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Kenneth “Shawn” Easterly passed away unexpectedly due to medical complications on Tuesday, October 10, 2023. He was born on March 6, 1968 in Wellington, Kansas, the long-awaited and much treasured first child of Kenneth G. “Kenny” Easterly and Barbara L. “Bobbie” (Cox) Easterly. Shawn spent his childhood surrounded by his little sister, many foster siblings who found respite in their family home, and dear neighborhood friends. After graduating with the Wellington High School Class of 1986, Shawn spent more than a decade as a Law Enforcement Officer in multiple Kansas counties. He left law enforcement to pursue his personal business interests, including establishing and operating Easterly Automotive in Wichita. From there, Shawn went on to learn the ethanol industry, ultimately forming his own company, Zephyr Acres Consulting. Established in 2016, today Zephyr provides comprehensive operational consulting and hands-on systems management support to ethanol plants across the United States and in Europe. Shawn met his love and life partner, Fawn Keith, in 2020. The two were inseparable, and they enjoyed caring together for their many animals, spending time with friends, and especially their Sunday dinners on their farm with their kids and grandkids. Shawn’s most cherished gifts in this life were his five children. He will be immeasurably missed by Chelsea Easterly of Wellsville; Cassi Easterly of Oxford; Chayse Easterly (Coty) of Wellington; Candi Fisher (Will) of Junction City; and Chloe Brown (Joel) of Wellington, all of whom were born from his marriage to Becky Yoder of Wellington. “Papa Shawn” will be remembered with great love and affection by his grandchildren, Kensley Avina, Sailor Avina, Hyde Easterly, Jackson Easterly, and Ezra Brown. Shawn also leaves behind his sister, Shannon Easterly, beloved niece, Schaefer Wright, and his brotherin-law, Phil Wright, all of Shawnee, Kansas, as well as cherished members of his extended family. He was prece

James Marion Johnston (aka the old goat), of Casper, Wyoming, died October 5, 2023, while in hospice care at Casper Mountain Rehab and Care Center. He had just celebrated his birthday and had turned 83 years old a few weeks before. James was born on September 27, 1940, in Wellington, Kansas. He graduated from Wellington High School in 1957. After high school, he enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Germany. He later continued his military service by joining the Air National Guard. At the same time, he continued his education at Wichita Business College. James was one-in-a-million, as the title of an article in the Wichita Eagle Beacon newspaper alluded to. This article highlighted the fact that he had a rare negative O blood type that only one-in-a-million people have. The article went on to praise him for donating his 21 st unit of blood. Said unit of blood along with two units of red frozen cells were shipped to San Francisco at the request of the Rare Donor Registry. James’s cells aided in the successful birth of “a healthy and pink baby girl,” as the unborn fetus had been receiving intrauterine transfusions since the 20th week of pregnancy because of past difficulties experienced by the mother-to-be. Jimmy, as many friends and family members called him, was also known in later years as the old goat. This name was given to him by his granddaughter Ursula and her mother Mary. They did this after seeing the name printed on the bib overalls worn by goat figurine. Said figurine was given to him, as a birthday present and became one of favorite gifts. It traveled with him to both assisted living and then the nursing home. James was predeceased by his father, John Robert Sr.; mother, Josephine Arline; brothers, John Robert Jr. and Jerry Lee. He is survived by his wife, Joyce; his son, John; stepson, Michael; two grandchildren Morgan Henry, and Ursula Urban; and his brother, Justin. Funeral services will be held at the Calvary Baptist Church in Casper, Wyomin

Billie Jane (White) Keller, age 68, of Wellington, KS., passed away Tuesday, September 26, 2023. Billie was born December 16, 1954, in Liberal, KS to Edwin L. White and R. Katherine (Harris) White. In 1972, Billie graduated from Liberal High School and continued her education at Seward County Community College graduating with an associate degree. Billie married Allen E. Keller on December 21, 1974, in Liberal, KS. To this union four beautiful children were born: Adam, Erin, Allison & Evan. During their married life, opportunities took them to Minnesota, Wyoming, and California before ultimately settling in Iola, Kansas. Billie graduated from nursing school in 1991 and began her career at Allen County Hospital. She moved to a clinic setting at the Family Med Center working for Drs. Hull, Walter, and Stone. During her ten years there, Billie developed lifelong friendships. In 2005, she and the family moved to Wellington, KS. She retired from Sumner Regional Medical Center, Wellington, KS after 24 dedicated years as a Registered Nurse. Billie enjoyed reading, playing cards, antiquing, and traveling, especially cruising. Her grandchildren were the joy of her life. She never missed an event. Billie’s family and friends will remember her humor, generosity, and love for others. She will be greatly missed by all. She is survived by her husband Allen of 48 years, her children: Adam Keller (Jennifer), Goddard, KS, Erin Fenn (Bob), Derby, KS, Allison Patton (Erick), Goddard, KS, and Evan Keller, Kansas City, MO. Beloved grandchildren: Makayla Keller, Isaac Keller, Easton Fenn, Carter Fenn, Carson Fenn, Brooke Patton, and Paige Patton. Sisters: Priscilla Taggart, Kay Hatfield, Jolyn Apsey, and Sonja Sutherland. She was loved by many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Billie is preceded in death by her parents. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 3, at the First Baptist Church in Protection, KS. Viewing will be held from 12:00 until service time