Floyd Dinkel, WaKeeney, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 24, 2023, at Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital at the age of 70. He left this earth surrounded by his family, who loved him dearly.
Floyd was born on October 18, 1952, to Andrew and Felicitas (Hertal) Dinkel in Hays, Kansas.
After graduating from Ellis High School in 1970 and Goodland Vo-Tech in 1972, Floyd started his career in auto body in Oakley, Kansas, which is where he met the love of his life, Patricia (Glassman).
Floyd’s career took them to WaKeeney, where he spent many years in the oilfield as a driller for Abercrombie Oil. Following the oilfield, Floyd spent the next 30 years as the maintenance superintendent for USD 208 schools. His most recent and possibly most treasured career was transporting "his" kids to and from school as a bus driver for USD 208.
Floyd and Patricia were married on March 3, 1973, in Oakley, Kansas. They were inseparable for the next 50 years and 3 weeks. They were blessed with four children: a son, Jason, and his wife, Shelly, of WaKeeney; their children Sadie (Austin) Gasper, and Sage. Daughter, Sandi Brooks, and her husband Justin of Eudora, Kansas, and their children, Drew, Max, and Violet. Son, Doug, and his significant other, Nickole of Ellis, and his children, Landon and Lucas; son, Dustin, and his wife, Ashlei, of WaKeeney. Floyd was over the moon that he was going to become a great-grandpa in September. In addition to his wife, amazing children, and grandchildren, Floyd is also survived by one sister, Darlene Braun, of Victoria.
Floyd was preceded in death by his parents, infant twin brothers, Anthony and John. His sister Marlene and her husband Leland Dinkel, brother-in-law LaVern Braun, and great-nephew Jacy Braun
Floyd never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He could fix, build, or repair anything. His love of helping others led him to serve his community in various ways, including serving on the Golden Prairie District Council and WaKeeney City Counsel, woodworking leader for the WaKeeney Willing Workers 4-H Club and was a little league baseball and softball coach for many years. Floyd was a firefighter for the WaKeeney City Fire Department for 20 years, serving as Fire Chief for many of those. He served on the board for the FHSU foster grandparent/senior companion program. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, on the parish council, and a member of Christ the King Catholic Church.
Floyd’s true passion in life was his family, and there wasn’t anything that he wouldn’t do to support and love them. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. He was the best husband, biggest cheerleader, best grandpa, the most fun ice cream getter, best supporter, the bus driver with the biggest smile, the most genuine and loyal friend, most amazing dad, so-so fisherman, and hands down the best person we have watching over us from above.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at Christ the King Catholic Church in WaKeeney, Kansas, with Father Charlie Steier as celebrant. Visitation with the family will be on Tuesday, March 28, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home. A vigil service will start at 7:00 p.m. immediately following a Rosary to be held at 6:30 p.m.
Memorial donations can be made to USD 208 Trap Shooting Team. Donations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th Street, WaKeeney, KS, 67672.
Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.schmittfuneral.com