Wesley had to take over running the family farm during his freshman year in high school due to his father’s death.  Wesley was a farmer and rancher all his life. 

He was united in marriage to Lillian Mae Olson on September 28, 1935 in Russell.  This union was blessed with five children, Janet, Sharon, Deanne, Randyl and Cathy.  Lillian preceded him in death in June of 1976.  He then was united in marriage to Irene M. DeWitt on December 4, 1976 in Salina, Kansas

Wesley was a member of the Bible Baptist Church of Russell.  He also was on the Grant Township Board. He was a very inventive type of person.  He could take scrap metal and make just about any type of farm equipment he needed.

Wesley’s surviving family include his wife of 31 years, Irene of the home; four daughters, Janet Machin and husband Gerald and Sharon Weese and husband Gary all of Russell, Deanne Mills and husband Bill of Liberal and Cathy Stiebens of McPherson; step children, Vicki Morgan and husband David of Yukon, Oklahoma, Dennis DeWitt and wife Cindy of El Reno, Oklahoma, and Cheryl Mugg of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; daughter-in-law, Alice Becker of Hesston; 32 grandchildren and 41 great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Randyl; and all his brothers and sisters. 

Celebration of Wesley’s Life will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday, November 26, 2008 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell.  Interment will follow at Russell City Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9 AM to 8 PM Tuesday with the family present to greet friends from 6 PM to 7 PM.  A memorial has been established with the Bible Baptist Church.  Contributions and condolences may be left with Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary who are in charge of these arrangements.