Wilbur Raymond Root, 91, passed away on January 25, 2022, at his home in Great Bend, Kansas. He was born on September 5, 1930, at Great Bend, Kansas, to Isaac William & Ethel Lillian (Booze) Root. Wilbur married Betty Polsfut on May 22, 1981, at Great Bend, KS. He was previously married to Donna Ruggles.
Wilbur graduated from Great Bend High School Class of 1949, moving to Dallas, Iowa after working at Highland Poultry Farm. He joined the Navy in 1951 as a Petty Officer until November 1954. Under Chief Clarence Meyers, Wilbur joined the Great Bend Fire Department in 1955 with the role of secretary and fire prevention leader. He retired from the GBFD as a captain in 1995 but continued working at UMB Bank (8 years), BMI Insurance (1 year), Wal-Mart (1 year), and Western Truck and Equipment (10 years). Once he was fully retired, he could further enjoy his hobbies of playing bingo and being a sports fan.
Wilbur is survived by his wife of the home; two sons, Alan (Cindy) Root of Chase, Kansas and Brian (Terri) Root of Wichita, Kansas; one daughter Leslie (Gary) Mechtley of Emporia, Kansas; two stepchildren, Dan Brewer of Bainbridge Island, Washington, Candace (Tim) Juarez of Denver, Colorado; eight grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Clyde Sharon, Marion, and David; four sisters, Olive Haldman, Rosalie Cross, Eva Mae Skinner, Emma Hartness; and one stepson, David Brewer.
Visitation will take place from Noon to 8 p.m. on Thursday, January 27, 2022, with family receiving friends from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Bryant Funeral Home. Funeral service will take place at 11:30 a.m. Friday, January 28, 2022, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Pastor Tim Singleton presiding. Funeral honors will be presented by the Great Bend Fire Department. Interment will follow with a starting time of 1:30 p.m. at Ellsworth Cemetery in Ellsworth, Kansas. Graveside honors will be presented by the United State Navy Honor Guard.
Memorials can be made to the Great Bend Fire Department Social and Charity Fund of VFW Post 3111, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.