Edgar W. "Ed" Dies

Edgar W. “Ed” Dies died November 18, 2015, 90 years young at Hays Medical Center.  As a Marine, he knew when it was time to make a tactical withdrawal.

He was born to Emma and George Dies on March 30, 1925, in Oklahoma. His family moved to Kingman Kansas where he went to school, and graduated high school in 1943.  That same year he was drafted into the Marine Corps.  He was turned down by the Army and Navy because of an ‘awkward gait’, but that didn’t stop the Marines.  His military time was on the island of Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands toward the end of WWII assigned to the VMF 155 squadron. As the company clerk, he submitted all the required paperwork of rosters to the military.  50 years later, when he retired from State Farm, he requested the same paperwork to organize VMF 155 for 10 years of Marine reunions.

After his military service he returned to Kingman, KS where he met his wife, Geneva Lechner.  They were united in marriage on July 6, 1947, and were married for 58 years.  She died July 16, 2005. He said the happiest time of his life was being married.  He was known as many different things:  Husband, Daddy, Pop, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Uncle, Lion, Marine Sergeant, Jaycee, Highway Patrol Driver’s License Examiner, fisherman, State Farm Agent, volunteer, church member and friend.

An avid fisherman, there was always a fish tale to be told, and a new lake or pond in which to sink a line.  He was adamant about living life to the fullest, and would say “well, you can sit and do nothing or get up and move.” Along with living life to its fullest came his commitment to volunteering.  “We are here to help each other. You don’t have to look very far to find others less fortunate and we need to remember that.”  In 1950, Mother and Daddy, along with 4 other families, founded the Messiah Lutheran Church.  What began as Sunday school and church services in their homes has grown to more than 200 members in Hays.

He is survived by his three children; Carmen Armantrout of Hays, Dixie Dies from Hamilton, MT, and Barry Dies (Genette) of St. Paul, MN.:  13 Grandkids , 12 great grands, 1 great great grand child, and numerous nephews and nieces. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and three sisters.

Memorial services will be at 1:00 pm on Monday, November 23, 2015 at the Messiah Lutheran Church, 2000 Main St., Hays.  Presentation of the flag and playing of Taps will be by the Edwin A. Schumacher Marine Corps League.  Private family inurnment will take place at a later date.  The family will receive friends following the services at the church.

The family suggests memorials in care of the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine St., to the Community Assistance Center, 12th and Oak in Hays, Messiah Lutheran Church, 2000 Main in Hays, the Hays Lions Club, in care of Sandy Beisner at 611 Cedar Ln. Ellis, KS 67637, the Edwin A. Schumacher Marine Corps League, 103 W. 36th St., Hays, or by volunteering your time to a favorite charity.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com.