Kevin John Dwyer

Kevin John Dwyer, 66, of Lyons, Kansas, passed away May 16, 2025, at his home. He was born February 15, 1959, in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of James and Patricia (Hummel) Dwyer. Kevin has resided in Lyons since 1989, formerly of Salt Lake City, Utah and Lodi, California. He graduated from Shawnee Mission South High School (Shawnee Mission, Kansas) with the class of 1977. Kevin has left behind a legacy of personal growth, professional achievement, community involvement and—most importantly to him—relationships with family and friends. His life was a reflection of the values he held close.

Kevin’s compassion for the vulnerable was made evident in many ways, including a lifelong dedication to the caring of animals. He was always looking for opportunities to spend time around horses, developing a love for all-things equestrian, and spending his teen years riding in the Kansas City area. As a student at Kansas State University, Kevin was a member of the KSU Horseman’s Association and played a key role in winning the university’s first horse judging world championship. As a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, he graduated in 1982 with a bachelor’s degree in Milling Science and Management. Following graduation, Kevin lived in Germany while training and showing horses, before winning the 1982 All-Around European Western Riding Championship. Throughout his life, his passion and dedication to the horse world continued, as he trained horses, competing in cutting and three-day eventing (cross-country horse jumping), and staying active in multiple national and regional horse associations.

Starting in 1989 and until his passing, Kevin ran and grew Sellers Feedlot alongside his father-in-law. He was deeply committed to the ethical treatment of livestock, championing the practice of low-stress cattle handling—something he not only helped implement at the feedlot, but also taught to others with passion and care. He was an active member of KARL (Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership), the KLA (Kansas Livestock Association), and served as the director of the Feeders Council.

Kevin cared deeply about his community. He served as a board member for the USD #405 school district, a Rice County 4-H volunteer and mentor, and baseball and softball coach. Beyond his work in the local community, he volunteered abroad, including a trip to Haiti for building water wells. He attended the First United Methodist Church in Lyons.

Kevin was a lifelong learner with a deep sense of curiosity; he enjoyed countless activities and interests throughout his life. In his free time, he loved history and aviation. As a student pilot, he recently logged his first solo flight. He had a love of classic cars and motorcycles, and never passed up an opportunity for water or snow skiing. From annual fishing trips and summer vacations, to his “happy place” in the mountains of Colorado, Kevin’s favorite times were always with his family. For all his hobbies and accomplishments, what mattered most to him—by far—was his wife and family. On June 15, 1985, Kevin married Teri Sellers in Overland Park, Kansas. His greatest joy came from the life he shared with his wife and kids, and he cherished his role as a dad and grandpa.

He is survived by his wife, Teri Dwyer of Lyons, KS; three children, Megan Shaffie and husband Rehaan of Westminster, CO, Casey Dwyer and wife Sarah of Stillwell, KS, and Allie Wells and husband Tyler of Scott City, KS; mother, Patricia Dwyer of Lyons, KS, father and mother-in-law, Steve and Judy Sellers of Lyons, KS; brother, Mike Dwyer and wife Jane of Plymouth, MN; two sisters, Diane Hamakawa and husband Curt of Tucson, AZ, and Sheila Pauli and husband Brian of Chandler, AZ; and five grandchildren, Oliver, George and Henry Shaffie and Andie and Ella Dwyer. Kevin Is preceded in death by his father, James Dwyer; and sister, Molly Dwyer.              

His funeral service will be at 10:30 A.M. (10:15 A.M. Dwyer time!) Thursday, May 22, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church, Lyons, with Pastor Cindy Watson officiating. The burial will be at the Lyons Municipal Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M., Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church, with family present. Memorials may be given to The Rice County Food Bank or the Rice County United Way (https://liveunitedricecounty.org/donate) in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons.

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