November 23, 1946 - December 7, 2025 Bill Frost passed away on December 7th, surrounded by his family, after a life filled with adventure, service, family and friends. We will miss him in our bones. Bill was born in Kansas City, MO and was adopted by Robert and Eloit Frost who loved him with all of their hearts. Billy, as he was known as a little kid, called Clay Center, KS, home for the first 18 years of his life. As a kid he spent a lot of time at the pool hall with his dad where his love for playing cards and pool was born. Cards and pool were lifelong hobbies and he excelled at both. Some of his greatest friendships later in life were his gin rummy group and his pool playing friends. In Clay Center he met David Bauer, his best friend who became family. Bill and David were small town boys living big lives filled with fishing, critters, dirt, sports, and their love of music. Their friendship spanned more than 60 years and their stories were the stuff legends were made of. Your face would hurt from laughing listening to the two of them tell about the trouble they got into. They could also melt your heart with a few tunes from their high school quartet. After high school, Bill considered becoming a teacher by way of Emporia State. He loved math, just not teaching it to kids. He said Vietnam sounded better, and he graduated from Navy Officer Candidate School in December, 1968. After graduation he served on the USS John R Craig, a World War II destroyer. He was the Department Head of Supply and was soon promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade. He loved his Navy life and was such a trusted navigator, his captain often called on him to guide them through difficult waters. Next, he volunteered to go "in country" in Vietnam as an American Naval Advisor to assist the South Vietnamese patrolling in their riverboats. His stories downplayed the danger. His dream was to go to nuclear power submarine school but his eye sight wasn't good enough, so after serving almost a year and a half in Vietnam, he left the Navy with a rank of Lieutenant. He was reluctant to be recognized as a veteran because Vietnam veterans were not welcomed when they came home. He was humble about his service but credited it for preparing him for his role as city attorney. Bill met Carlene Malmstrom in 1972 and knew she was the love of his life. They recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Bill and Carlene had 3 children and he was all in as a dad. He was a great gift giver and would do anything for his family. He could fix just about anything. He was irrationally proud of every single thing his kids and grandkids did whether they were really good at it or not. He coached too many teams to count and there surely was a surge during his baseball / softball coaching career in kids in Manhattan who could hit the heck out of the ball using his "keep your hands back and swing from your hips" technique. While many people may know Bill as Manhattan's city attorney - they may not know what that means. He was a fierce protector of the city ensuring they were always on solid legal ground with any action they took. More visibly, Bill guided the acquisition of land and negotiated the development of businesses all over Manhattan. When you look around Manhattan - the mall, the Discovery Center, all of the area around Hy-vee, the airport, the business park by the airport, just to name a few - those things stand on their ground because Bill knew how to clear the way. He loved the City of Manhattan and the staff who supported it. His life's work was helping to build the city into a better place for everyone who lives here. Bill loved to play golf - playing too many rounds to count with his golf buddies. You could find him in the back yard working on his swing and he'd come in often saying "I think I've got it figured out." And years after his Navy career - he still loved the water and you could find him on his boat at Tuttle Creek either towing grandkids or fishing. He was an expert at tying all kinds of knots from his days in the Navy, and despite his best efforts, his family could never tie a knot he was confident would hold anything. Dad used to talk about the doctor who loved him which is, of course, his daughter, Megan, who moved mountains to make sure Dad was taken care of. But there were two other healthcare providers who we are certain gave us more time with him with their impeccable care as well as lifting his heart and soul. We will be forever grateful to Dr. Mia Cosentino and Charlene McCormack for everything they did for him. Bill was one of the good ones. His moral compass only knew one direction - to always do what was right. He served his country and he served this community with everything he had to give. He loved his family more than anything. As he left this world he said what more could I have asked for and we feel the same - he was everything and more. Bill will be missed by his wife, Carlene; children: Amy (spouse Troy), Megan, and Adam; grandchildren: Daxton, Preston, Vivian, and Logan; siblings Ed, Nora, and Jan; nieces and nephews Mike, Kelly, Jaime, Lee, Stephanie, Alicia, Amanda, Samantha; and countless friends some of who may or may not have seen him lose his temper at golf once or twice, but always shared good times and a lot of laughter. We will celebrate Bill's life on Saturday, January 31st, at 6:00 pm at the Flint Hills Discovery Center located at 315 S 3rd St, Manhattan, KS 66502. Bill was instrumental in the development of the Discovery Center so it will be special to celebrate his life while standing in one of his great accomplishments. To honor his life - thank a veteran for their service and marvel at the beautiful city of Manhattan whenever you get the chance. In lieu of flowers, and to support the things Bill loved - donate to your favorite Manhattan charity or honor our veterans through the Gary Sinise Foundation or the Bob Woodruff Foundation. The Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, is assisting the family with service arrangements. ymlfuneralhome.com

Larry Setter, 79 of McFarland, KS, passed away on December 03, 2025 at his home in McFarland. Arrangements are in the care of Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home in Alma, KS. Visitation will be held on December 16, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with a Rosary service at 7:00 PM at Campanella & Stewart - Alma. A graveside service with military honors will be held the following day, December 17, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made payable to the donor's choice and may be left in care of Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, Wamego, KS. Online condolences at https://www.campanellastewart.com/

06/30/1942 - 12/8/2025 James "Jim" Arlyn Sperman, 83, of St. George, Kansas, peacefully passed away surrounded by loved ones on December 8, 2025 after a short illness.Jim was born on June 30, 1942 to William and Violet Sperman in Tipp City, Ohio. After several moves with his family, he graduated from Derby High School in 1960. His curiosity about the world around him and his love of learning led him to pursue further education. He went on to receive his Bachelor of Science degree in Education and also Biology from Kansas State Teacher's College (Emporia State) in 1965 and his Master of Science degree in Education from Kansas State University in 1972. Jim began his teaching career at Phillipsburg High School, then landed his lifelong teaching role at Manhattan Junior & High Schools teaching Mathematics. He retired from teaching after 32 years, 30 of those at MHS. His knowledge and dedication as a teacher were legendary, as well as his infamous "dad jokes". In addition to teaching during the regular school year, Jim also taught summer Driver's Education classes, which is why we say he had gray hair (not from anything his kids did). After retiring from teaching, Jim went to work at the K-Hill engine repair shop, then moved on to several positions at K-State with Moving & Hauling, Central Mail, and Disability Support Services as a shuttle driver, and finally ending his working career as an ATA bus driver. In 1967, Jim met Florence Batson at a church dance in Emporia, Kansas. She had come with some mutual friends, but being the beauty she was, found herself being hounded by one of the musicians. Jim being the epitome of a gentleman, helped her out of the situation. They fell in love and were forevermore lifelong partners. Jim and Florence were married on October 28, 1967 and moved to Manhattan, Kansas. They went on to have three amazing children - Sonya, Sherry, and James. Jim and Florence were always open about their love for one another - sneaking kisses while making dinner, dancing around the house, and holding hands wherever they went. Throughout their life, Jim always opened her car door and helped her out, and as they aged, was often carrying her purse for her since it weighed a ton. Their marriage of 58 years was as beautiful and wonderous as their song "Through the Years". Jim was a strong, kind, loving, and supportive husband and father. His unconditional love, knowledge, and guidance was the foundation of his family. Jim always put family first and was an exceptional husband and a wonderful, dedicated father. His love of nature, sports, hunting, and fishing was also shared with his family and led to many proud days coaching their teams and watching his children play the sports he so enjoyed. Though too, he was just as proud watching them land a fish or seeing their amazement at watching the vegetables grow in the garden. His love of nature included astronomy and during meteor showers, would bundle the family in the truck and head to one of the hills in the country. There he would put sleeping bags in the bed and point out constellations while watching for the meteor displays. He was never without a smile or a laugh. His positivity was catching and he radiated the confidence of a well-loved family man. Jim was a force of nature. One of his mantras, was "do what's right, not what's easy". This belief began many years prior when at 23, he helped provide a profound service in 1965. His church, like many across the country, had received a request from Alabama to come help register new voters - due to the Voting Rights Act. This law prohibited racial discrimination in voting. And many were needed to help register the new voters. The church would provide a room and one meal a day, but individuals would need to pay their own way down/back and any other expenses. The times were volatile in the South and riots were daily occurrences. But Jim believed it was the right thing to do, even if it put him in harm's way. So down south he went. While there he witnessed Green Book regulations, riots, marches, and even Martin Luther King, Jr. He may have been only one, but he helped forge a new way of law rights and it strengthened his belief in equality for all. Jim was a tremendous athlete, playing all kinds of sports, but his favorite was baseball. After high school, he tried out for the major leagues with the St. Louis Cardinals and the Baltimore Orioles. Although he excelled defensively at multiple positions and impressed the coaches by hitting over .400 at both camps, they felt he was too short to sign at the time. Had he been just a little bit taller, he probably would have been offered contracts by those organizations and played at the pro-level. After much consideration, he decided that the best path for him was to continue on to college. While a student at Emporia State, Jim met 3 individuals who became his lifelong friends forever known as "The 4 Fellas". They consisted of 3 men (Jim, Joe, & Richard) and 1 woman (Donna). Oh, the high-jinks these 4 got into! Even after graduation and all were married, the Four Fellas continued to meet twice a year (typically camping trips to Kansas lakes) to catch up on each other's lives and activities. Unfortunately, the Four are now down to Two. But the families still keep in touch, even if for some, it is through their surviving spouses and children. Jim was also a master repairman as his father had owned several small engine repair shops. He could work on that old International truck engine just as easily as a lawnmower - or toaster for that matter! He was a passionate craftsman who could be found in his garage keeping everything running in tip-top shape. He always attended his children's events - be they scholarly or athletic. Even when he couldn't attend the entire track meet because he was teaching, he would drive over during his lunch period to watch as much as he could. He was our biggest fan and supporter. In addition to coaching his children's teams, because of his love of sports and wanting more opportunities during the summer for his children, he became one of the founders of the Flint Hills Volleyball Camp which is still active today. Jim was predeceased by his parents William and Violet Sperman, his brothers Dale and Bill Sperman, his sister Beverly Riddle, and his heart sister Donna Lindell. He is survived by his wife Florence, his three children - Sonya Paph and her husband Michael, Sherry Sperman, and James Sperman, two grandchildren - Ryker Sperman-Wiens and Josie Sperman, and his sister Nancy Rogers Klassen. He is also survived by his heart brothers Joe Clouse and Richard Sach. My dearest husband, I will miss you so. You were my rock, my foundation, and my love. I know you are waiting for me among the stars we watched so many times together. In the blue of the sky, I will see your lovely eyes and how they would light up every time you looked at me. In our children, I will see the love we made together. I will miss your head on the pillow next to mine and our hands entwined. All these things and more I will miss because I loved you and you loved me. Until we are together again, know that I will remember all these things and keep them in my heart for eternity. Dad, we will miss you immeasurably. You were our go-to when life got rough, you were our steady hand when we needed a lift, and our comfort when we needed clarity. You were always someone we could count on, you always got your point across without judgement, and always provided us with sound advice. You made sure we made our decisions after thinking things through. You always gave 110% and never stopped fighting for what's right. Because of you, we have the hearts of a lion, the love of our family, and a hard-core work ethic. We thank you dad for all the calls, wise words of advice, the love you gave us, and the beautiful lives we've lived because of you, your hard work, and your boundless love for us. We are all better people, Dad, because of you. You were the best man and father we ever could have hoped to have and we will keep you in our hearts forever. The family plans to have a private graveside service, with a celebration of life at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Manhattan Parks and Recreation Flint Hills Summer Volleyball League and sent in care of the funeral home. Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502 is handling arrangements.

CW4 (Ret.) Earl "Buddy" Franklin Moore Jr., 84, of Manhattan, KS passed away on December 3, 2025, after a short illness. Earl was born in Essex, MD on August 11, 1941, to Earl F. Moore Sr. and Climenia N. Moore (nee Brawner). He joined the US Army in 1961 serving in the Infantry and later as an Air Cavalry Scout pilot with the 11th ACR during Vietnam. He continued serving as helicopter pilot until he retired in 1991 after 30 years of service. Earl was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother Agnes "Nan" Moore, and brothers Raymond C. Moore and Bruce A. Moore. He is survived by his wife, Christine S. Moore, daughters, Sarah (George) Padgett and Erin Moore and sons, Kevin (Erica Graham) Moore and Bryan Moore. Known to his grandchildren as Grampy Bud, he is also survived by Olivia, Maddie and Lily Padgett, Wyatt Moore and Ryder English, Alex and Angelina Hogeland and Kayleigh and Makenzie Moore. He is also survived by his sisters, Joyce Serio and Nan (Doug) Giza, as well as multiple cousins, nieces and nephews. In keeping with Earl's wishes, no funeral or memorial will be held. The family will hold a private inurnment at the Kansas Veterans' Cemetery at Fort Riley. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the 11th Armored Calvary "Blackhorse" Regiment scholarship fund in Earl's memory. https://blackhorse.org/donate/

02-12-1940 - 12-06-2025 Michael Oldfather, a longtime resident of Manhattan, Kansas, died from a stroke on December 6, 2025, in Bethlehem, PA. He was 85 years old. Michael was born in Lincoln, NE, February 12, 1940, to Wilbur and Alta Oldfather. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Kathleen J. Oldfather, of Nazareth, PA as well as three children: Alice Oldfather (Mark Gregory), of Albany, NY; Paul Oldfather, of Norman, OK; Thomas Oldfather (Sarah Appelhans), of Easton, PA; two grandchildren, Graham and Tova Gordon; a sister, Anne Pease (Gary), Hutchinson, KS; numerous nieces and nephews; former son-in-law Jeffrey Gordon of Albany, NY, and first wife, Penny Oldfather, of Athens, GA. He was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings: Jane Lewis, Kay Logan, and Roger Oldfather. Michael joined the Economics Department at Kansas State University in 1983, where he taught until his retirement in 2006. From 1983 until 1991, he also served as president of the Kansas Council on Economics Education. During his final years at KSU he was Director of Undergraduate Studies and lead advisor for the Economics Department. Michael earned a bachelor's degree from Oberlin College, a master's degree from the University of Nebraska, and a Ph.D. from Ohio University. Prior to his tenure at KSU, Kansas Wesleyan University, Augustana College and Drury College, where he held the Cray Chair of Private Enterprise Education. One of the organizing partners of Manhattan's Community First National Bank, he served on its board for more than 20 years. Prior to that, he had been a member of the Board of Directors of Citizens State Bank in Abilene, KS. Besides his devotion to friends and family, Michael's passions included environmental protection, birdwatching, advocating for civil liberties, helping to elect Democrats, and doing almost anything involving music, especially singing, playing guitar, leading his church's choir, and attending all kinds of live music concerts. A Celebration of Life will be held in late spring in Manhattan. Contributions in Michael's memory can be made to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Manhattan, 481 Zeandale Rd. Manhattan, KS 66502 or uufm.net or the GMCF Guardians Fund, PO Box 1127 Manhattan KS 66505 or [email protected]/donate/guardians-fund.

December 12, 1940 - November 17, 2025 Merrill "Bud" Virgil Welch Jr. of Council Grove, KS, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, November 17th, 2025. He was 84 years old. Born on December 12th, 1940 in McAllen, TX to Merrell Sr. and Lucy Welch, their second child. Bud was a veteran of the National Guard, member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, KSU alumni, beloved father, and small business owner. He lived for some years in Herington, KS. After an early retirement, he spent most of his later years in Council Grove at the family lakefront cabin. An independent thinker with an open mind, he enjoyed prospecting, following the stock market, traveling, caring for animals, and he loved his time in nature. He is survived by his sister Celia Sr.; his four sons Jason, Aric, Nathan, and Adam; his seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He will live on forever in our hearts and memories. We love you, Papa Welch. A memorial service is planned for Spring 2026 in Herington on a date TBD. Interested parties and those with memories are encouraged to please check his page at https://www.sawyerchapel.com/obituaries/merrill-virgil-welch and to please sign the guest book there.

January 5, 1946 - December 7, 2025 Faye Lavonne Kennedy, born January 5, 1946, passed on December 7, 2025 Faye gave so much more than she got. She would not accept failure but lived her life sharing love and care. She left behind her husband and five wonderful children, their spouses, and fifteen amazing grandchildren living all over the country. Born in a small house in Barnes, Kansas, during childhood Faye traveled with her parents from Panama to Alaska, and with the family combine-crews from Texas to Canada. She then graduated from Manhattan High School in 1963 and earned two degrees from K-State. A pilot herself, she met Bill, a flight instructor at Manhattan airport, where he was giving away free airplane rides. They married and lived in the Manhattan area for 57 years. Faye had a great sense of humor, and she told us she wanted us to keep her obituary short because she's cheap. She told Bill to keep his obituary short, too. The family will greet friends during a visitation from 6:00 until 8:30 p.m. Thursday December 11, 2025, at the St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Manhattan. A Parish Vigil will be held at 6:30p.m. at the church. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30a.m. Friday December 12, 2025, at the St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Manhattan. The Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, is assisting the family with service arrangements. ymlfuneralhome.com

Tony McDowell, 57 of Manhattan, Kansas, passed away on December 07, 2025 at his home in Manhattan. Arrangements are in the care of Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan. The family will greet friends during a visiation from 6:00 until 7:00p.m Thursday December 11 at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday December 12 at the funeral home, interment with military honors will follow at the St. George Cemetery. Online condolences at ymlfuneralhome.com

Janet Lea Fox, 71, of Largo, FL, passed away on November 28, 2025 at Seasons Belleair Memory Care in Clearwater, FL. Arrangements are in the care of Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego, KS. Visitation will be held Dec. 10, 2025, at the funeral home from 5 to 7 p.m., with Rosary to start at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be Dec. 11, 2025, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, St. Marys, KS, at 10:30 a.m. Online condolences at www.campanellastewart.com.

05/02/1948 - 11/26/2025 Stan Glenn Weir, age 77, passed away on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital, Manhattan, Kansas.He was born on May 2, 1948, to parents Glenn A. and B. Marie (Montgomery) Weir in Wichita, Kansas and grew up in Kiowa, Kansas. He graduated from Kiowa High School in 1966. He graduated from Kansas State University in 1970. Stan married Susan (Susie) Sutton on December 18, 1971, in Manhattan. Susie survives at their home in Manhattan. Stan entered the U.S. Air Force in 1971 as a distinguished AFROTC graduate and became a Pilot. He served in a variety of staff positions at squadron, wing, major command and joint levels. He was a command pilot, having flown more than 3,100 hours, principally in the B-52. He retired as a Colonel after 30 plus years in 2001 as the Commander and Professor of Aerospace Studies at AFROTC Detachment 270 at Kansas State University, where he commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1970. Stan enjoyed golf, traveling, the Kansas State Wildcats, spending time with family and friends, and any sport or activity that his daughters and grandchildren were participating in. While he was incredibly proud of his 30 years of service to our country, the role he was most proud of was husband, Dad, and Boppa. He is survived by his wife, Susie, of Manhattan; daughters, Stacey (Scott) Gadeken, Bradenton, FL; Lindsay (Christian) Larson, Manhattan; grandchildren, Second Lieutenant Brandon Gadeken, Wyatt Gadeken, Avery Larson and Delaney Larson. Stan was preceded in death by both of his parents. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M., Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow directly after the visitation at 11:30 A.M., with the graveside at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery with full military honors at 1:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Folds of Honor in care of Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS 66502.

Bonnie Williams, 75 of Alma, KS, passed away on November 26, 2025 at Midland Hospice House in Topeka. Arrangements are in the care of Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am, Thursday, December 4, 2025, at the Wamego Family Worship Center. Pastor Butch Patterson will be officiating. Burial will follow at the Alma City Cemetery. Bonnie will lie-in-state beginning at 3:00 pm, Wednesday, at Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego, where the family will greet friends from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Family suggests memorial contributions to the Hot Alma Nights Major Medical Fund. Please include Bonnie Williams Memorial in the memo line. Contributions may be sent in care of the funeral home. Online condolences at www.campanellastewart.com.

Bernis Parker, 96 of Manhattan, Kansas, passed away on November 25, 2025 at Wellsprings of Westmoreland in Westmoreland. Arrangements are in the care of Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan. A visitation will be hled on Thursday December 4, 2025 from 6:00 until 8:00p.m. at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00a.m. Friday December 5, 2025 at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel in Manhattan, interment will follow in the Ashland Cemetery. Online condolences at ymlfuneralhome.com