Dr. Charles (Charlie) Deyoe passed away peacefully following a long illness on May 18, 2024.
Charles Deyoe was born March 12, 1933, in Two Buttes, Colorado, the son of Walter and Iva (Dellinger). Charlie grew up on a farm and graduated from Coldwater (KS) High School in 1950; after attending Kansas State University he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in animal science in 1955. He next enrolled at Texas A&M University, completing first a master’s degree in animal nutrition and then a doctorate degree in biochemistry and nutrition.
Following his graduation Charles began his teaching career as an assistant professor of poultry science at Texas A&M. In 1962 he returned to Kansas as an assistant professor in the Kansas State University feed science program; by 1968 he had earned the rank of professor, and he was awarded the honor of being named Outstanding Agricultural Professor at KSU in 1969.
In 1977 Dr. Charles Deyoe was named Department Head of Grain Science and Industry, a distinction he would retain for 16 years. His commitment to the Grain Science and Industry, Bakery Science, and Milling Science programs would never cease. Dr. Deyoe also became the first director of Kansas State University’s International Grains Program (IGP) in 1978. As an expert, Dr. Deyoe was invited to consult and advise institutions around the globe on wheat quality, milling, and baking technologies. He was at times able to be accompanied by his wife Lois; both enjoyed learning about and experiencing world cultures on these trips. Dr. Deyoe was awarded “Wheat Man of the Year” by the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers in 1992 and given the “Full Kernel of Wheat” award at the Wheat Quality Council annual meeting the same year. After his retirement in 1996, Charles Deyoe was named one of nine KSU members who received recognition as a Centennial Lifetime Achievement Award recipient during the 100th anniversary celebration of the Department of Grain Science and Industry in 2010. During his lifetime Charlie Deyoe served as a professional mentor to students at Kansas State University; many of his former students have stayed in touch following their departure from Kansas State as they pursued careers worldwide.
Charles Deyoe was active in the community as well. He was a founding member of St. Thomas More Church, and a 4th Level Knight in the Knights of Columbus. He and his wife Lois delivered Meals on Wheels and baked cookies and treats for residents and staff at the Hospice House. He was active in the Third Age group at his church, and with Lois supported the Friends of the K-State Libraries for many years. In his retirement, Charlie spent time gardening, perfecting his own bread recipes, baking bread for friends and neighbors, learning to make beer and cheese, and always experimenting!
Charles was devoted to his family and is survived by his wife of 68 years Lois; son Michael; daughters Kathy, Nancy, and Sandra; and sister Rita Deyoe-Chiullán. He delighted in the interests and accomplishments of his grandchildren Mary, Deidre, and Sebastian (Charlie). Charles Deyoe was preceded in death by his son Steve; grandson, Steven; Lisa Breining-Deyoe; his parents; seven brothers and one sister.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday June 21, 2024, at the St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Manhattan. Inurnment will be held at the Sunrise Cemetery in Manhattan.
Memorial gifts may be made in Charles Deyoe’s memory to the Meadowlark Foundation to benefit the Good Samaritan Fund and to St. Thomas More Church. Contributions may be sent in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.