Westboro church founder Fred Phelps Sr. dead, son says

Westboro Baptist Church founder Fred Phelps Sr. died late Wednesday night, according to one of his sons. He was 84.

Phelps’ son, Timothy, who works at the Shawnee County Jail, told a Kansas news station that his father died just before midnight. His daughter, Shirley Phelps-Roper, also confirmed his death to the Topeka Capital-Journal.

The news comes after Mr. Phelps’ estranged son Nathan posted on Facebook that his father was “on the edge of death” at Midland Hospice house in Topeka.

Another son of the reverend, Jonathan Phelps, said Thursday that his father is “doing just fine,” though the station said he could have been referencing his spiritual health.