Jack Lewallen, Jr., age 86, of Winona, departed this life on Thursday, November 21, 2013 at his home. He was born to Jack Oliver and Fannie (Lowe) Lewallen on October 1, 1927 in Winona.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Fannie in 1983 and Jack in 1997. He is survived by Edith, his wife of 65 years; sons Danny and wife Ellen of Winona and Harley and wife Mary of Nathrop, Colorado.

As was the case with many farm children of that day, he graduated from 8th grade and started farming with his father.

In 1946, Jack went to Colorado to work at his cousin Spec Neff's guest ranch at Nathrop, Colorado. There he met Edith Bertschy whom he married on October 1, 1948. To this union two sons were born, Danny and Harley.

For several years Jack worked for the Colorado Fish and Game Commission where he helped raise and stock fish to the high country lakes and streams – sometimes by horseback.

He made his living working as a heavy equipment operator and was greatly admired by his peers for his skill in running a bulldozer. He pioneered and built many roads in the high mountains of central Colorado – many of which are still in use today.

Jack loved horses and horse racing. In his younger years, he was a jockey on the bush tracks of Colorado and enjoyed ski joring in the winter months. Other hobbies included hunting (especially turkeys), fishing and snowmobiling. He enjoyed feeding the birds wherever he was, whale watching in Hawaii, feeding his tame deer, attending rodeos on weekends in Colorado where they caught up with old friends at the parade or later at the Lariat. Many weekends were spent with family and friends jeeping in the mountains and picnicking.

Following his retirement in 1989, Jack and Edith enjoyed many years of fishing at the Blue Mesa Reservoir in Gunnison, Colorado and spending time at their mountain cabin in St. Elmo, Colorado. Then in 2007, they bought a home in Winona and have resided there since then.

Jack had a way of making everyone feel like family. He was always ready to share a drink and have a good visit. Family and friends have wonderful memories of spending time with Jack and Edith whether at their home in Chalk Creek, the cabin at St. Elmo or their place at Blue Mesa. Everyone will remember "Jackie" for his enthusiasm and ready smile.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials to the American Heart Association may be sent in care of Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home, PO Box 221, Oakley, KS 67748.

Condolences: www.kennedykosterfh.com