Elmer Diver, 88, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Medicalodges Independence.

 

He was born on February 6, 1937, in Yates Center, Kansas to Leo H. "Dick" and Opal Mae (Bryant) Diver. Elmer grew up and attended school in Yates Center graduating from Yates Center High School in 1955.

 

He joined the U.S. Marine Corp on February 4, 1959, serving until receiving his honorable discharge on February 2, 1962.

 

On June 11, 1960, he married the love of his life, Judith "Judy" Ann Yohon at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Humboldt, Kansas. Following their marriage, they lived in California where Elmer was stationed with the Marine Corp. After his discharge they navigated the adventures of life together, including a memorable year when Elmer's work as a welder building water towers saw the family moving 13 times. Their bond and resilience were a testament to their love and commitment.

 

Elmer spent 62 years as a resident of Coffeyville, Kansas, where he worked 33 years as a Boilermaker/Welder at the Cooperative Refinery, now known as Coffeyville Resources, until his retirement. His work was a source of pride and fulfillment, but his heart was truly with his family and his land. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, raising cattle, and farming.

 

He was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church in Coffeyville, a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #991, the Boilermakers Union #83, and the American Legion Post #20. He also served on the Board of Directors at Cooperative Credit Union and the Rural Water District Board. Despite his many roles and responsibilities, nothing mattered more to Elmer than spending quality time with his family, especially his treasured grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

 

Elmer is survived by his wife, Judy of the home; his children, Casey Diver of Yates Center, Kansas, Tracy (Paula) Diver of Wellington, Kansas, Randy (Marcy) Diver of Independence, Kansas, Theresa (Mike) Kuffler of Newkirk, Oklahoma, and David (Julie) Diver of Reno, Nevada; and his brother, Eldon Diver of El Dorado, Kansas; eleven grandchildren, Kimberly (Thomas) Chambers, Michelle (Josh) Stringer, Amy (Nathan) Butler, Clint Diver, Corey Diver, John (Nicole) Kuffler, Tommy Kuffler, Luke (Jordan) Kuffler, Sarah (Tony) Oshakuade, Amanda Diver, and Emily Diver; and eight great-grandchildren.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo "Dick" and Opal Diver; his siblings, Frances Diver, Betty Wright, Everett Diver, Delbert Diver, and John Diver; and his grandson, Tyson Diver.

 

Friends may call on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville

 

A Rosary Vigil Service followed by family visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at Holy Name Catholic Church, 408 S. Willow St. in Coffeyville.

 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Name Catholic Church in Coffeyville with Father James Schibi officiating. A Graveside Service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Owl Creek Catholic Cemetery east of Yates Center, KS with military honors conducted by the U.S. Marine Corp and Boestler-May, Post No. 170, American Legion of Chanute.

 

The family suggests memorials in Elmer's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the American Cancer Society; contributions may be left with or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.

 

In celebrating Elmer's life, we invite friends and family to share their memories and upload photos to his memorial page at www.dwbfh.com