Arley J. Journot

Arley J. Journot, 84, of Parsons, passed away at 6:30 a.m., Monday, December 18, 2023, at Credo Senior Living in Chanute.

Arley Joe Journot was born on April 4, 1939, to Emanuel and Nellie Mae (McNamara) Journot in Parsons, Kansas.  He grew up in Parsons and attended St. Patrick Catholic School, graduating from St. Patrick High School.

Following high school, Arley started a lifelong career with the United States Postal Service.  His first assignment with the USPS was with the RPO (Railroad Post Office), where he had many true-life incidents that he would later enjoy sharing with anyone who would listen.  He was one of the last RPO employees prior to transferring to the Wichita Post Office.  After working in Wichita for two years, Arley transferred to the Parsons Post Office, where he was a letter carrier for many years.  Arley was active in the NALC (National Association of Letter Carriers) and attended the national convention as the regional delegate several times.  At last year's NALC gathering, Arley was honored with a 65-year membership pin.

A devout Catholic, Arley was an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and St. Patrick Catholic Church after St. Mary's closed.  He was 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the Parsons Bowhunters Club.  He volunteered his time at St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Iron Horse Museum, the Sunbelt Rodeo and Habitat for Humanity.

Dedicated to his faith, family and serving others, Arley spent his life caring for his family and helping others.  He was a talented woodworker and shared his talent by making trains and other toys for his family and children in the community.  His greatest joy came from spending time with his family and going to his children and grandchildren's school and athletic events.  He also loved the outdoors and was a skilled bowhunter.

On July 11, 1959, Arley and Mary Patricia "Pat" Stueber were united in marriage at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Parsons.  She preceded him in death on August 19, 2016.

Survivors include:

Three sons – Thomas Journot (Robin) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Michael Journot (Diane) of Parsons, Kansas

Bryan Journot (Traci) of Parsons, Kansas

One daughter – Michelle Saye (Quintin) of Cherryvale, Kansas

Thirteen grandchildren – Brice Journot (Joelle); Samantha Journot; Melissa Journot; Kimberly Erker (Justin); Aaron Journot (Jenae); Lauren Journot; Caleb Journot; Justin Journot (Jessica); Scott Journot (Alex); Emily Journot (fiancé, Chandler Heid); Devin Saye (Tori); Jacob Saye (Brynn); and Cole Saye

Eleven great-grandchildren

Three sisters – Jeannie Lansman of Columbia, Missouri

Judy Cupp (Wayne) of Parsons, Kansas

Patti Rich of Parsons, Kansas

He was preceded in death by his wife, Pat; one brother, Edward "Pete" Journot; and one sister, Kathleen O'Neal.

The funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, December 22, 2023, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Parsons.  Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Parsons.  The rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Parsons.  The family will receive friends following the rosary.

Memorials are suggested to St. Patrick Catholic Church or the Iron Horse Museum.  These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS  67357.