Everything Erie Kansas

01/19/2026

GERALD J. "JERRY" VAN LEEUWEN

Gerald J. “Jerry” Van Leeuwen, age 95, passed away on January 16, 2026, at Labette Health in Parsons, Kansas.

Jerry was born and raised on a farm near Walnut, Kansas and devoted his life to farming and stockmanship, a vocation he pursued with pride, integrity, and hard work. Jerry graduated from St. Paul High School in 1949. He served his country in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955, stationed in Baumholder, Germany. He later attended Labette College in Parsons, Kansas.

On October 22, 1955, Jerry married Dorothy Little at St. Patrick’s Church in Walnut, Kansas. Together they shared over seventy years of marriage, recently celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary.

Jerry was an active and dedicated member of his community. He belonged to the Walnut Ruritan, the American Legion, and served his church as a lector, religion teacher, Eucharistic minister and marriage encounter advisor. He was also a longtime member of the Neosho County Farm Bureau, serving as its president from 1982 to 1983. Jerry and Dorothy received the Kansas Farm Bureau Century Farm Award in 2003.

In 2015, Jerry was honored to travel to Washington, D.C., with the Kansas Honor Flight, accompanied by his oldest child, Linda Rice, an experience he deeply cherished. Jerry enjoyed his visits at the local coffee shops with friends and strangers alike. He will be remembered for his steadfast faith, service to others, love of the land, and devotion to his family.

Survivors include his wife Dorothy of the home, children Linda (John) Rice, Mark (Debbie) Van Leeuwen, Loretta Buchanan, Phil (Elizabeth) Van Leeuwen, Karla (Greg) LaForge, Jeri (late Brady) Stout. Ten grandchildren, four great grandchildren and one on the way. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Ruth (Mudd) Van Leeuwen, five brothers and five sisters.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, January 23, 2026, at the former St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Walnut with Father Matthew Davied celebrating. Burial will follow in the St. Francis Cemetery in St. Paul with military honors conducted by the Brown-Bishop Post No. 704 VFW. The rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m., Thursday evening, at the church in Walnut. The family will receive friends at the parish hall following the Rosary. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the Kansas Honor Flight or to the St. Patrick’s Cemetery Fund at Walnut, and these may be left in care of Carson-Wall Funeral Home, 112 N. 26th St., P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357. Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.

01/16/2026

The newspaper is arriving late this week. While returning from the printing press in Ponca City en route to Independence, the van driver was in a "bad auto accident" around Ark City. He is currently hospitalized and the company is currently trying to locate where the transport van was delivered. I was informed at approx. 9:30 p.m., Thursday. The hope is that I can pick up The Records on Friday, but, obviously, the newspaper will not be delivered on time this week. Apologies.

Eddie

01/09/2026

CLARA MAE MITCHELL

Clara Mae (Mitchell) Jackson, age 96, died Friday, January 2nd at her home in Bella Vista, Arkansas. She was the middle child of seven children born to George and Bertha Mitchell of rural Walnut, Kansas. Clara grew up on her parents farm, she walked a mile to attend a one room country grade school and graduated from Walnut High School Walnut, Kansas in 1946.

After graduating, she left the farm and went to Kansas City in search of a job. She worked at several places before settling for Taystee Bread at 2401 Burlington, North Kansas City. Taystee Bread was a part of the American Bread Company. Clara worked there until she retired in 1968.

She married Edward Dale Jackson on June 2, 1950. They lived in Kansas City North until moving to Bella Vista in 1968. Clara liked to stay busy, she continued to work after moving to Bella Vista, finding time to grow flowers and a garden. She especially enjoyed volunteering at Helping Hands, where she enjoyed the friendship of other volunteers.

Clara Jackson is survived by a son, Michael D. Jackson (Shannon) of Bella Vista; three grandsons, Christopher Thomas (Cassandra) of Lake of the Ozark; Brandon Jackson, Goodman, Missouri; Michael A. Jackson of Lake of the Ozarks; five great-grandchildren; a sister, Dorothy Ricketts, Erie, Kansas, many nieces and nephews, all of whom will miss her greatly!

Preceding her in death - besides her parents; her husband Edward Dale Jackson and a son, Mark Jackson of Bella Vista, Arkansas; three Brothers; John Mitchell of Chanute, Kansas, Donald Mitchell of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, and Wm (Bill) Mitchell of Kansas City; two sisters; Imogene Hays of Oklahoma City and Marion Lowe of Girard, Kansas.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for later. Burial of her ashes will be in the Walnut Cemetery,
Walnut, Kansas.

12/22/2025

MICHAEL N. VOGEL

Michael N. Vogel, of Parsons, Kansas, passed away on December 9, 2025, at the age of 71. He was born on November 10, 1954, in Parsons, Kansas, to Norbert O. Vogel and Evelyn A. (Mueller) Vogel. Mike was a graduate of Erie High School and spent most of his life in Parsons, a community he loved and called home. He was known by family and friends as a hardworking, sports-loving, devoted man who took pride in providing for those he loved. After retiring from Tank Connections, Mike continued to do what he enjoyed most, watching sports and working on his farm.

He is survived by his siblings: Roger Vogel of Pittsburg, Kansas; Donna Goeglein of Kansas City, Missouri; and Beverly Vogel of Peculiar, Missouri. Mike is also survived by his sons, Aaron Vogel and his wife Zoe of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and Brandon Vogel and his wife Heather of Galesburg, Kansas. A nephew, David Goeglein, his wife Amber and sons, Hayden and Clayton. He was a proud grandfather to Rebecca, Ariana, Devin, Caleb, and Sophia.

Mike will be remembered for his strength and dedication to his family, and the values he lived by. His memory will live on through those who loved him and the many moments they shared.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Countryside Funeral Home. Burial will be Oakwood Cemetery in Parsons with his parents. Celebration of Life will take place on January 3, 2026, from 2-4pm at Play the 19th Hole in Galesburg, Kansas. Condolences may be left with Aaron or Brandon.

12/15/2025

MAJOR DONATION BEFORE CHRISTMAS

During Pete’s Corp.’s annual meeting and awards presentation at the Parsons Conference Center in Parsons, Wednesday, Dec. 10, a check presentation for $100,000 was donated to CASA.

12/12/2025

Rudolph and the other reindeer were not available Wednesday during the nearly annual Erie Christmas Parade, but Santa Claus might have had something better available - a local sleigh driver named Lew Heady. The “sleigh” for the parade this year is a 1930 Ford Model A owned by Heady. This particular vehicle generates around 40 horsepower, and 40 HP is more than Santa’s most popular sleigh of 9 reindeer power.

12/10/2025

DIANE MARIE DAVIS

Diane Marie Davis, 65, passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 surrounded by her family. She was born May 16, 1960, to Paul and Florence Eloise Beard in Parsons, KS.

Diane worked in the aerospace manufacturing industry for 40 years.

Diane loved traveling, spending time with her family, working on
puzzles, and doing embroidery work. She also had 2 dogs that were like her children.

Diane is survived by her children, Brandi Rex, Samantha Haynes, and Zachary Rohler; grandchildren, Kameron Turner, Jillian Church, Tyler Fraley, and Ashton Fraley; sisters, Lisa Beck, Natalie (Jim) Dent, and several nieces and nephews.

Diane was a friend to many, an amazing sister, a person that wanted to help when needed. She was a fighter for her life.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Hobart and Juanita Beard, Lawrence and Mary Shaffer; parents, Paul and Eloise Beard; brother-in-law, Richard Beck; nephews, Dustin Reissig and Jason Allen.

A Celebration of life is 2:00 PM Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Smith Family Mortuary, 1415 N. Rock Road, Derby, KS 67037.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Victory in the Valley, 3755 E. Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67218.

12/04/2025

SHELLIE L. BAUER

Shellie L. Bauer, 59, of Erie, died at 10:41 A.M., Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at Labette Health.

She was born August 28, 1966 at Independence, a daughter of David Keith and Betty Lou (Riedle) Queen. She grew up and attended school at Parsons, graduating from the Parsons High School with the Class of 1984. She was employed at the Travel Plaza and later worked in food service for U.S.D. 101. She was currently a homemaker.

On April 21, 2018 she and Brad Bauer were united in marriage at Burlington. He survives of the home.

She loved to bake and spending time with her grandchildren and other family members. In addition to her husband, survivors include:

One son – Keith L. Yarnell, Erie

One daughter – Gloria L. Schoenhofer, and her husband, Chris, St. Paul

Four grandchildren – Kynlee Yarnell, Erie

Marshall Schoenhofer, St. Paul

Natalie Schoenhofer, St. Paul

Cainen Yarnell, Edna

Two sisters – Ineva Fitzgerald, and her husband, Mark, Parsons

Theresa Nye, and her husband, Steve, Parsons

Several nieces and nephews

She was preceded in death by her parents and a son – Daniel “Danny” Yarnell on September 2, 2019.

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to defray expenses and checks can be made payable to the Pierce-Carson-Wall Funeral Home. These may be mailed to the funeral home, P.O. Box 182, Erie, KS. Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.

12/04/2025

12/04/2025

Richwines Shine Despite Poor Weather at Half Marathon

Despite less than stellar weather conditions, Holly Richwine and Allison Richwine made the most of the 2025 Route 66 Race Across Kansas Half Marathon Nov. 29. Holly finished the race in 2:03.56, placing second, and Allison finished the race in 2:24.52, placing third in their age group.

The race runs along the entire historic Route 66 in Kansas, from the Missouri border to the Oklahoma border. The race starts at the state line in Galena and ended at the Karnes Pro Tire shop at the Kansas-Oklahoma state line.

12/01/2025

BOYS STATE OF KANSAS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

The American Legion Boys State of Kansas is accepting applications for its 2026 session. The event is set to be held Sunday, May 31, through Saturday, June 6, at Kansas State University in Manhattan. This will be the program’s 34th consecutive session at KSU and 88th overall.Traditionally, Kansas Boys State has been for individuals who will complete their junior year of high school in the spring just prior to the start of each session.

However, the ALBSK program will again expand the pool of applicants for this year’s session to also include those who will complete their sophomore year of high school this spring.The American Legion Boys State of Kansas program provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community, state and nation.

Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government, and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.

The cost to attend the Boys State of Kansas program is $375; however, in many instances, sponsors pay the majority of the fees, with the delegate or his family paying $50. Those wishing to attend the 2026 session should visit ksbstate.org to apply. The deadline to apply for the 2026 program is Thursday, April 30; applications are accepted after that date, but on a space-available basis. In addition, those who register by Saturday, Jan. 31, will receive a KBS sweatshirt or polo.

Furthermore, delegates who are returning for a second year have the opportunity to attend the 2026 session for just $50 total, provided they get at least three people from their school (or another school) to attend.Kansas Boys State attendees are eligible to receive a three-hour course credit (Introduction to Political Science [POLSC 110-C]) through Kansas State University at a 72% discount, as well as earn merit badges to attain the Eagle Scout rank through Boy Scouts of America. Additionally, attendees can apply to win a Samsung American Legion Scholarship.

The American Legion Department of Kansas finalist is guaranteed a $1,250 scholarship, with the opportunity to receive up to $10,000 as a national scholar.Potential sponsors, such as American Legion posts, civic organizations, businesses, clubs and interested individuals should visit ksbstate.org/sponsor. Questions? Contact the ALBSK at [email protected] or (785) 550-6492. For complete information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas program, visit ksbstate.org.

For information about the 2026 American Legion Auxiliary Sunflower Girls State, which will be held Sunday, May 31, through Friday, June 5, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, visit ksgirlsstate.org.The American Legion Boys State of Kansas is an interactive simulation that teaches high school seniors-to-be the value of democracy and civic duty. Participants form mock governments and campaign for positions at the city, county and state levels.

After the elections, participants find out firsthand the difficult decisions made daily by those in government through a series of challenging simulations. Delegates, nominated to attend by their high school counselors and other influential people in their lives, are sponsored by American Legion posts and various civic organizations from across the state. All delegates demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities in student government, athletics and/or other activities.

The Boys State program was founded by Legionnaires Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card in Illinois in 1935, and was first held in Kansas two years later in Wichita. The Kansas program moved to the University of Kansas in Lawrence in 1963 and remained there until 1991. The following year, it moved to its current location at Kansas State University in Manhattan.

For more information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, visit ksbstate.org.

12/01/2025

EES STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

November Students of the Month.

Pre K: Waylon Weber
Kindergarten: Olivia Jackson
1st Grade: Rhett Yarnell
2nd Grade: Rhyder Lahey
3rd Grade: Natalie Lacen
4th Grade: Marshall Schoenhofer