Glen E. Driskel

Glen Eugene Driskel; beloved husband, father, and grandfather, friend, musician and retired railroader passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 17, 2017 at the age of 72.

Born on May 16, 1945 in Winfield, Kansas to Franklin Eugene (Gene) Driskel and Kathleen (Kay) Janell Smith Driskel, Glen was a spirited, fun-loving man who loved life and his family above all else. On November 1, doctors diagnosed Glen with Squamous Cell Carcinoma, an aggressive cancer that he courageously battled until God called him home. He had been in and out of hospitals for the last 2 months of his life until doctors at the University of Kansas Medical Center recommended on December 12 that he transfer to St. Luke’s Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri where he eventually passed away.
A graduate of Cherryvale High School and a former music major at Pittsburg State University, Mr. Driskel once dreamed of becoming a rock and roll musician. He recorded an album with the band, Jimmie and the Galaxies, in the 1960’s.
Glen’s greatest adventure in life started when he married his wife, Sharon on July 23, 1966. They were married for 51 years. Together, they raised 2 daughters, Michelle and Melanie.
Glen once again entered a music studio to record music inspired by Boots Randolph, Pete Fountain, and Kenny G. after retiring from a 38 year career as a railroader, Mr. Driskel played his saxophone regularly for the elderly and disabled in nursing homes. Through his gift of music, he brought joy to many.

Glen loved to travel with his wife, Sharon. Glen met fellow saxophonist, Boots Randolph in Nashville, Tennessee on one of their vacations. When Randolph described his most famous hit, “Yakety Sax,” Randoph claimed, ''Every sax player in the world has tried to play it. Some are good, some are awful.'' Glen Driskel was a good saxophonist, and he continued playing music until his death.

Survivors include his wife, Sharon Katherine Fiechtl Driskel of Cherryvale; 2 daughters, Michelle Elaine Driskel Ast and husband Bradley of Garden Plain, Kansas, Melanie Ann Driskel Hammer and husband Mike of Cherryvale, Kansas; 5 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild. Glen’s parents, grandparents, and several aunts and uncles preceded him in death.
A funeral mass is scheduled for 10:00 A.M., Thursday, December 21, 2017 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Cherryvale, Kansas. Father Marco De Leora will officiate the ceremony. Glen’s family will be available for a visitation from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Wickham Family Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 20. A Recitation of the Rosary will follow the visitation. Flowers or memorial contributions to the Cherryvale High School band program may be sent to the following address:

Wickham Family Funeral Home – Cherryvale
Glen Driskel Memorial
216 East 4th Street
Cherryvale, KS 67335

Christmas really hurts this time
'Cus you're not here to celebrate with me.
Tears fill my eyes,