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DANIEL ROBERT GONZALES
Daniel Robert Gonzales, 81, passed away on January 30, 2025. He was born the son of Benny and Jennie (Alcantor) Gonzales on December 27, 1943. Known for his generous spirit and thoughtful nature, Daniel, a lifelong resident of Wellington, was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend. He carried a radiant smile that could light up any room and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Daniel found joy in life’s simple pleasures, like music and traveling, especially to California to visit family. Daniel was a loving brother to his sisters, Dora Gonzales, Priscilla Lara, Cecilia Gonzales, and Teresa Caudillo. He is remembered by his surviving sisters and their families as a man full of kindness and love, whose generosity knew no bounds. Daniel was preceded in death by his parents, Benny and Jennie Gonzales, his brothers, Benny “Buddy” and Frederick Gonzales, and his sister, Caroline Lara. He was a beacon of love and joy in their lives, and though he will be deeply missed, his spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. In respecting Daniel’s wishes, a private family service will be held. His final resting place will be with his mother at Prairie Lawn Cemetery, Wellington, Kansas. We encourage all who knew him to share a memory, leave condolences, or sign his digital tribute wall atwww.cornejofuneralhome.com. Let us remember Daniel Gonzales, not with sadness, but with the joy he brought into our lives. Arrangements are by Cornejo Funeral Home + Crematory, Wellington, Kansas.
NORMA JEAN WILSON
Norma Jean Wilson, aged 88, passed away on January 30, 2025. Born in Corbin, Kansas, on July 1, 1936, Norma was a woman of strength, independence, and extraordinary artistic talent. Her life was characterized by unwavering devotion to her family, a passion for her work, and a love for arts and crafts. A meticulous record-keeper, she spent several years recording the genealogy of her family, a testament to the value she placed on her roots and kinship. Norma’s diligence and dedication extended beyond familial pursuits to her professional life. After graduating from Caldwell High School in 1954, she embarked on her career at Kard-TV and later served as a billing clerk at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for 32 years until her retirement. Her relentless work ethic and independent spirit guided her throughout her life, propelling her towards a wellplanned retirement. Beyond work, Norma was a gifted leathercraft artisan and a skilled sketch artist. Her beautiful creations, from purses to belts, were admired by all who knew her. Norma is survived by her siblings, Gloria Fuhrmann of Wellington, KS, Patricia Jackson of Humansville, MO, Marilyn Matz of Kechi, KS, Carolyn Atkinson of Belle Plaine, KS, and Bill Wilson of Wellington, KS, along with numerous nieces and nephews. She was a beloved sister and aunt, whose presence will be deeply missed but fondly remembered. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elvin and LaVeta Wilson, and a special friend, Christine Baker. A graveside service to celebrate Norma’s life will be held at the Corzine Cemetery, Corbin, Kansas, on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 2:00 PM. Memorial contributions can be given in her name and loving memory to the Wellington Human Society. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home. In memory of Norma, we encourage all who knew her to share their stories, leave condolences, or sign her digital tribute wall atwww.cornejofuneralhome. com. Arrangements by Cornejo Funeral Home + Crematory, Wellington, Kansas. Your memories and photos are a testament to Norma’s life and legacy. They will serve as a lasting tribute to the remarkable
DAVID LEROY HUNT
David Leroy Hunt, 80, of Frontenac, Kansas, passed away on January 20, 2025, Mercy Hospital- Pittsburg. David was born on July 13, 1944, in Edison, Nebraska, to Doris David Hunt and Leslie Hunt. He grew up in Lincoln, Kansas, and graduated from local schools before attendi ng Emporia State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in education. He later earned a master’s degree from Pittsburg State University.
ORALEEN URBAN
Oraleen Urban passed away on December 18, 2024, at the age of 95. She was born the daughter of Ora John and Mary Elizabeth (Larsen) Merritt on June 30, 1929, at her grandparentâs home in Caldwell, Kansas, and grew up in rural Grant County, Oklahoma. Oraleen was a 1947 graduate of Caldwell High School and went on to graduate from Northern Oklahoma Junior College. She married Ervin Urban on June 6, 1950, at the Caldwell Methodist Church, and after their marriage, they lived in the rural Caldwell and Corbin areas where Ervin began farming and Oraleen taught school in Corbin. In 1954, they moved to the Wellington area after living in Trieste, Italy while Ervin served in the United States Army. This is when she developed her love of being a farmwife alongside Ervin. Family, music, and being involved in church were important to Oraleen. She liked planning, cooking for, and hosting family gatherings and always looked forward to the next one. Oraleen enjoyed playing the piano and accordion and was a member of the Bellaires, the Wellington First United Methodist Church Handbell Choir, since 1980. She volunteered as a pianist at a local nursing home starting in 1994. Over the years, she volunteered in many ways at her church including serving on the Library, Building, Sanctuary, and Fellowship committees, and continued playing handbells with Grace United Methodist Church in Winfield until her death. She loved to research and write about family and church history. She was especially interested in the symbolism of the stained-glass windows, crosses, and religious symbols in the church. She wrote a paper on the subject called, Symbols, Learn the Language, as therapy after her husband died. She was a member of United Methodist Women where she served as a District Officer for 4 years and a Conference Officer for 9 years. She was also a member of Ruth Circle and the Searchers Sunday School class. Oraleen is preceded in death by her husband, Ervin; grandson, Jeremy Urban; parents, Ora and Mary Merritt; brother, Roy Merritt; sister-in-law, Wynell Merritt. Survivors include her sons, David (Shelly) Urban, and Mark (Gail) Urban; daughter, Pam (Rich) Granger; grandchildren, McKenzie (Charlie) Wagner, Chelsea Urban, Mitch Urban, Katie Urban, Tyson (Cayce) Hibbs, Erin Hibbs and Kayley (Grant) White; brothers, Bob Merritt, Max (Lynn) Merritt; sister, Ruth (George) Sanford; sister-in-law, Marilyn Merritt. Visitation at 9:00 am followed by Funeral service for Oraleen will begin at 10:00 am on December 21, 2024, at the Wellington Methodist Church. Interment will follow at Sumner Memorial Gardens, Wellington, Kansas. Memorial contributions can be given in her name and loving memory to the Wellington Methodist Church P.O. Box 189, Wellington, KS 67152 to support the library and the Bellaires or to the Grace United Methodist Church, 320 College St, Winfield, Kansas 67156 to purchase new bell music.
