George Ronald "Shine" Henrichs

    George Ronald "Shine" Henrichs died Sunday, May 4, 2008 at Trinity Manor in Dodge City. George was born February 3, 1929 to George Ronald Henrichs and Sylvia Hoogestradt Henrichs in Miller, South Dakota. He married Norva Jeanne Wolfe on August 21, 1949 in Phillipsburg, Kansas. She preceded him in death on December 6, 2007.
    George grew up in Phillipsburg, Kansas graduating from Phillipsburg High School. He attended Kansas State University and graduated in 1953.
    George was in ROTC in college and served his active duty time in the Army from 1954 to 1956. When he came out of the active Army, George went to work for Montgomery Wards as an assistant manager in Newton, KS. From there, the was transferred to the Dodge City store as an Assistant Store Manager. In 1959, he became the Executive Director of the Boot Hill Museum Complex. He served in that capacity until 1977. In 1979, he became a member of the Boot Hill Board and served in various positions until his death. Currently, he was chairman of the Boot Hill Board.
    In 1977, George and Norva Jeanne purchased the Best Western Silver Spur Lodge, Restaurant, and Convention Center. George was very active with Best Western International and served as the District 5 Governor. He sold the "Spur" in March of 1998. While at the Silver Spur, George taught Kansas History for ten years as an Adjunct Instructor at Dodge City Community College. Another of George's passions was the Methodist Hospital Association where he served as chairman for one year and was also a member of Trinity Foundation Board, serving as President from 1994-2000 and 2005-2008.
    George was very involved in the community activities, including being a member of the Dodge City Chamber of Commerce and served as chairman of the Chamber Board in 1967, 1976, 1988. George was active in state and national associations and commissions including the State Restaurant Association, the National US Highway 56 Association, the National US Highway 50 Federation, the Kansas Association of Commerce and Industry, the Kansas Lodging Association, and he served on the Kansas State Highway Commission for ten years. He was a founding member of Dodge City Roundup and an active member until 2006. In 2000, George was involved in starting the Legend Basketball team and served in various capacities in the ownership group.
    George was very active member of the First United Methodist Church in Dodge City and a proud 50 year member of the FUMC Sanctuary Choir. As well as singing in the church choir, George was a Big Band Style singer and over the years, sang for various charity events including the Dale Northern Senior Citizen Telethon.
    Survivors include three sons, Kent Henrichs and wife Marcia, Dr. Kelly Henrichs and wife Ronnetta and Dr. Kirk Henrichs and wife Jill all of Dodge City; five grandchildren, Shannon, Holly, Kevin, Kyle, and Kody. He is also survived by one brother, Fredrick (Bud) Henrichs and wife Wanda of Phillipsburg. He was preceded in death by his wife, Norva Jeanne, his parents, a sister, Dorene Mueller, and two sons, Ronald Greg and Kevin Paul Henrichs.
    Memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church, Dodge City, on Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 10:30 AM with Rev. Lance Carrithers and Rev. Dick Robbins presiding. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Dodge City. There will be no public visitation as cremation has taken place. Friends may sign the register book from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.on Friday, May 9, 2008 at Swaim Funeral Home, Dodge City. Memorials can be made to Boot Hill Museum Church Fund in care of the funeral home. Personal Condolences may be left at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.