John F. Swiger, 92, of Coffeyville, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday June 21, 2024, at Coffeyville Regional Medical Center.

He was born on September 15, 1931, in Coffeyville, to John David Swiger and Fern R. (Moore) Swiger.

John attended local schools and graduated from Field Kindley High School in 1950.

Following high school, he entered the US Air Force on November 30, 1950, serving as a Machinist II. While serving, he was awarded several honors. He was honorably discharged on December 16, 1953.

After returning to Coffeyville, John married the love of his life, Shirley Jean Mecum, in March of 1924. Born from that union were his daughter, Gayle, and son, Brian.

He worked for Parkersburg Rig and Reel, and Funk Manufacturing. He retired from Parmac, Inc. in 1992.

John was a member of the First Baptist Church. He was a Mason and a member of the Mirza Shrine. He enjoyed reaching, watching movies - especially westerns - and spending time with his family. He will be missed very much.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, wife Shirley, and brother, Harold Dean Swiger.

John leaves behind his daughter, Gayle (Swiger) Lanning, and his son, Brian Swiger and wife Carol. Granddaughters, Kristin (Lanning) Pippin and husband Rick, and Emily Swiger and fiancée, Ty Goodell. Great granddaughters, Faith Pippin and fiancée, Dillion Fisher, Nora Pippin, and great grandson, Wyatt Pippin.

Visitation will be Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at 9 am, at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel. Services will follow at 10 am. John will be laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery across from the chapel. Memorial contributions may be made payable to Shriners Hospital for Children and may be left in care of the chapel. To leave an online condolence, share a memory, visit www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com

Loved 88 years, Mary Virginia Taylor was born May 28, 1936, in Wichita, Kansas, to Evelyn Lucille Koenig, age 18, and James Owen Taylor, age 19.

Mary, Aka “Aunt Sis”, moved with her parents and brother James to Coffeyville, KS in 1945. After graduation from FKHS in 1954, Mary joined her brother at the University of Oklahoma then transferred to University of Arkansas.

Mary found an adventurous career outside of the home traveling for 3 years as an airline stewardess for Trans World Airlines in Los Angeles, CA. Mary realized her God-given talent as a singer/songwriter and was signed by Capitol Records. Mary entertained troops, touring to Europe and the Far East. She preformed throughout North America and successfully wrote and recorded many songs. Mary was cast as a regular on the hit show “Hee Haw” for several years. There was no denying Mary had a natural talent onstage. She was a fearless funny beauty, preforming live hits and skits on radio and TV.

In 1971, Mary and John Salisbury married and had a son, Michael. Both Mother and Son took the name Taylor upon divorce in 1976. After retiring as a singer, Mary returned home to Coffeyville with her son where she raised him with her loving parents. Together with her Brother, Mary cared for their Mother and Father who lived into their late 90’s.

Through retirement, Sis enjoyed antiquing, family, and travel. Mary was an active member of the Coffeyville community who connected through reading, fashion, movies, card playing, and sharing tasty treats.

Mary was a fantastic and committed daughter, mother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend who lived an exciting and fulfilling life. She will be missed by all who knew her, especially her beloved Son, family and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her Mother, Evelyn Lucille Taylor (96), Father, James Owen Taylor (98), and Brother, James Clinton Taylor, Sr (85).

She is survived by her Son Michael Owen Taylor. Nieces/Nephews Robert Taylor, James Taylor, Jr, Elizabeth Taylor, Greg Taylor & Mary Kai (Eric) Brandenburg; Great Nieces/Nephews Victoria Santagata, Jamie Santagata, Clinton Taylor, Christopher Taylor, Samuel Taylor, Jennifer Taylor (Nenad) Despotovic, James Taylor III, Lucas Taylor, Alexander Brandenburg, and Greyson Brandenburg; Great-Great Nieces/Nephews Kaci Hultz, Karla Hultz, Cannen Farha, Chloe Taylor, Lillian Taylor, Marko Despotovic & Luka Despotovic.

Funeral services will be held at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel in Coffeyville, KS., with public visitation available Friday, June 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Her graveside service will be held Saturday, June 22 at 10 a.m. at Fairview Cemetery with visitation available for the family at 9 a.m.. To leave an online condolence share a memory or view live streaming of services visit  www.fordwulfnrunschapel.com/obituaries.mary-taylor

The family asks that you send flowers and plants if you choose. After the service, they will be delivered to and shared with her friends at Asbury Village.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mary Virginia Taylor, please visit our flower store.

Goodland, Kansas resident and former Coffeyville, Kansas resident, Craig J. Medsker, passed away at his home in Goodland surrounded by his family on Monday, June 17, 2024.  He was 49 years old.

Craig was born in Bartlesville, Oklahoma on August 9, 1974 to Thurman Jerald and Georgia Ann (Adkins) Medsker. He lived in Southeast Kansas growing up, and attended Caney Valley High School in Caney, Kansas where he graduated in 1993. Craig excelled in track and cross-country, going to State Cross Country Meets all four years of High School.  He made All-State his junior year.  He also went to the State Track Meet one year of High School.  He loved to run.  Craig played the drums and trombone during his freshman and sophomore years in school.  As a teenager, he loved cars.  Craig and his dad restored a 1974 Vega, which became his first car.

Craig then went to Ozark Bible College for three years in Joplin, Missouri, and served as a fill-in Pastor in Vera, Oklahoma during his years at Ozark.  In 1997, Craig graduated from Missouri Southern Law Enforcement Academy.  This began an 18 year career in Law Enforcement.

While he was going to school to be a police officer, he served at the Jasper County Jail in Missouri. His first job in Law Enforcement was in Lamar, Missouri.

Craig moved from Missouri to Caney, Kansas, where he worked in the Caney and Coffeyville Police Departments.  He then went to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s office where he helped startup the K9 program, serving with K9 Urk. Craig later moved to Cherryville, Kansas, in 2011 and served as a K9 officer with Quantum, where he met his wife beloved Sarah. They were married on April 21, 2012 in Cherryville, KS.  After their marriage, Craig and Sarah moved to Goodland, Kansas, where he worked for Goodland Police Department and served with K9 Selby. Craig then worked at the Sherman County Sheriff’s office and served as their undersheriff and helped facilitate their new K9 program. In 2015, he ended 22 years of law enforcement service.

Beyond his career in law enforcement, Craig also had a strong affinity for airplanes, contributing to their construction alongside John Topliff in Goodland. In 2016, he began working at the Kyle Railroad where he worked until his passing. This job with Kyle Railroad saw him operating trains between Kansas and Colorado, eventually becoming a skilled train engineer in the latter years of his career, a role he truly cherished.

He loved to travel with his wife Sarah.  That is how they spent most of their time.  They’ve been to both oceans surrounding the continental United States and the Gulf of Mexico multiple times. Their adventures were often accompanied by their cherished companions, a Standard Poodle Hamilton and a Boston Terrier Jackson.  Craig was an avid Oklahoma Sooners fan and loved watching all of the games. He also loved the Buffalo Bills and wished that he could have seen them go to the Super Bowl.

Craig's exuberance for life shone brightly in the eyes of his family and friends. He had a deep passion for traveling, golfing, and cherishing moments with his loved ones, but above all, he adored the company of his friends. As a devoted member of the First Baptist Church in Goodland since 2014, Craig's love for the Lord was evident, having been baptized in water back in 1980 at the Tyro Christian Church in Tyro, KS, where he was also a member.

Craig loved his family, and every holiday he wanted to make sure they got together to cook out, picnic, or make homemade ice cream.  He LOVED ice cream!  Craig's love for animals, the outdoors, and the beauty of God's creation was reflected in every aspect of his life.

Preceding him in death were his grandparents T.J. “Salty” and Marie Medsker and Jack and Mary Adkins, as well as an uncle Kent Medsker.

He is survived by his wife Sarah of the home in Goodland, his parents Jerald and Georgia Medsker of Caney, KS, his children Caleb Medsker of Pittsburg, KS, Abigail Medsker of Olathe, KS and Olivia Medsker of Coffeyville, KS; his mother-in-law Marvelle Ellis of Coffeyville, KS; his sisters Lori (Larry) Carlson of Alexis, IL, Marcy (Donnie) Splechter of Coffeyville, KS; aunt Becky Newsom of Missouri City, TX; uncle and aunt Ronnie (Debbie) Adkins of Saline, MI; great aunt Martha Oneslager of Coffeyville, KS; and a great aunt and uncle Gene (Darlene) Barnes of Joplin, MO.  He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, as well as many wonderful friends.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM MT at Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland, KS.  A second visitation will be held on Friday, June 28, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM CT at the Ford-Wulf-Bruns Funeral Home in Coffeyville, KS where family will be present from 5:00 to 7:00 PM to receive friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 10:00 AM CT at the Westside Christian Church, 402 N. Ohio Street, Coffeyville, KS.  Burial will follow in the Robbins Cemetery near Coffeyville.

Memorial contributions may be made out to the Craig Medsker Memorial Fund and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.

Online condolences to the family may be left at .koonsrussellfuneralhome.c0m

or www.fordwulfbrunschapl.com

Funeral services are under the direction of Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland, KS and Ford-Wulf-Bruns Funeral Home in Coffeyville, KS.

Shirley Jeanne York, 82, of Coffeyville, Ks. Passed away at The Journey Home in Dewey, Oklahoma on June 17^th, 2024.  Shirley was born on March 17^th, 1942, to Roy Pelton Alwood and Pauline Rachael (Boone) Alwood in Coweta, Ok.

Shirley attended Field Kindley High School and was a member of the Class of 1960.  She enjoyed music, playing the drums, piano and bassoon in school bands.  Dancing, especially ballet and tap was another talent Shirley enjoyed, performing in the Field Kindley Cavalcade while in school.  She was also a member of the Field Kindley Drum and Bugle Corp during her high school years.  

Shirley spent over 16 years in service for the Coffeyville school system, 1^st as school secretary at Longfellow School and then receptionist moving up to Title 1 coordinator at the USD445 Board of Education Office.  Moving from the school system, her next employment was secretary of the First Baptist Church in Coffeyville and then retiring from Grace Fellowship as church secretary.

 Shirley was at her best as the “band mom” to all the musicians that congregated at her house.  There was always music and mischief but also love and discipline when these kids made themselves at home.  Always taking them in and making sure they were looked after.

Shirley married her husband of 65 years, Robert Ray York, on January 11^th, 1959, in Miami, Oklahoma. 

Shirley was proceeded in death by her parents, Roy & Pauline Alwood, brothers Robert (Bob) Alwood and Jack Alwood.  Survivors include her husband of the home, daughters Jane Robson of Topeka, Ks., Holly (Jess) Kinder of Centerville, Ks., sons Tom (Karen) York of Wichita Falls, Tx., Robert (Denise) York of Coffeyville, Ks., Steve (Julie) York of Gilmer, Tx. Along with 14 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Stumpff Funeral Home in Bartlesville, Oklahoma is in charge of arrangements.   Remembrances can be left on her memorial page at their website.  According to her wishes Shirley has been cremated and there are no services planned at this time. 

Memorial contributions are encouraged to The Journey Home, 900 NE Washington Blvd, Bartlesville, Ok. 74006

Joan Marie Thomas, age 95 of Dearing, Kansas died June 11, 2024. She was born on a farm in the home of her grandparents in rural Parsons, Kansas on March 3, 1929 to Roy Milton and Gertie Lee (Church) Hull.

Joan attended school in many places, graduating from Cherryvale Kansas High School in 1947, and ERTI Electronics School in 1949. She then worked for Sears in Norfolk, Virginia and later retired from USD 445 School District as an employee at the Dearing Elementary School for 15 years as a Library Aide.

She married Ralph Hubert Thomas on August 8, 1950 in San Fransisco, California. They made their home in Norfolk until Ralph retired from the Navy. They made their home in Dearing, Kansas where they continued to raise their four children. They were married for 52 years.

She is survived by two of her children, Charles (Chuck) Thomas of Independence, KS, and William (Bill) Thomas of Lenexa, KS, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph, son Michael, daughter Margaret, her parents, and two brothers.

Visitation services will be held from 5-7pm on Monday, June 17th, 2024 at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, 2405 Woodland Ave. in Coffeyville. Funeral Services will be at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024 with Pastor Jamie Regis of Dearing Christian Church officiating. Joan will be laid to rest in Robbins Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made payable to the American Diabetes Association and may be left in care of the chapel. To leave an online condolence, share a memory, or view live streaming of his services, visit www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com

Ernest “Wesley” Roecker, 86, passed away on June 3, 2024, at Overland Park Regional Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas.

Wes was the son of Ernest and Eleanore “Jesse” (Merscham)  Roecker. Wes was born on a farm outside of Garnett, KS on February 6, 1938. After he graduated high school, he went to work for the Kansas Department of Transportation and worked for the KDOT for 42 years before retiring in 1999. When his sons were young, he spent many hours coaching summer league baseball. In his spare time, Wes enjoyed watching western movies and sports, reading western novels, fishing, hunting, and wood working.

Wes is survived by his wife Beverly Roecker of Chanute, KS; Children: Allan Roecker of Broken Arrow, OK, Renee Giager of Roland, OK, Rhonda Hunter of Independence, KS, James Roecker Muldrow, OK, Janice Schultz (Jay) of Beaufort, SC, Jason Roecker of Tulsa, OK; Brothers: Eldon Roecker of Baldwin, KS, Robert Roecker of Ottawa, KS. Wes had 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Wes was preceded in death by his father Ernest Henry Roecker, Mother Eleanore “Jesse” Merscham, Sister Dixie Spencer, Son Paul Roecker, Brothers Doyle Roecker, LeRoy Roecker, and Doug Roecker; Grandson John Giager; Great Granddaughter Delylah Harris.

A graveside service will be held at Memorial Park Cemetary on June 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Memorials can be made out to the American Heart Association or The Cancer Society. Memorials can be left with or mailed to the Countryside Funeral Home at 101 N. Highland Street, Chanute, KS 66720.

Bradon Harold Kuehn, age 16 passed away on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at St. Francis Children’s Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Bradon’s parents chose to honor him and his big heart by donating his organs to others in need.

Bradon was born on July 26, 2007, to Brandon Harold and Lura Sue (Hudson) Kuehn n Bartlesville, Oklahoma. He grew up in the South Coffeyville area where also attended school at Oklahoma Union. Bradon’s parents later divorced but the love they shared for their children will forever remain.

Bradon grew up on his family ranch learning about the cattle industry and the value of a hard day's work. He learned how to apply his compassion, responsibility, and discipline to his everyday life. Ranching is a team effort; Bradon was vital to the ranch’s success and never complained about the everyday tasks, knowing that is what it took to be successful. He was the 4th generation rancher of the Rocking K Ranch.

As the youngest brother of 11 siblings, he had the biggest heart. Bradon cared for his friends and family so much that he would often make sure that nobody went without. He was known to make sure his friends always had gas and “eating” money. People tended to gravitate towards his hilarious, kindhearted, and ornery personality including all his friends, nieces, and nephews. He loved to fish, hunt, and camp with his family and friends.

Bradon was an All-American boy and a student at Oklahoma Union Public School. He was highly praised by his teachers and was on the Superintendent's Honor Roll and received Outstanding Attendance awards. From a young age Bradon was an extraordinary athlete starting with T-ball and on to basketball and football. Often, he was described as "a young man with no quit in him.”

4-H and FFA were an enormous part of Bradon’s life. Over the years he showed cattle and hogs, participated in cattle grading, and was a member of the pasture and range team. He won many awards throughout his time in FFA. Bradon spent many hours in shop class building gates or panels, as well.

This would not be complete without talking about his love for chickens. Bradon shared this passion with a couple of his best friends. They spent many hours engaged in the raising, breeding, and production of his game birds. He would get so annoyed if anyone “overfed” them when he was gone. He took great pride in those birds!

Bradon is survived by his parents Brandon and Amber Kuehn, Lura Kuehn, siblings Dylan Hudson (Sara), Dakota Hudson (Lexi), Jimmy Hudson (Cheyenne), Taylor Kuehn (Colton), Robbie Kuehn (Dillon), Kassidy Kuehn, Sean Kuehn, Deja Kuehn, Addie Elms, Colton Elms, Jessica Elms, grandparents Steve Kuehn and Cindy Price, Jim and Patty Hudson, Gwen and Kenny Hales, Robin and Richard Yeubanks and Ronda Knight, aunts and uncles, Stephanie and David Oldham, Dovie Wands, Adam Hudson, Mark Hudson, Carrie Hudson and Kristen Hambleton.  Those who preceded in death are great grandparents and uncle Michael Kuehn, and his cousin Mickey Oldham.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 7, 2024, at Oklahoma Union High School Gymnasium, 13925 ST. HWY 10, South Coffeyville, OK 74072 at 2pm with committal services following at the Veterans Memorial Patio at Fairview Cemetery where he will be laid to rest by his uncle Michael Kuehn, and cousin Mickey Oldham. Visitation will take place at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, 2405 Woodland Ave., Coffeyville, Kansas from 5-7pm on Thursday, June 6, 2024. To leave an online condolence, share a memory or view live streaming of Bradon’s service visit under Bradon’s obituary page at www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com  In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that contributions be made to Oklahoma Union School with the donations having a memo note to split between his sports and the FFA Chapter. Contributions may be left in care of the chapel.

Steven Scott Wilson of Coffeyville, Kansas was called to his heavenly home at age 66 on May 29, 2024, surrounded by family at Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, Arkansas. He ended his 9-year battle against cancer with a spirit of peace and confidence in eternity with the Lord.

Steven was born on October 20, 1957 in Rantoul, Illinois, to loving parents Dick and Barbara (Jay) Wilson.  Steven was drawn to entrepreneurship at a young age, establishing a variety of small businesses. He was known to have sold praying mantis babies to his grade school classmates for a nickel, raised hamsters, started a lawn care company, and had a small hobby business inside his parent’s paint and framing store. He graduated from Field Kindley Memorial High School in 1975 and received an Associate of Arts from Coffeyville Community College in 1977. Steven began working at age 14 as a cook for the Sonic Drive-In in Coffeyville, KS and within just a few years later became a minority general partner/owner-operator. He continued his education at Pittsburg State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in management in 2001. He then worked fifteen years as the assistant manager at Sirloin Stockade. During Steven’s tenure in management, he influenced over a thousand direct employees, who will fondly remember his hardworking, joyful spirit and deep talks about the stock market, budgeting, and faith. Steven ended his professional career at Spears Manufacturing Company in Caney, Kansas.

Steven was a finance enthusiast and an avid bicyclist, completing thirteen FreeWheel Oklahoma tours, traversed the Katy Trail, and spent many hours in the saddle exploring. He enjoyed writing poems and short stories in his free time, some of which won prizes through the Kansas Authors Club. He was most passionate about his love for and knowledge of the Bible, which he studied diligently every day. His life abounded with the fruit of the spirit — everyone he met was touched by his bright smile and hope in Christ.

He is survived by his mother, Barbara Wilson; his sister, Julia Ann Wilson Fathi and husband Mohammad Taghi Fathi; his nephew Esmaeil and wife Erfaneh Sadat, and their son Michael; his brother, Curtis Wilson; his son, Paul, and wife Gayla Wilson; his daughter, Carlita Wilson; his four grandchildren, Ashlyn and Aidan Wilson and Nichole and Nathan Barrett; and countless other loved ones and friends.

Visitation will be Thursday, June 6th from 6-8 p.m. at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, located at 2405 Woodland Ave, Coffeyville, KS 67337.  A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, June 7th at 10:00 a.m. at Bible Baptist Church, located at 701 W. 4th, Coffeyville, KS 67337.  A graveside service will also be held at the Havana Cemetery, located at 650 Cemetery Ave, Havana, KS 67347, immediately following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Living Memorial Gifts be made to Bible Impact Ministries, Inc. – P.O. Box 9 – St. James, MO 65559-0009.  https://bibleimpact.org/dona