Quinn Neil Pence was born on April 18, 1959 in Colby, Kansas to Allan David and Lois Elaine (Rogers) Pence.  He grew up on the four generation family farm near the Rawlins and Thomas County line.  On that farm, he learned the value of hard work and of a job well done.  Many of the lessons and practices he learned he later passed onto his children, grandchildren, and countless other young men he mentored.  Quinn practiced precision farming before "precision ag" was a thing.

He married Carla Jonelle Livingston on September 1, 1979 in Hayes Center, Nebraska.  The couple was blessed with four sons: Jeremiah Lee, Quinn Levi, Matthew Allan, and Caleb James.  Quinn and Carla's marriage was tested and tried.  Through the challenges of life, they remained committed to one another, to God, and to their family.  Quinn and Carla's gifts complemented one another and impacted the world around them.

In the course of nearly 46 years of marriage with Carla, the Pences called Colby, Hugoton, Kansas, and Harper, Kansas home.  Throughout those years Quinn pursued what he loved—production agriculture.  He consistently demonstrated a commitment to provide for his family and worked loyally for each and every employer.  He could operate nearly any piece of machinery and also mechanic to fix a plethora of problems.  Neighbors recognized his knowledge and talent and would often call Quinn for advice.  Forty hour weeks did not exist in Quinn's world, he worked from sun up to job done.  Even on vacation, he would be the one making sure every camper had water and every ride had fuel.

Quinn grew up without a spiritual foundation or a relationship with Christ but that changed thanks to a nearby farming family.  As a young adult, Quinn came to understand the importance of a relationship with Jesus Christ.  He chose to make Jesus and Biblical principles a "corner post" in his life and helped to establish a Godly legacy for his children and grandchildren to follow.  He was a man who showed his faith with actions over words.  Recently, after moving into a new home, one of the first things Quinn wanted to locate was his Bible.

Quinn was consistent, strong, predictable, resilient, patient, and a servant.  Quinn brought a calm presence everywhere he went.  He wasn't the verbal one in his marriage, but when he spoke, his words held meaning and were wise.  He quietly would serve his family and friends, never wanting to take credit or boast.  He didn't bend or waiver on his convictions.  If Quinn was in your corner, you knew you could count on him.  For many, but especially his family, Quinn was a "corner post they tied their fence to."

In his years of farming, Quinn and Carla employed many young men.  Quinn was willing to take a chance on a prospective employee and would identify the gifts and potential in each young man.  He led by example and instilled many skills to his sons, grandchildren, and other men by allowing them to work alongside him.  He displayed patience to teach and would teach in a unique personalized way each depending on the individual he was investing in.

Quinn and Carla intentionally worked together to raise their four boys to manhood.  They strove for them to be successful contributors to society and independent thinkers—and that they are!  In their adult years, Quinn worked alongside two of his sons in business ventures and was a frequent sounding board for each of them as they looked to establish themselves.

Each son exemplifies the values Carla and Quinn demonstrated and strive to reflect these in their own marriage, profession, and families.  They learned through their parents what loyalty, commitment, generosity, and love truly meant.  Carla and Quinn exemplified 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.  Quinn and Carla did not just raise four incredible God-fearing sons, they created a legacy.  And, their legacy will continue for generations to come.

Undoubtedly, one of Quinn's greatest joys was his grandchildren.  Each of them quickly found their way into Papa Quinn's heart and onto his lap.  He loved being their Papa.  The kids quickly learned they could trust him and they loved to make him laugh—his laugh that would shake his whole body.  At family events, you would often find Quinn on the living room rug giving "bull rides" to the kids and raucous laughter could be heard from all.

Quinn was a very disciplined and predictable man.  From his daily journal writing, to the contents of his pockets, how he answered the phone, to how he communicated (or didn't!), you knew what to expect.  About the only thing unpredictable with Quinn was his death.

Quinn passed away peacefully at his home in Harper on August 12, 2025.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Allan and Lois Pence; in-laws Claude and Twila Livingston, infant sister, Tammy Marie Pence; sister-in-law, Hazel Livingston; and brothers-in-law, Craig Livingston and Jess McCorkle.  He is survived by his wife, Carla of the home; sons: Jeremiah Pence and wife, Hanna of Enid, Oklahoma, Quinn "Levi" Pence and wife, Michaela of Gardnerville, Nevada, Matthew Pence and wife, Renee of Danville, Kansas, and Caleb Pence and wife, Candra of Harper; grandchildren: Katherine Anne (Katie) and Ezekiel Craig (Zeke) Pence, Victoria Twila Pence, Gabriel Quinn (Gabe), Eli Allan, and Josiah Robert Pence, and Cora June Pence; brothers, Roger Pence and wife, Joan of Tucson, Arizona and Lee Pence and wife, DJ of Derby, Kansas; in-laws: Jerry and Conna Livingston, Clint and Peg Livingston, Cherie McCorkle, Candy and Sidric Kirchner, Crystal and Rick Harms, and Valerie Livingston; numerous nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

We will miss his steady, calming, and strong presence but we rejoice to know that death is not the end for Quinn.  Because of Quinn's decision to trust Christ as his Savior, we rest knowing Quinn is secure with Christ only because of the blood of Jesus and the eternal life He provides.  We eagerly look forward to joining Quinn one day.

Visitation for Quinn will take place on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Harper.  Then from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. the family will welcome guests at the United Methodist Church in Harper.  Pizza, cookies, and other refreshments will be available during this time of support, sharing memories, and fellowship.

The family requests to receive no flowers or plants.  Memorial contributions can be made payable to Papa's Legacy.  This will go towards a trust being set up for Quinn's grandchildren.

As many know, Quinn's grandson, Josiah has been battling a serious health condition.  His parents, Matthew and Renee are currently with him in another state due to this battle and the family is awaiting the outcome.  Due to this, formal funeral decisions are postponed for Quinn.  As soon as these decisions can be made, that information will be made available here.

Funeral Service is at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 23, 2025 at the Harper United Methodist Church with Reverend Rick Harms officiating.

A private family burial will take place at a later time on family property.

Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 613 W 14th St ~ Harper, Kansas  67058