Orval F. Papon, Sr.

Orval F. Papon, Sr., 92, a lifelong resident of Fredonia, Kansas, died Thursday, March 6, 2008 at the Chanute Health Care Center in Chanute, Kansas. He was born September 1, 1915 in Coyville, Kansas, the son of Peter and Edith (Bible) Papon. He was a graduate of Fredonia High School and served in the United States Army during World War II in the Asiatic Pacific Theater (India) and with the National Guard in Fredonia and Iola for a total of 21 years, retiring with the rank of CW-4. On August 10, 1936, in Ava, Missouri, he married Bessie Robertson. She survives at their home. Orval and Bessie spent 50 years in the grocery business, where they owned and operated grocery stores in Coyville and Lafontaine before opening Papon"s IGA Grocery Store in Fredonia. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Fredonia and a lifetime member of both the V.F.W. and the American Legion. Survivors, in addition to his wife, Bessie, include: one son: Orval F. "Butch" Papon, Jr. and his wife, Karen of Naperville, Illinois one brother: Guy Papon of Fredonia, Kansas one grandchild: Brenda Morevitska and her husband, Joseph of Blue Springs, Missouri two great grandchildren: Katie & Kendel Morevitska Funeral services will be held at 1:30 P.M. on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at Timmons Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in the Fredonia City Cemetery with full military rites conducted by Fort Riley Military Base. Visitation will be Monday, 2:00 P.M.-6:00 P.M., with the family receiving friends 5:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. A memorial has been established in his name with Fredonia Regional Hospital Building Fund and may be sent to the funeral home. Family condolences may be left on this website Timmons Funeral Home, PO Box 168, Fredonia, KS, 66736, is in charge of the arrangements.