Rene Bures

Rene Matthew Bures, age 73, of Richmond, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 25th, 2024 at Saint Luke's Hospital in Kansas City, MO, surrounded by his family.

Rene Bures was born March 20, 1951, at the Garnett Hospital. He was the first of two children born to Matthew and Beatrice (Gretencord) Bures. Growing up, Rene really did have to walk "uphill both ways" to school, accompanying his little sister Anita - even pulling her by sled in the snow on occasion. Together they attended Junction Grade School, and then East Scipio through eighth grade. He would later graduate from Garnett High School with the Class of 1969. Upon graduation, Rene joined the National Guard and served until he was discharged as a result of his father's passing, to take over the family farm.

He was united in marriage on July 27, 1974, at St. Boniface Catholic Church to Rosalee Miller, with whom he celebrated 53 years together and 50 years married. They were blessed with four children, Eliah, Drew, Kyle, and Amanda. Rene and Rosalee raised their family on their third-generation family farm west of Scipio, Kansas.

His approach to marriage and family was always one built on a foundation of respect, gratitude, and balance. His relationship with Rosalee always has and will continue to serve as a model to his kids and be forever cherished.

This family and farm was his vocation to which he applied an incredible work ethic, a persistent passion, a deep sense of pride, and an unwavering sense of humor; all qualities that he lovingly instilled in his children. Rene managed both crops and livestock in his successful farming operation that spanned six decades and produced innumerable memories and intangible bounty. An owner of four tractors, he would often share he was happiest when his family was invested and at least three tractors were in operation at a given moment. He always thanked his family for their contribution, and put in whatever effort was required to provide for and support his family at home as well as his mother who remained active in the farm operation.

Rene always valued friendship and had many strong friendships that spanned his lifetime, serving as a testament to their importance to him. These friendships were prioritized through pastimes such as hunting, fishing, and fast-pitch softball.

A tremendous athlete in his own right in track, baseball, and fast-pitch softball, Rene valued sharing his knowledge and talent with his children and could often be found carving out time in the evening after a long day of farming to play catch or support his kids at games. He coined such phrases as "should've had it" and "Bures is first" - which originally became playful family mottos centered around a sports mindset - but were in fact qualities that he lived out daily with an ever present focus on improvement and placing family first.

Rene's thirst for knowledge was never quenched. He was a student of farming, and a graduate of the Graham School for Livestock Men and Women in Garnett. He enjoyed reading and trivia, and was the inventor of the family favorite "Encyclopedia Game." This model of lifelong learning and curiosity was supported in all of his children, who each graduated from college and were a great source of pride.

As a lifetime member of the St. Boniface parish in Scipio, Rene and Rosalee were always giving of their time in various ways to the church through service on the Parish Council, and shared a deep faith and appreciation for God's presence in their family and way of life. In an occupation that depended heavily on the rain gauge, Rene deeply enjoyed a summer Sunday at church that followed a good rain, and was celebrated afterward with a farm tour with his family.

Rene always enjoyed and cherished his grandchildren, and approached them with the same wit and calm demeanor he did his own children. One never knew what nugget of wisdom his grandchildren would return with after a trip to the "Man Cave." Even in his final moments he was imparting fishing advice to his oldest grandson.

Rene was preceded in death by his parents Matthew and Beatrice (Gretencord) Bures.

He is survived by his wife: Rosalee Bures, of the home; their four children: Eliah and Erin Bures of Lawrence, Kansas, Drew and Krista Bures of Goldsboro, North Carolina, Kyle and Amanda Bures of Princeton, Kansas, Amanda and Kurt Yoder of Amoret, Missouri; eleven grandchildren: Augustus, Deacon, Luke, Deni, Ben, Kate, Ladd, Marshall, Emmett, Noah and Brooks; and his sister: Anita Bures of Topeka, Kansas.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, October 31, 2024 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Scipio, Kansas. Burial will follow in the St. Boniface Cemetery. A rosary will be held at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at St. Boniface Catholic Church, with visitation to follow. Memorial contributions in Rene's honor can be made to St. Boniface Parish Hall for the capital campaign and left in care of Feuerborn Family Funeral Service. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com

Rene's life and family are a grand reflection of the kindness and commitment he poured into them with everything he had. His legacy will live on forever through them, all because two people fell in love.