Elmer Leroy Mires Jr., a longtime Leavenworth County resident and business owner who fabricated cement tanks and installed septic systems passed away March 26th 2023 at KU Medical Center. He operated his business, Mires Sales and Services, for fifty years before parking his backhoe for the last time and retiring in 2019.
Elmer was born in Maryville, Missouri to Elmer Guy Mires and Mary Mildred (Ross) Mires on July 15, 1937. He spent his youth on the family farm and graduated from Maryville High School. He found delight in hunting morel mushrooms and fishing. Elmer enjoyed "visiting" with family and friends.
Elmer was drafted into the U. S. Army. After his military service he began working as a welder at Missouri Valley Steel in Leavenworth. He met Barbara Jane Harris at that time. The couple married April 5, 1964 at the Baptist Church in Lansing, KS. Elmer and his wife were married for 56 years before her passing in 2021.
Besides his wife, Elmer was preceded in death by his infant son, Alex. Also deceased are Elmer's parents, a brother- Richard L Mires, and a sister-Alice Jean Birkenholtz all of Nodaway County, MO.
He is survived by five children; Sharla Vandruff (Brian) of Topeka, Phillip Mires of Easton, Susan Collins (Ron) of Easton, Stacy Rycheck (Kevin) of Garnett, KS and Shelly Mires of Kansas City, MO. Elmer is survived by five grandchildren; Duncan, Bryan and Jenna Rycheck, Victor Collins, and Laura Vandruff. He is also survived by two sisters; Marcella Hayes (Don) of Indianola, Iowa , Mary Stanton of Maryville, MO and a sister-in-law Sandra Mires. Elmer also leaves nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, April 2nd, 2023 between 2 - 4 pm. at Davis Funeral Chapel, Leavenworth. Graveside Service and interment will be at Leavenworth National Cemetery on Monday, April 3rd, 2023 at 12:30 pm.
