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Leon E. Steffen, 1930 - 2021
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Leon E. Steffen
Published: Mar 9, 2021, 5:40 PM

Leon E. Steffen passed away March 8, 2021 at Country Place Senior Living of Larned.

He was born November 27, 1930 in Larned, the son of Elmer R. and Gladys M. Shockey Steffen and he grew up north of Burdett on the family farmstead. 

A lifetime area resident, he was a farmer-stockman and loved his Hereford Cattle which he raised all his life. He was a charter member of the Burdett Blue Ribbons 4-H Club; member of the Pawnee County 4-H Foundation, serving on the board of directors for several years; he was a project leader and community leader for the Burdett Blue 

Ribbons 4-H Club for over 30 years; served on the Pawnee County Extension Council, Farmer’s Cooperative of Burdett Board of Directors for several years; a member of the Burdett American Legion Post #280, where he served as treasurer; and served as treasurer of Shiley Township for several years. He served in the United States Army and was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska. 

On April 10, 1955 he married Beverly J. Waggoner in Hutchinson; she preceded him in death December 12, 2017

Survivors include: a daughter, Marsha (Kevin) Reece, Larned; five grandchildren, Tyson (Chelsea) Steffen, Teresa (Brooks) Burnett, Jeffrey (Emily) Reece, Phillip (Allison) Reece, Michael (Jessica) Reece; and five great grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Beverly, and a son, Michael Steffen.

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at Burdett United Methodist Church with Pastor Linda Doyle presiding. Service will be viewable via Facebook Live at www.facebook.com/beckwithmorutary. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, March 15, 2021 at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned. Burial with Military Graveside Rites will be in Brown’s Grove Cemetery, Burdett.

Memorials may be given to the Pawnee County 4-H Foundation or Burdett American Legion Post #280 in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550. 

Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Beckwith Mortuary
PO Box 477
Larned, KS 67550
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 10, 2021
Michael Troy ‘Mike’ Joiner 1963 - 2025
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Michael Troy ‘Mike’ Joiner
Published: Mar 13, 2025, 6:47 PM

Michael Troy ‘Mike’ Joiner, 62, passed away Feb. 27, 2025, at Medicalodges of Great Bend, Kan. He was born on Jan. 9, 1963, in Great Bend, Kan., to Jack and Louise (Campbell) Joiner. Mike married Ruth Deutsch; they later divorced.

A lifetime Barton County resident, Mike was a dedicated minister. After attending college at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, he shared his knowledge and faith as lead minister of Extreme Hope Christian Fellowship. Mike was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He loved football, having played in high school, including in the 1981 Shrine Bowl where Hutchinson News named him the western Kansas Defensive Player of the Year, coaching players, and watching all level of the game, especially K.U. In addition to football, Mike competed in powerlifting and arm wrestling. He enjoyed watching other sports like basketball and baseball, riding his motorcycle, and singing karaoke. Mike cherished time with his family, specifically his grandchildren.

Survivors include daughter, Samantha Nicholson and husband Tyson of Larned; son, Gabriel Joiner and wife Holly of Great Bend; five grandchildren, Avalynne, Layla, Isaiah, Kynlsey, and Lorelai; brothers, Don Joiner and wife Rosie of Ellinwood and Jack Joiner and wife Tricia of Weatherford, Okla.; former wife, Ruth Joiner; and numerous friends and loved ones. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Kevin Joiner; sister, Christina Gresham; and stepmother, Mary Joiner.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 20, 2025, with family receiving guest from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Friday, March 21, 2025, at Heartland Community Church, with Pastor Mark Williams presiding. Inurnment will follow at Lakin-Comanche Cemetery. Memorials have been designated to Lasting Life Ministries, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.


Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 15, 2025