Walter A.”Pete” Wessel, Jr.

Walter A."Pete" Wessel, Jr. was born on August 28th, 1913 to Constance and Walter A. Wessel in Nebraska City, Nebraska.

He graduated from Nebraska City High School in 1931. After graduation he worked his father in Wessel’s Store; he quit to drive a truck for Watson Brother’s. In 1940 he enlisted in the Navy for a six year tour of duty, serving in the states and also overseas on different Pacific Islands.

Upon returning to the states he was stationed in Columbus, Ohio where he met and married Martha Engle, May 21, 1945. In 1946 after he was discharged from the Navy they made their home in Denver, Colorado.

Pete was an amateur radio operator, first licensed in 1928 the call of 9EYE. He also had calls of W9EYE, W9JYW, W0LYW and then W0CM. He held the highest license of Amateur Extra, belonged to ARRL, Old Timers Club, a Life Member of Southern Plains Amateur Radio Klub of Liberal, KS. He was also on the top DX Honor Roll with 20 confirmed countries.

His profession was "Truck Driving", first with the Watson Brothers in Denver and then with Yellow Freight Systems in Liberal, KS where after 20 years of driving he retired in 1970.

He was also a member of the Liberal Elks Club and a Lifetime member of the Liberal VFW.

Walter A. "Pete" Wessel Jr. died September 29, 2014 at Liberal, KS. He is survived by his son Ronald T. Donnell and wife Patricia of cave Creek, AZ. Grandchild- Katherine Jacklin and husband Trevor. Great Grandsons – John T. Jacklin of Phoenix, AZ and Christopher Donnell of New York City, NY. Many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Martha "Marte" Wessel on September 23, 2014 after 69 years of marriage.

Cremation has taken place and there are no services scheduled. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.

Friends may send condolences to the family through Pete’s tribute webpage at www.millermortuary.net