Lonnie Keith Wise

Former Plainville resident Lonnie Keith Wise of Russell passed away on February 8, 2025, at the Rooks County Health Center in Plainville at the age of 77.

He was born on June 15, 1947, to Norman Keith and Ietta Mae (Hrabe) Wise in Hays, Kansas. He married Kathy M. (Berens) Wise in Russell on September 29, 2018.

Lonnie grew up in Plainville, where he graduated from Plainville High School in 1965. He had a long and dedicated career as a maintenance technician at EnerSys battery plant and Cross Manufacturing, and worked as a farmer for many years.

A proud Eagle Scout, Lonnie cherished the time he spent at Boy Scout camp in Abilene. During high school, Lonnie held several offices in FFA.  Lonnie and his sister Joan were avid competitors in Fox Trot dancing, frequently winning championships. He was a lifelong fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas State Wildcats, often found with either a Coke or coffee in his hand, cheering them on with unwavering enthusiasm. Lonnie’s love for animals was well known, and he found great fulfillment in helping others. As a longtime member of Alcoholics Anonymous, Lonnie completed the program and mentored hundreds of men over the years, inspiring many with his strength, compassion, and wisdom. In addition, his generosity extended to being a regular blood donor, donating 10 gallons of blood over the years, knowing his rare blood type would make a difference to those in need. He was also a generous donor to the United Way of Ellis County. He donated every paycheck for 18 years.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Wise of Russell; his children, Stephanie Berens of Ohio, Carey Wise of Olathe, Lanell (Steven) Bailey, Jeremiah Lumpkin of Wichita; siblings, Vickie (Jack) Ashbaugh of Hill City, Pat (Alvin) Mills-Harbert of Warr Acres, Okla., and Fred (Val) Wise of Cheney; brothers-in-law, Jeff Mcintyre of Florence, Ariz., Larry Berens (Valarie) of Hot Springs, S.D., and Kevin Moren of, South Dakota; sisters-in-law, Cheryl (Tom) Lathrop of Hot Springs, S.D., Julie Fleharty of Idaho; six grandchildren, Daylon (Andrew) Ingalls, Logan Hertel, Harley (Grace) Hazlett, Phillip (Olivia) Hazlett, Roseanna Hazlett, and Cole Wise; six great-grandchildren, Elijah, Adalynn, Silas, Savannah, Judah, and Vivienne; and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Ietta Wise; step-son Joseph Bennett, stepdaughter Heather Berens, brother Rex Wise, and sister, Joan McIntyre.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 11 a.m., at the First Christian Church in Plainville.

Memorials are suggested to the American Red Cross and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd Plainville, Kansas 67663.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com