Retired Hiawatha businessman Galen Stuart Lay, 70, of Hiawatha, died unexpectedly November 23, 2018, at Hiawatha Community Hospital.

He was born in Herington, KS, September 16, 1948, the son of Parents: Stuart Clifton (1918-2001) Lay and Selena Mae Langhofer (1921-2017). Galen attended Roosevelt Elementary, Newton High School, Hutchinson JUCO, and Highland Community College where he received his associate’s degree.

On January 8, 1971 married the love of his life, Barbara Ann Razor in Newton, Kansas. Together they raised 3 wonderful sons whom he was very proud of. Troy (Sheri) of Sabetha, Jeremey (Jo) of Pacific, Mo., and Brian (Kathryn) of Naperville, Ill.

Preceding Galen in his death were his father, Stuart Lay, mother, Selena Lay, and an infant brother, Charles.

Galen is survived by his wife, Barbara, 3 sons: Troy, Brian, and Jeremey, and two brothers:  Craig and Tom Lay.   He was very proud of his 10 grandchildren: Leighanne, Jessica, Kelsie, Bryson, Paige, Aubrey, Lexi, McKenna, Drew, and Molly; His legacy also includes 5 great-grandchildren: Kenton, Addyson, Dean, Evan, and Oaklie.

Galen worked for the State of Kansas one year after college and then was employed and soon became a partner with the Moser Consulting Engineers at the Hiawatha office. It was quite an honor to be able to say that Galen was the youngest licensed land surveyor in Kansas at the early age of 21. Serving as the president of the Kansas Land Surveyors was another accomplishment of his. Years later, Galen became partners with Don Novak and formed Novak and Lay Engineering and Land surveying in Hiawatha, Ks.

N&L Construction soon became an addition to the existing firm. After numerous years of serving Hiawatha and the surrounding communities, the business was sold to Bartlett and West Engineers of Topeka. Galen transferred to an office in St. Joseph, Missouri where he managed an office for over 5 years. Other engineering firms that he worked at were R.H. Anderson, Walter E. Deuchler and Assoc., and TREKK Design Group where he retired in 2017. Galen took great interest and pride in the lives and the work of his employees and their progress.

Being raised as a young boy on a farm, Galen chose to live on one of his own. He firmly believed that honesty, the power of one’s word, hard work and discipline were values that he wanted to instill in his sons. Galen incorporated the family farm into a business as well as a way of life. Raising livestock, gardening, and a peaceful way of life were all things that brought him joy.

Galen was instrumental in the development, design, and construction of many of the local facilities that the Hiawatha community enjoys. Among these are the water and wastewater facilities, the Fisher Community Center, Bruning Park, the Hiawatha Lake, Hiawatha football field and track, Sabetha Middle School, Sabetha Aquatic Park, streets, and many more. He gave even more to the community through an investment of his time as a leader and a coach for many years. He coached boy’s youth baseball (Little Golds), Hiawatha Kids Wrestling club, middle and high school wrestling. He was very proud to have served as the President for the Hiawatha Kids Wrestling Club. Galen had a heart for kids, especially those who were struggling or came from difficult walks of life, he had a knack for helping them to be able to believe in themselves and shine.

Both Galen and Barb enjoyed eating out at the local restaurants and past donut shops. One could definitely say that everyone enjoyed his humor, stories, and advice. His children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were the pride and joy of his life. He loved spending time and being involved in their lives. He strived to support them in as many interests and activities as he could. Barb and Galen spent the last couple of years traveling to visit family and friends and also delivering Meals on Wheels.

A Celebration of Galen’s Life is planned for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 28, at the Zion Lutheran Church of Hiawatha, with Pastor Michael Dunaway officiating. Interment will follow at Claytonville Cemetery, south of Hiawatha.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home after 10 a.m. Tuesday where the family will meet from 5 until 7 that evening.

Memorial contributions have been chosen to benefit the Brown County Humane Society. Galen was very fond and supportive of the service that they provide to animals and community of Brown County. Contributions can be sent in care of the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, Kansas.

A special message or remembrance may be shared at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com