The Superior Express -

Herbert M. Jeffery, 84, Burr Oak, was born Dec. 5, 1935, in Northbranch. He died June 12, at home in Wichita, after a long struggle with cancer. Herb was the son of Lewis and Esther (Dillon) Jeffery.

He attended Union 1, a one-room school house, Burr Oak High School, and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in agriculture at Friends University in 1962.

He married Rosetta Stands in 1961, and they made their home on a farmstead near Northbranch. To this union were born Arlen and Teri. Herb farmed with his dad, older brother, Maurice, and nephew, Brad. He was a self-taught mechanic, engineer, CAD-designer and welder, designing farm implements whenever he saw that something should work better. He saw a need for a v-blade plow-fertilizer-air-seeder that would flex over the hills and terraces. Herb and Kelly McNichols teamed up to create the Accu-flex which he designed, and they built and patented in both the United States and Canada. He was a problem-solver and never backed down from a challenge, whether it was trying something new or fixing something old.

An active member of Northbranch Friends Church and community, he was well-known for his generosity and gentle spirit. He was a father-figure to many with his encouraging words, financial support in times of need and willingness to do what needed to be done. He instilled many family traditions including holding Bible studies in the home, reading the Christmas story from the Bible on Christmas eve, memorizing scriptures and family devotions after breakfast.

He and Rosetta were winter Texans at Oleander Acres for 22 years. They developed many close friends with a farming background from all over the country. In addition to being outside and enjoying God’s creation, Herb loved reading with grandchildren, sleeping through Sunday football games, visiting at the kitchen table, listening to Rosetta practice her piano and organ, and rehearsing musical numbers for worship, school and contests. He attended his children’s school events and his wife’s performances and loved every minute.

He is survived by wife of 59 years, Rosetta; son, Arlen (Penny) Jeffery of Wichita; daughter, Teri (Steve) Price of Valley Center; grandchildren, Allison Jeffery, Lenexa, Eric Jeffery, Wichita, Emilee and Nathan Price, Valley Center; brother, Maurice (Earlene) Jeffery, Superior; brother-in-law, Eugene (Virgina) Stands, Alva, Okla., and brother-in-law, Don (Caron)Stands, Seiling, Okla. He was well-loved by many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors.

His funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, at the Northbranch Friends Church with the Rev. Jon Harkness officiating.

Interment will be in the Northbranch Cemetery.