He was born April 18, 1960, in New Orleans, the son of William Van and Nina Wray (Boatwright) Trekell. He graduated from Dodge City High School in 1978 and attended Dodge City Community College. He graduated from Kansas State University in 1984.

Mr. Trekell worked as a civil engineer for Blount Contractors, Knoxville, Tenn. He was responsible for civil projects in southern California during the 1980s before returning to Kansas. He served as county engineer and executive officer for the Department of Public Works for several Kansas counties, including Ford, Gray, Meade, Haskell and Stevens. He also worked for several consulting firms throughout Kansas. While in Tennessee, he helped lay foundation work for the Knoxville Convention Center, which was completed in 2002.

He was a member of the Union Baptist Church, Knoxville, and Chi Epsilon National Civil Honors Society.

Survivors include his mother, Maryville, Tenn.; a sister, Melissa Emlyn Trekell, Maryville, Tenn.; a brother, Stanley Earl, Lawrence; and a grandmother, Rosa Boatwright Criss, Denver.

Friends may call from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday at Swaim Funeral Home, Dodge City, where the family will receive them from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday.

The family suggests memorials to the American Cancer Society, sent in care of the funeral home, 1901 Sixth Ave., Dodge City 67801.