Obituary - Cletus Edward Schussler

Cletus Edward Schussler, 90 of Butler, passed away July 18, 2010 at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler.

Cletus Edward Schussler was born to Joseph and Mary (Bauning) Schussler on May 30, 1920, in the community of Germantown, Mo. Clete graduated from the 8th grade at St. Ludger’s School in Germantown. As a child growing up during the depression, Clete did without things most children had. In particular he asked for a red wagon each Christmas and did not get one until age 74 when his daughters gave him one for Christmas.

A classmate, Eunice Westhusing, became Clete’s wife on a snowy day February 11, 1946, at St. Ludger’s Church in Germantown. Together they had two daughters and farmed near Germantown until moving to a larger farm East of Butler in 1962. There Clete raised livestock until he retired at age 87. He became a mentor to many regarding cattle and in particular mentored his nephews in the art of being a cattleman.

Clete was active in many organizations including MFA Board of Directors, Bates County Cattleman’s Association, and ASCS County Committeeman 24 years. In 1979 Clete and Eunice received the Bates County Farm Management Award. In 1989, Clete was the Bates County Cattleman’s Association Cattleman of the Year and the Pioneer Cattleman in 2005. He enjoyed the annual cattle tours and worked for years at the Missouri State Fair with the Pork Producers.
Clete and Eunice liked to dance, play cards, and visit with relatives and friends. Clete loved to talk and attend cattle sales and got to know many people after moving to Bates County. He was always willing to lend a hand to neighbors and volunteered to drive people to Kansas City for doctor’s appointments when they could not drive themselves.

Clete restored one of his Farmall tractors and participated in parades for the Bates County Fair, July 4th events, Parade of Power in Adrian, and Montrose parades.

Survivors include two daughters, Doris Fuller (Lynn) of Butler, and Darlene Sowell of Raymore, Mo.; one sister, Bernice Oswald of Clinton, Mo.; sister-in-law, Dorothy Westhusing of Montrose; brother-in-law Elmer Westhusing of Urich, Mo.; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Glen and Alice Westhusing of Montrose; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Greg and Arlene Schussler of Deepwater, Mo.; four granddaughters, Melody Woo (Justin) of Raymore, Lindsay Mead (Adam) of Grain Valley, Mo., Julie Fuller of Raymore, and Kelly Sowell of Lee’s Summit, Mo; one great-grandson, Brandon Woo of Raymore; son-in-law Chris Sowell of Raymore, and special nephew, Kevin Westhusing of Adrian.

Preceding him in death were his parents, brother Omer Schussler and wife Rose Ann, sister Alice Westhusing and husband Steve, brothers-in-law Fred Oswald, Clyde “Bud” Westhusing, Linus Westhusing, Dave Westhusing and wife Hazel, sister-in-law Caroline Westhusing and one granddaughter, Lisa Fuller.

Visitation will be from 6-8pm Tuesday, July 20, 2010, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Butler, with rosary at 8pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10am Wednesday at the church with Fr. Justin Hoye as celebrant. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Bates County Museum or St. Ludger’s Historic Preservation Fund.