Willard Mitts

Willard Eugene "Red" Mitts, 83, of Fort Scott, Kansas, formerly of Linn County, Kansas, died Friday, February 10, 2012 at Mercy Health Center, Fort Scott. He was born October 2, 1928 at Amoret, Missouri, the son of Robert and Eva Jewell Shaw Mitts. Willard "Red" spent most of his life in the Linn County area, graduating from Pleasanton High School. He married Wanda Grosshart who preceded him in death in 1962. He later married Mary McGoey on July 14, 1963 and between them they raised six children. He spent most of his life doing what he loved most, trucking, beginning at Steven's Produce in Prescott, Kansas and later teaching truck driving school at Fort Scott Community College for fifteen years. He also farmed in Linn County for twenty-seven years, often helping out friends and family. He was preceded in death also by his parents; his first wife, Wanda; a son, John Davis and a sister Evelyn Christine Linville. Survivors include his wife; Mary Jane Mitts of Fort Scott, Kansas; his daughters; Waneta Cox & Garen of Independence, Kansas; Dixie Bollinger & Rodney of Mound City, Kansas and Doneta Mitts of Pleasanton, Kansas; Terry Tucker & Jeff of Pleasanton, Kansas and Linda Streeter & Andy of Parkville, Missouri; a brother-in-law, Frank Grosshart (Willard called him his "little brother"); grandchildren; John Staton & Amy of Lenexa, Kansas; Jerome Brown & Jill of Bonner Springs, Kansas; Jeremy Brown of Atchison, Kansas; Jerrett Brown & Tina of Lansing, Kansas; Joshua Brown of Atchison, Kansas; Branden Cox & Katie of Gardner, Kansas; Christopher Cox of Independence, Kansas; Matt Bollinger & Malaina of Midland, Texas and Amy Doubrava and Kurt of Miami, Oklahoma and eighteen great grandchildren. Red was always just a phone call away, always ready with a helping hand and comforting word and always a story!!. He leaves behind a "truckload" of memories for family and friends. Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday at the Schneider Funeral Home, Pleasanton Chapel, Pleasanton, Kansas. Visitation will be from 1-3 PM, Sunday at the chapel. Contributions are suggested to the Willard Mitts Memorial Fund for Fort Scott Community College Trucking School. Interment will be in the Pleasanton Cemetery. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.schneiderfunerals.com. Arrangements: Schneider Funeral Home, Pleasanton, Kansas.