
Funeral services for Joe Warren Bahnmaier, 99, Lawrence, will be 2 pm, Monday, February 6, 2023, at Lecompton United Methodist Church. A visitation will be from 4-5 pm on Sunday, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
Joe W. Bahnmaier, 99 of Lawrence, KS, passed away Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka, KS.
Joe was born July 21, 1923 in the rural Lecompton area to Elmer G. and Margaret (Gibbens) Bahnmaier. He attended Jones District 73 Elementary School, Oread High School and attended the University of Kansas. Joe also played fast pitch softball on a Big Springs team.
Joe married Neita M. Atchison on March 22, 1952 in Bentonville, AR. In his early years Joe farmed the family farm and later went to work for Dupont at the Tecumseh plant as a maintenance engineer where he retired in 1985. He enjoyed hunting in his younger days and collecting antique radios and every spring he planted a large garden from which he made his famous stew and special pickles. He loved watching all sports especially KU football and basketball games. Joe and Neita were a big part of son Mike’s Top Fuel Harley racing team, driving a truck and trailer from coast to coast and crewing for him, helping him win his first National Championship in 1999.
Joe is survived by his wife Neita of the home, sons Mike of Wichita, KS and Don of Glenpool, OK; 9 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, numerous cousins and many friends. Joe will be laid to rest at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Lecompton, KS, beside son Richard W. Wright, who preceded him in death.
The family suggests memorial donations to Lecompton Historical Society, P.O. Box 68, Lecompton, KS 66050.
Dear Neita, sons (Mike {with Jodi} & Don), and the rest of your large extended descendants:
It was a very big honor to be part of your funeral celebration of Joe’s life. While I didn’t know him that well, I know your mom is a wonderful woman who wouldn’t have been married to your dad for almost 71 years if he wasn’t the best of the best. I know that God will watch over you all during this time — as He does at all times.
God bless your family…
Sincerely,
Nick Cannon
PS: As I told some people, what makes Lecompton special isn’t that it is small, but the quality of the people who live there who care about their families and welcome outsiders (such as myself) when they come here. Neita, you are the shinning example of that. The way you and Joe raised your sons, is apparent in how they love you both. It just shows that you have passed on that kindness and goodness to your future generations. That is more precious than having a lot of money, lot of land, or any kind of material things.
So sad to hear of the passing of Joe.
He was a great friend to many and will be sorely missed.
Condolences to all that mourn the loss of this mighty fine man!
So sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. He always shared stories of his life with us when we visited Joe & Neita. Prayers and hugs for all of your family. Love you Neita ❤️❤️
I got to know Joe back in propane delivery days 1987-1994. He was such a nice man to visit with. When you are in that kind of business, there are certain customers you look forward to seeing, and the Bahnmaier house was one of favorite places to deliver. Delightful people. Thoughts and prayers to the Neita and the family.