For more information, see the Nov. 12 issue of the Labette Avenue. To locate previously posted death notices, enter the decedent’s last name in the archive search box on Labette Avenue’s home page. Labette Avenue publishes death notices free of charge. Paid obituaries ($20) are printed in their entirety in the Labette Avenue and online at taylornews.org.

Craig A. Thomas

CANEY—Craig A. Thomas, 22, of rural Caney, Kan., died Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008, from injuries received in an accident at Jencast in South Coffeyville.

Services were held Monday, Nov. 3, at the Westside Christian Church in Coffeyville with Pastor Mike Elrod and Pastor Kevin Mote officiating. Burial followed in Fairview Cemetery in Coffeyville.

David W. Barnes Funeral Home of Coffeyville was in charge of arrangements.

Craig was born March 14, 1986, at Joplin, Mo., to Wayne and Penny (Ludwig) Thomas. He grew up in the Altamont area, where he attended elementary school, before moving to Richmond, Va., where he graduated from high school. He returned to the Coffeyville area in August of this year.

Craig was employed at Jencast in South Coffeyville, Okla., and was a member of the U.S. Marine Reserves. In his free time, he enjoyed working with horses and fishing.

Survivors include his mother, Penny Ludwig of rural Caney; his father and stepmother, Wayne and Julie Thomas of Richmond, Va.; one sister, Tara Thomas of Copan, Okla.; and his paternal grandparents, Charlie and Erma Thomas of Altamont.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Ira and Vona Ludwig.

Donna Rose Snowden

ALTAMONT—Donna Rose Snowden, 68, of Altamont, Kan., passed away at her home, early Saturday morning, Nov. 8, 2008. Her death was unexpected.

Graveside memorial services were held Wednesday, Nov. 12, at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Altamont. Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association. These may be left at or mailed to the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 325, Altamont, KS 67330.

Donna was born Feb. 14, 1940, at Yates Center, Kan., to Philip and Maxine (Hartwell) McCrary. She grew up and attended school in Altamont and graduated from the Labette County High School there. In the 1980s, she moved to Grove, Okla., where she lived until returning to Altamont two years ago.

She enjoyed selling items on Ebay. She also enjoyed traveling, going to flea markets and walking her dog.

She is survived by her companion, Raymond Baker, Sr., of the home; two sons, Pat Foster and wife Betsy, Mustang, Okla., and Kenny Foster, Parsons; one daughter, Denise Aunko and husband Derek, Mustang, Okla.; three grandchildren, Joshua Gwillim, Tyler Gwillim and Bailey Jo Foster; two sisters, Phyllis Brown, Yukon, Okla., and Janet Hinman, Parsons.

June Marie McConnell

OSWEGO—June Marie McConnell, 76, of Oswego, Kan., passed away suddenly at her home, Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008.

Funeral services were held Sunday, Nov. 9, in the Murdock Chapel with Richard Stapleton officiating. Interment was in the Mitchell Cemetery, Oswego.

Memorials may be made to the Mitchell Cemetery or Senior Citizens Center with the funeral home serving as custodian.

June was born May 22, 1932 in Parsons, Kan., the daughter of Edward and Opal Kelly Passwater. She graduated from Cherryvale High School in 1950 and then married Robert L. McConnell on May 28, 1950, in the Methodist Church in Parsons. The couple lived in the Big Hill Lake area before moving to Oswego in 1974.

She worked at the Parsons Ammunition Plant, retiring in 1995, and then worked for USD 504 as a cook until last year. June was a member of the VFW Women’s Auxiliary and enjoyed quilting, camping, fishing, gardening and cooking. June was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who loved spending time with her grandchildren.

June was preceded in death by a daughter, Debra, her parents, a brother and a sister.

She is survived by her husband Bob of the home; two sons, Ron McConnell of Plumerville, Ark.; and David McConnell and wife Diane of Parsons; four grandchildren, Melissa Murray and husband Jon; Travis McConnell and wife Karla; Matthew McConnell; Jessica Adams and husband Jason; four great-grandchildren, Kane and Noah Murray; Jackson and Joshua Adams; one sister, Crystal Harper and husband J.D. of Cherryvale; one brother, Lee Passwater and wife Liz of Parsons; and her beloved dog “Mitzie.”

Eugene (Sonny) Arthur Shields

RENO, Nev.—Eugene (Sonny) Arthur Shields, 83, of Reno, Nev., died Nov. 4, 2008. He had been in failing health.

Funeral services were held at the Walton Funeral Home, 875 West 2nd St., Reno. Friends may send condolences online at waltons.lifefiles.com/registry.php.

Memorials may be made in his name to the Alzheimer’s Association of Northern Nevada, 705 South Wells Avenue, Reno, NV 89502.

Sonny was born Feb. 13, 1925, in Chetopa, Kan., to Frank Albert Shields and Adelia Mae (Williams) Shields. As a young man, he grew up and attended schools in Chetopa. In 1941, he moved with his family to Susanville, Calif. He served in the Pacific in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Upon returning home, Sonny worked as a brake man for the Southern Pacific Railroad and later as a conductor until his retirement. He was a member of the Sparks United Methodist Church for the past 56 years.

On Dec. 11, 1948, Sonny and Betty Jean Maxie were married in Reno. She survives of the home. Other survivors include two daughters, Sanja Shields, and Debra Meizel and husband Michael; two granddaughters and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his youngest sister, Dixie Garrett, and his brother-in-law, Bob, of Altamont, Kan., along with many other nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his sisters, Helen Terrill and husband Lee, Evadna Clary and husband Harry, Marlene Ellena and husband Fred; his brother, Frank Benjamin Shields, Jr., nephew Layne Shields and great-niece Renee West.

Daphne Mae Cave

PARSONS—Daphne Mae Cave, 70, of Parsons, Kan., died at 2:30 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008, at her home. She had been in her usual health, and death was not expected.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 13, at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. Burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Altamont. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the Ideal Home Extension Unit. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

Daphne was born Nov. 16, 1937, at Mercy Hospital in Parsons, Kan., to Lloyd and Hope (Newell) Bennett. As a young girl, she grew up in the rural Altamont area where she attended Newell Rural School, Ellis Grade School, and was a 1955 graduate of Labette County Community High School in Altamont. She lived her adult life in Parsons where she worked as head-cashier at Don Divine’s Restaurant, and also at Charles Prescription Shop for several years.

She was a member of the Altamont Methodist Church, a charter member of FCE Ideal Home Extension Unit, and the S.E.K. Old Time Gas Engine and Tractor Club.

In previous years, she was active in planning her class reunions and enjoyed attending alumni banquets.

On June 12, 1955, she and Howard B. Cave were married in Altamont, at the Altamont Methodist Church. He preceded her in death April 17, 2007. She lived her life for and through her children.

Those surviving are one son, Darrell Cave, Parsons; one daughter, Michele Cave, Parsons; one sister, Ardith Holmes, Altamont; three nephews, Stan Holmes, Tony Holmes and Jeff Holmes; five great nieces and nephews; two step great nephews and three great-great-nieces.

Kristy Lynn Casteel

PARSONS—Kristy Lynn Casteel, 25, of Parsons, Kan., died Monday, Nov. 3, 2008, at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas, following a courageous battle with cystic fibrosis.

Following cremation, a memorial service will be held at 4 p.m., Friday, Nov. 7, at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Parsons. Burial will be at a future date in Oswego Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to St. John’s Episcopal Church. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

Melvin M. Banzet

COFFEYVILLE—Melvin M. Banzet, 83, of Coffeyville, Kan., died Friday, Oct. 24, 2008, at Coffeyville Regional Medical Center.

A memorial services will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 8, at the First United Methodist Church in Coffeyville.

The family suggests memorials to the American Heart Association; contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed c/o David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 N. Kline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.

David W. Barnes Funeral Home of Coffeyville is in charge of arrangements.

Gary L. Rich

PARSONS—Gary L. Rich, 66, of Parsons, Kan., died Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008, at Elmhaven West.

No services are scheduled at this time. Following cremation, burial will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Carson-Wall Funeral Home.

Shannon Ward

PARSONS—Shannon Ward, 39, of Parsons, Kan., died Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008, on her 39th birthday at her home.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, at Carson-Wall Funeral Home with Pastor Dick Drumeller officiating. Burial will follow in the Memorial Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after noon Thursday.

Memorials are suggested to the Ward Children Scholarship Fund and may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, 112 N. 26th St., P.O. Box 942, Parsons, 67357.

Opalee Bush

PARSONS—Opalee Bush, 78, of Parsons, Kan., died Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008, at her home. She had been in failing health.

A graveside service will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, at McCune Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home.

Memorials are suggested to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice and may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, 67357.

Lola M. Wade

PARSONS—Lola M. Wade, 87, of Parsons, Kan., died Thursday morning, Nov. 6, 2008. at Woodridge Estates in Parsons.

The service will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, in the Assembly of God Church in Caney. Burial will be in the Havana Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Assembly of God Church in Caney.

Memorials are suggested to the Havana Volunteer Fire Department and may be left with the funeral home or mailed c/o David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, 67337.

Lawrence Harold Gray

ALTAMONT—Lawrence “Harold” Gray, 88, of Altamont, Kan., died Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008, at the Parsons Presbyterian Manor.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 13, at the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Altamont. Burial will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after noon on Wednesday.

Memorials are suggested to the Altamont United Methodist Church. These may be left at or mailed to the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 325, Altamont, KS 67330.

Marie Emerick

PARSONS–Marie Emerick, 85, of Parsons, Kan., died Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008, at Elmhaven East nursing home in Parsons.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Monday at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. Burial will be in Mound Valley Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 3 to 4 p.m., Sunday, at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to Elmhaven East nursing home and may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

DeArthur Pierce

PARSONS—DeArthur Pierce, 69, of Parsons, Kan., died Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008, at Labette Health in Parsons.

Complete obituary details and funeral arrangements will be announced by Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons.

Sharon K. Johnson

PARSONS–Sharon K. Johnson, 69, of Parsons, Kan., died Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008, at the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences Center in Little Rock, Ark.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at First Christian Church in Parsons. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Carson-Wall Funeral Home from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday.

Memorials are suggested to the Labette Health Foundation and my be left at or mailed to the funeral home, 112 N. 26th St., P.O. Box 942, Parsons, 67357.

William Albert Huls

WELCH, Okla.–William Albert Huls, 67, of Welch, Okla.,, passed away Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008.

Services will be at 2 p.m., Friday at Paul Thomas Funeral Home, Miami, Okla. Burial will be in G.A.R. Cemetery, Miami. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Leota Loy Huls

WELCH, Okla.–Leota Loy Huls, 66, of Welch, Okla., passed away Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Paul Thomas Funeral Home, Miami, Okla. Burial will be in G.A.R. Cemetery, Miami. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.