DeWayne R. Herrs

DeWayne R. Herrs, 82, of McPherson, KS, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at Ascension Via Christi-St. Francis Regional Medical Center, Wichita. 

DeWayne was born on October 27, 1940, in Linn, Kansas, the son of Marvin and Clara (Ohlde) Herrs.  He was baptized into the Christian faith on November 3, 1940 by Pastor Paul Stolp at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church.  He was confirmed in this faith by Pastor George Lehenbauer on May 9, 1954.  He graduated from Immanuel Lutheran School on June 1, 1954 and from Linn Rural High School on May 23, 1958.  On October 8, 1960, he graduated from Kansas School of Barbering in Wichita and continued in this profession until a knee injury brought on his retirement in 2014.  He worked, owned, and operated the Warren Barber Shop/Headquarters Hair Care Center from 1974 until 2004. 

He was a faithful member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church since 1962.  He taught Sunday School and Bible Studies and served in numerous offices at Grace.

On May 9, 1970, DeWayne was united in marriage to Roberta “Bertie” Rose Gutsch.  This union was blessed with three children, Ryan Patrick, Timothy Avery, and Elizabeth Anna.  During Ryan’s and Timothy’s high school years, DeWayne served on the McPherson High School Booster Club.  As President, he initiated the McPherson High School Wall-of-Fame and Championship Banners Program, wrote the Constitution and the By-laws of this organization which is a testament of its purpose and existence.

He served on the Board of Directors of Disability Supports of the Great Plains (O.S.G.P.) since its inception, and the same with Master Gardeners and Friends (MG&F) as a Master Gardener with the demonstration garden and the June Bloom Garden Tour.  He had a heart for Horticulture, plants, vegetables, landscaping and designing, all things to express the greatness of God’s creation which He allows us to participate in.

He served on the committees organizing the celebrations of the 40^th and 50^th years anniversaries of State Championships Basketball in McPherson.

DeWayne lived by the motto, “Always leave things better than what you found them.” 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin & Clara Herrs; brother and sister-in-law, Harvey and LaDean Herrs; brother and sister-in-law, Steven and Eunice Herrs; and brother, Ralph Herrs.

Survivors include: his loving wife of 53 years, Roberta “Bertie” of the home; three children, Ryan Herrs (Kelly Lyman) of Wichita, KS, Timothy Herrs of Derby, KS, and Elizabeth Herrs of McPherson, KS; a brother, Rodney Herrs (Karen) of Tonganoxie, KS; two grandchildren, Jacob Herrs and Benjamin Herrs; sisters-in-law & brothers-in-law, Rebecca Meyer (Craig) of Liberty, MO, Robin Chapman (Kenny) of Gallatin, TN, and Rita Martin (Tod) of Casper, WY; and many cousins, nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, and a lifetime of friends and acquaintances.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Thursday, May 25, 2023, at Stockham Family Funeral Home.  The funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, May 26, at Grace Lutheran Church with Rev. Dale Dumperth officiating.  Burial will follow at McPherson Cemetery.  To view a live stream broadcast of the service, please click on the following link: https://evt.live/funeral-service-for-dewayne-r-herrs

Memorial donations may be given to Grace Lutheran Church or Disability Supports in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.