Larry Dinkel, 64, of Oakley, KS, left this earth on May 23, 2021. He was
born October 30, 1956, in WaKeeney, KS, to Ralph and Rubina Dinkel, the
3rd of four brothers.
Larry grew up in Oakley, KS, attending St. Joseph’s Catholic Grade School and Oakley High School.
In high school Larry enjoyed playing football and wrestling. He was a
state medal winner of the 1974 state wrestling championship team. Later
in life, Larry spent time following and supporting local athletics. He
was a fan of numerous sports. Larry developed a passion for following
the Kansas City Chiefs. He became a devoted season ticket holder, which
embarked on a lifelong love of road trips to Arrowhead stadium.
Larry went to work for Jim Mitten Trucking in 1978, as a driver. In
1980, Larry and his father Ralph, purchased the company from Jim and
Estelene Mitten. Then, in 1989, Larry and Dina bought out Ralph’s shares
and continue to run the company today.
On November 25, 1988, Larry married Dina Rae Wright. With this union, he became a dad to Darrin, Challis and Tye.
Larry was involved in many organizations, including serving as President
of the Kansas Motor Carriers Association and President of Oakley
Country Club.
Larry was preceded in death by his father Ralph and his mother Rubina.
Larry will be deeply missed by his wife of 33 years, Dina; two sons,
Darrin Wright, and friend Danelle Okeson, of Salina and Tye Wright, and
wife Anne, of Douglass; daughter Challis Zerr, and husband Alan, of
Oakley; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 27, 2021, at Baalmann Mortuary,
Oakley. Funeral Service is 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 28, at the Buffalo
Bill Cultural Center, Oakley, with burial in the Oakley City Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Logan County EMS, Logan County Hospital, or
the Kansas Motor Carriers Association (KMCA) Foundation Scholarship and
sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 67748. For
information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com