Donald Lloyd Wertz's Obituary
Donald Lloyd Wertz, a man of faith, humility, integrity and generosity was born October 14, 1941, in Sharon Springs, Kansas, to Claude and Freda (Walker) Wertz and passed away on Monday, July 15, 2024, at Montereau in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was 82 years old.
Don grew up in Sharon Springs in a high school class of 21 where he enjoyed participating in football and basketball. He also served as Master Counselor of DeMolay. He graduated from Wallace County Community High School in 1959 and then went on to attend Kansas State University where he became of member of Delta Upsilon fraternity and where he insisted on teaching his entire fraternity the Sharon Springs fight song. Don earned a bachelor's degree in accounting. He was a smart student so passed all four parts of the CPA exam on his first attempt. Don also served six months of active duty in the Army Reserve. The only unit open at the time without being called into the Vietnam War was an Instructor's Unit. Laughingly, it was a Cook Instructor's Unit in which Don served his specialties of Jellyrolls and Sugar Cookies with a sense of humor. He never made those for his family as he said he could only cook for 500.
At Kansas State Don met and fell in love with a cheerleader, the girl of his dreams, by the name of Connie Moore from LeRoy, Kansas. They married on January 27, 1963, at the Emporia, Kansas, First Christian Church and last year celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary. On this foundation, Don and Connie together built a legacy of faith and love they have passed to their children and grandchildren.
After graduation, Don and Connie moved To Kansas City where Don began his career with Arthur Young & Co. In 1972, he transferred to the Tulsa, Oklahoma, office and later founded his local CPA firm with Connie. This venture allowed him to balance his professional life with family, ultimately leading to the establishment of a successful practice. Don's family was his priority. He and Connie raised two children, Shaun and Kimberly. Shaun followed in his dad's footsteps becoming a CPA and had the pleasure of working with his dad for a number of years. They eventually merged their practice to become Conklin, Gilpin and Wertz. Kimberly followed in her mother's footsteps becoming a teacher. Don and Connie lived in Tulsa for 31 years then moved to Jenks, Oklahoma, for 14 years before moving to Montereau. Don lived in the Abbey Memory Care area of the Health Center for the last couple of years when he developed dementia that ultimately took his life. Oh how he adored his Abbey family and Caretakers. He valued his friendships and the Montereau Community.
Don was a devoted member of Harvard Avenue Christian Church, Disciples of Christ for 50 years where he served in many leadership roles. He was deeply involved in his faith through study and teaching. He and Connie also participated in the Walk to Emmaus where they served faithfully in many roles including each of them being the Lay Director of a Walk. Because Don and Connie had generous hearts, they were also able to contribute to numerous charitable organizations.
Don loved sports, especially Kansas State University football and basketball, the Kansas City Chiefs and the OKC Thunder. He enjoyed reading Civil War books, traveling, and playing poker with friends. He and Connie took their grandchildren on trips to Europe and cherished road trips on back roads across the United States.
Don is survived by his wife, Connie; his children Shaun (Christina) Wertz and Kimberly Beliera; his grandchildren Hannah Wertz, Clara Wertz, Mackenzie Hutchinson (Levi), and Courtney Fiser (Will); and his sister Beverly (Richard) Henderson. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Claudine Coker, his brother, Jack Wertz and his beloved grandson, Zachary Austin Wertz. Don's family was his greatest joy. Don will be remembered by his infectious smile, his compassion toward others and most importantly for being the best lover and soul mate ever to Connie.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Harvard Avenue Christian Church, with a reception following. Please direct memorial contributions to the Harvard Avenue Christian Church Endowment Fund or the Montereau Benevolent Fund.
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