Lauren PringleYates Center, KS

Lauren Pringle, a  farmer, rancher, and community leader, passed away peacefully on June 21st at his home in rural Woodson County. He was 96.

He was born at the start of the Great Depression, the oldest son of Jack and Nina Pringle. Beginning at the age of 2, he became involved with the family farm, often riding in the hay wagon with his Uncle Jim. Growing up with his younger brother Nelson, they would often be found hunting, or trapping, all the while keeping up with the daily chores.

He attended a one room school (Pleasant Valley) and then graduated from Yates Center H.S. (Class of ’48!) After attending a year at K-State, the family farm called him back, and he renewed his efforts to help with the operations, while being a member of the National Guard. Then, in 1950, he met the love of his life, Ruthann Canty, and they were married after three years of courtship. The farming life continued along, while they were raising a family, having two sons. (Scott and Mark) in ’55 and ’58.

By this time, the partnership of Lauren and Nelson, along with their wives Ruthann and Doreen, was in full swing. Cattle, crops, and haying were the mainstays of their operation. They weathered some lean times, but they were always able to make it to the next season.

During this time, he was also supplementing the farm income by logging trees, mostly along the Neosho River.  Like farming, it could be dangerous work, and he had some close calls along the way.

He had a knack for mechanical work,  and he developed a focus on farm machinery, especially John Deere combines and tractors. He bled John Deere green, through and through!

In addition to his farm work, Lauren also volunteered for his community in a number of ways. A 4-H kid, who was  a charter member of the 3-1 4-H club, he became a leader when his sons joined up, helping them and other members with their projects.

He was a leader in the local soil conservation district, which was instrumental in improving farming practices and helping to preserve our local grasslands.  In 2024, he received a Legacy Award from the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts, in recognition of his decades-long contribution to soil conservation efforts in Kansas. He took great pride in receiving this award.

He was also on the boards of the  Woodson County Fair Association, as well as the Farm Bureau and the KLA. Through it all, he always tried to make a difference for his fellow farmers, and his community.

Friends and family would always describe him as a man who made his words count when he spoke, and having a sly sense of humor that would often catch you by surprise. Through it all, he always took pride in his work ethic, and getting the many-jobs done.

He was able to keep active with the farming/ranching throughout his later years, and was still feeding cattle until three weeks before his passing. One can truly say he went out with his boots on.

He was preceded in death by his wife Ruthann, brother Nelson, sister-in-laws Doreen and MaryLou, brother-in-law Glenn, nephew Reg, and his son Scott.

He is survived by his younger son Mark, daughter-in-law Mary Jane, sister-in-law Mary, and several nieces (Barbara, Stephanie, and Debra)  a  nephew(John), and numerous friends.

Visitation with the family will be held from 6-8pm on Monday, June 29th, at the Campbell Funeral Home in Yates Center. The address is 310 W. Rutledge St.

Memorial contributions in his name can be made to the Woodson County Fair Association, and/or the local 4-H Club of your choice.

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