Dwight York

Dwight A. York, 93, of Oakley, passed away on June 20, 2023, at the Logan County Hospital in Oakley. He was born on August 30, 1929 in rural Gove County to Henry and Alberta (Brown) York, the youngest of three siblings. Dwight attended school in a one-room schoolhouse in Gove County and later graduated with the Healy High School class of 1947. Dwight then earned a degree from Fort Hays State University in Agriculture and Business in 1952. The following December, he was drafted into the United States Army. He was stationed in San Francisco, working at the Presidio as a file clerk until his honorable discharge on October 8, 1954.

He married Dorothy Arensman on June 15, 1952 at Bushton, and together they had four children: Denise Lynn, Dana Sue, Devon Kay and Daren Dwight. They made their home in Healy, where Dwight was a life-long farmer and rancher, partnering with his brother Forrest in the farming venture York Brothers. Dorothy preceded him in death in 2002.

On September 8, 2002, Dwight married Mary Helen Munk at her ranch in Gove County. Dwight gained a stepson, Jason. Dwight and Mary made their home both at the ranch and in Healy for the next several years, later moving to Oakley. She survives.

Farming and ranching were a big part of Dwight’s life for all of his years. After “retiring” he enjoyed staying involved in farming and ranching through Mary’s ranch in Gove County. He had a remarkable memory when it came to every piece of ground and its legal description, which crop was currently on it and how much he thought it would make. His other hobbies included golf, playing bridge, family genealogy, geological exploration, watching sports (especially the Kansas City Chiefs and the Royals) and being with his family.

Dwight was a past member of the KLA, the IOOF Hall in Healy, a member of the Healy Methodist Church and a founding member of Lane County Feeders.

Dwight is survived by his wife Mary York of Oakley; daughters Denise York (Paula Bailey) of Oklahoma City and Dana (Vance) Shay of Healy; son Daren (Jennifer) York of Scott City; stepson Jason Munk of Colby; sister-in-law Pamela Jennison of Healy; grandchildren, Jordan (Logan) Dreiling of Scott City, Josh (Shannon) York of Healy, Camron (Jennifer) Shay of Healy, Darrick York (Meghan Oliver) of Kansas City, MO, Jaylee York (David Nuss) of Seattle, WA, Trinity Munk of Colby, Jaya Munk of Colby, Griff (Courtney) Burdette of Manhattan; seven great-grandchildren, and many special nephews, nieces, friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Maxine Wilson and brother-in-law Shelby Wilson; brother Forrest York and sister-in-law Gladys York; and infant daughter Devon Kay.

Funeral services will take place at the Oakley United Methodist Church at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 24 with Pastor Bob Kelly and Pastor Bud Tuxhorn presiding. Burial will follow at the Healy Cemetery and a lunch will be served at the Healy Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to Logan County Senior Living, United Methodist Church of Oakley or the Healy Methodist Church and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com