Obituaries

Steven Lee Brooks, lifelong Kansan, car show regular, animal lover, and master of sarcasm, passed away Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Liberal, the town he proudly called home for most of his life. He had just celebrated his 78th birthday April 14, a milestone he would’ve joked was “longer than I ever thought I’d live.”

Born in Salina in 1947, Steve built a life centered around family, old ugly cars, and helping others. For 50 years, he practiced law, not for the spotlight, but because he had a gift for showing up when people needed help. Friends, family, and neighbors knew they could count on him, whether it was legal advice or just someone in their corner.

Rodney Lynn Kapp, 72, died Saturday, April 19, 2025 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita.  

He was born June 17, 1952 to Morris and Marilyn (Slemp) Kapp.

He married Carolyn Hardin Dec. 21, 1972. She survives.

Joan Joye (Brinkmeyer) Schweer, 81, died Sunday, April 13, 2025 at Shepherd's Center in Cimarron.

She was born July 1, 1943 to Charles and Joye (Smith) Brinkmeyer.

She married Vernon Schweer Aug. 12, 1962 at the Garden City Lutheran Church.

Jewell Nadine Belt, 90, died Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at Wheatridge Park Care Center in Liberal.

She was born Dec. 29, 1934 to Benjamin and Ruby (White) Oswald.

She graduated from Gate High School in Gate, Okla. in 1952.