DODGE CITY – David K. Ploutz, 66, died Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at his home in Dodge City with his wife and daughters by his side.

He was born October 5, 1958 at Ellsworth, Kansas, the son of John Ernest, Jr. and Helen (Wolff) Ploutz. He was a 1976 graduate of Ellsworth High School and received his Associates in Criminal Justice from Barton County Community College in 1978.  On August 9, 1980 he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Beth Dolezal, at Wilson, Kansas.

He began his career with the Kansas Highway Patrol on June 18, 1981 as a road trooper stationed in Dodge City.  On March 15, 2000 he was promoted to Captain, assuming the command of the Patrol's Troop E.  In July 2007, he received a Commander's Commendation for his service and leadership in response to the Greensburg tornado.  He retired in September 2010 after 30 years of service.  He loved the Kansas Highway Patrol and was extremely proud to serve.

He attended Morningside Community Church in Montezuma.  His faith and family were very important to him.  He enjoyed serving others and volunteered for Big Brothers Big Sisters and Hospice of the Prairie.  He always had a smile and loved talking to people. He loved to work with his hands doing woodworking and home improvement projects. When he wasn't serving others, he loved riding his motorcycle and planning travel adventures with Mary Beth.

Survivors include: his wife of 44 years, Mary Beth; 2 daughters, Deena Hamilton and husband Jordan, Dodge City and Emily Bewley and husband Ryan, Garden City; 4 grandchildren, James and Jessa Hamilton and Jaxon and Baby Boy Bewley; his brother, Tracy Ploutz and wife Bonnie, Ellsworth; his sister, Garnell Royer and husband Jim, Centerville, Ohio; a brother-in-law, John Dolezal and wife Dawn, Wilson; a sister-in-law, Susan Davidson, Halstead; 9 nieces and nephews, Travis Ploutz and wife Mary, Derrick Ploutz and wife Jessica, Trevor Ploutz and wife Maria, Alex Royer, Paul Royer, Curtis Dolezal, Colby Dolezal and wife Sydney, Shelly Watkins and Lea Watkins; 10 great nieces and nephews and 2 great-great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am Saturday, October 12, 2024 at the First Christian Church in Dodge City with Pastor Tim Erickson officiating.  Burial will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery, Dodge City.  Visitation will be Friday, October 11, 2024 at Ziegler Funeral Chapel, Dodge City from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm with the family present from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Hospice of the Prairie, Morningside Community Church or the Ford County Humane Society all in care of Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801.