Wayne Albert Bolen, 87, of LeRoy, KS, lost a brave battle with ALS and went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, December 21, 2020. He was in the comfort of his home surrounded by his wife and family.

Wayne was born September 14, 1933 to Albert Lee and Edna Ruth (Dunnivan) Bolen on the family farm 3 miles south of LeRoy, Ks. Wayne grew up helping his dad on the farm.  He graduated from LeRoy High School in 1952.

After high school he joined the Army and was stationed overseas, traveling to Germany, Italy, and Korea. Upon returning to the states he moved to Wichita, Ks. and worked at Boeing Aircraft Company assembling B-52 aircraft.

While in Wichita, Wayne met the love of his life, Helen Rolf, at Cowboy Cleaners where she worked.  They both had grown up as residents near LeRoy, Ks but had never met until they were in Wichita. They married on November 29 ^th , 1959 and made their home in LeRoy. From this union they had 3 children, David, Dara, And Carolyn.  The couple just celebrated their 61 ^st anniversary.

Over the years, he farmed the land with his father, son, and wife. Wayne and Helen enjoyed gardening and the many hours of commitment in farming and sharing meals in the field with the family. He retired from farming in 1986 but continued to maintain a role in his land and property.

After farming, he went on to work for the city of LeRoy as Street Superintendent. He retired from the city at the age of 80 in 2013.

Throughout the years, Wayne was very active in his community, serving on many boards such as LeRoy City Council, LeRoy Township Board, and the LeRoy Co-op Board.  He was a lifetime member of the LeRoy Fire Department holding the position of Assistant Chief for many years.

Wayne was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church in Aliceville, Ks.  At the age of 64 he gave his life to Christ and was baptized in 1997.

A true joy in his life was spending time with family and friends.  He was always willing to lend a helping hand to someone in need. Wayne played an active part in his children's and grandchildren's lives.  Many memories were made on family vacations and gatherings. Favorite getaways were to the mountains in Colorado and family time spent in Branson, Mo.  May Christmas lights always shine bright forever in our hearts where you will always be.

Wayne was proceeded in death by his parents, Bert and Edna Bolen and his infant sister Carol Jean Bolen.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Helen, his 3 children; David Bolen of LeRoy, Ks., Dara Carmichael (Scott) of St. Francis, Ks., Carolyn Brown (Lyle) of Yates Center, Ks. 3 grandchildren; Cassandra Braswell (Jason), Joseph Brown (Ashley), Lucas Carmichael, and many extended grandchildren, family, and friends.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, December 23, 2020, at St. John Lutheran Church in Aliceville, KS.

Public graveside services will follow the funeral service at St. John Cemetery.

Masks are encouraged at all services.

Mr. Bolen will lie in state from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, December 22, at Jones Funeral Home in Burlington.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John Lutheran Church or LeRoy Fire Department and may be sent in care of Jones Funeral Home, PO Box 277, Burlington, KS 66839.