Myron Lee Deines, 89, of WaKeeney, Kansas, passed away on January 2, 2021, after a long life well lived.
Myron was born on October 20, 1931, to Gladys (Spena) and Bernhardt Deines in WaKeeney. After graduating from Trego County High School in 1949, he studied Industrial Arts at Fort Hays State Kansas College.
After college graduation, Myron served his country in the U.S. Army. He was certified as a crane shovel operator through the Army Engineer School in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and spent 18 months in Japan building Air Force military air strips.
After honorably serving his country, Myron returned to WaKeeney to join his father in the construction business. Upon his father’s retirement, Myron became the owner of Deines Construction, Inc., and Deines Apartments. After more than 40 years running the companies, Myron turned the fourth-generation, family-owned business over to his son, Brian. Together, the Deines family has built many homes, business establishments, and churches in WaKeeney and throughout western Kansas.
Myron also served as President of the WaKeeney Redi-Mix company. In all his business affairs, he was known for his integrity and for always putting his clients first.
Myron married his high school sweetheart, Edna Mae Riedel, in 1957. They had four children, Brian, Tracey, Shelley, and Darcey. Together, Myron and Edna loyally supported their children by attending numerous school, athletic, and musical activities.
Myron gave generously of his time and talents to many community and civic organizations. He was a member of the VFW, Lions Club, High Plains Masonic Lodge, American Legion, Eagles, and the Trego County Historical Society. He served as a board member for the Trego Lemke Memorial Hospital, City Council, and Keeney Village. He was also a volunteer firefighter.
In his free time, Myron loved reading and watching old Western movies. In his later years, he could often be found in his workshop building gifts for his family and friends and assisting his grandchildren with their woodworking projects. He was an excellent craftsman.
Myron grew up attending the Presbyterian church with his family. He was later confirmed in the Catholic faith after years of attending Christ the King Catholic Church.
Anyone who knew Myron knew that he was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
Myron was predeceased by his mother, Gladys Mae (Spena) Deines, and his father, Bernhardt Deines. He is survived by his wife, Edna Mae; his son Brian Deines of WaKeeney; three daughters, Tracey Davis (Dennis) of Palmdale, California, Shelley Hunt (Jim) of Wichita, Kansas, Darcey Tenbrink (Dean) of Overland Park, Kansas; six grandchildren, Chris and Michael Davis, Nathaniel and Elizabeth Hunt, Benjamin and Jack Tenbrink; and two great-granddaughters MaKenna and Brynlee Davis. He is also survived by his twin sister, Marlene Connell (Don, deceased) of Des Moines, Washington, and her children, Myra Jones (Clint) and Owen Connell (Allison).
Myron was a patient and kind-hearted man always putting the needs of others before his own. He lived a wonderful life and will be remembered, and truly missed, by all who knew him.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a private service will be held. Mass of Christian burial will be Thursday, January 7, 2021 at 10:30 A.M., at Christ the King Catholic Church, WaKeeney, Kansas. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the VFW Post 3449, Christ the King Catholic Church renovation fund, Presbyterian Church, or the Trego County Historical Society. Contributions made to these organizations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.
Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.schmittfuneral.com.