Lester V. Deters, 93, of Corning, passed away peacefully at the Onaga Community Hospital in Onaga, KS on Tuesday, April 23, 2019.

Lester was born on September 25, 1925 on the family farm to Bernard A. and Anna (Wiltz) Deters of Baileyville, KS. He was the oldest of 14 children. He graduated from the 8th grade in May of 1940 in Baileyville.

After graduation, he worked on the family farm until he was called to serve in World War II in 1945. He was in the First Field Artillery Battalion and earned a rank of Tech 4. He was honorably discharged on December 29, 1946. The date of his future wife’s birthday. He then went back to work on the family farm in Baileyville until he married.

On February 16, 1949, he married Rosalia “Sally” Boeckman at St. Bede’s in Kelly. They farmed west and north of Centralia and later moved to a farm east and south of Corning. They were parents to 11 children, 5 boys and 6 girls. His wife of 43 years passed away August 8, 1992. He later married Arlene Feldhausen in 1994 in Marysville, where they lived for several years until she passed away in 2016. He later moved to Seneca and eventually entered Eastridge Nursing Home in Centralia, KS.

His occupation and his hobby was farming, which he passed on to his sons. His grandpa, Henry Deters, was his mentor who taught him all about farming with horses. He enjoyed watching his children play sports especially baseball and softball. He also loved to watch the Royals play on tv.

In 2005, Lester received a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of his valuable contributions to the United States of America and a Certificate of Continuous Membership to the American Legion for more than 60 years of membership.

Lester was member of the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Corning, and was a current member of the Corning American Legion and past church council member.

Besides his parents and wives, he was preceded in death by his children; Lisa Marie, Mary Louise and Sheri Mary who died in infancy; and a son, Galen on September 21, 2016; brothers, Merlin Deters on September 23, 2006, Urban Deters on July 23, 2008, Alvin Deters on August 30, 2009, Raymond Deters on May 11, 2016 and an infant brother; sisters, Shirley Banks on July 14, 2008 and Lucille Boeckman on August 6, 2012.

Survivors include seven children, Danny (Pat) Deters, Corning, Ron Deters, Corning, Marlene (Bob) Griffith, Bern, Debbie (Ross) Manuel, Havensville, Marcia (Steve) Kramer, Seneca, Bruce (Brenda) Deters, Seneca and Eric Deters, Corning; 15 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren with 2 more on the way. Other survivors include his brothers, LeRoy Deters, Baileyville, Bernie Deters, Baileyville, Dwaine Deters, Seneca, Gene Deters, Gravois Mills, Missouri and sisters, Alicia Burdick, Sabetha and Aurea Schmitz, Seneca.

Rosaries will be prayed at Lauer Funeral Home on Thursday, April 25, 2019 at 2 & 7 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, April 26th at 10:30AM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Corning. Burial will be in the church cemetery, with military honors.

Memorials may be given to the St. Patrick’s Church and/or Cemetery at Corning.