Jack Myers Werts

Jack Werts

Joseph, Utah

A life defined by words ended December 17, 2014, in Richfield, with the death of Jack Myers Werts of Joseph, Utah. He was 93.

As a writer and former newspaper owner, his words found readers across his home state of Kansas and Utah, his home for the last 40 years. Mr. Werts contributed comment, historical perspective and encouragement to newspapers as recently as the spring of 2014. An avid sportsman, he last took the field on a pheasant hunting trip in 2013.

He was active in the Utah Hotel & Lodging Association, serving as vice-president of the organization and receiving Innkeeper of the Year honors with his wife Jackie, who preceded him in death in 2010. They owned the Western Jayhawk Motel in St. George, Utah, until 1985, when they immersed themselves in town activities in Joseph.

The University of Kansas named Mr. Werts a Distinguished Jayhawker, recognizing his civic leadership as vice-president of the Kansas Press Association, Public Relations Director of the Kansas Highway Department and owner of the Minneapolis Messenger in Minneapolis, Kansas.

Beginning in 1942, he served in World War II with the Army Air Corps, flying 30 missions over Europe, leading a squadron of planes as its bombardier.

Born in Gridley, Kansas, April 24, 1921, to Charles Jesse and Myrtle Marietta Myers Werts, he was preceded in death by a brother, Rayburn Lyle Werts; and a sister, Marjorie Zoe Werts Coffman.

Mr. Werts married Jackie Parker of Joseph, January 6, 1944. Children include Vicki Lynn Constable and husband Steve of Phillipsburg, Kansas; and Charles Parker Werts of Joseph.

Grandchildren with whom he shared his joy of the outdoors are Kent Constable of Minneapolis, Kansas; and Scott Constable of Phillipsburg. There are six great-grandchildren.

Graveside services and interment will be held Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. in the Monroe City Cemetery with military rites by the Monroe American Legion Post #37. A celebration of life will follow at Made in Good Taste in Elsinore.

Based on his life of hearing and responding to the stories of others, memorials are suggested to the Shriners Hospitals or to Caring for Military Families: the Elizabeth Dole Foundation.

Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.