Alvin J. Deters, 78, of Baileyville, Kansas, died late Sunday, August 30, 2009, at his home.

Alvin was born in the rural Baileyville area, on January 28, 1931, the son of Bernard A. and Anna Wiltz Deters, the 5th of 14 children. He attended school in Baileyville, and worked on the family farm. He served his country proudly in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954 during the Korean War.

On January 27, 1955 he married JoAnn Travelute at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church in Marysville. The couple farmed and raised cattle and hogs near Baileyville and this year celebrated 54 years of marriage.

He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Baileyville, the Baileyville Knights of Columbus Council #13087 and the Axtell American Legion R.R. Hendricks Post #214. Alvin enjoyed woodworking, fishing, hunting, playing cards, bee keeping and Christmas gatherings.

Survivors besides his wife JoAnn are two sons, Doug and Gary Deters, both of Baileyville; two daughters, Colette (Ken) Hermesch, and Theresa (Scott) Rokey, both of Seneca; three sisters, Lucille Boeckman of Goff, Alicia Burdick of Sabetha, and Aurea Schmitz of Seneca; six brothers, Dwaine, Raymond and Lester Deters, all of Seneca, LeRoy and Bernie Deters, both of Baileyville, and Gene Deters of Branson, Missouri; and two granddaughters, Emily and Erin.

Preceding Alvin in death were his parents, his brothers Merlin Deters on September 23, 2006, Urban Deters on July 23, 2008, an infant brother, and a sister, Shirley Banks on July 14, 2008.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 AM Wednesday, September 2, at Sacred Heart Church in Baileyville. Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM Tuesday at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorial contributions may be given for Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and sent in care of the family.