Obituaries - July 25, 2025

Obituaries - July 25, 2025
Photo by Eli Solitas / Unsplash

Kelly W. Jones

Kelly W. Jones, 84, of Salina, Kansas, passed away July 21, 2025, at Salina Regional Health Center. He was born, August 27, 1940, in Denver, Colorado, to Dennis and Lorena (Duran) Jones. He was a graduate of Salina High Central High School

Kelly had built a career at Southwestern Bell Telephone and later at Salina Public Library. He was known for his playful tactics, storytelling and kind spirit. An avid outdoorsman, Kelly loved fishing, hunting, and had a lifelong passion for airplanes. He found joy in nature and watching planes fly overhead.

He is preceded in death by his siblings: Sylvia Revels and Gwendolia Nelson; a son, Dennis Campbell and a grandson, Shakeim Campbell.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Jones; children, Yvette Jones of Atlanta, GA, Monica Spence of Tampa, Florida, Vickie Stubbs of Plano Texas, 6 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews and friends.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 137 N. 8th St., Salina, KS with the Rev. Zebulon Milbradt officiating.  Inurnment will be in Roselawn Memorial Park. 


Kenneth James β€œKenny” Nelson, Jr.

Kenneth James β€œKenny” Nelson, Jr., 23, of Salina, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Salina on September 24, 2001, Kenny was the beloved son of Cassaundra Hill Waitt and Kenneth James Nelson, Sr. A proud graduate of Salina Central High School, Class of 2020, Kenny was a dedicated and passionate wrestler. His love for the sport extended beyond his own achievements, as he continued to mentor and inspire young athletes in the community.

Kenny found joy in fishing, football, and cheering on the New York Giants and UFC fighters. His vibrant spirit and infectious smile left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

He is survived by his mother, Cassaundra Waitt (Jason); father, Kenneth Nelson Sr.; brothers, Elijah Waitt (Claire), Jaxyn Summers, and Caden Waitt; sisters, Cierra Waitt and Trinity Waitt (Luke); and grandmother, Sherri Hill. Kenny also leaves behind numerous beloved friends who will cherish his memory forever.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Gary Nelson, Alea Nelson, and Jerry Hill.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Saturday, July 26, at Carlson - Geisendorf Funeral Home in Salina, Kansas.

A rosary followed by a funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, July 29, at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Salina, with Father John Schmeidler officiating. Burial will follow at All Saints Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Sacred Heart Cathedral.


Gary Clifford Burt

Gary Clifford Burt, 77, of Bennington, Kansas, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice in Wichita, Kansas. He was born on January 27, 1948 in Salina, Kansas, the son of Clifford and Lucille Burt.

Gary graduated from Solomon High School in 1966. He dedicated the last 25 years of his life as the owner operator of Burt’s Pasture Clearing. Cutting trees and putting up hay was his passion. He served his community with pride and commitment as a member of the Bennington Lions Club and volunteer at the Bennington Rodeo. Gary will be remembered for his profound love for his family and friends, always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need.

As a truly creative individual and a natural problem-solver, Gary was determined to fix things, often finding unique solutions to any challenge. He had a wide circle of friends in the Salina area. His passions included his family, work, animals, especially his beloved dogs, playing cards, hunting and fishing, and the Bennington Rodeo.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 21 years, Pat Burt; his sons, Kevin Burt (LoAnn Burt) of Dallas, Texas, and Matt Burt (Susan Burt) of Salina, Kansas; his stepson, D. Travis Crickenberger (Lisa Crickenberger) of Annabella, Utah; his brothers, Don Burt of Merkel, Texas, and Kenny Burt of Salina, Kansas; and his two cherished grandchildren, Harper Burt and Jack Burt. Gary's presence will be profoundly missed, but the lessons he taught and the love he shared will continue to resonate in the hearts of those he touched.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; sister Barb Spears; brother Jack Burt: Mother-in-law, Dora Mae Graham.

A visitation will be held on Monday, July 28, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at 500 S Ohio St, Salina, Kansas 67401.

A service to celebrate Gary's life will be held on Tuesday, July 29, at 11:00 AM, at the Bennington Bible Church, 824 N Nelson St., Bennington, Kansas 67422.

Those wishing to honor Gary’s memory are invited to make a donation to the Bennington Volunteer Fire and Rescue in care of Gary Burt.

Great! Next, complete checkout for full access to Salina311.
Welcome back! You've successfully signed in.
You've successfully subscribed to Salina311.
Success! Your account is fully activated, you now have access to all content.
Success! Your billing info has been updated.
Your billing was not updated.