Longtime KVOE administrative assistant, postal carrier killed in Wednesday home explosion

EMPORIA, Kan. — A beloved longtime administrative assistant for KVOE and a dedicated postal carrier were killed in a home explosion that leveled their east Emporia house on Wednesday afternoon. The community is mourning the loss of Terry and Darrell Bontrager, who were formally identified by authorities on Friday.

The fatal incident occurred just before 5 p.m. on Wednesday at 1814 East Sixth Avenue. The home was completely destroyed in the blast and subsequent fire. Emergency crews responding to the scene discovered the bodies of the two victims within the debris.

Terry Bontrager, 73, was a familiar and cherished voice to many in the Emporia community. She served as an administrative assistant at KVOE AM 1400/96.9 FM for 19 years, from 2000 until her retirement in 2019. Following her retirement, she dedicated her time to helping her son, Daryn, at his local business, Do-B’s.

Her husband, Darrell Bontrager, 78, was also a well-known figure in Emporia, having served the community for many years as a postal carrier.

The investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing, with the Emporia Fire Department, Emporia Police Department, and the Office of the Kansas State Fire Marshal collaborating on the case. While the exact cause has not yet been determined, authorities have stated that foul play is not suspected and early indications point towards an accidental cause.

The Bontrager family has requested privacy as they grieve this immense loss. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.