Wally G. Neth

Wally G. Neth, age 71, a resident of Fort Scott, died Sunday, March 1, 2009, at his home following a cancer illness. He was born June 10, 1937, at Fort Scott, the son of Holland "Bud" Neth and Marguerite Powell Neth. Wally married Geraldine Larsen on May 26, 1959, at Miami, Okla. He had been employed by Whiteside's Grocery for 15 years. Later, he operated his own painting business for 35 years. He had also worked as a custodian for the First Presbyterian Church. Wally was an avid softball player and had pitched in various leagues and tournaments. In his softball career, Wally pitched several no hit games and pitched a perfect game against the league champs in 1969. He also enjoyed bowling, go-kart racing and playing the guitar. He was a past member of the Amateur Softball Association, the Men's Bowling Association and the Fort Scott Lions Club.

Survivors include his wife, Geri, of the home; a son, Shannon Neth, Fort Scott; three daughters, Tina Marie Preusker, Omaha, Nebraska, Brenda Sue Denyer, Blue Mound, Kan., and Beth Ann Neth, Nevada. Also surviving is a sister, Joyce Murray, Gardner, Kansas; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, and infant brother, Robert Neth, and a granddaughter, Mandy Brooks.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, March 5, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Hiattville Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Fort Scott Recreation Commission Softball Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of sympathy may be e-mailed to the family at condolences@cheneywitt.com.