Woodrow M. Kethcart

Woodrow Merl Kethcart, the youngest son and last surviving child of Alex and Mathilda Barbara Keehl, was born March 23, 1913 on a farm south of Simpson, Kansas. He departed this life of 92 years, 9 months, and 15 days early Saturday evening, January 7, 2006 at the Mitchell County Hospital Long Term Care Unit in Beloit, Kansas.
"Woody", as everyone knew him, attended school in Simpson. As a young man he drove the oil truck and worked at the elevator there. On May 3, 1934 he married Esther Irene Finney of Beloit. They began their married life in Simpson. During that time their two daughters – Delores Ann and Barbara Ann were born. Delores died in infancy.
In 1942 the family moved to Beloit where they enjoyed many years of happiness until Esther's death in 1965. In 1966 Woody married Mary King Purvis with whom he was privileged to enjoy many additional years of happiness and companionship until Mary's death in 2001.
Woody loved automobiles, and at an early age developed a knack for repairing them. His career in automotive repair began by fixing and recapping tires at Mastin's Tire Center, and then in the early 1940's he began working for the Beardmore Motor Company in downtown Beloit. When Beloit Motor Company was formed in 1948, he joined their staff as a mechanic and soon became an icon as people knew they could trust him to repair their cars and trucks. He later became the alignment and lubrication specialist, and after his 'retirement' in 1978, he continued to work at Beloit Motor as a courtesy driver until poor health forced him to officially quit in 2004.
A kind, generous, likeable person, Woody loved people, especially children. He cherished the opportunity to work for Beloit Motor Company long after retirement. At home, he loved following the Kansas State Wildcats, Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals games. When the teams were not playing, Woody could be found working in his garden or at the lake fishing; his greatest joy was sharing the bounty with others.
He was a member of First Baptist Church, Mt. Vernon Lodge #145 AF&AM and the Naomi Chapter #28 Order of Eastern Star all of Beloit. He served as Worthy Patron and for two years was Proficiency Examiner of the Grand Chapter Order of Eastern Star. Woody was a member of the Elks Lodge and received his 50 year pin.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a beloved infant daughter Delores, his first wife Esther, his second wife Mary, brothers Oral "Cap", Charlie, Dewey, and Boyd Kethcart, and sisters Marie Hirsch, Gladys Kethcart, Sarah Knutson, and Coleen Stafford.
Left to mourn his passing and celebrate his life are his daughter Barbara A. Mengeling and husband William of Ames, Iowa; two grandchildren Michelle Mengeling and husband William Prescott of Iowa City, Iowa, Michael Mengeling and wife Gail of Woodstock, Illinois; two great grandchildren Ian Prescott and Jillian Prescott of Iowa City, Iowa, along with a host of many relatives and friends.

Cremation has taken place, and a Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, April 29, 2006 at the McDonald Funeral Home with Chaplain John Grummon officiating. Burial of the ashes will be in the Elmwood Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Solomon Valley Hospice or the Beloit Lions Cookie Baseball Program.