Thelbert Leroy ‘Cop’ McNett

Thelbert Leroy “Cop” McNett, 82, rural Piqua, passed away in his home surrounded by loved ones on Saturday, March, 25, 2017.
Cop was born Sept. 21, 1934, in Piqua. He was the son of J.W. “Jack” McNett and Mary Magdelene “Madge” (Collins) McNett. He was raised in rural Piqua and attended primary school at Plum Creek Schoolhouse, across the road from his home. He continued on to Yates Center High School, where he graduated in 1952.
Following his graduation from high school, he enlisted in the United States Naval Air Reserve at the NAS Olathe base in Olathe, where he served for 12 years.
While serving in the Reserves, Cop returned to Piqua where he married Betty Jo Medearis in 1953. The couple was blessed with four children, David, Danny, Jeff and Peggy and made their home in Piqua. They later divorced.
On May 14, 2011, Cop married Mary Ruth Haynes of Chanute.
Throughout his life, Cop was a successful farmer and rancher. He was a member St. Martin’s Catholic Church, and most recently a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, where he served as Grand Knight of the Piqua council and was a Fourth Degree Knight. He was involved in the community through his service to the Woodson County USD 366 School Board and was also an active member of the American Legion, the Elks Lodge, the Piqua Co-op and the Kansas Livestock Association.
Cop was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting and fishing. He enjoyed spending time with friends, children and grandchildren. He and Mary enjoyed many years of dancing, traveling and bird watching.
He was preceded in death by his son, David McNett, his sister, Shirley Woods, his parents and stepdaughter Pamela Haynes Miller.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Ruth, of the home; son, Dan McNett and wife Lupita, Ulysses, and their children, Logan (Raven), Austin and Betty Jo McNett; son, Jeff McNett and wife Theresa, Piqua, and their children, Ashley and Dakota McNett; daughter Peggy Massey and husband Todd, Cedar Vale, and their children, Sarah, Parker and Colton Massey; children of David: Zack (Jordan) McNett and Makaela (David) Garcia; stepson Gilbert Haynes and wife Angela, Chanute, and daughter Kaitlyn; stepdaughter Rhonda Haynes, Pittsburg, and son Ronnie; children of Pamela: Candice (Alex) Rocha, Carmen, Carla and Curtis Casper; 11 great-grandchildren; brother J.C. McNett and Carolyn McGowan, Piqua; sister Delores Miller and husband Ernie, Kansas City, Mo. and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were Wednesday at St. Martin’s Oratory, Piqua. Inurnment followed at the St. Martin’s Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Harry Hynes Hospice or the Piqua Knights of Columbus Scholarship Fund. Condolences may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.