Walt DeFrees

Walter G. DeFrees, 79, Leavenworth, KS passed away Wednesday, August 12, 2009.
Walt was born December 29, 1929 in Atchison the son of Eitson and Edna DeFrees.
He moved to Leavenworth at the age of 10 and attended Leavenworth schools and graduated from Leavenworth High School in 1947. He worked for Kaaz Construction Company for 42 years, and was in the U.S. Army Reserves. He was a life-long member of First Christian Church in Leavenworth, where he served as a Deacon. Walt spent many years with the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 69, as Scout Master, leading many boys to manhood. He and his son Dale, enjoyed numerous camping trips, and excursions to Philmont New Mexico.
On June 6, 1953 he married Virginia L. Williamson (LHS Class of 1949). Walt experienced no greater joy than being with his wife traveling in their RV after retirement. She survives him.
He is also survived by his son Dale R. DeFrees (Carol) of Chugiak, Alaska, and daughter Carol Yunghans (Bill) of Liberty, Missouri. Walt has four grandchildren who are his pride and joy; Granddaughter Shannon, Seattle, grandson Glenn, U.S. Navy, and granddaughters Sara and Kelcy of Liberty. Walt also leaves two sisters Lois Koenig, Lake Charles, Louisiana, and Ruth Prell, Marietta, NY. He is preceeded in death by his parents, and a twin brother, who died in infancy.
Walt enjoyed family and friends, and loved building and flying radio controlled airplanes, and working at the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum. Visitation will be held from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Friday, August 14, 2009 at the Davis Funeral Chapel.
Funeral service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, August 15, 2009 at First Christian Church, Sixth & Seneca Sts., Leavenworth. The Rev. Lynn Dickson will officiate.
Burial will be at Sunset Memory Gardens Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to C.W. Parker Carousel Museum and the First Christian Church.