Douglas Fienen

Lifelong Independence, Kansas resident and former Postmaster, Douglas E. Fienen, age 78, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, December 15, 2025.

Doug was born on April 25, 1947, in Independence, Kansas to John P. Fienen, Jr. and Gladys (Whistler) Fienen. He graduated from Zion Lutheran School, and Independence Senior High School. Doug furthered his education, attending Kansas State University before proudly serving his country. Doug joined the U.S. Army in the fall of 1968, during his four years of active duty he was stationed in Germany. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, achieved Expert in M14 and M15, and earned the rank of E-5. In 1972, he transferred into the U.S. Army Reserves until he was honorably discharged in the fall of 1974.

Doug was a lifelong member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Independence. He had a longtime career at the United States Post Office; he filled many roles and duties throughout the years; Doug worked his way up to Postmaster, serving the community for many years until his retirement. After that he worked as a carpenter for several years.

On April 22, 2004, in Eureka Springs, Arkansas he married his best friend, Susan Nelson. They shared a love for buying, selling and collecting antiques. After retirement, they owned and operated Fleas An Tiques. Doug also enjoyed fishing and hunting. Most of all he loved the time he spent surrounded by his family.

Surviving to cherish his memory is his wife, Susan Fienen of the home; children, Jenny Read and husband, Sam of Corinth, Mississippi, Brian Fienen and wife, Amy of Castle Rock, Colorado, Kami Kinkaid of San Francisco, California, Clint Kinkaid and wife, Debra of Meriam, Kansas, Devin McNown and wife, Ember of Boulanger, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Zachary and Caleb Fienen, Tatum and Nelson Kim, Audri Kinkaid, Brooke Mitchell, Charlee McNown; siblings, Nancy Burleson and husband, Barry of Garland, Texas, Ken Fienen of Telephone, Texas, Karen Bynum and husband, Ronnie of Rowland, Texas along with many more nieces, nephews, extended relatives and close friends. Doug was preceded in death by his parents, John and Gladys and by his son, Zachary Fienen.

Following Doug's wishes, cremation has taken place under the direction of David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville, Kansas.

Visitation with the family present to greet friends will be held on Sunday, December 21, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Independence.

Memorial Services will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Independence, Kansas. Pastor Kevin Peterson will officiate. Inurnment will follow in the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery located within Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence.

The family suggests in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Cancer Center in Independence, Kansas or to the Zion Lutheran Church; these may be left with the funeral home or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home 306 N. Cline Rd. Coffeyville, KS 67337.

To leave a condolence for the family online, visit Doug's memorial page at www.dwbfh.com