Obituary
"Lee Earl Hefley was born May 22, 1917, to John H. and Grace Simpson Hefley. He passed away September 19, 1993 at Parkview Care Center, Osborne, Kansas. Lee was born in the Rose Valley Community and was a life long resident of Downs, Kansas and graduated from Downs High School in 1935. Lee and Thressa Irene Stegman were married August 31, 1940 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Cawker City, Kansas. Two children were born to this union: a son Eddie Lee and a daughter Janie Suzanne. Lee was a veteran of World War II and a retired rural letter carrier of the Downs Post Office. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting and fishing. He was a member of the Picnic ants and U.S. Center Sam's Camping Clubs. He was honored as a master woodcarver by the National Woodcarvers Association of America. Lee's greatest pride was his family. His greatest joy was helping and teaching others. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Irene; a son Ed and wife Linda of Satellite Beach, Florida; a daughter Jane and husband Elson Kaufman of Carney, Oklahoma; four grandchildren, Karen Bellah, Teresa and husband Mike Telesca, Donna and husband Tony Province, Donald and wife Anita Daufman; six great grandchildren; a sister-in-law Jewell Reel; three neices and one nephew. Funeral services were held Wednesday, September 22, 1993, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Downs with Father Loren Werth officiating. Music was provided by organist Karla Neihouse, congregational singing included the songs, "On Eagles Wings," "Be Not Afraid," and "I Have Loved You." Those serving as pallbearers were David Goheen, Randy Dubbert, Doug Brush, Steve Hake, Gary Roe, and Kenneth Watts. Howard Hofer of VFW Post #1366 presented the American flag. Final resting place is the Downs Cemetery, Downs, Kansas. A memorial fund has been established to the Hospice of the Heartland."