Orlin R. Phelps

Phelps, Orlin R., Geologist, March 25, 1924 - January 27, 2015. Born in Beaumont, Kansas, Orlin began his education in a one room country school house, graduating from El Dorado High School in 1941. Soon after he left to join the Army Air Corps working his way to serve as a Fighter Pilot before his discharge in 1945. After his military service, he entered Wichita University to study Engineering, but after exposure to a Geology course, he was hooked on that discipline and excelled as he did in anything he set his mind to. Throughout his career as a Geologist, he is credited with the discovery of over 100 oil fields, primarily in NW Kansas. He surpassed his goal of having at least one discovered oil field for every year he lived. A special love he had was for the landscape tree farm he started on his fathers farm in Augusta, KS in the early 1990s. He received much joy in growing the trees and providing their beauty to home owners in Sedgwick and Butler counties. Throughout his life he showed his talent as a Scientist, Inventor, Carpenter, Entrepreneur, Horticulturist, Aviator and Sports Car enthusiast. Orlin is survived by his son, Orlin Gregory Phelps (Melissa S. Phelps); daughters, Marsha Kay Phelps and Brenda Sue Phelps of Wichita, KS; and son, Shawn Edgar Phelps of Augusta, KS; grandchildren, Alex Phelps and Zach Phelps of Augusta, KS and Tanna Kaye Phelps-Sampino of Wichita; the mother of his children, Mary Nadine Phelps, his elder sister, Rogene Stephens of Lewisville TX, and his companion, Susie Colbert. Preceded in death by his father and mother, Orlin Alanson Phelps and Anna Mae Phelps (Edgar); brother, Donald E. Phelps; and sister, Treva Demo of El Dorado, KS. Funeral Service will be at 1:00 P.M., Monday, February 2, 2015, at Downing Lahey East Mortuary. Viewing will be held Sunday, February 1, 2015 and Monday, February 2, 2015 at Downing Lahey East Mortuary. Burial will follow at Sunset Lawn Cemetery, El Dorado, KS.