Vernon Dean Flegler, 83 of Russell, Kansas died Monday, January 27, 2014 at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.

Dean was born January 24, 1931 in rural Russell County, the son of Jacob, Jr. and Hannah (Deines) Flegler.  He grew up south of Russell near the Smoky Hill River and attended local country schools.  Dean served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 to 1953. After his tour he returned to the Russell County area.  Dean worked on the family farm from 1953 to 1958. Changing occupations 1959 to a contract pumper, he would travel far & wide to perform his duties in the oilfields of central Kansas.  He retired in March of 2011 after pumping for more than 50 years.  Dean met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Barbara Jean Copeland on August 10, 1958 in Russell.   They  made their home south of Russell on the family farm until 1980 when they  became city dwellers on the edge of Russell City limits.

Worshipping was important to Dean throughout his life. He was a member of the Gideon Bible society & attended various churches threw out the community. His faith was #1 in his life as he felt it should be in everyone’s. In the early years Dean enjoyed Junking ( if you know what I mean ) & always enjoyed a good visit. Later in life he became a crafty old fellow with his woodworking skills. He became especially fond of the game of snooker in his later years along with the normal coffee stops around town.

Surviving family include his wife of 55 years Barbara of the home; daughter, Connie Golbek of Salina, Kansas; son, Alan Flegler (Darnell) of Billings, Montana; daughter-in-law, Sue Flegler ( Ed ) of Great Bend, Kansas; two  grandchildren, John Golbek and Fanisha Esfeld and four great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brother  Clarence, sister DoraLee, son Rick Flegler and grandson Clint Flegler.

Celebration of Dean’s Life will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, January 31, 2014 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell.  Burial will follow at the St. John Lutheran Cemetery with Military Rites being conducted by the Russell V.F.W. Honor Guard.  Visitation will be from 9 AM to 8 PM on Thursday, with the family present to greet friends from 6 PM to 7 PM.  A Memorial has been established with the Teen Challenge at New Life Center of Hays.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.