Jeffrey Kerbs

Jeffrey Allen Kerbs was born to Larry and Marie (Killian) Kerbs on February 7, 1969, in Dodge City. He passed away surrounded by his loved ones on September 21, 2021, in Bentonville, Ark. He graduated from Dodge City Senior High in 1987 and earned both a Bachelor's and Masters degree in Industrial Engineering from Kansas State University. While attending K-State, he was an active member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Upon graduation from K-State, he worked briefly for Foot Locker. Jeff began his 23-year career with Walmart in 1998, working in logistics on various projects including Distribution Center design. The majority of his Walmart time was spent working in Store Operations, where he held multiple roles over the years. Real Estate/Zero Waste was his final job transition a few years ago. Jeff was very proud of the 10 international patents he worked on for Walmart and had the opportunity to travel extensively working on a multitude of interesting projects to innovate for the company. He had great stories to tell about his experiences over the years. Those who knew Jeff were so fortunate. Many of his co-workers became his friends over the years, his "Walmart family." Jeff was a genius and he had an incredible memory, often (as he joked) for "unimportant facts," but joking aside he not only remembered many intellectual details but also details about people and their lives. He was very kind and was so invested in learning about people he knew, always asking questions and checking in. Jeff loved his two rescue dogs, Mac and Lucy. He more recently enjoyed researching, planning and preparing his garden to becoming a certified Monarch Waystation. He enjoyed getting together with family and friends for a dinner out, or just having a long conversation about current world events. Jeff was also very committed to helping people through support of organizations and initiatives in the community. He was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Fayetteville, Ark. Jeff's legacy will remain with the people that knew him. He made an impression on all who knew him and was a calming presence in a room full of people. Professionally he was a mentor, teacher and great colleague. Personally he was an exceptional and loyal friend, really good person, and especially over the last year was an example of strength in the face of challenges, always with a positive outlook. He was preceded in death by his father, Larry Kerbs; his grandparents, Jim and Yuvonne Killian, and Roland and Lydia Kerbs; stepbrother, Michael McGinley; cousin, Erin Killian; and uncles, Ed and Rod Killian. Jeff is survived by his mother and stepfather Marie and Scott McGinley of Wichita; sister, Kristin Sprott (Kevin) of Spearville; stepbrothers, Brian (Mary) McGinley of Augusta, and David (Katie) McGinley of Wichita; uncle, Terry Kerbs (Pam) of Farragut, Tenn.; aunts, Marylu Killian, Paula Schreiber (Larry), Jackie Rector (Kelly), Crystal Nahirny (David), and Gwen Winter; niece and nephews, Brandon, Derrick and Nathan Sprott, Mason, Brayleigh, Waylon, and Nolan McGinley; cousins, Sarah Randall, Jim, Justin, and Jeremy Killian, and Matt Kerbs. Walmarl family, and cherished friend, Melissa Larkins. Memorial service will be held at Swaim Funeral Chapel on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 10 a.m. with Mr. Jeff Hiers presiding. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Dodge City. There will be no viewing as cremation has taken place. ln lieu of flowers, donations can be made toTrinity Methodist Church of Fayetteville, Ark., or Bella Vista Animal Shelter in care of the funeral home. Memorial service will be live streamed on Swaim Funeral Chapel Face book page. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.