LARNED — Wilbur Dean Dirks, 84, passed away Nov.  22 at his home in Larned.   He was born March 7, 1928 in Pawnee County, the son of John Jacob Dirks and Anna Marie George.  He was a resident of both Larned and Wichita. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Larned and attended Evangel Assembly of God, Wichita.
Wilbur began farming at a young age and loved to work the ground. In addition to farming, Wilbur worked as a mechanic at the Ford dealer in Larned.  
Wilbur had many passions in his life, including his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  When asked by any of them for help in any way, he always would, as they were his life. Wilbur loved dancing, traveling, and Big Band music.  
Wilbur’s travel not only took him to social dancing events but also across the world.  He went on many farm trips, where he learned about other farming practices and culture in those countries. Late in life Wilbur also spent a great amount of time reading and studying the Bible.  
He is survived by his two daughters, Diane Morgan, Larned; Dawn Dirks-Ham and husband Bob, Lawrence; one son, Gary Dirks, Sonora, Calif.; four grandchildren, Autumn (Dirks) Fox and husband Bryan, Soulsbyville, Calif.; Amy (Morgan) Vogel and husband Jason, Wichita; Chelsea and Seth Dirks-Ham, Lawrence; three great-grandchildren, Lillian, Vivian and Colton Fox, Soulsbyville, Calif.; a new great-grandchild to arrive in February; and long-time friend Anita Smith, Hutchinson.  He was preceded in death by two brothers, Otto and Herman. Funeral Service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Beckwith Mortuary Chapel with the Rev. Vance A. Cauthon presiding.  Visitation will be 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at the mortuary.  Burial will be in the Larned Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to the Welcome Inn Senior Center, in care of the Beckwith Mortuary.  Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Beckwith Mortuary*
P.O. Box 477
Larned, KS 67550
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Nov. 25, 2012