David Schneider retires from KP and L
Jan. 31 was David Schneider's last day as a KP&L agent. Kansas Power and Light Co. and Kansas Gas and Electric Co. recently became part of Westar Energy.
The 57-year-old Schneider said he voluntarily retired and accepted severance pay at the request of the company.
Shortly after graduating from high school, Schneider began his lifelong employment with KP&L as a meter reader in Abilene. After a three-year apprenticeship, he became a full-fledged lineman.
His territory as an agent for the company ranged from Burdick to Durham and Lost Springs to Antelope.
"I was basically a one-man utility company," he remarked.
He also helped in other areas when needed. He helped restore power in eastern Oklahoma after the severe ice storm which struck the area in late December 2000.
He moved to Lincolnville in 1968 and continues to reside there.
Schneider said bad knees and aching fingers contributed to his decision to retire, but he plans to continue to do fix-it jobs for people in the area. He also plans to spend time helping family members.
He enjoys doing community service. He served as mayor from May 1995 to May 2001. He is an elder at St. John's Lutheran Church at Lincolnville, goes bowling every week, and assists with football and basketball games at Centre High School.
He has three children: Wendy and husband, Terry Weyand, Canton, with two children; Renee and husband, Jim Koehn, Galva; and David Jr., Kansas City.
"I've always been a people person, and I enjoy helping people," Schneider said. "My years with KP&L gave me an opportunity to help people. I wasn't looking to retire so early, but maybe it's for the best."
A retirement party is being planned for him and several other retirees Feb. 24 at the branch office in Abilene.
