Walter “Wally” Straub, 79, died Jan. 19, 2011, at Kaye Pogue Hospice Center, Salina. Born Aug. 4, 1931, at Claflin, he was the son of Tony and Mary (Kimpler) Straub. He married Barbara Jane Schartz Dec. 27, 1952, at Wichita. She died May 13, 1973. He then married Elizabeth L. R. Hickey May 31, 1974, at Hoisington.
He was owner of Straub International and a lifetime Great Bend resident. Straub was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Great Bend Chamber of Commerce, and Masonic Lodge A.F.&A.M. #15, both of Great Bend; and Isis Shrine, Salina. He also served on the boards of directors of the Argonne Rebels, First National Bank, Central Kansas Development, and the Petroleum Club. He was instrumental in developing the Case I-H Training Program at Barton Community College. Mr. Straub was also a major contributor to MyTown, B-29 Memorial, Streetscape, Barton County Food Bank, Holy Family School, and numerous other organizations.
Survivors include: Wife Elizabeth “Betty” Straub, of the home; two sons: Ron Straub and wife Kathy of Great Bend; and Larry Straub and wife Julie of Salina; three daughters: Linda Hart and husband Brad of Lenexa, Donna Leger and husband Mike of Humble, Texas, and Beverly Corkill and husband Clyde of Lawrence; two sisters: Patricia Moore of Wichita and Dorothy Hamilton of Nevada, Mo.; eight grandchildren: David Hart of Lenexa; Jeffrey Hart of Lenexa; Hillary Straub of Salina; Brantley Straub of Salina; Kristy Straub of Great Bend; Darren Straub of Great Bend; Jessica Barr of Kansas City, Mo.; and Audrey Corkill of Topeka; and two great-grandchildren: Markail Dew and Baze Hogan.
He was preceded in death by: Three brothers, Raymond Straub, Milton Straub, and Vernon Straub; and two sisters, Bernadine Bridges and Delores Schlochtermeier.
Vigil Service was held at 7 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 23 at Bryant Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial was at 10:30 a.m., Monday, Jan. 24, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Great Bend with the Rev. Father Reginald A. Urban officiating. Burial was at Great Bend Cemetery, Great Bend. Memorials are suggested to the Barton County Food Bank, CKMC Foundation for the benefit of the Heartland Cancer Center, or Sts. Peter and Paul Restoration Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.