Robert Himes Fursman, 91, former resident of Colony, died Friday, Aug. 15, 2014, at his home in Fort Scott. He was born May 3, 1923, on the family farm south of Moran, the son of John Anton Fursman, Sr. and Lillian Pearl Himes Fursman. He attended school in Moran where he enjoyed playing football and participating in track and field events.
Bob married Francis Catherine Harris on April 11, 1945, at Fort Scott. Bob, along with his brothers, Lyle and Jack, owned and operated Fursman Ranch and Elevator west of Welda for many years. Bob had been active with Anderson County Soil Conservation and had served on the Welda school board. Bob and Francis remodeled the Lone Elm Grade School into their home and lived there until moving to Colony in 1986. They moved to Fort Scott in 2008 where they made their home at Cavalry Crossing Apartments.
Survivors include Francis, his wife of 69 years; two daughters, Sheila Blubaugh and husband Dave, Fort Scott, and Sharon Madison and husband Don, Wichita; five grandchildren, Brad Blubaugh and wife Bethany, Fort Scott, Amanda Smilie and husband Ethan, Chanute, Joan Kramer and husband Tim, Tom Madison and wife Kitty and Karen Traynor and husband Kip, all of Wichita; 13 great-grandchildren, Ashley Kramer, Max and Grant Blubaugh, Catherine, Sam and Elizabeth Madison, Robert, Rowan, Rachel and Rafe Traynor and Helena, Benedict and Cecilia Smilie. Also surviving is a brother, John A. “Jack” Fursman, Jr., Iola, He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Lyle Fursman.
Funeral services were today at Cheney Witt Chapel. Private burial will take place in the Colony Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Mercy Hospice and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Visit cheneywitt.com to sign the online guestbook or view a tribute video.
Robert Fursman
