Leroy Sons

A life well lived

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Leroy Sons, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. Leroy was born on January 8, 1933, in Sullivan, Missouri, and passed away on April 25, 2023, at the age of 90 in Arvada, Colorado.

Leroy was the son of George W. Sons and Sarah Anna Strothkamp. He grew up in Pacific, Missouri and Horace, Kansas with his five siblings, creating cherished memories and strong family bonds. His surviving sisters, Ethel Kuder, and Betty Gentry of Tribune, Kansas, remember him fondly as a loving and supportive brother.

Leroy is survived by his children, Cheri Nicoloff, Tim Sons, Kelly Mackeen, and Randy Sons, who will always remember their father’s love and guidance. He was also a proud grandfather to 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, who brought immense joy to his life. Leroy is predeceased by his wife, Betty J. Sons, three children, one grandchild, two sisters, and two brothers. His family will forever cherish the memories they shared.

Leroy proudly served in the United States Air Force from September 13, 1951, to September 20, 1961. He achieved the rank of Sergeant (E-5) and demonstrated unwavering dedication and commitment to his country. His service to the nation will always be remembered with gratitude.

Following his military service, Leroy pursued his passion for automobiles and became an accomplished mechanic. He owned several small automobile garages and managed several others, earning a reputation as one of the best mechanics in the area. His expertise and dedication to his craft were widely recognized and respected.

In his free time, Leroy and his wife, Betty, enjoyed going up the hill to Blackhawk for a few hours of playing the slots. He also loved socializing at the local pub in the mornings, where he savored coffee and, occasionally, a few beers with friends. Leroy’s warm presence and lively spirit will be greatly missed at these cherished gathering spots.

Leroy Sons was a man of integrity, kindness, and dedication. He touched the lives of many with his wisdom, sense of humor, and unwavering love for his family. As we gather to celebrate his life, we remember the countless ways he made the world a better place, and we hold his memory close to our heart.

OBITUARIES

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Ronald L. Koehn

Ronald L. Koehn, age 78, passed away on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the Greeley County Health Services in Tribune. He was born on November 26, 1947, in Greensburg  to Alfred D. & Elma Giesel Koehn. Ron moved his family to Tribune in the late 60s, having moved... [More]

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Jerry Lee Huddleston

Jerry Lee Huddleston, age 72, passed away on Friday, September 11, 2026, at the Greeley County Health Services in Tribune.  He was born on February 4, 1954, in Tribune to Howard B. Huddleston and Lillian M. Luekenga Kubo. He was a Journeyman Lineman for Wheatland Electric... [More]

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Andrew Duke Stewart

Andrew Duke Stewart, known to many as “Duke” in his younger years and “Andy” thereafter, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Western Prairie Senior Living Center in Ulysses at the age of 86. Andy was... [More]

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Mary Josephine Loper

Mary Jo Loper, age 75, passed away on July 28, 2026, at her home in Overland Park, KS. She was born on May 5, 1951 in Great Bend, KS. She was raised by her aunt and uncle, Floretta and Marion Otstott in Tribune. Mary Jo married Raymond Morgan in 1969 and divorced in 1979. She... [More]

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Kenneth L. Beougher

Kenneth L. Beougher was born on June 11, 1934 on the family farm in Gove County. He passed away on August 24, 2026 at Wheat Haven in McDonald. Ken was raised on the family farm alongside his three brothers and two sisters. He attended several rural schools in Gove County before... [More]

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Mereta Carol (Morgan) Stone

Mereta Stone, 90, passed away on July 20, 2026, at Brookdale in Dodge City. She was born on December 6, 1935, in Tribune to Merle and Margaret (Jones) Morgan. Mereta attended and graduated from Tribune schools. She started her career as a type setter for The Daily Globe then... [More]

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Richard “Rick” Phillip Coupland, Jr.

Richard Phillip Coupland, Jr., lovingly known as Rick, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2026, in Flagstaff, Arizona, at the age of 80. Rick was born on August 25, 1945, in Pueblo, Colorado, to Richard Phillip Coupland and Irma Eileen Coupland (Shacklett). He is survived by... [More]

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Thelma I. Carlson

Thelma Isabel Carlson of Longmont, Colorado passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at the age of 97. Thelma arrived at the Ferne and Oscar Carlson home in Tribune on December 16, 1928. She joined two-year-old Selma and one-year-old Velma. In the following two years both John... [More]

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SPORTS

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Lady Jackrabbits defeat St. Francis, Sharon Springs, go 1-2 at Dighton Tournament

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Jackrabbits fall to Red Devils, prepare to change game plan for Dighton

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Reynolds, Marquardt and Howell place second, Hopkins places third at Ellinwood meet

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Junior High Lady Jackrabbits A team wins Syracuse Tournament; B team takes second

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Junior High football faces defeat at Oberlin, looks ahead to Dighton

Photo caption: The offensive line gets in position as they prepare to run a play against the Decatur County Red Devils. The boys had diffficulty containing Oberlin’s talented running back during the game. Photo by Trista Shafer.  The Junior High football team traveled... [More]

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Jackrabbits lose to Elkhart Wildcats 20-26 in overtime

Photo caption: Rowdy Grubb was willing to take flight to score a few more yards during a running play against Elkhart Friday evening. Rowdy had 121 rushing yards on 26 carries throughout the game. The Greeley County Jackrabbits squared off against the Elkhart Wildcats in home... [More]

Fearless Four win state bowling

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Jackrabbits compete in home meet on Saturday

Photo caption: The High School Boys ran the second race of the day. From left to right are Knox Mangan, Braxon Mangan, Samuel Warner, Truett Young, and Taven Schmidt. They placed sixth as a team. The Greeley County Jackrabbits hosted the Greeley County Invitational Cross Country... [More]

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NEWS

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Dr. Wendel Ellis, DO, awarded Heart of Healthcare Award

Dr. Wendel Ellis, DO, longtime physician and chief of Medical Staff at Greeley County Health Services, was awarded a prestigious Heart of Healthcare Award at the Kansas Health Association annual conference September 10-11, 2026.  According to his nomination, Dr. Wendel... [More]

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Greeley County Airport to host Kansas Air Tour lunch stop on Thursday, October 1

The Greeley County Airport (5K2) will host a lunch stop on the 2026 Kansas Air Tour on Thursday, October 1.  Airport managers Arlie and Beth Aeschliman are excited to host pilots from around the region and have planned science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)... [More]

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GCHS Fall Homecoming Court announced

The 2026 Fall Homecoming Court has been named. Senior king candidates, in the back row, from left to right, are Drayke DaSilva, Oscar Martinez, Rowdy Grubb, and Gael Yanez. Senior queen candidates, in the second row, are Britney Helpingstine, Lily Palmer, Bryleigh Nix, and Sara... [More]

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Progress continues on Towner East Wind Project

Photo caption: The erection phase at the Towner East Wind Project is now well underway. Technicians work collaboratively to install one of the tower pieces south of Towner, Colo. Courtesy photo. Travelers heading on Highway 96 west out of Tribune can quickly see evidence of... [More]

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Elliott Insurance celebrates 45th anniversary

Irelyn Ricke, Tanner Elder, Sherri Elder, and Travis Elliott served a brisket lunch to customers and friends on Thursday, September 17, in celebration of Elliott Insurance’s 45th year in business.

Greeley County History Hunt wrapping up

By Jennifer Vogt-Crockett We are wrapping up the Great Greeley County History Hunt this Thursday.  If you did the Hunt or part of it, and haven’t picked up your 250th Commemorative Coin, please stop the Horace Greeley Museum by this week or next.  The signs... [More]

Community Homecoming Bonfire, Parade scheduled

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Senator Moran secures Kansas agriculture priorities in the Senate Farm Bill

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OPINIONS

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From the Editor’s iPhone, at the corner of Kiowa County’s Road J and 76

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From the editor's desk

Change isn’t my favorite.  Though I like to think I’m open-minded and forward-looking, I can become rooted in patterns, comfortable in the way things are done. If I can navigate the mental maze of getting from point A to point Z several times, then just follow... [More]

Letter to the Community: We need lifeguards

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In Pursuit: Lesson #1 – From George Washington

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FFA isn’t all sows, plows, and cows

Photo caption: Anna Marquardt, left, attended the ACC Conference in Lakin last week. Courtesy photo. FFA is growing tomorrow’s leaders, instilling confidence in members, and preparing members for career success and the ACC Conference did just that. ACC stands for authentic,... [More]

Letter to the Editor: Passing the Rotor Act is Plane Common Sense

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