Walter Frank Eilts, 74, Cherryvale, passed away on April 8, 2013.

Walt was born in Rush County, Kansas on March 14, 1939 to Edward and Anna Eilts. He graduated from Great Bend High School in 1957 and attended Salt City Business College. He served in the US Army in Alaska and San Francisco as well as serving in the Kansas Army National Guard. Walt married the love of his life, Phyllis Chapham, on August 4, 1961.

Walt was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was always ready with a funny joke, never wanted you to lift a finger if you were visiting and had such extraordinary love for his wife Phyllis that it was always ever present in the room. He loved and was so proud of his sons Brad and Bart and happy to keep up the Eilts tradition of having only boys by being surrounded by five grandsons.

In the past several years he suffered from Alzheimer’s, which made life hard for him and those who love him but our belief is he is now at peace likely regaling some angels with some corny one-liners coupled with some compliments that they are sure to be delighted by. He may be building and flying remote control airplanes or doing the painting he loved He will be certainly waiting patiently to give Phyllis a kiss and get her anything she needs just to make her happy – as this gave him his greatest joy.

He was survived by wife – Phyllis, Independence, Kansas; son – Bradley and Janet Eilts, grandsons – Ryan, Matthew and Brett Eilts, Independence, Kansas; and son – Barton and Laura Eilts, grandsons – Jack and Nick Eilts, Glenview, Illinois.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 16, 2013 at 10:30 am at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Walt’s honor to The Alzheimer’s Association.