Jeffrey "Jeff" Krebs

Jeffrey “Jeff” Krebs, beloved brother, uncle, cousin, friend, and lifelong resident of Merriam, Kansas, passed away on August 12, 2026. He was born in Kansas City, Kansas, on October 26, 1961, to Albert and Virginia Krebs, outstanding community servants who helped shape Jeff’s deep sense of kindness, faithfulness, and service.

The schools that Jeff attended include Crestview, Rhein Benninghoven, Old Mission Junior High, and Shawnee Mission North High School, where he graduated in 1980. From his earliest years, Jeff built friendships that lasted a lifetime. He enjoyed staying in touch with many friends, teachers, principals, neighbors, co-workers, and loved ones through phone calls, visits, and greeting, holiday, and birthday cards. His happy birthday calls were cherished, and his joyful singing often made someone’s day.

Jeff was active in Boy Scouts and earned the rank of Star Scout. He studied and followed the teachings of Christian Science throughout his life and served for many years at the First Church of Christ Scientists in Merriam.

Jeff retired in 2020 after 38 years of dedicated work as a custodian at the Johnson County Courthouse locations in Olathe and Mission — remarkably, without taking a single sick day. His work ethic, reliability, cheerfulness, and pride in a job well done were admired by many.

Jeff lived with joy. He loved swimming, bowling, and roller-skating and was good at all three well into his early 50s. He loved a huge variety of music, especially from the 1960s and 1970s. Listening to and dancing to his favorite songs was one of his favorite pastimes. He also practiced and played the snare drum in his younger years. His brother Jim, an outstanding lifelong musician, introduced Jeff to many songs that Jeff played throughout his life. At least once a year, Jeff visited Jim and his wife Debbie in Texas, where he had a great time listening to music, playing UNO, feasting on Gulf shrimp, relaxing, and spending time with his niece Allison and her wife Danielle when they were there.

Jeff may also be remembered as the unofficial ambassador of Worlds of Fun. He held an annual pass for more than 35 years and visited the park often, enjoying the rides, shows, performers, and many kind people who worked there. At shows, he knew where to sit, what to shout, and how to become part of the fun. He was often called up from the audience to join the acts on stage. Jeff’s home was filled with photos, caricatures, and mementos he collected during his visits. In 2007, Jeff was honored with a plaque congratulating him as the “Mamba King” for riding the Mamba roller coaster 54 times in one day!

Jeff had a big laugh and brought joy everywhere he went. He loved telling clean, funny jokes to friends, family, and new acquaintances. His joke books were well worn from years of “research” and preparation. He rarely, if ever, complained; he never cursed, and he never said a bad word about anybody.

Jeff enjoyed dining out and frequently went to Jumpin’ Catfish, Hayward’s Pit Bar-B-Que, Pegah’s Family Restaurant, and Jersey Mike’s Subs. He loved the food, but even more, he loved the people. The owners, managers, and staff he befriended at these places treated him like family, and he returned their warmth and care.

Even in his passing, Jeff continued to give. Through the gift of organ donation, Jeff saved the lives of three people by donating his liver and kidneys, and may help others as well. His family is deeply grateful to the doctors, nurses, and care team at AdventHealth in Overland Park, Kansas, who cared for Jeff with skill and compassion, and to Midwest Transplant Network and the donor team for honoring Jeff’s generous final gift.

Jeff is survived by his brother Jim and his wife Debbie; his brother Bill and his wife Cindy; his amazing nieces; his wonderful cousins; and his dear girlfriend of 21+ years, Anoi Sounebandith. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Virginia Krebs, and his brother, Fred Krebs.

Jeff’s expression of joy, kindness, and caring was amazing and inspirational. Jeff helped those around him live happier lives. He is deeply missed and will forever be remembered with gratitude and love.

A Celebration of Life for Jeff will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Merriam Community Center, 6040 Slater Street, Merriam, Kansas, in the Campbell & Kessler rooms. All of Jeff’s friends and family are welcome.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, Jeff’s family invites those who wish to honor him to plant a tree, flowers, or another living memorial in his memory.