Jack Imel passed away at the Salina Regional Health Center in Salina, Kansas, on Monday, January 4, 2021, at the age of 81. He was born in Wichita, Kansas, on June 26, 1939, to William Sr. and Velma (Goble) Imel.
He grew up in Hill City and graduated from Hill City High School with
the class of 1957. Jack then attended Fort Hays State University where
he studied languages before enlisting into the United States Marines
where he served our country faithfully for 2 years as an infantry radio
operator. After Jack was honorably discharged, he moved back to Hill
City and operated a vending machine business with his father. He then
met and was united in marriage to Carleta (Strutt) Imel on January 9,
1965. They were blessed with two sons: Douglas and Grady.
Following the birth of Doug, he and Carleta bought out a vending
machine business in Goodland, when they sold the business they moved to
Salina and he took a job working for the Westinghouse Factory. In 1970
he joined his brother Bill and worked for the FAA at the Kansas City Air
Route Traffic Control Center in Olathe, Kansas as an Air Traffic
Controller for almost 30 years. He then was contracted out by FAA to
teach in Oklahoma City for 15 years before retiring. He enjoyed working
with his HAM radio (N0CBH), woodworking and writing as well as reading
about science, philosophy, planes and ships. He also loved spending time
with his wife Carleta doing puzzles and crosswords. He was always ready
for a game of cribbage.
He is survived by his sons, Douglas Imel of Alton, KS, and Grady
Imel and wife Alice of Woodston, KS; brother, William Imel and wife
Norma of Paola, KS; and one grandson, Matthew Imel.
Jack is preceded in death by his parents, William and Velma Imel; and wife, Carleta Imel.
Due to COVID-19, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.