CREEKSTONE ANNOUNCES THE PASSING OF STEVE ENDRES, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, 2008-2015
It is with great sorrow that Creekstone Farms informs you of the tragic and untimely passing of Steve Endres, Director of Operations. Steve passed away on the evening of August 13, while playing golf with friends and fellow Creekstone employees in Winfield, Kansas. Steve is survived by his wife Amy, and his three children Rhett-15, Molli-12 and Jett-3.
Visitation will be held 1:00-8:00 P.M. Tuesday, August 18, with family receiving friends 5:00-7:00 P.M. at Smith Mortuary, 1415 N. Rock Rd., Derby, Kansas. The Funeral service will commence at 3:00 P.M. Wednesday, August 19 at the NewSpring Church 12200 E. 21st St. N., Wichita, Kansas, graveside service to follow. A memorial has been established for Steve’s children “The Endres Children’s Education Fund” c/o Carson Bank, P.O. Box 158, Mulvane, KS 67110.
Steve joined Creekstone in July 2007 as the Value Added Manager, a position Creekstone specifically created for him. This a result of Company CEO, Dennis Buhlke, being so impressed with Steve’s interview that he was willing to create a position, convinced that “this guy will be an asset to the company”. He was right—Steve was promoted to Plant Operations Manager in May of 2008 when his responsibilities increased with addition of the slaughter and fabrication departments. That same year in October, Steve received a second promotion to Director of Operations, overseeing all production departments with the addition of Quality Assurance and Maintenance. Steve cherished this role and was a favorite among both hourly and management personnel.
Steve never met a stranger. With a huge and disarming personality, he always drew a crowd and was the proverbial “life of the party”. He was a good husband, a good father, a natural born leader, a veteran and a friend to many. Steve was instrumental in every facet of Creekstone’s business but just as importantly he touched the lives of everyone in his professional and personal relationships. Steve will be greatly missed, but certainly not forgotten.
Godspeed Steve Endres.