Elmer D. Svaty left this life surrounded by family Aug 7th, 2022, which
was his and Karlene’s 66th Wedding Anniversary. Elmer was born October
25, 1934, on the farm in Ellsworth County, Kansas. The son of Victor and
Ruby (Belt) Svaty. Elmer spent his early years on the farm south of
Sylvan Grove, the family later moved to Lucas where Elmer lived the
remainder of his life. Elmer graduated from Lucas High School in 1952.
He married Karlene Sheets in 1956 and the couple was blessed with 5
children, Tina, Jim, Jean Ann, Lynette and Tom.
Elmer enlisted in the army in 1955, and was stationed at Fort Bliss
El Paso Texas, and Mainz Germany. He was honored to participate in the
Honor Flight to Washington DC in 2018. After his military service, Elmer
returned to Lucas where he worked for his father at Quality Oil Co and
became the owner/operator of that business in the early '70s.
In 1959 Elmer joined his father-in-Law working at Lucas Motor
Company. He became the owner/operator in 1966, selling cars to many
people across the country. Most of Elmer’s customers became lifelong
friends. During his years as a Ford Dealer, Elmer served on the Ford
Dealers Advertising Fund (FDAF) Board of Directors and achieved many
awards and accolades.
Elmer loved his community and took pride in serving Lucas and the
greater area. He was a member of the Lucas Lyons Club, Chamber of
Commerce, the Bank Board, Director of the Library Board, Official Board
of the United Methodist Church and City Council. Elmer held the record
for many years for being the youngest mayor in Kansas at age 21. He
also was a member of Masonic Lodge, Order of the Eastern Star, Russell
Shrine Club, Shriners Clown Unit and served on the USD 407 School Board
for 15 years. He was the Republican Committeeman for Fairview Township,
Lucas Sunflower group and the Mr. & Mrs. Club.
Elmer was a car enthusiast. His pride and joy was his ’66 Red
Mustang Convertible. He loved driving it in parades and escorting the
queens for Homecoming and the Czech Festival for many years.
He was preceded in death by his Parents Victor and Ruby Svaty,
In-laws Bill and Kris Sheets, Sisters Doris Cooper and Dodie Smith,
Brothers-in-laws John Sheets and Dean Cooper, Granddaughter Julie Gier,
Son-in-law Rodney Dick.
Elmer is survived by his Wife Karlene of the home. Children: Tina
(Paul) Simpson, Hays, KS; Jim Svaty, Lucas, KS; Jean Ann (Kevin) Thayer,
Excelsior, MN; Lynette Dick, Manhattan, KS; Tom (Felicia) Svaty,
Lenexa, KS; Brother-in- law JR Smith, Litchfield Park, AZ; Cousin Denny
Black (who was raised as a younger sibling), Monrovia, CA.
Grandchildren: Jessie (Kalen) Deines, Ellsworth, KS; Paula (JinChen)
Li, Liberty, MO; Eric Simpson, Missoula MT; Kylie (Greg) Sander,
Victoria, KS; Clint Thayer, Excelsior, MN; Sam (Ashley) Thayer,
Excelsior, MN; Olivia Turner, Los Angeles, CA; Elizabeth Turner,
Louisville, KY; Aubrey Turner, Olathe, KS; Sterling (Ally) Turner,
Olathe, KS; Naomi Turner, Los Angeles, CA; Asher Svaty, Lenexa, KS.
Elmer was blessed to have welcomed 15 great grandchildren into his
family: Reagan and Keelie Deines, Forrest and Estelle Li, Freyja
Simpson, Everett and Vincent Sander, Penny Thayer, Danielle Humble and
Noah Turner, Charlie Turner, and Honorary Great Grandchildren, Eleanor
and Ezra Hysong, Cannon and Jasper Apon.
Nieces: Bev Brown, Karen Pistora, Sherri Saunder, all of Salina, KS;
Lanayah McBurney, Fairfax Virginia; Nephew Morgan Smith, Litchfield
Park Arizona.
Click HERE for service details.