Todd Lenker, one of six children born to Alvin (Jack) & Ruth (McCain) Lenker, was born August 19, 1958 in Spaulding, Nebraska and passed away at his home in Phillipsburg, Kansas on March 4, 2014 at the age of 55.
He attended grade school in Grinnell, Kansas before their family moved to Phillipsburg in 1968. Todd graduated from Phillipsburg High School with the class of 1976. He worked for Ralston-Heersink Construction from 1978 – 1983 before beginning his career with Farmland Industries in November, 1983.
Todd initially worked in the Refinery's Crude Unit until 1991 when he was transferred to a position in the Boiler Unit. Then on August 1, 1999 he was promoted to Environmental Safety Supervisor, which is the job he held for the last 15 years. Todd saw many transitions in his 31 years of service, along with the name change from Farmland Industries to Coffeyville Resources in 2004.
Todd acquired his EMT training in 1993 and became a dedicated and long-time member of the Phillips County Emergency Management team. Before he was married Todd spent many hours at the fire station with the EMT crew. He personally designed and remodeled the old ambulance garage into what serves today as the Education Room. In 1997 he proudly earned his certification as an EMT-Intermediate. For 19 years he selflessly served the community and was a vital part of the Phillips County EMT family. For years to come many stories will be remembered and shared about the "adventures" of working with Todd!
On February 14, 1998, Todd was united in marriage to Joyce Detwiler of Kensington. Their family was blessed to include Joyce's three sons - Kane, Clint, and Keath.
In his spare time Todd enjoyed watching Nascar races, doing carpentry work, and fishing (but only when they were biting!) He was also a die-hard Pepsi and Snickers fan. Mostly, he looked forward to and treasured his time with family, friends, and grandson, Blayze. Those who knew Todd never questioned his opinions on anything or anyone, because he always said exactly what he thought – No Matter What!
He was preceded in death by his parents and his stepson, Clint Christy.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce, of the home in Phillipsburg; stepsons, Kane Christy & wife, Brandy of Phillipsburg, KS and Keath Christy of Glade, KS; two grandchildren, Blayze and Azariah Christy; his brothers: Bruce Lenker & wife, Cathie of Phillipsburg; Brad Lenker & wife, Terri, of Ottawa, KS; Craig Lenker of Phillipsburg; and Mark Lenker & Yolanda, of Grand Prairie, TX; his sister, Deb Perkins of Broken Arrow, OK; his mother-in-law, Dorothy Detwiler of Kensington, KS; a brother-in-law, Milton Detwiler & wife, Charlotte; two sisters-in-law, Linda Smith & husband, Arnold, and Marcia Hrabe & husband, Dean; along with 20 nieces & nephews.
Funeral services will be Friday, March 7, at 10:30 a.m. in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Joel Hiesterman officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg.
Visitation will be Wednesday from 5-9 p.m. and Thursday from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. at the chapel, with the family receiving friends Thursday evening from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Phillips County E.M.S