Humphreys “Hump” Dean Hodge
Humphreys “Hump” Dean Hodge, 88, of Augusta, KS, passed away Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, at home. Hump was born in Ft. Worth, TX, on Oct. 30, 1934, to Martha (Humphreys) and Clifford Hodge, and grew up in Leawood, KS. Hump graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in journalism and remained a passionate and loyal Jayhawk fan. He also served in the U.S. Air Force. He was in banking insurance sales, owning Financial Insurance Group in Augusta, and finally retiring from the Kansas Bankers Association. Hump dedicated himself to many charitable causes and made many dear, lifelong friends along the way. On Feb. 11, 1978, he married his soulmate, Barbara (Seba), in Wichita, KS, who survives him. He is also survived by his daughters, Julie Colahan (Jim), Marty Winkelman, Missy McCarthy (Kent), Alison Brake (J.D.); son, Kent Owens (Lalanie); 16 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Kevin Owens, and granddaughter, Brooke Owens. Hump was blessed with a large family and many friends. He loved life, never knew a stranger, and had a heart of gold. He simply was one of the kindest people you could meet.
John Thomas “Tom” Fellers
John Thomas “Tom” Fellers was born on August 20, 1937, and went to join his Heavenly Father on April 2, 2023.
Tom’s life was defined by his commitment to service and to his community, including being elected as the Mayor of Ashland. Through the years, Tom was a member of various committees, including the Kansas Banking Association, USD220 School Board, Ashland Hospital Endowment Board, Kiwanis Club, and a limited partner of the Elm Grove Apartments. Tom was an active member of the Ashland United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir for much of his life.
Tom was born in Dodge City, Kansas, to Francis and Pauline Fellers, and moved to Ashland, Kansas, in 1946. Tom was a lifelong Kansas resident. He graduated from Ashland High School and then attended Fort Hays State University, graduating in 1960 with two degrees, a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in counseling. After completing his studies, Tom accepted his first professional job as a math and science teacher in Scott City, a position he held for two and a half years. In 1981, Tom accepted a new position as an entry-level Assistant Cashier at Stockgrowers State Bank. The next 50+ years of his career were devoted to the bank, where he worked his way through the ranks to President and CEO. Under his stewardship, Tom expanded the bank’s service area with the purchase of Bank IV in Meade, Coldwater Bank, and Brook-Howell Insurance Agency, and through his participation in the development of the Bankers Bank of Kansas. One of his crowning achievements was the construction of the new bank building in Ashland, which was completed in 1985.
Tom is survived by his wife of almost 62 years, Phyllis Ruth Fellers of Goddard, Kansas; his children Jacquelyn Cherie Stearns and husband Jim of Goddard, KS; Thomas Scott Fellers and wife Ellea of Lawrence, KS; and Elizabeth Ann Wager and husband Jeff of Wichita, KS. Tom and Phyllis were blessed with seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Fred Dunmire
Fred Arthur Dunmire of Overland Park, KS passed away on March 17, 2023. He was born March 5, 1933, in Spring Hill, KS, to Ray Allen Dunmire and Margaret Null Dunmire.
Fred was a graduate of Spring Hill High School and the University of Kansas (class of 1955) with a degree in Business Administration. He was a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. He later completed The Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin. Following graduation from KU, he served in the Army, stationed in Korea from 1955–1957. After returning from Korea, he began his career at Commercial National Bank in Kansas City, KS. He remained there until he retired as President in 1994. While at CNB, he also became President of the State Bank of Spring Hill in 1961 after the passing of his father. He continued his work there as Chairman of the Board until his passing.
Other involvements include Campaign Chairman of United Way of Wyandotte County, Director of the American Royal Association, Trustee and Chairman of the Board of Bethany Medical Center, President and Director of YMCA in KCK, and Chairman of Kaw Valley Tri-County Heart Association. He was a 57-year member of Milburn Country Club, and Director and past President of Wolf Creek Golf Club.
Survivors include wife Catherine Campbell, who he married in 1957; son David Dunmire (Terri) of Overland Park and their children Brian Dunmire and Megan (Matt) Swaback; daughter Laura Klotz (Gary) of Eudora, KS, and their children Catherine Broksieck (Derek), Melissa Klotz and Erin Klotz; as well as three great-grandchildren. Also surviving are sister-in-law Marion Dunmire and brother-in-law Darrell Rhudy.
Fred deeply loved his family and was well respected by his friends and colleagues. He was especially happy spending time on the golf course.
