Donald E. Schmitz, 95, of Caldwell, Kansas passed peacefully after a short illness on April 2, 2026 at his home with his children at his side.  Donald was born the last child of Peter and Mary Schmitz, at home on their farm 11 miles west of Renfrow, Oklahoma on December 11, 1930.  Don attended Mount Ridge District 17 school where he graduated from the 8 th grade.  He then attended the Wakita, Oklahoma school district for 2 years.  When World War II ended, his dad sent him to

Kent Tom Reed was born on February 1, 1955 in Caldwell, Kansas to Hugh and Betty (Stringer) Reed. On March 13, 2026 he crossed over after a long battle with PKD. He was 71 years young. Tom worked for KDOT until his PKD forced him into retirement. He was known as a hard worker who loved cooking his lunch on the equipment. His hobbies were hunting, fishing and camping. Tom’s greatest joy was taking his dog, Abbie, for rides. He will be greeted by his wife Pam of almost 40 yea

Lance Everett Cochran was born in Enid, OK on May 15, 1974, to James Everett (J.E.) and Deborah Joah (Havens) Cochran and passed from this life in Blackwell, OK, on March 2, 2026. He was raised on the family farm in Northeast Grant County, OK, and attended school at Deer Creek-Lamont through his freshman year of high school.  After the family’s move to Caldwell, KS, in 1989 he completed his last few years of high school in Caldwell, graduating in May of 1992. Following his h

Courtesy Notice Robert "Bob" Leon Houck, age 86, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on February 18, 2026.  His illness came on fast and despite his courageous fight, was just too much for him to overcome.  Bob loved the Lord Jesus and was a man with a big heart. He was nice to everyone, and he often found a way to help others in need. He loved leading the prayer at family gatherings and reunions. Bob was born November 12, 1939, in a farmhouse near Crescent, Oklahom

Leroy Virgil Hovorka, born to Joseph & Alice (Lebeda) Hovorka on August 14, 1933, died on February 10, 2026 in Wellington, Kansas at the age of 92. Leroy married Wilma D. Jelinek on October 12, 1960 at her folk’s home. They had two children, Jennifer Renee and Wesley Alan. Leroy lived with his parents East of Caldwell and went to the Alton School. They then moved West of Caldwell in 1943 and he attended the Belleview School. Leroy graduated from Caldwell High School with t

Leon Francis Fortmeyer, 85 of Medford, Oklahoma, passed away on January 1, 2026, in his lifelong home of pancreatic cancer. Born on March 7, 1940, in Caldwell, KS to Albert and Mary Magdalen Fortmeyer, Leon graduated from Caldwell High School in 1958 and was honorably discharged after serving 6 years in the United States Army Reserves.  Leon worked and lived on the family farm his entire life. He especially enjoyed raising cattle and adored his Siberian husky Rin. In 1977 he

Dennis Joseph Fortmeyer, 80, of Medford, Oklahoma, passed away on January 1, 2026, in his home of cardiac arrhythmia and congestive heart failure.  Born on March 31, 1945, in Enid, Oklahoma to Albert and Mary Magdalen Fortmeyer. Denny completed three years of high school at St. Francis de Sales seminary, his senior year at Caldwell Public HS, graduating in 1963. That was followed with a BS in Elementary Education from St. Mary’s of the Plains in Dodge City, KS  and a master’