Alan W. DeMoss

Alan Wayne DeMoss, 72, went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 5, 2025, at his home. Alan was born on December 25, 1952, in Topeka, Kansas, to Don (Hugh Donald) and Peggy (Werth) DeMoss. His Christmas birth was notable enough to make the front page of the Topeka Capital-Journal.

In 1970, Alan graduated from Emporia High School, where he met Bonnie Blair. They married June 2, 1973, in Emporia, Kansas.

Alan had a lifelong love for trains, especially the Santa Fe Railway, where he began his career and proudly continued a family legacy as a third-generation railroader. He worked the midnight shift while attending full-time college classes during the day. After graduating from Emporia State University, his railroad career took him and Bonnie to Clovis, New Mexico, and Topeka, Kansas. He later served as Division Safety Manager for Santa Fe in both Oklahoma City and Newton. In the latter part of his career, Alan worked as a small business safety consultant and taught OSHA courses at Wichita Tech.

He spent his retirement years tending to his yard, cheering on the Jayhawks, collecting tools for home improvement projects, and birdwatching from his deck--but his pride and joy was being a dad and grandpa. Papa Alan loved to take his six grandchildren camping and fishing, and attend their school and sporting events. Alan and Bonnie escaped the Kansas winters with trips to the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas, where they made great memories and many special friendships.

Alan’s faith in God was the foundation of his life. His humble spirit and kind heart made him a trusted friend and a steady presence in the lives of many. He will be remembered for the gentle, caring way he looked after others. Alan was a longtime member of Grace Community Church, where he faithfully served as lead usher for many years.

He is survived by his wife Bonnie; daughters Erin (Tim) Dolgner of Owasso, OK; Kelli (Jay) Unruh of Shawnee, KS; and Amanda DeMoss of Wichita; and grandchildren Caden, Levi, and Logan Dolgner and Owen, Kate, and Wyatt Unruh. He is also survived by his brother, David (Sally) DeMoss of Girard, KS and sister-in-law, Mary Conwell of Overland Park, KS, and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Jerry Conwell.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 am on July 19, 2025 at Grace Community Church, 1600 S. Anderson, Newton.

A memorial fund has been established with Grace Community Church. Please designate "Alan DeMoss Memorial" in the memo. May be left in the care of Petersen Funeral Home.