Arlo Jack Brubacher

Arlo Jack Brubacher passed away peacefully on April 29, 2026 surrounded by family at the age of 94. Jack was born on January 10, 1932 to August John and Clara Brubacher in rural Harvey County Kansas. Jack was one of seven children, growing up with a strong Mennonite work ethic. The Brubachers were custom wheat cutters and spent summers traveling from the southern states to the northern states. The family attended Bethel College Mennonite Church, where he would later meet his future wife, Carol.

Jack’s family moved to the Walton area where Jack attended Walton schools, graduating from Walton High School. Jack enrolled at Bethel College; however, his college education was interrupted by service in the U.S. Army. Jack married Carol Enns on January 14, 1954, two days before leaving for basic training. Jack was stationed at RAF Molesworth in England. Carol joined Jack the following Christmas and they toured England, France, Germany, and Switzerland.

Jack returned to Bethel College after completing his service commitment, graduating with a degree in Education. Jack and Carol then moved to Bryan, Texas where Jack continued his education, completing his master’s degree in industrial education from Texas A&M University. Jack and Carol briefly returned to Newton where Lisa was born, and then moved to Kansas City, Kansas where Jack taught for two years. Jack, Carol and Lisa returned to Newton where Laurie was born. Jack taught and coached at Chisolm Junior High and at Newton High School. While teaching and coaching, Jack also moonlighted at Graber Hardware with his brother and best friend, Don Brubacher.

Jack joined Skyline Corporation in Halstead, Kansas in 1965, moving to their Arkansas City location in 1976. Carol and the girls followed Jack to Winfield, Kansas in 1977. Jack spent many years as a Salesman and Sales Manager at Skyline, traveling throughout Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma, and New Mexico meeting with dealers and swapping stories. Jack retired from Skyline in 1994.

Jack loved to hunt pheasant, quail and dove with well-trained pointer Abby by his side. He also enjoyed hunting deer and turkey and was especially proud of his prize bucks. He was known for spending early mornings ‘checking his spots’ often on his way to work. He reported that he held the unofficial record for the number 5 Boone and Crockett Tom taken in Kansas. A photo of Jack and the bird revealed a suit and tie under his camouflage coveralls.

Jack was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Winfield, serving in many roles and making new friends. Jack and Carol were avid gardeners taking pride in their extensive collection of iris, tulips, begonias, geraniums and many other flowers that surrounded their home.

Jack also worked in his shop, building furniture for Carol, his daughters and grandchildren. Jack was never idle and was always available to repair things for his family, friends, neighbors and the church. Jack also loved going to coffee with his friends at College Hill Coffee where many stories were told, and problems were solved. Jack and Carol traveled frequently to Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, Michigan, Arizona and Vermont to visit their daughters, grandchildren and Carol’s sisters.

After Carol’s death in 2013, Jack moved to Edmond, Oklahoma in 2016. He made many new friends at The Veraden where he enjoyed making sopapilla cheesecake and numerous treats for friends and employees. He was always available to lend a helping hand whenever needed.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife Carol, infant daughter Jacqueline Carol, his parents A.J and Clara, brothers Jim and Don, and sisters Naomi and Ruth. Jack is survived by his daughters Lisa Smyle and husband Craig of San Antonio, TX; Laurie Lisle and husband Kenneth of Edmond, OK; granddaughters Jennie Burrow and husband Justin, of Yukon, OK; Courtney Garton of Newalla, OK; Kelli Wilson and husband Coby of Oklahoma City, OK; grandsons Sean Smyle and Evan Smyle of San Antonio, TX; Chad Lisle and wife Angela of Ottawa, KS; great grandchildren Bristol Burrow of Yukon, OK; Briley Wilson and Addison Wilson of Oklahoma City, OK; Eden Lisle and Zane Lisle of Ottawa, KS; sisters Kathryn Stucky of Newton, KS and Yvonne Dalke of Camden, SC; and sister-in-law Ellen Goering of Boulder, CO in addition to a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank all of the special employees at The Veraden where Jack resided for the past nine years. Many were like family to him and blessed his life immeasurably. The love, compassion and care that was shown to Jack and his family especially in his final days will not be forgotten. The family would also like to thank Joy from Companion Hospice for her gentle care and guidance in Jack’s final days.

A celebration of Jack’s life will be held this summer at Winfield First Presbyterian Church, 1101 Millington St, Winfield, KS 67156.

A time of sharing and remembrance will be held at The Veraden Senior Living.

The link to view a recording of Jack's memorial service is HERE.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Jack’s name to the following:

Winfield First Presbyterian Church

1101 Millington Street

Winfield, KS 67156

Bethel College Mennonite Church

2600 College Avenue P.O Box 364 North

Newton, KS 67117