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Diane Elizabeth (Popp) Jones 1946 - 2020
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Ronald E. “Ron” Schepmann

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Diane Elizabeth (Popp) Jones passed away on Dec. 18, 2020, from acute leukemia after a brief illness at the City of Hope Hospital, in Los Angeles, Calif. She was born in Columbus, Ohio in 1946, graduated from West High School in 1964 and from Ohio State University with a B.A. in Psychology in 1968. Diane was a private pilot, scuba diver, equestrian, and loved to travel, visiting all 50 states and 50 countries. She worked as a social worker, travel agent, and economic assistant for the U.S. Department of Labor. 

Diane is survived by her husband of 48 years, Richard Jones; her daughter Chelsea Henderson-Jones; and son Justin Starble-Jones.


Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 30, 2020


Michael Troy ‘Mike’ Joiner 1963 - 2025
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Michael Troy ‘Mike’ Joiner

Michael Troy ‘Mike’ Joiner, 62, passed away Feb. 27, 2025, at Medicalodges of Great Bend, Kan. He was born on Jan. 9, 1963, in Great Bend, Kan., to Jack and Louise (Campbell) Joiner. Mike married Ruth Deutsch; they later divorced.

A lifetime Barton County resident, Mike was a dedicated minister. After attending college at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, he shared his knowledge and faith as lead minister of Extreme Hope Christian Fellowship. Mike was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He loved football, having played in high school, including in the 1981 Shrine Bowl where Hutchinson News named him the western Kansas Defensive Player of the Year, coaching players, and watching all level of the game, especially K.U. In addition to football, Mike competed in powerlifting and arm wrestling. He enjoyed watching other sports like basketball and baseball, riding his motorcycle, and singing karaoke. Mike cherished time with his family, specifically his grandchildren.

Survivors include daughter, Samantha Nicholson and husband Tyson of Larned; son, Gabriel Joiner and wife Holly of Great Bend; five grandchildren, Avalynne, Layla, Isaiah, Kynlsey, and Lorelai; brothers, Don Joiner and wife Rosie of Ellinwood and Jack Joiner and wife Tricia of Weatherford, Okla.; former wife, Ruth Joiner; and numerous friends and loved ones. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Kevin Joiner; sister, Christina Gresham; and stepmother, Mary Joiner.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 20, 2025, with family receiving guest from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Friday, March 21, 2025, at Heartland Community Church, with Pastor Mark Williams presiding. Inurnment will follow at Lakin-Comanche Cemetery. Memorials have been designated to Lasting Life Ministries, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.


Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 15, 2025