Donald R. Glahn - July 8th, 1934 to January 28th, 2019
Edward E. Ediger - December 6, 1949 to March 1, 2018
Archie Smith - February 2, 1937 to September 2, 2014
Hugh Billhimer - August 17, 1931 - September 28, 2013
Tom Hunter - March 30, 1947 - January 28, 2010
Greg Willard - April 13, 1957 to April 2nd, 2009
John Watkins - Sept. 29th, 1943 to April 4th, 2008
Fred Officer - October 27, 1918 to October 15th, 2006
Donald R. Glahn - July 8th, 1934 to January 28th, 2019
Donald R. Glahn, 84, of McPherson, KS, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 28, 2019, at The Cedars, McPherson. He was a retired computer programmer for Farmer’s Alliance Insurance Co., where he had worked for 37 years.
Don was born on July 8, 1934, in McPherson, KS, the son of Henry and Gladys (Vermillion) Glahn. He graduated from Roxbury High School in 1952. He also graduated from Central College and McPherson College. Don was united in marriage to Christine “Chris” J. Bergstrom on January 24, 1959, in Salina, KS. They just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church where he was a member of United Methodist Men, sang in the church choir, and taught Happy Notes Sunday School Class for over 25 years. He was also a member of Jaycee’s and the McPherson Optimist Club. He was a former Scout Master of Troop #117.
Survivors include: his wife, Christine “Chris” Glahn of the home; daughter, Cheryl Lundberg (Kevin) of Spring Hill, KS; son, Stephen Glahn (Michelle) of Marion, KS; four grandchildren, April Milchesky (Chris) of Yukon, OK, Donald Tysdal of Moore, OK, Timothy Glahn (Heather) of McLouth, KS, and Janet Klenda (Brian) of Hillsboro, KS; and 12 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Dean Glahn, and sister, Glenna Olson.
Edward E. Ediger - December 6, 1949 to March 1, 2018
Edward E. "Popie" Ediger, 68, of McPherson, Kansas, passed away at 8:40 p.m., Thursday, March 1st, 2018 surrounded by his family, at McPherson Hospital.
Edward was born in Hutchinson, Kansas on December 6, 1949 a son of Vietta June (Stewart) and Sam N. Ediger.
Ed attended elementary school and junior high in western Kansas, then attended and graduated from McPherson High School in 1967; graduated from Emporia State Teachers College in December of 1975 and then attended the Mortuary Science School at Kansas City, Kansas Community Junior College where he received a degree in Mortuary Science in December of 1976.
He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in McPherson, Kansas.
Ed served as a SeaBee, UT2 in the U.S. Navy in the Vietnam War.
Through the years Ed worked as a Funeral Director/Embalmer and later as a co-owner at Glidden-Ediger Funeral Home McPherson, Kansas since 1975
Ed was a member of the American Legion Post No. 24, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 2715, Optimist Club, McPherson Shrine Club, McPherson Chamber of Commerce, all of McPherson; ISIS Shrine, Salina, Kansas; Kansas York Rite Bodies.
Ed Ediger was united in marriage to Jeanne Glidden on January 2, 1972 in McPherson, Kansas.
Surviving members of his family include his wife Jeanne Ediger, of McPherson, Kansas: His three sons, daughter-in-laws and grandchildren, Josh and Teri Ediger and their children Collin Reed, Addison Lynn, and Britton Ann, of Baldwin City, Kansas. Beau Ediger and his children, Braeden Nick, Landen James, and Sophia Lynn, of McPherson Kansas. Sam and Sarah Ediger and their children Logan Edward, Laeton Lee and Lawson Sammie Dale of McPherson Kansas; other relatives and a host of friends.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents.
A private family burial was held at the McPherson, Cemetery, McPherson, Kansas.
Archie Smith - February 2, 1937 to September 2, 2014
Arthur Glen “Archie” Smith, 77, of McPherson, passed away Tuesday, September 2, 2014, surrounded by his family at Angel Arms in McPherson. He had been a McPherson resident since 2004, moving from Liberty, Missouri.
Archie had a series of jobs over the years including lifeguard, policeman, and working for Mary Carter Paints and Fleischman’s clothing in North Carolina. After moving to Excelsior Springs, MO, he worked for Kroger, A & G Grocery and for several car dealerships including Dixon Ford and Bill Allen Chevrolet. He eventually owned and operated his own dealership, Archie’s Auto Sales in Liberty, MO, before retiring in 2002.
He was born February 2, 1937, in Kansas City, KS, the son of Joseph C. and Margie (Hurd) Smith. He graduated from Clinton High School in Clinton, NC and attended Campbell College in Buies Creek, NC.
Archie was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps serving, during the Korean War from 1954 to 1957, attaining the rank of Sergeant (E-4) before his Honorable Discharge. Shortly after leaving the Marine Corps, Archie married Margaret J. Malpass on June 20, 1957 at Dillon, SC.
Archie was a member of First United Methodist Church, American Legion Post #24, Lions Club, Optimist Club, and the Turkey Creek Golf Senior Group.
Survivors include: his wife, Margaret of the home; two daughters, Glenda Sims and husband, Kenny, of McPherson and Marla Stone of McPherson (fiancé, Jeff Jones); four grandchildren, Jennifer Fiedler (Dylan) of McPherson, Jamie Cooke (Luke) of McPherson, Carlee Stone of McPherson and Carson Stone of McPherson; seven great-grandchildren, Trey Fiedler, Cooper Fiedler, Mackee Cooke, Mylee Cooke, Mayzee Cooke, Avi Cooke and Kaylee Brown; a half-brother, Howell Henderson (Debbie) of Webb City, MO; and an aunt, Lucille (Hurd) Collins of McPherson.
He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph, his mother, Margie Henderson, a son, Arthur Glen Smith, Jr., and a sister, Mary Cantrell.
Hugh Billhimer - August 17, 1931 - September 28, 2013
Hugh Nelson Billhimer was born on August 17, 1931 and raised on Massanutten Mountain above the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. The youngest of ten sons and four daughters born to William Henry and Willie Josephine (Walton) Billhimer, his sister Sis wished so much for a little sister that when he was a baby she dressed him in dresses.
As Hugh grew he was well cared for by his many older siblings and by his mom who often introduced him as 'the baby' even when he was an adult. As a child Hugh walked to school barefoot, didn't have inside plumbing and when he got in trouble at school not only got punished by the teacher but knew when he got home he'd also have to pick a switch from the switchbush. Christmas was a special time for Hugh starting when he was young and his only gift might be an orange. Hugh often said that they didn't have much but they never went hungry because they had their garden and reserves for the winter.
Hugh attended church and participated in Vacation Bible School as a child. He loved to be with his friends and play games and climb things and take chances jumping from dangerous heights. He also loved baseball and as a young person dreamed of one day being a professional baseball player. Hugh's love for sports grew to not only include baseball but track. As he entered High School he expanded his interests to acting in school plays and being an active part of the Cedar Run Church of Brethren Youth Group where he first learned to sing tenor. Hugh also served as treasurer for his senior class at Broadway High School. Starting around 9th grade Hugh began his first job when the Spitzers invited him to live and work with them on their farm. Mrs. Spitzer was a great cook and served generous portions. Hugh particularly loved her pies. This was a very special part of Hugh's life and why he would often say, "I'm just a simple farm boy."
In 1951 Hugh and his brother Ray enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where Hugh served as an Electrician's Mate Petty Officer Second Class on aircraft carriers during the Korean Conflict. After his discharge in 1955, his brother George encouraged him to attend Coyne Electrical School in Chicago. One night in 1956 Hugh went to a dance at the YMCA and asked an attractive young woman to join him on the floor; they danced together the rest of the evening. On November 29, 1957 the two were married in Kay Brunell's home town in New York state.
As a young couple Hugh and Kay moved to Harrisonburg, VA where they had their first daughter Leslie Ann in 1960. That same year they moved to Broadway, VA where Hugh opened Hugh's TV and Radio Service and in 1962 Helen Louise was born. Hugh and Kay moved to Buffalo, NY in 1965 where he and their oldest daughter started school the same year, one in college and the other in kindergarten. In 1968 Hugh graduated from Buffalo State Teachers College and later that same year Kay gave birth to their third daughter Amy Lynn.
Hugh then taught Industrial Arts in West Seneca, NY and electronics in Waynesburg, PA until 1973 when he was hired as an electronics instructor at the new Charlottesville/Albemarle Technical Education Center (CATEC) in Virginia, where he taught juniors and seniors from local high schools. Hugh loved working at CATEC and was a very important part of the faculty. He and his good friend and fellow teacher Jess Mills had a way of making work fun and everyone there enjoyed their positive spirit. Hugh's students, who often called him Mr. B, described him as an enthusiastic and kind man who had a very positive influence in their lives. After raising three girls, Hugh was glad to host foreign exchange students, and had been especially happy that Tri-Cuong Vu has remained part of the family. Hugh retired from teaching in 1996 and he and Kay spent a year serving in Brethren Volunteer Service where he learned to play the guitar at Gould Farm (MA).
n 1997, Hugh and Kay moved to McPherson, Kansas and soon joined the Monitor Church of the Brethren where Hugh served as a deacon, sang in the choir, participated in Vacation Bible School, and taught Sunday school. He was one of the founders of Guitar's Etc., and loved organizing groups to play at local nursing homes. He was also active in the Optimist Club, performed in plays, and participated in various exercise groups. No matter what Hugh did, he enthusiastically encouraged everyone – no matter how old or young - to join in.
Hugh was comfortable in the kitchen and loved to make things like pie and then share them with others. He was the chef and clean-up crew of the family's Sunday Night Cheese Popcorn tradition and had perfected the timing and the ratio of cheese to popcorn. He also invented drinks made of things like iced tea, lemonade and Tang to go with the popcorn. Hugh liked to keep things such as lists of songs, photos, and ticket stubs to help him remember the events of his life and even referred to himself as a pack rat.
Hugh was a loving husband, brother, father, father-in-law, uncle and grandfather. He is survived by his wife Kay; three daughters, Leslie Frye (Jonathan) of McPherson, KS, Helen Billhimer (Hugh Peterson) of Carson City, NV, and Amy Haddock (Greg) of Maryville, MO; three brothers, George Billhimer (Wilda) of Elkton, VA, Roy Billhimer (Charlotte) of Broadway, VA and Ray Billhimer (Phyllis) of Broadway, VA; a sister, Sis Hartless of Lexington, VA; four grandchildren, Jamie Frye Makatche (John), Cindy Haddock, Tyler Nelson Haddock, and Jake Frye; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and nine brothers and sisters.
Tom Hunter - March 30, 1947 - January 28, 2010
Thomas W. "Tom" Hunter, 62, of McPherson, passed away at his home on Thursday, January 28, 2010. Tom was born on March 30, 1947, in Oberlin, Kansas, the son of Wilbur Eugene and Gladis (Joy) Hunter. Tom was a graduate of K January 28, 2010 ansas State University and Rockhurst University. On August 30, 1969, he was united in marriage to Sharyl Mount. They divorced. On May 17, 2001, he was united in marriage to Beverly Ingmire.
Tom worked at the NCRA Refinery as the Crude Supply Manager for 11 years.
Tom was a member of the Liberty United Methodist Church (Liberty, MO), attended First Presbyterian Church (McPherson), member of the McPherson Optimist Club, served on the board for The Cedars (McPherson), Delta Chi (Kansas State University), and was active in the Agriculture Future of America Program.
His survivors include: his wife, Beverly, of the home; daughters, Allison Christian (Brian) of Liberty, MO, Amy Hunter of Mission, KS, and Kelli Ingmire of Gardner, KS; two grandchildren, Abigail & Emma Christian of Liberty, MO; sisters, Lynne Flanders (Lloyd Trauer) of Overland Park, KS and Janet Woerner (Harold Stonehouse) of Yacaipa, CA; two nieces; and one nephew. Tom was preceded in death by his parents.
Greg Willard - April 13, 1957 to April 2nd, 2009
Mr. Gregory George 'Greg' Willard, 51, of Galva, Kansas, passed away at 4:12 a.m., Thursday, April 2nd, 2009 unexpectedly at Memorial Hospital, McPherson, Kansas. Gregory George “Greg” Willard, the son of George Washington and Roberta Jean (McGuire) Willard, was born April 13, 1957 at McPherson, Kansas. He was one of two children born to this union, one son and one daughter: Greg and Julia.
Greg attended the First Christian Church with his parents and became a life long member. He attended the McPherson Grade Schools, McPherson Junior High and graduated from McPherson High School, McPherson, Kansas in 1975. Greg then attended Beloit Vo Tech, Beloit, Kansas.
Greg was a certified Gemologist through the Gemology Institute of America. Greg was united in marriage to Janis Uhrig on June 14, 1980 in McPherson, Kansas. This union was blessed with the birth of two children, a daughter and son: Jennifer and David.
Through the years Greg worked for his parents at Brunk Jewelers, was a fireman for the city of McPherson, farmer having spent many summers working with his uncle Bill and aunt Ilah Bangle, mechanic for John Deere, later owned and operated Brunk Jewelers, and was an avid outdoorsman. Greg was a member and past president of the Kansas Jewelers Association and member of the Retail Jewelers Organization. Locally, Greg was involved with the Optimist Club, Pheasants Forever, McPherson County All Schools Day, McPherson Main Street, McPherson Chamber of Commerce, Ducks Unlimited, Sons of the American Legion Post 24, was a recipient of the Eagle Scout Award and he enjoyed many years as a leader for Boy Scout Troop 133.
On August 27, 2005 Greg was united in marriage to Cheryl J. Hamblin Bennitt at a beautiful backyard family ceremony in McPherson, Kansas. They established their first home together in McPherson until 2008 when Greg and Cheryl moved to Galva, Kansas. Greg was involved with his church through the Choir, Praise Team, the children’s choir (which he loved), as a CYF leader, and was involved in many other capacities.Greg was a devoted Christian, loving and caring son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He loved telling stories and his wise counsel, gracious smile, and sense of humor will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.
Mr. Greg Willard, 51, of Galva, Kansas, passed away at 4:12 a.m., Thursday, April 2nd, 2009 unexpectedly at Memorial Hospital, McPherson, Kansas. He was preceded in death by a nephew, Logan Tessler.Surviving members of his family include his loving and devoted wife, Cheryl of the home, Galva; his parents, George and Roberta Willard, McPherson; daughter, Jennifer Lyn Bonham and her husband Robert, McPherson; son, David George Willard and his wife Andrea, Comanche County; step daughters, Cheri Lyn Gumm and her husband Mike, McPherson, and Amy Diane Flaming and her husband Bill, Inman; sister, Julia Ann Ashenfelter and her husband Mark, El Dorado; eight grandchildren, Peyton Lyn Bonham, Dustin Wayne Smith and his wife Lacey, Melani Diane Gumm, Sydni Renee Gumm, Maci Wray Gumm, Trevor Duane Grant, Cassie Lyn Flaming, and Kylie Danae Flaming; one great-grandson, Jase Gavaun Burke; other relatives and many friends.
John Watkins - Sept. 29th, 1943 to April 4th, 2008
John LeRoy Watkins, the son of Percy Francis "Slim" and Norma June (Olsen) Watkins, was born September 29, 1943 in Fort Bragg, California. He was one of three children born to this union, two sons and one daughter: John, Doug, and Rosanne. At the age of two, John and his family moved to Harlan, Kansas where he attended grade school and he graduated from Portis High School, Portis, Kansas. John continued his education at Fort Hays State University, Hays, Kansas and later graduated from the Electronic Computer Programming Institute of Topeka, Kansas.
On May 9, 1964 John was united in marriage to Ann Stothard, in Harlan, Kansas. The young couple established their first home together in Hays, Kansas. This union was blessed with the birth of three daughters: Michelle, Cassandra, and Paige. Through the years John and his family have lived in Hays, Glen Elder, Osage City, and McPherson.
John began his working career for the Kansas State highway Department from 1962 to 1966. He then worked for three years for Cook Construction Company, prior to moving to McPherson, Kansas in 1969 when he started working for Farmers Alliance Insurance Company as a Computer Programmer. John progressed through several positions of increasing responsibility ending as Application Programming Manager. He also served as a project leader for implementation of the Series III project. John retired on September 30, 2004, after thirty-four years with the company.
John was a faithful members of St. Anne's Episcopal Church. He was baptized on May 21, 1972 at St. Anne's by Father Willis Neustrom. John has served his church as Treasurer and in other capacities through the years. John was also very involved in his community and was a member of the McPherson Optimist Club, McPherson Chamber of Commerce, Sons of the American Legion Post 24, McPherson Y.M.C.A. board, McPherson College Athletics Booster Club, McPherson High School Athletic Booster Club Officer, a member of Data Processing Management Association, Leadership McPherson, McPherson All Schools Day Committee and was form General Chairperson.
John was a dedicated Christian, loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, co-worker, and friend. His wise counsel, gentle guidance, gracious smile and sense of humor will be missed by all those who know and loved him. He was very proud of his daughters and fiercely protective of them. John was especially fond of his grandchildren, always looking forward to their visits and times they would share together.
John L. Watkins, 64, entered eternal peace after a brave battle with cancer at 5:50 p.m., Friday, April 4th, 2008 while surrounded by the love of his family members and friends at his home. He was preceded in death by his parents, Percy "Slim" and Norma Watkins.
Surviving members of his family include his loving and caring wife of over 43 years, Ann Watkins of the home; his daughters, Michelle Peterson and husband Steve of Overland Park, Cassandra "Cassie" Moore and husband Jason, of McPherson, and Paige Ryan and husband Trent, of Wichita; his brother Doug Watkins and wife, Marty, of Salina, his sister, Rosanne Cole and husband, Craig, of Downs; his sister-in-law, Pat Wood of Sumter, South Carolina, Brenda Goh and husband Dave, of Malaysia, and Sheila Stewart of Smith Center; a Godson, Thomas Watts and his fiance Kristen, of Emporia; his nine grandchildren, Max Peterson, Alexandra Peterson, Olivia Peterson, Luke Moore, Landon Moore, Laynie Moore, Tristen Ryan, Cooper Ryan, and Payton Ryan; several nieces and nephews, other relatives, many friends and his faithful canine companion, Ozzie.
Fred Officer - October 27, 1918 to October 15th, 2006
Mr. Fred C. Officer, age 87, of McPherson, KS, passed away at 12:20 PM, Sunday, October 15th, 2006 peacefully while in the company of family members at the Cedars, McPherson, Kansas. Frederick Connell “Fred” Officer, the son of Ernest Floyd and Fannie Bessie (Connell) Officer, was born October 27, 1918 at Redding, Kansas. Fred was the youngest of four children born into this union, two sons and two daughters: J. Dean, Wanda, Marjorie, and Fred.
He attended and graduated from Topeka High School, Topeka, Kansas in 1937. Fred attended Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas and he received his BA degree from Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas in 1948. He attended and received his ME degree from Colorado State University Ft. Collins, Colorado in 1969.
Fred was united in marriage to Betty Catherine Wolf on November 27, 1942 at McPherson, Kansas. The young couple established their first home together in Chickasha, Oklahoma where he served as a civilian flight instructor during W.W. II. Following the war, he and Betty returned to Topeka, Kansas where he ran the Topeka Youth Centers and attended Washburn University. The couple returned to McPherson when Fred began working for his father-in-law’s business, Wolf’s Plumbing, which he later owned and operated from 1948 until 1965. While in McPherson, the union was blessed with two children, a son and a daughter: Dean and Dawn. Fred then began working for U.S.D. 418 as an Educator. He also during this time became an Adjunct Professor at Emporia State University where he served as a consultant, instructor, and author for university projects since 1972. He authored numerous articles related to vocational education and was actively engaged in speaking at the local, district, state, regional, and national levels to further vocational education. In 1979, he was named the Kansas Business Occupations Association Master Vocational Educator. Following his retirement from teaching in 1983, he was a Registered Representative for Waddell & Reed in McPherson, Kansas.
Fred was a member of the First United Methodist Church. He was also a member of McPherson Optimist Club, McPherson Area Retired Teachers Association, National Education Association, Kansas Education Association, Kansas Vocational Association, American Vocational Association, National Association of Distributive Education Teachers, Vocational Industrial Clubs of America, and Distributive Educational Clubs of America.
Fred was a devoted Christian, loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, teacher, and friend. His wise counsel, gentle guidance, gracious smile, and sense of humor will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him. He was very proud of his children, and always wanted the best for them. Fred was especially fond of his grandchildren and great-granddaughter, always looking forward to their visits and times they would share together. Fred enjoyed playing cards and golfing with his family and friends. On Sunday, October 15, 2006 at the age of eighty-seven years, Fred died and entered into eternal rest peacefully while in the company of wife Betty at the Cedars, McPherson, Kansas.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother J. Dean Officer, two sisters, Wanda Nordstrom and Marjorie Lyon, and his daughter-in-law Theresa Schultz Officer. Surviving members of his family include his loving and devoted wife of over sixty-three years, Betty C. Officer, of McPherson; his son, Dean E. Officer, of DeMotte, Indiana; his daughter, Dawn C. Martin and her husband Michael, of Wichita, Kansas; three grandsons, Matthew A. Martin, Jacob M. Martin, and Zachary C. Martin, all of Wichita, Kansas, and a great-granddaughter, Emma Faith Martin, all of Wichita, Kansas; other relatives and many friends.