Dayton Kresin

Dayton "Joe" R. Kresin, age 82 of Paola, passed away Aug. 18 at Life Care Center in Osawatomie. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, or the Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Joe, as he was known, was born on May 19, 1931, in Paola, Kansas, to Henry and Mattie Mathia Kresin. He graduated from Paola High School in 1949, and then attended two years at Topeka Trade School. On Nov. 27, 1951, Joe enlisted in the United States Air Force and served four years until receiving his honorable discharge on Nov. 26, 1955. He was united in marriage to Alma Knecht in Louisburg, Kansas, on Nov. 15, 1952. They were married more than 60 years. Joe worked for the Union Machine and Tool Company for 32 years. He also was employed by Ingersoll machine shop, Taylor Forge, and Wal-Mart of Paola. He belonged to the American Legion #156 and was a member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, joining in 1990. Joe liked playing cards in his spare time and also met regularly to share coffee, local news and friendship as part of a community group called "Table 10." In his younger years, Joe and Alma spent Saturday nights dancing at the Pla-Mart ballroom. He was an avid woodworker and shared his talents around town, including crafting the gazebo planters that are still visible downtown. Joe coached youth baseball and enjoyed participating in all of his children"s and grandchildren"s activities. He was a supporter of the American Legion Easter egg hunt in Paola each year. Preceding him in death were his parents, three sisters DeLoris Whittemore, Darleen Lantz, and Nadine Vest and one brother, Fred Kresin. Survivors are his wife, children Randall and wife Rebecca Kresin of Paola, Michael and wife Janice Kresin of Shawnee, sister Rosemary Casida of Paola, four grandchildren Connor, Andrew, Emily Kresin and Sarah Richards, and one great-grandchild Aeson Walker. To leave a special memory go to the share memory tab. Holy Trinity Catholic Church Service: Wednesday, August 21, 2013 at 10:00 AM Visitation: Tuesday, August 20, 2013 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM