Everett “Ev” Ernest Kohls (1935-2024)

Everett “Ev” Ernest Kohls, age 89, passed away peacefully on Oct. 28, 2024, in Manhattan, Kan. Born on July 20, 1935, in Ellsworth, Kan., to Ernest and Ethel (Haase) Kohls, Ev grew up in Ellsworth, where he cultivated his love for education, sports and community. He attended Ellsworth High School, later earning a master’s degree in education from Fort Hays University.

On May 30, 1954, Ev married Gail Marie Korinek in a beautiful ceremony held at the Ellsworth Lutheran Church. He began his teaching career at Natoma High School, followed by Russell High School. Following his years teaching and coaching high school students, he began his career at Butler Community College as a social science instructor. Throughout his career at Butler, he not only taught, but also served as registrar and coach and ultimately retired as dean of students. Ev took immense pride in supporting and recruiting Butler Grizzly students and athletes, leaving a legacy that resonates deeply with

in the community. Even years after his retirement, Butler sports fans and friends would ask about him at events, a testament to the lasting impact he had.
Ev was preceded in death by his beloved wife Gail; his son David Kohls; his parents and his brother Arlan Kohls. He is survived by his daughters Liane (DA) Fowler and Lori Kohls and daughter-in-law Diana Kohls; grandchildren Jeremy (Miranda) Fowler, Justin Fowler, Amber (Spencer) Stewart, Tyson (Crystal) Kohls and Tamara (Adam) Patterson; along with 10 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, in the gymnasium at Butler Community College, with burial to follow at Belle Vista Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest beside his wife, Gail. In his honor, Ev’s family requests that attendees wear Butler/K-State purple, dressed in “game casual.”

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Elara Hospice or the Kohls Family Scholarship at Butler Community College.

Ev’s family thanks the community for their love and support, honoring the legacy of a man who dedicated his life to learning, sports and the Butler Grizzly family.

Please sign his online guest book at www.carlsonkirbymorris.com.