Wayne Souders

Wayne H. Souders, 91, of rural Chetopa, passed away at 10:53 a.m., Friday, October 23, 2015 at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin. He was born May 19, 1924 in Chetopa, Kansas to Homer and Elizabeth (Merchant) Souders. He grew up in Chetopa where he graduated from Chetopa High School. During World War II, Wayne served in the United States Army. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Chetopa where he farmed. He enjoyed antique tractors, antique cars, and antique gas engines. On September 22, 1948, he and Mary Frances Martin were married in Bentonville, Arkansas. She preceded him in death on March 20, 2001. Survivors include: One Son – Steve Souders and his wife, Patty Chetopa, KS Two Daughters – Mary Beth Hartley Welch, OK Teresa Wheeler and her husband, Greg Chetopa, KS Six Grandchildren Two Great-Grandchildren In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by one brother and one sister. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 26, 2015 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Chetopa. The family will receive friends from 5-8:00 p.m., Sunday, at the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Chetopa. Memorials are suggested to Chetopa High School Future Farmers of America. These may be left at or mailed to Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 346, Chetopa, KS 67336. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Wayne Souders, please visit our flower store.