Tanner Hodges, 23, Columbus

Tanner Keagan Gene Hodges, 23, formerly from Columbus, a United States Army Combat Engineer, died Friday, February 27, 2026.Services for Tanner are pending and have been placed in the care of Brown-Winters Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Miami.

Stephen Kossman, 80, Cherokee

Stephen “Steve” Michael Kossman, 80, Cherokee, died Tuesday, March 3, 2026 in Pittsburg.Born May 12, 1945, in Columbia, Mo., Steve was the son of William and Sara (Damon) Kossman.

Stephen Cunningham, 45, Altamont

Stephen Scott Cunningham, 45, Altamont, died Friday, March 6, 2026, at his home.Born July 16, 1980, in Columbus, Stephen was the son of John Edward and Bonnie Gayle (Kenworthy) Cunningham.Stephen graduated from Labette County High School in 1998.

Nancy McKibben, 65, Miami, Okla.

Nancy June McKibben, 65, Miami, Okla., died Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at Ascension St. John Medical Center in Tulsa, Okla.Born February 12, 1961 in Dumas, Texas, Nancy was the daughter of Lewis and Geneva (Gilbert) Blunk. She had lived in Miami for 12 years moving from North Miami, Okla.

Minnie Hawk, 78, Galena

Minnie Hawk, 78, Galena, died Friday, March 6, 2026 at her home.Born January 3, 1948 in Miami, Okla., Minnie was the daughter of Alfred and Victoricia (Griffin) Waters, Sr. She had lived in the area most of her life.

Ronald Reed, 65, Baxter Springs

Ronald D. Reed, 65, Baxter Springs, died unexpectedly February 28, 2026, leaving behind a family who loved him deeply and a legacy that will not be forgotten.He was born June 15, 1960.Ron was a steady, dependable presence, the kind of man who made people feel safe simply by being there.

Janet Whited, 80, Baxter Springs

Janet Rae Whited, 80, Baxter Springs, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother, and friend died peacefully Monday, March 2, 2026 at her home.Born November 11, 1945 in Galena, Janet was the daughter of Dee Lite Rader. She graduated from Riverton High School.

Larry Ashe, 68, Baxter Springs

Larry Ashe, 68, Baxter Springs, died March 1, 2026, in Baxter Springs.Born July 12, 1957, in Indianapolis, Ind., Larry was the son of Don and Doris Ashe. He predominantly grew up in Danville, Ind. He graduated from Baxter Springs High School, where he was a standout basketball player.

Bennett Collins Sr., 71, McCune

Bennett L. “Benny” Collins, Sr., 71, rural Mc-Cune and Monmouth, died Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at his home in Monmouth.Born September 13, 1954, in Oswego, Benny was the son of Luther and Virginia (Caldwell) Collins. Benny grew up at Edna and attended Edna and Labette County schools.

Fredrick Sears, 74, Versailles, Mo.

Fredrick “Freddy” Henry Sears, 74, Versailles, Missouri, died unexpectedly March 2, 2026, at his home.Born March 20, 1951, in Columbus, Freddy was the son of Grover Don and Opal Nadine (Wells) Sears.Freddy had a deep love for adventure and the outdoors.