Warren Lee Shane

Warren Lee Shane, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and dedicated civil servant, passed away on March 8, 2026, at Ascension Via Christ Hospital in Manhattan, Kansas. Born on April 18, 1942, in Junction City, Kansas, he lived a life defined by service, craftsmanship, and deep commitment to his family.

After graduating from Junction City High School with the class of 1960, Warren served three years in the United States Air Force as a missile specialist. He then began a long career as a telephone office repairman at Fort Riley, retiring in 1995. A skilled carpenter, he built his own home and crafted cherished items for his family, including toy boxes, doll houses, and barns. He also tended a garden and cared for his collection of succulents. Among his proudest achievements was helping to build the First Christian Church in Junction City.

Warren was an avid square and round dancer and an active member of ROUNDALAB, the international association of round dance leaders, teachers, and choreographers, where he once served as chairman of the board. He remained a devoted member of the First Christian Church. For most of its 75-year history, he was deeply involved in the Shane Family Reunion, serving many years as president and, more recently, as family historian. He pursued genealogy research with enthusiasm, regularly updating the family tree and reconnecting with relatives near and far, many of whom traveled to attend reunions because of his efforts.

Warren is survived by his loving wife, Jeanne M. Shane of Junction City, Kansas; his children, Brian Shane (Jacque) of Alta Vista, Kansas, Kevin Shane of Junction City, Kansas, Shari Augustine (Mike) of Edwardsville, Kansas, and Melanie Fields (Tony) of Junction City, Kansas; and his stepchildren, Stephen Seeber (Nancy) of Irvine, California, and Jennifer Seeber of Junction City, Kansas. He is also survived by twelve grandchildren—Jesse, Mathew, Danielle, Allison, Michaela, Jordann, Cayden, Cole, Chazz, Joslyn, and Julie—and thirteen great-grandchildren—Layla, Jack, Odynn, Ares, Aneubis, Tyranus, Ayda, Lexi, Shelbylynn, Mavrick, Mavlyn, Jaxson, and Berklee. He is further survived by his sister, Linda Cooksley of Topeka, Kansas, and his brother, Russell Shane of Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Bertha Irene (Berggren) Shane, his brother Larry Shane, and his sister Marilyn Shelton.