Arlyn Francis Unrein

Arlyn Francis Unrein, 72, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Sunday, July 12, 2026 at his home in Russell.

Arlyn was born December 18, 1953, in Hays, Kansas. He was one of nine children born to Paul A. and Irene (Herrman) Unrein. He grew up in Hays and attend Hays High School. He worked for the Hays Police Department for a short time before attending the Kansas Highway Patrol Academy.

Arlyn was united in marriage to JoAnn Kitts on October 9, 1976 in Hays. This union was blessed with two children; Angela and Andrew. They made their home in Hays for a few years before moving to Russell. JoAnn preceded him in death on November 22, 2020.

Arlyn was the Public Works Director for many years with the City of Russell before retiring in 2016. When he was younger, he worked for the Hays Police Department, then drove oilfield trucks, and became the Kansas State Safety Inspector for many years. He was a member of the Russell Shrine. In his spare time, he enjoyed restoring old cars and trucks, running his Gun Club and shooting Trap and sporting clays. His favorite thing was to spoil his grandchildren, especially taking them on ATV rides.

Arlyn’s surviving family include his daughter, Angela Bowers (Jason) of Lenexa, Kansas; son, Andrew Unrein (Jen) of Grain Valley, Missouri; brothers, Ron Unrein (Judy) of Hays, Kansas, Glenn Unrein (Holly) of Hays, Kansas and Curtis Unrein (Diane) of Victoria, Kansas; sisters, Sheila Marcotte of Salina, Kansas, Kathy Peterson (Pete) of Hays, Kansas, Becky Martin (Phil) of Larned, Kansas, Melinda Fross (Tom) of Hays, Kansas and Kristie Baker of Hays, Kansas; and eight grandchildren: Xavier, Owen, Lincoln, Emma, Hannah, Lillian, Harper, and Noah.

Arlyn was preceded in death by his parents and wife JoAnn.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, July 24, 2026, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell. The family will be present to greet friends from 9:30 AM to Service time at the Mortuary. A private burial of ashes will take place at a later date. Friends and family who plan to attend the service, please know that Arlyn wanted an upbeat and fun atmosphere. Jeans, cowboy boots, casual, but respectful attire is completely acceptable. In Lieu of flowers, a Memorial has been established with the Russell High School Trap Shooting Team. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.