Donald Adair 'Curly' Kerth was born September 21, 1935, in Ellis, KS, to the late Jacob and Ruth Marie (Zink) Kerth. He passed away Thursday, January 13, 2011, in the Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital at WaKeeney at the age of 75.


As a child, he attended WaKeeney schools and graduated from Trego Community High School with the class of 1953.

On February 7, 1954, Curly was united in marriage to Roberta McNerney in the First United Methodist Church at WaKeeney. He owned and operated Verbeck Lumber and Supply in WaKeeney for forty-five years.


Curly was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, served two terms on the board of Mid American Lumbermen's Association, and a past member of the USD 208 School Board, WaKeeney Fire Department, Kiwanis Club, WaKeeney Travel and Tourism, and Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital Endowment Board. He also was a charter member of the Mystic Knights of the Deep.


In his spare time, Curly enjoyed refereeing basketball games, golfing, and camping and boating with his family and friends.


A treasured friend of many, Curly is survived by his wife, Bobbi, of WaKeeney; two sons, Robbin and wife, Gwen, of Ottawa, Chris and wife, Tracy, of Overland Park; three grandchildren, Lauren, Tyler and Connor Kerth; a brother, Curtis Kerth of Camarillo, CA; a sister, Lorrine Walsh of Collyer; and a sister-in-law, Armella Kerth of Liberal.


Curly was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Timothy; and two brothers, Duane and LaVerne Kerth.

Visitation will be held 6-8 PM Sunday, January 16, 2011 in Schmitt Funeral Home at WaKeeney. Services will be 2:30 PM Monday, January 17, 2011 in the First United Methodist Church at WaKeeney with interment in WaKeeney City Cemetry.

Memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church or the TCLMH Endowment and can be sent in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.