65 Years and Still Going!
Lelan Deems just completed his 65th year of continuous employment as
the owner of Deems Farm Equipment and has now begun his 66th year as of
July 1, 2011.
Lelan worked with his father, John Deems and his 2 brothers before
leaving for the Army. He was released from the Army, June 30, 1946 and
went back to work the next day with his father and brothers at Deems Farm
Equipment.
Over the years - what a ride it has been!! He worked along side his
father at the store in Butler until his father’s death in 1970. His two brothers
Lloyd and Harley had the John Deere stores in Lawrence, Kansas and
Marshall, Missouri. The three brothers became pilots and owned a plane
so they could fly back and forth between the stores. What fun they had as
brothers and business partners! His brother Lloyd was tragically killed in
that plane in 1971. His brother-in-law, Theron Harper stepped up to manage the store in Lawrence. His
brother Harley died in 1976. Harley’s son-in-law, Don Julian, took over the store in Marshall. A true family
business. He greatly misses his brothers and the bond they had formed over the years.
Lelan expanded and opened up John Deere stores in Harrisonville, Clinton, and Nevada. He ran all of
these stores before selling the stores in Harrisonville and Clinton.
His family says Lelan lives and breathes John Deere and his commitment to the farmers of his
community. As young children we took rides through the country to look at the crops around the county.
Anytime we would go out of town or on a vacation we would stop at John Deere stores across the country
to look over the machinery lots and visit with the owners. Amazingly, we still do!!
Our family vacations growing up were going to the Western Farm Conventions around the United
States and Canada where we spent time with our aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. What fun we all had!
Lelan has seen many changes in the John Deere Company. He has out lived many of his friends in
the company and seen other close friends retire. Lelan has worked long and hard to make his business what
it is today. He truly cares about his town and community. He is honest, true, and loyal to his customers,
employees, friends and family. You will not find a man with a greater work ethic or a more devoted person
in the agricultural world!
We salute you DAD!
Your children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
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