Cletus Younger, 83, died Dec. 20 at home in Great Bend. He was born Aug. 26, 1928 at Victoria, the son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Mermis) Younger.

He married Rose Amrein on Sept. 22, 1949 at Victoria. She survives. He worked for O’Neil Tank Co., and later owned and operated Mid-states Sales & Service.

Mr. Younger had been a Great Bend, resident since 1957 coming from Hays. He was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus.

Cletus loved to play baseball. His love of baseball started when he played at Victoria High. At age 19, he signed a contract to pitch for the Boston Red Sox. His love for his family was stronger, and he chose to come home. He continued to play for the minor leagues and ended his career in 1954. In retirement, he spent many hours fishing at his pond, traveling with his wife and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Survivors are wife Rose Younger, of the home; one son, Gary Younger and wife Mary, Denver; two daughters, Glenda Gaunt and husband Terry, Great Bend and Jeanie Biggs and husband Craig, Lisle, Ill.;

two brothers, Nathan Younger, Denver and Francis Younger, Syracuse; four sisters, Irene Linenberger, Hays, Bernice McMillin, Salina, Geraldine Ruder, Hays, Marilyn Prewo, Hays; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one brother, Ralph Younger.

The funeral service is at 10 a.m. on Friday at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Vigil Service with Knights of Columbus Rosary will be at 7 p.m. on Thursday at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend.

The officiant will be Father Don Bedore. Interment will be at St. Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend.

Memorial can be made American Heart Association or the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, in care of the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home**

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS 67530

Great Bend (Kan) Tribune, Dec. 21, 2011