Herbert Lee Fell

Herbert Lee Fell, age 80, of Princeton, Kansas, died Saturday, January 3, 2009, at Kansas University Medical Center. The entrepreneur, father, and grandfather was born to Leon and Georgie (Curran) Fell on November 6, 1928, near Flint, Michigan. After leaving high school to support the family, Herb was drafted into the U.S. Army and completed an Alaskan tour. From working Detroit's stockyard and trading draft horses, he raised capital for the tractor that started Herb Fell Construction Co. Herb later built and operated Olathe Feedlot, Inc. in western Colorado then established a Kansas hay business late in life. An avid reader, Herb enjoyed fresh vegetables, cigars, pickups, and a chew. Kind, intelligent, industrious, and honest, he will not be forgotten by those touched. Herb is survived by wife Janet Fell, daughter Deanna, sons Chris (Mimi) and Bert; and stepsons Michael (Baerbel) Ribble and James (Sharon) Ribble. Also surviving are brother John Fell, sister Nancy (Phil) Flemming, and grandchildren Elijah, Marcus, Kagen, and Grace. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepson Richard Ribble, and siblings Jim, Bob, Al, William, Harry, Susie, Dorothy, Adeline, Ruth, Jayne, and Liz. Cremation has been completed by Dengel & Son Mortuary of Ottawa, Kansas, and his ashes spread during a private ceremony.