Warren Simnitt

Warren “Bill” Simnitt, age 92 of Leonardville, KS, died Friday, January 10, 2014 at the Mercy Regional Health Center in Manhattan. He was born on March 28, 1921 at Ober, KS, the son of William Lee and Jeanetta Belle (Allen) Simnitt. On June 22, 1945, he was married to Mae C. Haller. She preceded him in death on January 23, 1991. Bill was a farmer and also hauled hay to various places. He enjoyed playing cards and gardening. He and his wife loved to dance and even organized dances in Riley. He was an exceptional baseball player and played for the Topeka Owls, a Triple-A semipro team. He also coached women’s softball for a number of years. He is survived by one son, Gary Simnitt of Leonardville; five daughters, Linda Webber and husband John of Riley, Rhonda Wege and husband Tim of Leonardville, Sandy Johnson and husband Chuck of Manhattan, Tammi Heitman and husband Don of Palmer and Sheila Jennings and husband Kerry of Riley; 14 grandchildren, Chris Ricker, Wade Simnitt, Chad Clark, Troy Clark, Billy Clark, Dustin Webber, Misty Wege, Brook Wege, Megan Pask, Amanda Weissert, Tanner Johnson, Chelcie Heitman, Trevor Heitman and Kyle Jennings; 11 great grandchildren; his special friend of over 20 years, Betty Portuese of Manhattan; two brother in laws, Lyle Haller and Wayne Haller and wife Norma; one sister in law, Dorothy Llewelyn and husband Wesley and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by seven siblings, Clyde Simnitt, Myrtle Specht, Wilma Klocke, Don Simnitt, Alberta Spillman, Erna Simnitt and Pearl Gnagy and one great grandson, Kaleb Webber. Funeral services were held on January 15, 2014 at the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home in Riley, with Pastor Kevin Larson officiating. Pallbearers were Wade Simnitt, Chad Clark, Troy Clark, Billy Clark, Dustin Webber, Tanner Johnson, Trevor Heitman and Kyle Jennings. Burial was in the Randolph Fancy Creek Cemetery. A memorial has been established for the Leonardville Nursing Home. Contributions may be left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home in Riley, KS.