Julius J. “Jules” Engel, Jr. (Sonny), 80, Hays, died Monday, July 1, 2024 at HaysMed.
He was born June 28, 1944 in Hays, the son of Julius J. “Lefty” and Virginia “Chink” (Younger) Engel. In 1962, he graduated from Hays High School. Jules was in the U.S. Army, serving in Fort Hood, Texas where he was a cook and part of the 995th Maintenance Company activated for the Vietnam War. He worked at Houston Tires Inc., James Motor Company, and the Service Department with the City of Hays, proudly working as a third-generation street sweeper. Jules enjoyed Monday lunch with his son, was known for always wearing wild colored Converse shoes, and was an avid sports fan who especially enjoyed watching baseball and the Denver Broncos. With a passion for the game of golf he was proud to have made a hole-in-one at Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course. Jules was a member of Fort Hays Sr. Men’s Golf Association, Hays VFW Post #9076, and for many years honored veterans as a member of the VFW Post #9076 Honor Guard.
Survivors include his sons, Scott Engel (Geri) and Bobby Engel (Alicia Smith) all of Hays, a brother, Francis “Butch” Engel (Linda) of Hays, a sister, Anita Kreutzer of Denver, CO, one grandson, Tyler Engel, two step-grandchildren, Logan and Madison Key, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Phyllis Fike.
Private funeral services will be at Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery in WaKeeney with military honors by the Hays VFW Post #9076 Honor Guard. Memorials are suggested to the VFW Post #9076 Honor Guard. Services are in the care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and condolences and memories of Jules may be left for his family at www.haysmemorial.com.