Guy Papon

Guy Papon, 95, resident of Fredonia, Kansas, passed away December 26, 2019 at the Kiowa District Hospital, in Kiowa, Kansas.

He was born August 23rd, 1924 at Coyville, Kansas to Edith and Peter Papon. Growing up he spent a lot of time fishing and hunting at the farm. The family later moved west of Lafontaine and spent his entire life at this farm where he especially took pride in his corn crops. He raised cattle and hogs over the years and enjoyed hunting and fishing with the kids.

He was instrumental in instituting the Duck Creek Watershed to prevent flooding. He was a member of the Fredonia VFW where he helped create the Avenue of Flags at the Cemetery.

In 1942 Guy joined the military and served honorably until his discharge as Staff Sergeant. During WW II, he served in the Philippines and occupied Japan. After returning home, he married Irene Shinkle in 1947, where they raised their family of four at the homestead. Music was a big part of his life. He enjoyed going to dances and listening to Bob Wills!! He took pride in his John Deere tractors he restored and collected.
Surviving family members are daughter, Peggy Papon (Marc) of Cedaredge, CO, daughter Jo Fowler of Emporia, Kansas, Pat Spillman of Denver, Colorado, Bruce Papon (Yvette) of Hardtner, Kansas; grandkids are Jamie Fowler of Benton, Kansas, Corey Fowler of Emporia, Kelly Fowler of Neosho Rapids; Shawn Papon of Fergas Falls, Minnesota, Eric Papon of Mulvane, Kansas; Josh Welch of Cincinnati, Ohio, Katie Weiss of Clevland, Tennessee. Great grandchildren include Kolsen, Karolyn, Kaylee and, Kassidy Papon, Kelton Boster, Katie and Konnor Papon, Braydon Fowler, Harlee and Hayden Fowler, Kinzie and Justin Fowler, Alex, Eli and Teddy Welch, Reagan and McKinnley Weiss. Other family members include Jeanean Wright and other numerous nieces and nephews.

Guy was preceded in death by his parents, Edith and Peter Papon, brother Orville, sister Fern and great grandson Bo Fowler.

Celebration of Life Services will be held Tuesday, December 31, 2019, at 11:00 A.M. at Wickham Family Funeral Home, 510 N. 7th Fredonia, Kansas 66736. Visitation will be at 10:00 A.M. until service time. Burial with Military Rites will be at Fredonia Cemetery.

Memorial donations are suggested to Avenue of Flags and may be left or sent to Wickham Family Funeral Home.