Wendel W. Sales, 101, Valley Falls, died Thursday, Sept. 7, 2017, at Midland Care at Linnwood Park Home Plus at Valley Falls. He had lived independently in his own home until two weeks prior to his death.

He was born May 9, 1916, at Ozawkie, the son of James Thomas and Lottie Owens Sales. He graduated from Valley Falls High School in 1934.

Wendel served in the US Army during WW II and fought in the Pacific Theatre. He was awarded a Bronze Star.

Wendel was a farmer-stockman all of his life, and was still farming at 100. He was a 34 year member of the Valley Falls Rotary Club and was a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a member of Grahem-Herbers Post 3084, Veterans of Foreign Wars.

He starting playing mandolin at age five and also played banjo and fiddle. He loved his music, and enjoyed entertaining people and playing at community dances.

He married Georgia M. Coleman, Aug. 8, 1948, at Denison. She died June 25, 1995. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Minford "Chic" and Calvin Sales.

Survivors include his son, Daryl (Linda) Sales, Valley Falls; his daughter, Cheryl (Kirk) Johnson, Topeka; and five grandchildren, Kyle (Bethany), Craig, and Mark Johnson, and Justin and Amanda Sales.

A funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 11, 2017, at Mercer Funeral Home in Valley Falls. Burial will follow at the Valley Falls Cemetery with military honors by Grahem-Herbers Post 3084, V.F.W. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Sunday.

Memorials contributions may be made to Jefferson County EMS District 11 or to the Grahem-Herbers Post 3084, V.F.W. Veterans Memorial Project at the Valley Falls Cemetery and sent c/o Mercer Funeral Home, PO Box 6, Valley Falls, KS 66088.