years.

Following law school Bob served in the U.S. Air Force as Assistant Staff Judge Advocate, 37th Air Division; Staff Judge Advocate, Bangor Air Defense Sector; and later as Assistant Staff Judge Advocate, 30th Air Division (SAGE). As a Judge Advocate he was counsel to General William Wise and Major General James Jensen and litigated cases from AWOL to Homicide and was involved in a number of unusual claims and personnel actions involving high ranking officers. He spent a great amount of time on temporary duty involving matters throughout Canada, Northeast quarter of the United States and elsewhere.

Bob was proud that he had worked the farm fields of Shawnee County as a small child and was given his first steady, part time job at age 12 by A.J. Warner in his neighborhood grocery store. From that time until he retired at age 74, he was unemployed only one week before and one week after military service. Prior to graduating law school and entering the military he was employed at Kansas Motor Vehicle, nights at the Topeka State Journal, Fleming Food Warehouse, Goodyear Tire and Rubber, worked at KPL and Kansas Highway Commission. Such employment allowed him to obtain his education, graduating with no debt.

After military service in 1958-1961 he practiced law in Shawnee County, served as an Assistant County Attorney and was elected two terms as Shawnee County Attorney, as a partner in the firm of Gray, Freidberg and Davis and then as a founding partner at Scott, Quinlan & Hecht where he practiced from 1969 until January, 2001, when he was elected and served two terms as District Attorney until 2009.

During his practice Bob was involved in a number of high-profile cases, some of which were reported as far away as Cairo, Egypt and Tokyo, Japan and was reported on national news television channels, Time Magazine, published books and a television movie. He represented a State Senate President, a sitting Governor, City Commissioners of both Topeka and Kansas City. He prosecuted and secured the first death penalty verdict in Shawnee County Court in the history of Kansas for the kidnap and murder of a little girl in 1965 and later, as District Attorney, his office secured the second such verdict for multiple murders. He was engaged in representing numerous school districts in a number of matters including ending a teacher strike and civil rights cases and the removal from office of public officials for violation of law and the conviction of a sitting District Court Judge of felony crimes. He got his most professional satisfaction from handling the adoption of children and protecting women and children.

Bob married Faye Wilson of Newport News, Virginia, who he met while he was stationed at Truax Field, Wisconsin in 1961. To such marriage were born two daughters, Lisa Fay (Vincent Carter) and Julia Paige (Scott Anderson); grandchildren, Jordan (Nick Gitto) Carter, Alex Carter, and great-grandchild, Charlotte Gitto.

Bob and Faye divorced in 1986, but remained good and supportive friends sharing good times, difficult times and family times together over the years. Faye was his devoted caregiver in the last three years.

Although generally retired, Bob continued to provide professional assistance to some clients, mentor law students and young lawyers. During his professional life he was a member of the Topeka, Kansas and American Bar Associations and served on numerous professional ethics and advisory committees, the Judicature Society, Sam A. Crow Inn of Courts, Kansas Trial Lawyers Association where he served as a Vice President of Education, American Trial Lawyers Association, National and Kansas District Attorney Association and acted as an Adjunct Professor at the Washburn School of Law on a number of occasions as well as lecturing on criminal law and procedures, school and employment law for various professional groups.

Bob’s last wishes were that family, friends and associates would enjoy together their memories and be supportive of Faye, his daughters, grandchildren and great grandchild and each other to help make Topeka a better community for all. Bob’s family were of paramount importance to him.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, sisters, Gladys, Lola and brother Bill Hecht.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Link to obituary - https://www.dovetopeka.com/obituaries/robert-hecht

Richard G. “Rick” Tucker, 78, well known retired Parsons attorney, died at 10:15 a.m., Thursday, August 21, 2025 at the Parsons Presbyterian Manor.

He was born September 13, 1946, at Chanute, to George and Bonita (Johnson) Tucker. The family lived in Tokyo, Japan from 1947 to 1951 and in Parsons from 1951.

Rick graduated from Parsons High School in 1964. During his youth, he was active in sports and in scouting, earning the rank of Eagle Scout in 1960. He graduated from Kansas State University with a B.S. in History in 1970 and from Washburn University Law School with a Juris Doctor in 1973. He also served in the United States Navy.

On July 17, 1971, he and Jane McDermed were married at the earlier location of the Erie Christian Church. After their marriage, they lived in Erie while Rick was with the Fleming and Forsyth Law Firm from 1973 to 1977. In 1977, he established the Law Office of Richard Tucker in Parsons and from 2004 until 2019 he was a partner in the Tucker and Markham, LLC law firm in Parsons.

Rick was admitted to the Kansas Supreme Court, the United States District Court – Kansas and the United States 10th Circuit Court of Appeals – Denver. He was a member of the Kansas Bar Association from 1973 and was a Fellow of the Kansas Bar Foundation. He was a member of the Kansas Association of Justice and had been city attorney for St. Paul and Oswego, as well as Parsons Municipal Judge.

In Scouting, he had been assistant scout master of Troop 232 in Erie and scout master of Troop 2 in Parsons. He was a member and past president of the Parsons Rotary Club and was a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow. Among his other many interests were the SEK Audubon Society and serving on the Audubon of Kansas Board of Trustees, the Kansas Ornithological Society, the Parsons Area Amateur Radio Club. He held an amateur Radio Extra Class License – call sign WORT, and was a lifelong member of the American Radio Relay League.

For 19 years, he served on the U.S.D. 506 School Board. He was a member of the First Assembly of God Church and had served on the Board of Deacons.

Survivors are his wife, Jane Tucker; his three children, Janell Houk (Anthony) of Parsons, Jonathan Tucker (Stacy) of Derby and Justin Tucker (Heidi) of Humboldt; grandchildren, Brett Houk (Megan), Ethan Houk (Emily), Eli Tucker, Kierstyn Houk, Kinley Tucker, Andrew Houk, Lincoln Tucker, William Tucker and Gentry Tucker; great grandsons, Hye Houk and Hunter Houk; sister, Linda Pfingsten of Sun City West, AZ and brothers, Ronald Tucker (Debbi) of Excelsior Springs, MO and John Tucker of Los Lunas, NM.

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant sister, Bonnie, brother-in-law, Ron Pfingsten, nephew, Aaron Pfingsten, and sister-in-law, Barb Tucker.

The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 26, at the First Assembly of God Church, with Rev. Steve Crawford and David Keaton officiating. The flag presentation will be given by the Brown-Bishop Post # 704, Veterans of Foreign Wars. The family will receive friends at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, August 25.

Memorials are suggested to the First Assembly of God Church, the Parsons Area Community Foundation, or the American Radio Relay League. They may be left at or sent to the Carson-Wall Funeral Home, P. O. Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357. Online messages may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.

Link to obituary: https://www.wallfuneralservices.com/obituaries/Richard-G-Rick-Tucker?obId=44360728

Chester "Chet" Nordling, WWII Veteran, age 101, formerly of Liberal, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2025 at the Primrose Retirement Center in Rogers, Arkansas. 

Chet was born May 30, 1923 on a farm in Nekoma, Kansas. He was one of six children. After Chet graduated from high school, he went to work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Kansas City, Missouri. At the start of WWII, he was drafted into the Navy Armed Guard at the Pacific Theater, manning the stern gun on two Liberty ships. He was deployed to the Aleutian (Alaskan) Islands.

On his second voyage; November 24, 1943, the ship broke in half during a storm in the Aleutian Islands and sank. Chet had vivid memories of the giant waves pulling the prop of the ship out of the water. After thirty hours, they were finally rescued, but ten brave lives were sadly lost that day.

After the war, with the help of the GI Bill, Chet enrolled at McPherson College, where he pursued a law degree. He graduated in 1949. Chet then entered Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kansas, where he graduated with a law degree in 1951. After graduation, Chet joined the Vance, Hobble Law firm in Liberal, Kansas as a junior partner. He rose to senior partner at the same firm, which was then named Nordling, Sharp, Newbauer, and McQueen Law Firm. Chet also served on the board of Southwest Developmental Services, and together with Governor Bob Dole, was instrumental in helping change Kansas laws to benefit the disabled.

Chet was an awesome golfer and could have gone pro. He loved fishing, too, especially with his sons, grandsons, and nephews. In 1952, he married LaVerne Trahern, becoming a father to Trudy, her 8 year old daughter. Together, Chet and LaVerne had two sons, David and Jeffrey. They were married until she passed away in 1999.

In 2005, a long-time friendship turned into love. Chet moved from Liberal, Kansas to Bentonville, Arkansas and married Marjorie Montgomery. They were married for nine and a half years when she passed away in 2014.

Chet was preceded in death by his two beloved wives, LaVerne and Marjorie; his daughter, Trudy; his son, Jeffrey; his siblings; and his granddaughter, Misty.

He is survived by his son, David (Mary) of Hutchinson, Kansas; Tom and Tracey Montgomery of Rogers, Arkansas; grandchildren, Wendy (Rick) Claussen of Richfield, Kansas, Jeremiah (Alyssa) Nordling of Overland Park, Kansas, Eric von Gremp of Arkansas, and Nick von Gremp of New York; great grandchildren, Candance and Keri Claussen of Richfield, Kansas, and Leo and Adrian von Gremp of Arkansas; great-great grandchildren, Paige Claussen of Pittsburg, Kansas and Tyne Ellis of Richfield, Kansas.

Chet was also blessed with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends, and was always so excited to see them.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, February 4th at 10:00 am at the First Christian Church in Bentonville, Arkansas. 

Graveside service with military honors will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, February 26th at Restlawn Cemetery.

Link to obituary - https://www.millermortuary.net/obituaries/chester-chet-nordling

Mark L. Bennett Jr, age 90, of Topeka, passed away early Sunday morning, June 15, 2025, at his residence. He was born on June 22, 1934, in Topeka KS, the son of Mark Bennett Sr and Lucille Bennett.‍‍ He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Steven Bennett.

Mark graduated from Topeka High School, Washburn University and Washburn Law School. He spent most of his career as a criminal defense attorney in Topeka. He was a devoted Kansas sports fanatic. Above all else, he was a diehard Chiefs fan and a long-time season ticket holder, faithfully attending games at Arrowhead stadium throughout his adult life.

Mark is survived by his wife Charlann Bennett, currently of Augusta KS, his sister Cicely Glaze of Topeka KS, his three children, Mark (Steve) Bennett of Tulsa OK, David Bennett of Biloxi MS, and Julie Bennett-Desmelik of Atlanta GA and his three stepchildren Christie Saulsberry of Auburn NE, Connie Hoyt of El Dorado KS, and Curt Johnson of Hoyt KS. He also leaves behind sixteen grandchildren.

Funeral services will take place on Saturday, June 21st 2025 at 11:00AM at Penwell Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66604 with graveside services to follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Berryton, KS.

Link to obituary - https://www.cjonline.com/obituaries/phut1206138

George Taylor Hess, JD, 99, of Prairie Village, KS (formerly of Leawood) died June 12, 2025 at Claridge Court retirement community. Taylor was born July 23, 1925 in Uniontown, PA to George Hibbs Hess, MD and Marguerite Taylor Hess.

Taylor graduated salutatorian from Uniontown High School (1943). He enrolled in Harvard in 1943, but was drafted into the army in 1944. When World War II ended, he joined the Army Men’s Chorus in Regensburg and the Army sent him to the University of London School of Economics and Political Science.

He returned to Harvard in 1946 and graduated in 1949 (Class of 1947). During his time at Harvard, he attended Church of the Covenant (Boston) where he met his future wife, Margaret Jane Kirkpatrick. Jane and Taylor were married in 1952.

Taylor attended the University of Pennsylvania Law School (Class of 1953) and opened his own practice in Uniontown until 1960 when he became Corporate Secretary and General Counsel for Susquehanna Broadcasting and other Appell family corporations in York, PA. In 1969, he took a job as Assistant General Counsel for United Telecom Inc. (which later became Sprint), moved the family to Leawood, KS, and remained with United Telecom/Sprint until he retired in 1983.

He was admitted to the bar in the states of Pennsylvania and Kansas and a member of the American Bar Association. He was admitted to the State Supreme Court of Pennsylvania in 1954, the Western District Court of Pennsylvania in 1958, the Supreme Court of the United States in 1967, the State Supreme Court of of Kansas in 1970, and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in 1981.

Taylor and Jane were very active in Village Presbyterian Church. He served on the session and as a member of Presbytery. He was also heavily involved in Rotary Club and Bar Association activities. He will be missed by all who knew him and fondly remembered for his bow tie and the constant presence of his camera.

Taylor is survived by his 4 children: Paul Hess (Nina Kopach), George Hess (Cathy), John Hess (Angela), and Margaret Hess. He is also survived by grandchildren Sara Hess (Drew Schad), Amanda Hess (Jenny Sorich), G. Andrew Hess (Sarah), Emilie Cox (Josiah), Daniel Hess (Alison), Victoria Dobson-Hess (James), Gwendoline Gregg, and Ellazan Gregg as well as 8 great grandchildren.

Link to full obituary: https://www.kccremation.com/ObituaryDetails.aspx?id=57531&name=George%20Taylor%20Hess

Memorial donations may be made to the Endowment Trust of Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS 66208.

Hugh W. Gill IV, born September 12th, 1968, Trust and Estate Attorney with Hinkle Law, passed away at 56 on Sunday, May 18, 2025. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, May 23, at Plymouth Congregational Church, 202 N. Clifton Ave. Hugh was a servant husband and father to his family; wife, Ingrid Gill and daughters Grace Gill and Edith Gill. Hugh is also survived by his parents, Hugh Gill III and Ann Gill; sister, Taylor Gill; and half-brother, Tanner Gill.

Hugh was an avid Jayhawk fan, studying at the University of Kansas from 1987 to 1995. He graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business, Masters in Business Administration and Juris Doctorate. He spent his time cheering at Memorial Stadium and fraternizing with the Delta Chi brothers. It is said his dedication to the KU Jayhawks is what led him to meet Ingrid, who has been his loving wife for 30 years.

Hugh attained high-levels of professional achievement as a partner at Hinkle Law Firm for the past 30 years. He was elected president of the Wichita Bar Association and he acted as state chair for The American College of Trusts and Estate Counsel. The personal relationships he forged with his clients was the foundation of his love for his practice. His lasting legacy of success is a product of his compassion, kindness, and his willingness to uplift those around him before himself.

As a life-long Wichita native, Hugh dedicated his time and talent to the community in which he was raised. Hugh served as a trustee for Plymouth Congregational Church, The Independent School, The American Heart Association and the KU Alumni Association. He was a member of the Albert Pike Blue Lodge and the Scottish Rite Consistory at the highest degree.

Hugh enjoyed any and all college sports, closely following the powerlifting career of his daughter, Grace, and recently sharpened his archery skills alongside his daughter, Edie. After being diagnosed with P.O.E.Ms Syndrome, a rare blood disease, he battled everyday for another chance to be with his family. He approached this life-altering challenge with the same grit and determination he carried throughout his life.

Memorial contributions can be made to Plymouth Congregational Church or Mayo Clinic to advance research efforts of rare diseases. Share condolences at www.cozine.com. Services by Cozine Memorial Group-Cozine Life Events Center.

Link to obituary: https://www.cozine.com/obituaries/hugh-gill-iv

J. Patrick Walters, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and dedicated public servant, passed away on February 3, 2025. He was born in Wichita on March 2, 1960, and was adopted and raised by Barbara and Norman Walters. Patrick’s life journey was shaped by love, and a passion for justice.

Patrick met his future wife, Susan Frazier, in sixth grade at McLean Elementary. Together, they shared a life full of joy, love, and adventure. Patrick was a devoted father to six children, who all deeply appreciated his sense of humor, his wisdom, and his commitment to his family. He was a proud and loving grandfather, cherishing time spent with his grandchildren.

In his professional life, Patrick attended Wichita State University for his undergraduate degree in Accounting. His career had a turning point when he took the LSAT on a whim, and earned his law degree from Washburn Law School. Leading him to practice law in Wichita before being elected as a Sedgwick County District Court judge in 2008. Patrick’s role as a judge was one he took great pride in, and he continued serving in that capacity until his retirement in January 2025.

Outside of his professional accomplishments, Patrick enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including taking trips to the family cabin in Shell Knob, Missouri. As the captain of the family boat, he created lasting memories, from water skiing adventures with Susan to tossing the kids off the tube with great precision and laughter. Patrick also found joy in his love for '80s music, Star Wars and James Bond movies, and quiet moments by the lake.

Patrick was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara (McDonald) Walters, his father, Charles Norman Walters, and his beloved Uncle Jerry. He is survived by his wife, Susan (Frazier) Walters; his children, Jenny, Tyler (Lindy), Kassie (Bryce), Valerie (Chris), Jacque (Kelly), and Nicole; his grandchildren Tegan, Addilyn, Carter, Emmett, Koa and Michael; his brother, Tim (Deniece) Stephens; his sisters, Becky (Edward) Robinson and Kelly Reel; and his cherished administrative assistant, Maria Poblador-Nelson.

Patrick will be remembered for his kindness, integrity, and the profound impact he made on the lives of those around him. His legacy of love, laughter, and service will endure in the hearts of all who knew him.

A private service will be held in his honor.

Link to obituary: https://obits.oldmissionmortuary.com/obituary/j-patrick-walters

Richard Tucker Foster, known affectionately as Dick to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2025, at the age of 92, in his hometown of Wichita, KS. Dick lived a long, thoughtful life marked by service, integrity, and quiet leadership.

Born on March 5, 1933, in Wichita, he spent time in Larned, Osawatomie and Halstead, eventually graduating from Halstead High School. He went to the University of Kansas and graduated with a degree in Psychology, and afterwards, he decided to attend law school at the University of Kansas School of Law. Early in his legal journey, Richard founded the KU Student Bar Association in 1958 - a lasting contribution to future generations of law students. Upon serving his country in the U.S. Army, he pursued a career in law after graduation, and became a partner at McDonald, Tinker, Skaer, Quinn, & Herrington.

His commitment to ethical practice extended beyond the courtroom. He served as legal counsel for the Kansas Medical Ethics organization, where he offered guidance on sensitive and complex issues with wisdom and care.

Outside of his professional life, Richard was deeply interested in genealogy. He spent years researching family history, believing strongly in the importance of remembering generations past.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Foster; his children, Eric Foster (Christy), Karen Wernimont (Darwin), and Carl Foster (Roxana); his grandchildren, Adam Young (Angie), Cori Phillips (Matthew), Sidney Foster, Connor Wernimont, Christopher Wernimont (Emerson), and Chase Wernimont; as well as his four great-grandchildren, who will all miss his steady presence, sharp mind, and dry sense of humor.

A memorial service will be held at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 10:30 am, and all who knew Richard are welcome to attend and honor his life.

Link to obituary: https://www.downingandlahey.com/obituaries/Richard-Tucker-Foster?obId=42347938

Douglas (Doug) Corwin Spencer, age 81 of Oakley, reposed in the Lord peacefully, but unexpectedly, in his home on March 14, 2025. He was born on July 29, 1943, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Corwin C. and Helen L. (Iserman) Spencer. At the time, his father was stationed at Camp Carson with the 89th Division. For the next several years, Doug and his mother followed Corwin’s military assignments across the country before settling in Topeka with Helen’s family.

Following the Allied victory and Corwin’s military discharge, the family moved to Corwin’s hometown of Oakley, Kansas, where Corwin resumed his legal practice. Doug later welcomed his sister, Diane C. (Spencer) Kirby, and his brother, James A. Spencer.

As a young boy, Doug roamed the streets and alleys of Oakley with neighborhood friends, only finding trouble occasionally. In one memorable incident, he and his buddies discovered a neighbor’s root cellar where they delighted in dropping jars of vegetables down the cellar air vent. The fun ended when the elderly neighbor complained to Doug’s father, who made a quick trip to the grocery store to replace the spoiled food.

Doug attended Oakley schools and graduated from Oakley High School in 1961. He went on to receive his History degree in 1965 and his J.D. in 1969, both from Washburn University in Topeka. His undergraduate years included a semester at the University of Copenhagen followed by several months of traveling Europe by moped. His adventure including riding the Autobahn for a few hours. It is worthy of note that he most likely survived that day due to a kindly German couple who stopped him to suggest routes that were more compatible with a machine having a top speed of 25 miles per hour.

On February 15, 1969, Doug arrived in Boulder, Colorado, to deliver furniture to his sister. That trip changed his life when his sister’s roommate, Katherine A. Dusckas, captured his eye and his heart. After a whirlwind romance, Doug and Kathy were married on August 3, 1969, in Kathy’s hometown of Erie, Pennsylvania. They were blessed with three amazing sons: James Corwin, Stephen Douglas, and Paul Clifton.

Doug was the third generation of Spencer attorneys in Oakley, stretching back to his grandfather, C.A. Spencer, who hung his shingle in 1907. Doug practiced law full-time from 1969 until his passing, preparing for work even on the morning of his death. He served for many years as Logan County Attorney and the Oakley City Attorney. Doug believed strongly that law was a public service, and he was honored on two occasions by the Kansas Bar Association for providing legal services free of charge to the poor and represented indigent defendants throughout western Kansas. Doug loved the law, but he loved helping his clients even more, especially the elderly and needy. Over his career, he had the pleasure of working with his father, his brother, and his son, James. Since 1997, Kathy worked closely with Doug as his Office Manager and Secretary.

Doug was actively involved in his community, including the Oakley Lions Club, the Boy Scouts of America—where during 15 years he served as Assistant Den Leader to Kathy and as Cubmaster—and the Oakley Area Chamber of Commerce.

Doug discovered a love for singing as he came to know the Lord at the Oakley Community Church, under the ministry of Rev. W.E. and Nina Omberg. He sang in numerous community cantatas, was a founding member of the Tumbleweed Chorus in Colby, and on many evenings, his fine baritone voice joined in harmony with Kathy and often their sons around the living room piano. Over the years, he was asked to sing solos in various churches in Oakley.

While no great shakes at sports during his youth, Doug came into his own as an adult. For decades, he played table tennis and tennis weekly with his best friend, Bob J. Clark, often competing in tournaments and the Kansas Senior Olympics. His sons, Stephen and Jim, often joined in. On several occasions, Doug remarked that he had always looked forward to the day his sons could beat him, but that it wasn’t all that much fun when it happened. In later years, it was a familiar sight to see Doug and Kathy bicycling around Oakley with their beloved Siberian husky. Doug enjoyed exercise, and even the weekend before his passing, he was using his BowFlex and hoping to get his stationary bike repaired.

Doug was raised in a loving, supportive family and raised his own family with the same values. He was a devoted son, husband, father, and grandfather, cherishing every moment with his loved ones. He and Kathy were inseparable. He was deeply involved in all of his sons’ lives, never missing school events and spending countless hours with them playing sports, go-karting, singing, building models, watching games on TV, and attending scouting events.

Since 2013, Doug and Kathy have been active members of Three Hierarchs Antiochian Orthodox Christian Mission in Garden City, Kansas. Doug cherished the depth of the Orthodox faith and was tonsured as Reader Mark in 2018 by His Grace, Bishop Basil (Essey) at St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral in Wichita. Doug’s faith was central to his life, and he will be dearly missed by his parish community.

Doug is survived by his loving wife, Kathy, of Oakley; his son, James C. Spencer, and wife, Traci M. (Bridge) Spencer, of Wichita, and their children, Anna, Corwin, David, Daniel, Elias, and Elena; his son, Stephen D. Spencer, and wife, Madeline O’Brien, of Lawrence; and his son, Paul C. Spencer, and wife, Erica (Sewell) Spencer, of Litchfield, AZ, and their children, Aaliyah, Alyxandria, Isabella, and Elliana. He is also survived by his brother, James A. Spencer, and wife, Carol (Neider) Spencer, of Ramona, CA; and his sister, Diane C. Kirby, of Longmont, CO and her daughters, Sarah Millard and Laura Garwood. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Services in memory of Doug are as follows: Trisagion and Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 21, 2025 at Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home with Fr. Philip Vreeland officiating. Graveside interment will follow at the Oakley Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, March 20th from 5 to 8 p.m. and Friday, March 21st from 1 to 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials to Three Hierarchs Mission, Prison Fellowship Ministries, Justice for All, and Choices Medical Clinic may be sent in care of Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home, P.O. Box 221, Oakley, KS  67748. Flowers may be sent to the funeral home before the funeral or to the family home after the funeral.

Link to obituary: https://ksbar.org/?pg=Obituaries&blAction=addEntry

Jon Stephen Jones, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and member of the legal community, passed away on February 1, 2025, at the age of 87. He was born April 15, 1937, to John and Virginia (Shreve) Jones in Topeka, Kansas.

He and his wife Kay worked and raised their 3 children in Lyndon, KS. Stephen and Kay were former members of the Lyndon United Methodist Church, where he taught Sunday School classes and enjoyed helping with youth group activities. 

Stephen received his bachelor’s degree at Duke University before earning his Juris Doctorate from Washburn University School of Law. He became an associate at the Harry T. Coffman law firm in Lyndon, Kansas, and took over duties of being Osage County Attorney. Stephen dedicated over 40 years of his life to practicing law, then served as a Magistrate Judge for the 4th Judicial District of Kansas for a decade. He was a member of the Kansas BAR Association for 60 years. 

Stephen nurtured a wealth of interests and hobbies. He was an astronomy enthusiast who loved his backyard observatory and sharing the night sky with his kids and anyone who was interested. He also loved trains and built an N-Scale train set that he taught his children and grandchildren to run. Photography was a cherished pastime as he captured countless moments and memories through his lens. He always had a book in hand, and enjoyed a wide range of topics from military history to science fiction. Stephen began jogging in 1980 and loved to compete in 5K and 10K races with his daughter and good friends. Finally, he was a devoted fan of Duke Basketball and he enthusiastically supported them by wearing all the gear and recording their games. 

To his family, Stephen was affectionately known as "Poppy." He cherished his role as a grandfather, creating lasting memories with his grandchildren—Garyn Kickhaefer, Levi Kickhaefer, Avery Carr, and Jericho Carr. The grandchildren loved spending time with him because he always had time to run trains, play with bunny houses, and go outside to play with them. His love for them was evident in every moment they shared, and his legacy will endure through their lives.

Stephen is survived by his loving wife, Kay, and his children, Glynis (Scott) Kickhaefer, Amy (Jeff) Carr, and Tom (Jenny) Jones. He will also be missed by his brothers-in-law and sisters in-law, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, John F. Jones; mother, Virginia Jones; and brother, Kevin Jones.

A memorial service to honor Stephen's life will be held on February 15, 2025, at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home in Topeka, Kansas. The service will begin at 11:00 AM, providing friends and family an opportunity to celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions should be made to the Topeka Presbyterian Manor Good Samaritan Fund.

Link to obituary: https://www.penwellgabeltopeka.com/obituaries/stephen-jones