Obituaries

Larry Arnold Branine of Eureka, passed away at home, on Monday, July 29, 2024, at the age of 84. He was born on Oct. 21, 1939, in Wichita, the son of Ivan Glenn and Etta Genevieve (Spurrier) Branine. On June 27, 1965, Larry was united in marriage to Linda Dianne McCutchen in Kingman. Larry was a cattle order buyer for many in the industry as well as owner of Eureka Livestock Auction. He was proud to be called Dad by not only his son, but many other kids. He was a source of love and guidance, not only to his son but to a wide circle of children who considered him a father figure. He was also known as “Papa” by McKenna Richardson, “the daughter,” as he would call her.

Gayle LeVerne (Miller) Samuels of Eureka, KS, died Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Eureka Nursing Center in Eureka, at the age of 82. Gayle was born January 16, 1942, in Salina, the daughter of Judd A. and Ina LeVerne (Leavell) Miller. Her mother was a teacher and so the family moved often, living with kind families wherever her job took her. Gayle was proud to graduate with the Toronto High School Class of 1960 in Toronto. Following graduation, she attended Wichita Business College. In 1962, Gayle was united in marriage to Harold Samuels in Eureka. To this union, three daughters were born. The marriage later ended in divorce.

February 2, 1958 – July 18, 2024

Ronald Lee Peters passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on July 25 in Lubbock, Texas due to complications from Alzheimer’s.

Larry Dean Wilson, 82, died on July 7, 2024, at his home in El Dorado.

Bette Lu (Berry) Skaggs was born on Sept. 14, 1946, in Westmoreland, to Gus and Jean Berry. She went to be with our Lord and Savior on June 23, 2024. Bette grew up in Manhattan, and graduated from Manhattan High School in May of 1964. After she graduated from Crum’s Beauty College, she worked at Crum’s Beauty Salons, and became an instructor at the college until 1972.

Jayme A. Koup of Eureka, died on Monday, June 17, 2024, at University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas, at the age of 70. He was born May 7, 1954, in Garnett, the son of Alfred Fred and Norma Mae (Ferguson) Koup. Jayme was raised in Paola, and attended local schools, graduating from Paola High School with the class of 1972. He attended Kanas State Teachers’ College where he was a member of Sigma Tau Gamma. On May 25, 1974, he was united in marriage to Joan Elizabeth Akers. They made their home in Osawatomie. To this union, two daughters were born. This marriage later ended in divorce. He worked many years at RO Corp and Mid-States Supply as a warehouseman. He then attended Fort Scott Community College, and later Kansas City Kansas Community College, where he earned an Associates Degree in Mortuary Science in 1995.

SEVERY - Michael M. Aikman, age 3, passed away Sunday, June 16, 2024 in Andover.

Jimmie Walker of Alvin, Texas, died on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, at the age of 65.