Anti-gay Pastor Fred Phelps Sr. Dies at 84
(AP) - The Rev. Fred Phelps Sr., the founder of a Kansas church known for anti-gay protests and pickets at military funerals, has died. He was 84.
Daughter Margie Phelps says Fred Phelps died shortly after midnight Thursday. She didn't give the cause of death or the condition that recently put him in hospice care.
Phelps founded the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, though most of the small church's members are part of his extended family.
Their activities inspired a federal law on funeral picketing and laws in more than 40 states. But in a major free-speech ruling in 2011, the U.S. Supreme Court declared the church and its members couldn't be sued for damages.
Phelps' church preached that deaths of U.S. military personnel were God's punishment for the nation's tolerance of homosexuality.
© Associated Press
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Three former Atchison Co employees arrested on felonies
One hospitalized, one jailed, after Atchison attack
Atchison man involved in fatal NW MO crash
Services set for Effingham woman killed in crash
Barricaded fugitive arrested in Jackson County
Two file to challenge local legislator
Fatal Atchison apt fire investigation continues
USD 415 board select new member
U.S. 36 work in Doniphan Co to impact motorists
Fentanyl find nets four in two Atchison cases
Results from SE Nebraska contested Primary Elections
Date set for signals switch at Hiawatha intersection
Flags to fly half staff Wednesday across KS
State Board approves land transfer agreements
Memorial Day enforcement hits KS roads
Contested races in Tuesday Primary Election in Nebraska
Support sought for fire ravaged family
LATEST STORIES
Tuition increase by KU, others in state
KS grad requirements updated after two decades.
Fentanyl find nets four in two Atchison cases
Armed felon found, arrested, in Jackson Co
Support sought for fire ravaged family
Potts first to file for Sheriff's seat in Atchison Co
Senator Slama won't endorse candidate in legislative race
Local author brings "Broken and Chained" to Falls City Saturday