Paul Witt

Paul H. Witt, 91, of Crane, MO and formerly of Kearney, died Friday, May 21, 2010 at Ozark Mountain Regional Health Care in Crane, MO. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM, Wednesday, May 26th at New Life Assembly in Kearney. The Revs. Bob Wine and Roger Wendt will officiate. Interment will be in the Kearney Cemetery with military honors at graveside conducted by NE National Guard Honors Team in conjunction with the VFW Post 759 and American Legion Post 52 of Kearney. Visitation will be 5-7pm Tuesday at O'Brien Straatmann Funeral Home in Kearney and continue 1 hour prior to service time at the church. Memorials are suggested to Relay for Life or the Alzheimer's Foundation. He was born December 7, 1918 in Moscow, Kansas to Walter J. and Mary E. (Tourney) Witt. He grew up in Thedford, NE and graduated from Thedford High School. He entered the Army on September 17, 1940 and served during World War Ii. He was honorably discharged on July 14, 1945. After his discharge, he farmed in Lebanon, NE, where he was instrumental in helping to start the American Legion Post and served as post commander for several years. He also lead the firing squad to honor the memory of veterans. He was united in marriage to Marjorie F. Coons on April 22, 1955 in Arthur, NE. The couple lived in Imperial, NE, where he was a fuel tank wagon driver for Mobil Oil Company. He also lived in Alliance, NE and was employed by Neuswanger's. In 1988 he moved to Kearney, and was employed at Herberger's and Wendy's. His wife died in November of 1990. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and the V.F.W. He was a member of New Life Assembly Church. Survivors include his son, Brian Witt and his wife Cindy of Gillette, WY; his daughter, Debra Carpenter and her husband, Bill of Reeds Spring, MO; brother, Walter Witt and his wife Joyce of Kimball, NE; sister, Margaret Pavey of Lincoln, NE; five grandchildren, Melanie Gregory and her husband Todd of Nixa, MO, Matthew Carpenter and his wife Kiki of Conway, AR, and Chance, Riley and Abby Witt of Gillette, WY; two great-granddaughters, Taylor & Lexi Gregory; and three great-grandsons, Cort, Lane & Cason Carpenter. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Marge, and six brothers and three sisters.

Paul Witt

December 7, 1918 - May 21, 2010