Leona Hashagen Carl - LHS Class of 1952

Leona May Carl, 77 of Leavenworth, Kansas passed away Friday, January 6th, 2012 at a Leavenworth nursing home.
Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM, Wednesday, January 11th, 2012 at Belden Larkin Funeral Home with Pastor Rusty Savage of First Baptist Church, Platte City, Missouri officiating.
Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until service time at the funeral home prior to the service on Wednesday.
Burial will be in Mount Muncie Cemetery, Leavenworth, Kansas.
Leona was born July 21st, 1934 in Leavenworth, Kansas the daughter of Frederick and Edna (Miller) Hashagen.
She attended and graduated from high school.  She married Grant L. Carl, Jr. October 31st, 1953 in Leavenworth, Kansas.  He preceded her in death on July 30th, 1979. Leona was employed in Food Services with the Leavenworth School District for 35 years until her retirement.
Leona loved motorcycles, traveling, camping, fishing, boating and spending time with her family.
Survivors include; three daughters; Mary Manderscheid and her husband James of Leavenworth, Kansas, Diane Morrison and her husband Jay of Basehor, Kansas, and Nancy Culbertson and her husband Donald of Easton, Kansas; one son; Steve Carl and his wife Deborah of Platte City, Missouri, seven grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, and one brother; Robert Hashagen (LHS Class of 1960) of Minnesota.
She was preceded in death by one brother Kenneth Hashagen (LHS Class of 1950).
Memorials in her name may be directed to Meals on Wheels or the Alzheimer's Association.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Belden-Larkin Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Condolences may be sent or to share a memory go to www.beldenlarkin.com

Things your mother always told you, but…

Real friends are those who, when you’ve made a fool of yourself, don’t think you’ve done a permanent job.
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He who seeks a friend without fault remains without one.
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Laziness travels so slowly that poverty soon overtakes him.
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The secret of happy living is not doing what you like but to like what you do.
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Some minds are like concrete; thoroughly mixed and permanently set.
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Love is like the five loaves and two fishes. It doesn’t start to multiply until you give it away.
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Use the talents you possess; for the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except the best.
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If we fill our hours with regrets of yesterday and with worries of tomorrow, we have no today in which to be thankful.
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Success in marriage is much more than finding the right person; it is being the right person.
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The greatness of a person is not evidenced by his finding faults but by fixing them.
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It is better to suffer a wrong than to do a wrong.
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Our problem isn’t knowing what is right, it is doing it.
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Marrying is not marriage!
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The man who believes he can do something is probably right, and so is the man who believes he can’t.
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Are your troubles causing you to lose your religion or use your religion?
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Always wear clean underwear; Heaven forbid you should have an accident.
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It does not matter if you’re on the right track, you’ll still get run over if you don’t keep moving.
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Out of suffering come the strongest souls. God’s wounded often make his best soldiers.
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Nothing improves our prayer life faster than big trouble.
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A baby is God’s opinion that the world should go on.

The author, Annie Walker Johnston (LHS Class of 1954) is a Leavenworth resident and wife of the late J.H. Johnston III, former Leavenworth Times publisher.
Copyright 2012 Leavenworth Times. Some rights reserved

It's a STRIKE!

Walk into Skyways Lanes on Friday afternoon during First National Bank Senior Mixed League bowling time and several things are instantly obvious.
First, the place is packed. There are 16 teams in the league, but more than that it’s the players’ excitement that fills the room.
Second, everyone there is having the time of their lives.
“I just like having fun with the people around me,” 80-year-old Roscoe West said. “Whether I do good or bad, I just have fun with everyone.”
“This is the best group of people in the world,” Ed Bush adds.
Bowlers must be 50 to be in the senior league, but senior coordinator Dee McCurdy (LHS Class of 1953) said many are now in the their 70s and even 80s.  Most say the company is the best part of bowling in the league, and after spending part of an afternoon with them one can see why.
“I was tired of just sitting at home,” Dick Bell, now 88, said of why he joined the league.
The bowlers all watch intently as others take their turns, and are there to congratulate one another after a good throw. And the good throws come fairly often.
“We have some terrific bowlers in the league now,” Eileen Sturgis, the secretary of the league, said.
“Oh, all the good people that are in it,” league president Marv McCurdy said of what keeps him coming out. “We have a lot of good bowlers, for this age group especially.”
One of the league’s top bowlers is Bush, who others in the group say has one of the best averages in the area though he’s more modest about his game.
“I wouldn’t say I’m one of the best in the metro, my son averages more than me,” Bush said.
He’s been in the league for two years and said he enjoys it more than the competitive leagues he used to play in Kansas City because of the atmosphere.
“This is about having fun,” he said.
Bush has rolled two 300 games so far this league season. He said what he really enjoys about bowling in general is that everyone gets a level playing field.
“I love the game and it’s one that everyone has the opportunity to compete on the same level,” Bush said. “There’s no bench warmers like there is in football or something. Everyone gets to shoot at 10 frames.”
While there aren’t bench warmers in the league, there are those who are no longer able to play but still come out to cheer on and spend some time with friends.
Virginia Chaar, age 94, had to stop competing last spring but still comes out on Fridays.
“It’s a lot of fun out here. I really miss it,” Chaar said. “I still want to, but my legs won’t let me. ... I think I could probably still throw a ball, but I’m afraid I’d fall.”
Fellow nonagenarian Virginia Augenstein, 98, is in the same boat.
“There’s still a bowling alley,” Augenstein says of why she continues to come out. “As long as it’s here, I’ll be here.”
Many refer to bowling as a lifetime sport, and many of those in the Friday Senior Mixed League have been at it for more than half of their lives, most even longer than the league’s 31-year history.
“I started when I was 18 or 19,” Sturgis, now 83, said. “I said I’d never bowl because the skating rink was where I lived, ... then low and behold somehow I started bowling. I have no idea why I started, it was just the thing to do.”
“Friends (got me started),” West said, noting that was back in the 1960s. “We started going after work, then got into a league the next year and I’ve been at it ever since.”
Others are newer to the game. Peg Jerrit, 88, said she got into the league after her husband passed away.
“My husband died and my brother and his wife asked me to go bowling with them,” Jerrit said. “I told him I’d never thrown a ball before, so he took me to practice and I kept it on the lane. I’ve been at it ever since.”
The universal availability of bowling is something that helped some of the league’s players get involved.
“My husband was in the Army and every place we went they’d have a bowling alley,” Augenstein said.
Regardless of how it began, the ending seems to be the same. The members of the Friday Senior Mixed League are in it for the long haul and only stop playing when they have to. The bowlers agree that there are benefits even beyond the friendships forged on the alley.
“It’s very good exercise, it just keeps you going,” the 94-year-old Chaar said. “Everyone should try to (exercise) as long as they can.”
For Marv McCurdy, who turns 80 in two weeks, being able to get out and have an active hobby is important.
“At this age, it’s just good to have some activity and exercise,” Marv said.
Copyright 2011 Leavenworth Times. Some rights reserved

RIP

One of the movie stars of our youth has passed on...

Read more >> HERE...

Marilyn Turner Simms - LHS Class of 1953

Marilyn Joyce Turner Simms, of Cary, North Carolina passed away December 21 , 2011. Marilyn was born in Lawrence, Kansas on July 12th, 1935 and was raised as an only child. She graduated from Leavenworth Kansas High School in 1953 and attained her Associate's Degree from Sinclair College. Marilyn lived most of her adult years in the Dayton, Ohio area with her loving husband, Richard (Dick) Simms (LHS Class of 1949) who preceded her in death in July of 2009. They were married for over 51 years. When Marilyn and Richard first moved to the Dayton area, she worked at Wright Patterson Air Force base, but then turned to raising her two daughters full-time. An avid reader, Marilyn also enjoyed her garden and flowers, pets, genealogy and sewing projects. She was also an active Member of the Christ United Methodist Church of Kettering, Ohio and long time member of TWIGS (Terrific Women in Giving). Combining her organizational and math skills, Marilyn loved sharing her time volunteering with the VITA income tax program. In addition to Richard, Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Frances Turner of Leavenworth, Kansas. She is survived by her daughters Shelly Simms of Columbus, Ohio and Rebecca Welles and Son-In-Law Harris Welles of Raleigh, North Carolina. Marilyn had three grandchildren that she was very proud of: Nicole Kleinas, Evan Welles and Rachel Welles. A gathering for family and friends will take place at 1 PM Saturday, January 21,2012, at David's Community Mausoleum and Chapel, 4600 Mad River Road, Kettering, Ohio 45429 followed by a Memorial Service at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Marilyn's name to Hospice of Wake County, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607. Tobias Funeral Home - Far Hills Chapel, in care of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to; www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.

Richard Charles Simms (LHS Class of 1949) passed away suddenly July 28, 2009 while vacationing on Topsail Island, North Carolina, with family members, dozens of whom were gathered there for their annual reunion. He was born in Concordia, Kansas on March 21, 1932. Dick graduated from Leavenworth Kansas High School in 1949 and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He has lived in the Dayton, Ohio, area for the last 49 years with his wife of 51 years, Marilyn J. Turner Simms (LHS Class of 1953).
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Lehman Simms of Memphis, Tennessee, and Grace Tuley Grape of Kickapoo, Kansas. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Simms; daughters Shelly Simms of Columbus, Ohio and Rebecca Welles and son-in-law Harris Welles of Raleigh, North Carolina; his stepmother LaVerne Simms of Memphis, Tennessee; his brothers and sisters-in-law Steve and Trish Simms of Leavenworth, Kansas; Bobby Simms of Memphis, Tennessee; Paul and Janet Simms of Little Rock, Arkansas; Phil and Gayle Simms of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Alan Simms of Houston, Texas, and his sisters and brothers-in-law Suzanne and John Schmidt of Hoisington, Kansas; and Barb and Pat Caesar of Germantown, Tennessee. Dick had three grandchildren: Nicole Kleinas, Evan Welles and Rachel Welles, and many cousins, nieces and nephews who will all miss him dearly.
Dick was an amazing artist, illustrator and cartoonist whose wry sense of humor was evident in all that he did. A Civil War buff, he was an avid reader who never lost his intellectual curiosity. He loved to spend time with his family, enjoyed cards and golf, and was a great fan of auto racing, especially NASCAR and the Indy car circuit. He was also an active member of the Christ United Methodist Church of Kettering, Ohio.
An informal gathering of family, friends and acquaintances is planned for 3-5 PM Saturday, August 1, 2009 at Tobias Funeral Home - Far Hills Chapel, 5471 Far Hills Ave. at Rahn Rd. to celebrate Dick's life and work. A memorial service open to all will take place on Sunday, August 2 at 2 PM at Christ United Methodist Church, 3440 Shroyer Road, in Kettering, Ohio 45429. Flowers are welcome, however memorial contributions may be sent in Dick's name to the building of the new South Campus Church of Christ United Methodist, 9391 Washington Church Road, Miamisburg, Ohio 45242. Condolences may be sent to tobiasfuneralhome.com.

Click HERE to see some of Dick's artwork.

Richard Grissom

Richard Grissom, 77, of Leavenworth, died Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011, at Providence Medical Center, with his wife, Fredonia and his niece, Sandra Woodard at his bedside.
He was born March 3, 1934, in Chattanooga, Tenn., the son of Leonard and Dovie (Roe) Grissom. After enlisting in the U.S. Air Force, Richard married Fredonia Hawkins (LHS Class of 1954). They were married for 52 years. Upon retirement from the U.S. Air Force, he worked in food service and retired from the Dwight D. Eisenhower Medical Center. Richard is survived by his wife, Fredonia of the home; two sister-in-laws, Charlene Briscoe and Drusilla Hawkins; a brother-in-law, Ronnie Hawkins Sr.; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and long-time friends. Graveside services with full military honors, will be at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011, at Leavenworth National Cemetery with Rev. B.J. Landrum Sr. officiating.

Barbara Dutton Stanton - LHS Class of 1953

Barbara Aileen Stanton, 76, of Rogers, Arkansas died December 3 at Circle of Life Hospice House in Bentonville, Arkansas..
She was born August 2, 1935 to Dallas and Mabel Dutton in Kansas City, Kansas.
A graduate of Leavenworth High School, she studied at the Kansas City Art Institute and continued taking classes and workshops with well known artists.
She worked as an orthodontist’s dental assistant before becoming an illustrator at the Army Field Printing plant for the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
She lived in Olathe, Kansas and Aspen, Telluride, and Colorado Springs in Colorado before moving to Rogers, Arkansas in 1985.
She had been a member of Beta Sigma Phi, The Kansas City Art Guild, Rogers Art Guild, and Northwest Arkansas Rose Society.  The Stanton Garden was included on garden tours in 2004 and 2005.  She was an active member of the Plain Air Painters of the Ozarks.
She was preceded in death by her father, mother, and husbands, A.J. Wiley (LHS Class of 1953) and William Stanton (LHS Class of 1948).
She is survived by three daughters, Anne Stanton of Bentonville, Cathy Wiley of Los Angeles, California, and Kay Wiley of Liberty, Missouri; five grandchildren; and three great grandchildren. 
 A memorial service will be Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. at Circle Of Life Hospice House Chapel in Springdale, located at 901 Jones Road. Arrangements were made under the direction of Epting Funeral Home in Bentonville, Arkansas.  Online condolences can be made to the family at: www.eptingfuneralhome.webs.com.

William Edwin Stanton (LHS Class of 1948) 80 years old, died Sunday, August 21, 2011 at Circle of Life Hospice House in Springdale, Arkansas.  
Bill retired as a Master Planner at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas after 26 years of Federal Service.
Bill is survived by:  his wife; Barbara Dutton Stanton, his daughter Anne, and many other family members.
A memorial service will be:  Saturday, August 27, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at Circle of Life Hospice Chapel in Springdale, located at 901 Jones Road.  
As the family is grateful for Circle of Life Hospice, donations may be sent to them in lieu of flowers.
Arrangements were made under the direction of Epting Funeral Home in Bentonville, Arkansas.  Online condolences can be made to the family at: www.eptingfuneralhome.webs.com.

Joe Beall - LHS Class of 1949

LCDR Thomas Joseph “Joe” Beall USN (RET), 80, of Lee's Summit, MO passed away on November 25, 2011. 
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 28, 2011 at the Langsford Funeral Home. Visitation will be held one hour prior. 
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association 10580 Barkley St #400, Overland Park, KS 66212 or to the D.A.V.
Commander Beall was born on Oct. 7, 1931 in Leavenworth, KS to Thomas and Antonette Beal. On July 3, 1954 he married Mary Dyke and had 5 children from the union. In 1949 Joe joined the U.S. Navy; served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, retired in 1970.
He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife Mary of 57 years.  Five children Joseph (Chen) China, Barry (Mary), Phoenix, AZ. Marisha (Sam) Hillsborough, CA. Margie of Lee's Summit and Russ (Anne) of Temecula, CA. Grandchildren Kristi of St. Louis, MO. Melissa of Springfield, MO. Nicole of San Diego, CA. Kevin of Temecula, CA and Lauren of Temecula, CA. Two brothers, Robert (LHS Class of 1950) (Carol) of Leavenworth, KS and Charles (LHS Class of 1953) (Vi) of Topeka, KS and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

George Burton - LHS Class of 1957

George Bernard Burton Sr. age 72 of Moreno Valley, California passed away Thursday, November 24, 2011 at the Loma Linda, Ca.  Veterans Hospital, from a lengthy illness.
He was born September 09, 1939 in Leavenworth, Kansas the son of the late William Henry and Cecile (Holloway) Burton.  
George was a lifelong Leavenworth resident, after graduating from Leavenworth High School; he joined the US Air Force, he was proud to have served his country having served during the Viet Nam War. Retiring with the rank of Master Sergeant, He was a member of the Shrines. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service where he had been a mail carrier. After retiring from the military, he went back to school and obtained a degree in business management.
He loved bowling, swimming, riding his motorcycle, George, was an avid sports fan, he was very athletic, while in high school, he ran track.  He loved the times when he would go fishing and hunting with his sons, and father in law Lester Davis.
He is survived by his children, Veronica Allen (Leavenworth), Anthony (Las Vegas, Nevada), Yvonne Arteaga  (Riverside Ca.), Marcus (Moreno Valley, Ca), Hector (Jr) (Huntsville, Al), Patricia (Moreno Valley), his wife, Clarabelle of the home.  Grandchildren: Kathryn (Atlanta Ga), Anthony Jr. (Nevada), Adonis, Tani, (Riverside, Ca.), Aroura, Candace, (Ga), Emilio, and Desiree of the home.  Sisters: Wilma Goodwin, New Hampshire, Marion (Pud) McReynolds (Long Beach, Ca.) Margie Dallas (Long Beach, Ca. Dorothea Lewis, (Ga), Aunt Barbara Dixson (Leavenworth)and 6 great grand children. And a host of other frends and relatives.
George was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Kathryn Ann Davis (LHS Class of 1957), son George Burton Jr. sisters, Florence Isreal (LHS Class of 1936), Betty Jane Wilson (LHS Class of 1947), brother William H. Burton Jr (LHS Class of 1950).
In accordance with his wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial graveside service will be held at 2:15 P.M. December 16, 2011 at the V A National Cemetery in Leavenworth, Kansas. Pastor Willie Wilson and Pastor Darriel Hoy will officiate.  Repast will be held at Shiloh 7th Day Adventist Church after the graveside.

Billy Martens - LHS Class of 1949

An 81-year-old Leavenworth County man for whom a Silver Alert had been issued early Monday has been found.
At about 6 a.m. Monday, Billy Martens reportedly left his house at 18698 High Prairie Road in a 2010 red four-door Ford Fusion sedan. He reportedly took the car without his wife Lucille’s (Mary Lucille Allen - LHS Class of 1949) knowledge and is not supposed to be driving.
Martens is said to be in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease and might have thought he had a medical appointment at the University of Kansas Medical Center. He was not carrying identification, credit cards or cash.
Leavenworth County Undersheriff Ron Cranor said earlier in the day that once the initial report was filed, Sheriff’s officers began searching a number of possible destinations for Martens and issued the Silver Alert when he was not located at any of them.
He was found before 4 p.m. the same day in Butler County, Neb., roughly 200 miles to the north of Leavenworth.