Walter D. Dysart

Walter Dale Dysart, age 87, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2009 at the Golden Heights Living Center, Garnett, KS. He was born June 22, 1921 on his family's farm west of Parker, Kansas, the son of Morris Granville Dysart and Elsa Jeanette (Peterson) Dysart. Walter attended Goodrich Grade School before graduating from Parker Rural High School in 1939. On August 1, 1942 he was united in marriage to Erma Lee (Gorrell) at Centerville, Kansas. This union was blessed with two daughters. Walter was drafted into the Army on October 1, 1942. He was stationed at Fort White, Oregon before serving in combat with the 91st Infantry in Italy during World War II. Following his discharge from the service in November of 1945, he returned to the Centerville area where he farmed with his wife, Erma Lee. Erma Lee preceded him in death on October 3, 1978. He later married Mildred Butler on July 21, 1979. Walter retired from the farm and they moved to Garnett, where he drove a school bus for Wayne French. The couple enjoyed their time traveling and spending winters in Brownsville, Texas following Walter's retirement. Walter was a member of the Assembly of God Church, Garnett, and had served on the church board, and the Centerville School Board. Walter was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Erma Lee, and a step-son, Frank Butler. He is survived by his wife, Mildred Dysart of Garnett, his daughters, Louise Stites and husband, Marvin, of Centerville, Kansas, Susan Martin and husband, Randy, of Manhattan, Kansas, four grandchildren, Lonnie and Angie Stites, of Spring Hill, Kansas, Dale Lee and JoAnn Stites of Centerville, Kansas, Christopher Martin, and Layne Martin of Lawrence, Kansas; great-grandchildren, Logan, Garrett, and Brianna Stites of Spring Hill, Kansas; two step-sons, Greg Butler and wife, Kerri, of Ottawa, Kansas, Dave Butler and wife, Beverly of Derby, Kansas; six step-grandchildren, Kendal Butler and Courtnee Butler of Ottawa, Kansas, Amanda Pickett and Evan Butler of Derby, Kansas, Stephanie Butler of Colorado and Anna Butler of Wichita, Kansas; a sister, Jeannette Higginbottom of Shreveport, Louisiana; and three nephews, Randy, Steven and Jimmie Thompson. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 PM, Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel, Garnett. Interment with military honors will follow in the Goodrich Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 6:00-7:00 PM, Monday evening at the funeral home in Garnett. Memorial contributions may be given to the Assembly of God Church or to Midland Hospice and sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .