Thelbert Leroy "Cop" McNett

Thelbert LeRoy “Cop” McNett, 82, of rural Piqua, Kansas passed away in his home surrounded by loved ones on March, 25, 2017. Cop was born September 21, 1934 in Piqua. He was the son of J.W. “Jack” McNett and Mary Magdelene “Madge” (Collins) McNett. He was raised in rural Piqua and attended primary school at Plum Creek Schoolhouse, across the road from his home. He continued on to Yates Center High School where he graduated in 1952. Following his graduation from high school, he enlisted in the United States Naval Air Reserve at the NAS Olathe base in Olathe, Kansas where he served for 12 years. While serving in the Reserves, Cop returned to Piqua where he married Betty Jo Medearis in 1953. The couple was blessed with four children, David, Danny, Jeff and Peggy and made their home in Piqua, Kansas. They later divorced. On May 14, 2011 Cop married Mary Ruth Haynes of Chanute, Kansas. Throughout his life, Cop was a successful farmer and rancher. He was a member St. Martin’s Catholic Church, and most recently a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. He was member of the Knights of Columbus where he served as Grand Knight of the Piqua council and was a Fourth Degree Knight. He was involved in the community through his service to the Woodson County USD #366 School Board and was also an active member of the American Legion, the Elks Lodge, the Piqua Coop and the Kansas Livestock Association. Cop was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting and fishing. He enjoyed spending time with friends, children and grandchildren. He and Mary enjoyed many years of dancing, traveling and bird watching. He was preceded in death by his son David McNett, his sister Shirley Woods, his parents, and step daughter Pamela Haynes Miller. He is survived by his wife Mary Ruth of the home; son, Dan McNett and wife Lupita of Ulysses, Kansas and their children Logan (Raven), Austin and Betty Jo McNett; son Jeff McNett and wife Theresa of Piqua, Kansas and their children Ashley and Dakota McNett; daughter Peggy Massey and husband Todd of Cedar Vale, Kansas and their children Sarah, Parker and Colton Massey; children of David - Zack (Jordan) McNett and Makaela (David) Garcia; stepson Gilbert Haynes and wife Angela of Chanute, Kansas and daughter Kaitlyn; stepdaughter Rhonda Haynes of Pittsburg, Kansas and son Ronnie; children of Pamela - Candice (Alex) Rocha, Carmen, Carla and Curtis Casper; eleven great grandchildren; brother J.C. McNett and Carolyn McGowan of Piqua, Kansas; sister Delores Miller and husband Ernie of Kansas City, Missouri and numerous nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at St. Martin's Oratory, Piqua, Kansas. Inurnment will follow in the St. Martin's Cemetery. A parish Rosary will be recited at 6:30 PM, Tuesday evening at St. Martin's, the family will greet friends at the Piqua Knights of Columbus Hall following the rosary. Memorial contributions may be made to Harry Hynes Hospice or the Piqua Knights of Columbus Scholarship Fund. Condolences may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .