VALLEY CENTER — Dee was born in Thayor, Mo. March 17th 1939 to Edwin and Vada Leona Sturgeon Mefford. He passed away at his son and daughter-in-law’s home in Valley Center Kan. Sunday, Jan. 23rd surrounded by family. 

His working years started at a young age taking him to many parts of the country from cottonfields to apple orchards and finally to Valley Center, Kan. at the age of 13. He was a hard worker and always provided for his family. He had many hobbies. As a machinist, he could fix most things.  

He is survived by his wife Vickie of 64.5 years. Married in Newton, Kan. July 11th, 1957, his children Cindy (Jim) Esfeld of Pawnee Rock, Kan., Linda Marx of Rice, Texas and FD “Butch” (Rae Lyn) Mefford of Valley Center, Kan.; his sis Wilma June Emory of Thayor, Mo.; grandchildren Shane  (Brittany) Esfield, San Jose Calif., Lori (Jason) Shomber Great Bend, Kan., Levi (Summer) Preuitt of Lincoln, Neb., Dyllen Mefford Wichita, Kan., Corrwn (Justin) Virden of Valley Center, Kan., Bree and Kenda Mefford of Valley Center, Kan., William Marx of Rice, Texas, Emma (Gaylen) Wallace-McCollom of Rice, Texas. Great grandchildren Belle and Coda Street-Mefford, Calvin Shomber, and Jasper Preuitt, Nephew Tracy (Shawnie) Lowther. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother-in-law Mike Emery; nephews Mike and Clay Lowther; sister-in-law Karen Pierson Walker; and niece Julie Crowe. 

Per Dee’s wishes cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. 

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Jan. 28, 2022