Obituaries

It has been said that it’s not where you start, but where you finish that matters. That is certainly true of a man that I have known since I was 13 years old. On this anniversary of his death one year ago, I am compelled to share this obituary that I wrote for him at

Nicholas Neil Nading, 75, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2026, in Independence, MO. Nick was born February 28, 1951, in St. Francis, KS, to Bill and Mary Nading. He graduated from Kingman High School before answering the call to serve his country in the United States Army as an Infantryman during the Vietnam War.

Marilyn Kay Ledbetter, 71, El Dorado Springs, passed away on June 6, 2026. She was born on Oct. 8, 1954, in Leavenworth, KS, to Wayne and Beatrice (Houk) Bradley. Marilyn was raised with her three siblings near Brownington, MO, and later moved to California. She graduated from El Monte High School in California. She worked

Kenneth Earl Watkins, 77, El Dorado Springs, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, surrounded by family. Ken was born Aug. 13, 1948, in Nevada, to Roy and Evelyn (Redburn) Watkins. He was raised on the family farm south of Dederick in Vernon County, where he enjoyed a simple country

Janice Catherine (Albrecht) Daniel, 77, El Dorado Springs, passed away Sunday, June 14, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born Dec. 1, 1948, in Pocahontas, IA, the daughter of Arthur and Doris (Madsen) Albrecht. After Arthur’s death from a farming accident, Jan was raised by her mother and stepfather, William Ernst. Jan graduated

Commander Gary Wayne Henry, USN (Ret.), of Louisburg, KS, left the bounds of earth for his heavenly home on Monday, June 15, 2026. He was born in El Dorado Springs, Sept. 19, 1946, to Earnest Clarence Henry and Mabel Cleo (Conyers) Henry. His family attended the Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church where in 1960, Gary accepted

James Inabinett, 77, El Dorado Springs, passed away Thursday, June 11, 2026. Arrangements are under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Lorna May Myers, 78, Clinton, passed away Thursday, June 11, 2026. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 17, at Pankey Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Janice Daniel, 77, El Dorado Springs, passed away Sunday, June 14, 2026. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 20, at St. Elizabeth Church in El Dorado Springs, under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Friday, June 19, with rosary at 6 p.m.at

Lonnie Ray Vann, 83, El Dorado Springs, passed away Monday, June 8, 2026. Lonnie was a car enthusiast, loved to travel, and was a devoted member of First Christian Church. Lonnie was born Dec. 27, 1942, in Venice, CA, to Lewis Vann and Ruby Vann. Lonnie served in the United States Navy and Marine Corps