OCTOBER 28, 1944 - SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

Russell Hedge, 79, of Topeka, KS, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2024, after a long battle with cancer.

Born on October 28, 1944, in Kansas City, MO, he was the son of Ruth and Homer Hedge and shared a special bond with his twin brother, John. The brothers graduated from Rosedale High School in 1962, where they were actively involved in Debate and Forensics. Russell went on to earn a B.S. in Elementary Education with a focus on Speech Pathology from the University of Kansas, followed by an M.A. in Speech from Kansas State University. He completed all but his dissertation in Communication Disorders at the University of Oklahoma.

Russell was married twice: first to Marianne, with whom he had a son, Scott. He later married Donna, and together they welcomed three children: Josi, Ian, and Jaden.

Throughout his 30+ year career, Russell dedicated himself to working with special needs children and their families, making a lasting impact as a Speech Pathologist with a particular emphasis on Early Childhood Interventions. One of his most memorable roles was at KIJ's Bureau of Child

Research Outreach Facility in Parsons, KS, where he traveled across five counties in Southeast Kansas, empowering children and families to enhance their daily lives. Russell's passions included teaching, learning, archaeology, and traveling.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his twin brother, John. Russell is survived by his loving wife, Donna; his four children, Scott (Kimberly) Hedge, Josi Hedge, Ian (Rebecca) Hedge, and laden Hedge; and his two grandsons, Brennan and Kellan.

SEPTEMBER 02, 1935 - DECEMBER 09, 2023

Geraldine Faye Stiner was born 9-2-35 in Spirit Lake Iowa.

She passed away 12-9-23 at the age of 88, and her ashes were laid to rest on 9-22-24.

She was preceded in death by Alford Carl Stiner and their eldest son Richard Carl Stiner and a daughter in law Kathy (Ron).

She is survived by 1 brother Lavern Leek 3 son's Ronald, Rodney, and Roger. 1 surviving daughter in law, Danielle (Rod) and numerous grandchildren, great-grand children and great-great grand children.

Faye was loved by all and enjoyed crafting with her grandkids.

She is dearly missed.

MARCH 06, 1955 - SEPTEMBER 19, 2024

David Andrew Forman

David Andrew Forman, husband, father, and grandfather, died peacefully at his home in Meriden, KS on September 19, 2024, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. He was 69 years old.

David was born in Topeka, KS. He married Deborrah Wells on March 15, 1972 and spent their lives happily married with their children and pugs. He drove semi-trucks for most of his life. He was a Kansas Motor Carriers Association Driver of the month in 2001, and was selected as an ABF Freightways Road Team member in 2004. David retired at 62 from ABF Freight System.

David is survived by his wife, Deborrah Forman; his children, Dawn Wahwassuck, Mayetta, KS, Kimberly Ortiz, Meriden and Cody Forman, Meriden. His siblings Kathy Mercer, Eskridge, KS, Robert Forman, Topeka, Charles Forman, Topeka, and Daniel Forman, California. He has 4 grandchildren.

David was preceded in death by his grandparents Mortimer and Susan Arthur and Frank and Pauline Forman, his parents Marvin Forman and Delores Baldock, and his son Craig Forman.

A celebration of life for David is scheduled for Friday September 27 from 4-6pm, at his home in Meriden. The family asks that donations be Sent to Midland Hospice in Lieu of Flowers.

JULY 07, 1940 - SEPTEMBER 11, 2024

Leona B. Kalous, 84 of Topeka, passed away Wednesday September 11, 2024 at
McCrite Plaza surrounded by her family.

Leona was born July 7, 1940 in Washington, Kansas the daughter of Floyd and Lula
Tegethoff. She was employed by the Kansas Department of Administration and Payless
Shoe Source. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Cleora Scheetz,
Shirley Truhlicka, her brother Forrest Tegethoff and great grandson Brantley Jenkins.
She is survived by her daughters, Juliann Kampsen (Tim) of Silver Lake and Kristy
Fangman (Larry), of Topeka; grandchildren Shelby Kampsen (Danny Ricley) Topeka,
Caleb Kampsen (Shea) Kansas City, Alexa Duffendack (Taylor), Lenexa and great
grandsons, Parker French and Tulsen Kampsen. She is also survived by her sibling
Lavern Tegethoff, Salina.

Honoring her request, cremation has taken place and no services are planned.
Memorial contributions may be made to Topeka Rescue Mission, Topeka or Phoenix
Home Care & Hospice, Topeka.

July 9, 1950 – September 2, 2024

Alma Caudell, née Allen, was born to Paul and Ethel Allen on July 9, 1950, in
Burlington, Kansas. She passed away peacefully on September 2, 2024, with her
beloved husband of 54 years by her side, at Life Care Center of Burlington, after a long
illness.

Alma attended Burlington schools and graduated in 1968. On June 27, 1970, she
married Ken Caudell at the First Christian Church in Burlington, Kansas. The couple’s
years together were marked by commitment to each other and the family they raised.

Growing up on the family farm in the days before indoor plumbing and telephones, Alma
learned many essential skills—gardening, canning, and caring for animals. These early
experiences shaped her strong work ethic and practical nature.

After attending Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia for two years, she took time
off to raise her family. In 1973, Alma began working alongside her husband as a Driver’s
License Examiner in Overland Park, Kansas, making them the first couple to work
together in this role.

In late 1974, Ken was promoted, and the family moved to Junction City, where Alma
took a position at the Manhattan Driver’s License Office. They eventually settled in
Emporia around 1977. Alma’s passion for helping others led her to take a

paraprofessional job in Special Education, which inspired her to return to school and
fulfill her lifelong dream of teaching. She graduated in 1982 from Emporia State
University with a BA in Psychology and went on to teach Special Education at Central
Heights in Richmond, Kansas. In addition, Alma served as an adjunct professor at
Neosho County Community College, teaching Psychology.

Alma taught at Central Heights from 1982 until 1991, when she retired due to the
progression of blindness caused by Retinitis pigmentosa. After retiring from teaching,
the family returned to Burlington, where Ken continued to work in his own body shop
and their youngest son Paul attended school.

Before her sight began to fade, Alma was deeply involved in her children’s activities,
making sure they participated in a wide range of endeavors—4-H, Scouts, athletics, art,
theater, band, choir, and forensics. Always volunteering, she baked for events, canned
almost anything, and if she wasn’t making food, she was judging, collecting tickets, or
helping manage student events.

As her vision further declined, Alma found comfort in simple joys. She and Ken would
take drives around town, where Ken described the sights to her as they talked about
how much the town had changed. Though she became less inclined to leave the house,
she enjoyed listening to audiobooks, following the Kansas City Chiefs and KU
basketball, and playfully arguing with Alexa. Alma remained connected to her children
and grandchildren, asking endless questions when they visited.

Alma was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Ethel (Lipe) Allen, and her oldest
brother, Stephen (Steve) Allen. She is survived by her husband Ken; three children:
Kendra and her husband Jonathan of Agricola; Ken and his wife Malissa of Melvern,
along with their children Brandon and Erin; and Paul and his wife Karen of Burlington,
along with their children KJ and Molli. Additional survivors include her youngest brother
Richard of Burlington, her sister-in-law Carol Allen of Burlington, and many nieces and
nephews.

In accordance with her very adamant wishes, there will be no traditional service. Alma
will be cremated, honoring her request for simplicity.

Condolences may be mailed to 415 S. 4th, Burlington, KS 66839. Memorial
contributions in Alma’s memory can be made to the Foundation Fighting Blindness, also
sent to 415 S. 4th, Burlington, KS 66839.

If you wish to celebrate Alma, take a moment to walk barefoot outside, plant a
rosebush, iris, or tulips, and remember her quiet strength and enduring spirit.

MAY 04, 1942 - SEPTEMBER 02, 2024

With great sadness, we announce the passing of William (Bill) Morris Brune, 82, of Topeka, Kansas, on September 2, 2024. Bill was born on May 4, 1942, to Carl and Dorothy Brune in Topeka.

After graduating from Topeka High, he began a machinist apprenticeship at the Santa Fe (BNSF) Shops, marking the start of his lifelong career working for the railroad. Bill met his wife, Dianne, while still in high school. They went on to have two children, William M. Jr., married to Aurora K. Brune, and Christine M. Blocker, married to John L. Blocker.

Bill was preceded in death by his brother, Terry. He is survived by his two sisters, Karen and Susie, his beloved grandchildren: Patrick Blocker, Catie Capps (Blair), Mark Brune (Aya), Kyle Blocker, and Liz Brune, as well as his cherished dog, Penny.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Midland Care Hospice in Topeka, Kansas, in Bill's memory.

DECEMBER 01, 1947 - AUGUST 15, 2024

Merrick "Mike" Vane Goodman, 76, born on December 1, 1947, in Kissimmee, Florida, passed
away peacefully on August 15, 2024 at the Colmery-O'Neil Veterans' Administration Medical
Center in Topeka, Kansas. He was a dedicated father, brother, husband, and a proud veteran
whose life was marked by service, community involvement, music, and a love for learning.

Mike was predeceased by his parents James Norris Goodman and Verna Christine Brackin and
cousins Jimmy Goodman and Daryl Goodman (Florida).

Mike is survived by his two sons, Jeffery Goodman (Topeka, KS) and James Goodman
(Bloomington, IN) and his ex-wife Barbara Goodman (Topeka, KS), who will always remember
his strength and kindness. He is also survived by his sisters, Marian Robinson (St. Cloud, FL)
and Karen Goodman Glenn (Live Oak, FL) and cousin Robin Goodman (Warner Robins, GA)
who shared many cherished memories with him, and by Kimberly Markham (Ozawkie, KS).
After graduating from high school in Florida, Mike entered the Air Force, where he served his
country with honor. While stationed at Forbes Air Force Base in Topeka, Kansas, he met
Barbara Sappenfield, and they soon married.

Mike’s career was diverse and impactful. He worked as a cab driver and a chimney sweep, yet
his true calling was as a firefighter. His bravery and leadership led him to the rank of captain, a
role he held with distinction until his retirement. After retiring, Mike settled in Ozawkie, Kansas,
where he remained active in the community, particularly with the American Legion.

Mike was active in the Boy Scouts of America as a teenager in Florida and with his two sons
with BSA Troop 10 in Topeka, Kansas. He was fortunate enough to visit Philmont Scout Ranch
in New Mexico four times, once as a scout himself and three times as an assistant scoutmaster
with his Eagle Scout sons in Troop 10.

Mike enjoyed the outdoors and participated in camping and hunting. Most camping trips
included a traditional teepee and his hunting trips involved hand-made muzzleloader rifles. Mike
participated in several muzzleloader competitions and took home awards for his marksmanship
skills.

Mike's preferred mode of transportation was on a motorcycle. He owned several Harley
Davidson models over the years.

In addition to his professional achievements, Merrick had a passion for music and literature. He
enjoyed playing the guitar, listening to music, and reading books, which brought him great joy
and relaxation. He attended the Winfield Bluegrass Festival with his family several times,
camping in the teepee and reveling in the free spirit of the late 1970s.

A memorial service will be held to celebrate Mike’s life and legacy. Details will be shared with
family and friends in the coming days.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in
Mike’s name.

May he rest in peace.

In Memory Of
Shane Chandler Kingman
1969-2024

Shane Chandler Kingman, 54, of Topeka, passed away Sunday August 25, 2024, in his home.
Shane was born November 3, 1969, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Kenneth Kingman and
Virginia Kingman (Carriger). For the past 16 years Shane was employed by the Local
Carpenters Union # 1445. Prior to this Shane worked various jobs as a bouncer, bartender, and
in other trades.

Shane married Robin Rae Funk (Waggoner) on April 25, 2015, in Topeka. She survives. Other
survivors include his son Chandler Kingman; stepdaughters Tristen (Larry) Langston, Brooke
(Joe) Rose, Carrie (Tanner) Etzel; 11 grandchildren; sister Annalisa Kingman; brother Patrick
Kingman; nephews Brian (Tara) Pollard, Dominic (Julie) Kingman; niece Lincoln (Frank) Owens;
and parents Kenneth and Virginia Kingman. Shane was preceded in death by his sister in-law
Jeanette Kingman.

In his free time, you would often find Shane helping with weekend projects around not only his
home, but those of friends and family. He enjoyed playing pool, video games, watching movies,
and collecting dragons. Shane especially loved his toy poodle Willie, who was often found right
by his side wherever he went. Shane was an AVID Raiders Football fan, and he was not afraid
to show it, even if he was the only one cheering them on in a room full of Chiefs Fans.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday September 8, 2024, where family will receive
guests from 2:00pm-7:00pm at the Lake Shawnee Event Center, 3025 SE Croco Rd., Topeka,
KS 66605.