Melvin S. "Jack" Serene

Melvin "Jack" Shirley Serene, age 95, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, July 20, 2016, at the Anderson County Hospital, Garnett. He was born October 19, 1920, in Gate, Oklahoma, to George Henry and Jessie Irene (McLeod) Serene. The family moved back to Welda when Jack was 7 years old where attended Jack Rabbit (Excelsior) Country School and Welda High School. Jack served during WWII in Europe with the Timberwolves 104th Infantry Division of the United States Army. He married Marcella Helena "Markey" Kueser on October 24, 1941 in Iola, Kansas. This union was blessed with two daughters. The couple lived in Wichita for a year before Jack entered the service, returning to Welda, Kansas in 1946. After the war, Jack worked as a mechanic for Buster Ford Motors, before opening his own service garage. In 1958, he started Serene and Miller Ford Implement, a long time fixture on the square, with his long time business partner Melvin Miller. Jack sold the dealership and retired in 1983. Missing contact with the public, he began another career at Beckman Motor's where he enjoyed working with, and the fellowship of, the Beckman family and employees for over 30 years. As a young man, Jack was a pitcher for the Welda Community Baseball Team. Markey and Jack moved to Garnett in 1947 to his current home on Pine Street. He was active in his community. He never met a stranger. Jack eagerly engaged folks in conversation, friendly teasing, and had genuine interest and support of others, leaving treasured, lasting memories. He loved woodworking and built many pieces of furniture for family and friends. He so enjoyed the Royals. Markey and Jack loved playing cards, belonged to several card party groups. Jack enjoyed meeting his coffee time buddies every day. Family was extremely important to Jack. He loved his grandchildren. He made each of them a hope chest, struggling to finish the last one as his health declined. Jack was preceded in death by his wife Marcella "Markey" Serene on December 12, 2009; his parents, a brother, Floyd Serene and a sister, Opal Serene Crone. He is survived by his two daughters, Julee Ann Serene Smail and husband John of Auburn, Kansas, Tammy Serene Kruse and husband David of Garnett, Kansas; four grandchildren, Emily Serene Smail, Trevor John Smail and wife Lindsey, Erin Jessie Kruse, and Jordan Serene Kruse. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at the First United Methodist Church, Garnett, with burial following in the Garnett Cemetery. Jack enjoyed riding around the North Lake. In his honor, the funeral procession will drive around the lake on the way to the cemetery. No visitation is planned. Memorial contributions in Jack's name can be made to the Garnett United Methodist Church and the Multiple Sclerosis Society. You may send your condolences to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .