Debra J. Yeoman, 56, of El Dorado and formerly of Parsons, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026.
Debra Jean Yeoman was born on July 27, 1969, to Sharon Myers and James Koger in Parsons, Kansas. She grew up and attended school in Parsons, graduating from Parsons High School in 1987. After high school, she earned a bachelor’s degree from Wichita State University.
For many years, Debra worked as a nurse, specializing in caring for the elderly. She enjoyed volunteering and helping others in need. Her selflessness and compassion for others were beneficial in her profession and made her a great example to her family.
Debra loved spending time with her family. She enjoyed a warm day at the lake and a chilled night camping. She enjoyed being a mother, and a newly grandmother, who was always proud of her kids. Her kids’ friends even remember Debra as a mother figure who was always there to lean on and could make anyone laugh. Debra had a sense of humor that could light up the room. She always found time to have fun, be in the moment, and live life to the fullest.
Following his Naval Service, he was a proud member of the VFW in Cherokee, Kansas and Columbus, Kansas.
Jim enjoyed spending time at his Neosho River cabin as well as entertaining family and friends while there. Jim also loved attending his grandchildren’s many activities from plays to wrestling matches, football, volleyball, softball, and baseball tournaments. He loved watching the kids and grandkids compete. Jim never knew a stranger and went out of his way to make certain everyone felt welcome. He was always a wonderful resource of knowledge and never failed to jump in and help when asked. “Mr. Wilson” was loved by many and will be forever missed.
Survivors include his wife Rose Marie of the home; children Mindy Garrett of West Mineral, Diana Coble and husband Steve of Joplin, Missouri, Jamie Wilson of Pittsburg, and Jeff Wilson and wife Heather of Columbus, Kansas and six grandchildren Mary Garrett, Keyth Waltrip, Garret Coble, Gavin Coble, Sierra Wilson and Shelbi Wilson.
A Celebration of Life will be hosted by the West Mineral Eagles Club located at 106 Olive Street, West Mineral, at noon Saturday, March 14, 2026. Lunch will be provided.
Jim’s last request was that family and friends come and share memories. Jim was an avid reader his entire life and supported the McCune Library. In lieu of flowers the family asks expressions of sympathy to be in the form of memorials to McCune Osage Township Library and/or the FOE Aerie #918 in West Mineral, KS. Friends may drop off or mail memorials to Bath-Naylor Funeral Home 104 W. Main St Weir, KS 66762. Condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor.com. Arrangements and services are under the direction of Bath-Naylor Funeral Home of Weir, Kansas.
Survivors include: two daughters – Alison Cornelius (Robert) of Mounds, Oklahoma and Aubrey Palmer of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; one son - Ashton Palmer of El Dorado Kansas; two grandchildren – Vivianne and Amelia Cornelius of Mounds, Oklahoma; three brothers – Gary Willis of Dodge City, Bill Willis (Tara) of Rogers, Arkansas, Johnny Yeoman (Ginny) of Joplin, Missouri; four sisters – Angela Johnson (Shelby) of Iola, Shannon Lower (Gary) of Iola, Sherry Yeoman of Parsons, Barbara Willis of Pittsburg; and a significant other – Tommy Smith of Parsons.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and two sons, Jarrett Gamblian and Dwayne Gamblian.
The funeral service will be at 1 p.m., Thursday, March 5, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Parsons. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m., Thursday, until the service begins at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home. Following the service, burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Parsons.
Memorials are suggested to ICT SOS, an organization whose mission is to end human trafficking and for whom Debra volunteered. These may be left at or sent to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.
Online condolences may be left at www. forbeshoffman.com.
