Walter Eugene Backus

Walter Eugene Backus, 79, Olathe, Kansas, passed away Saturday, May 15, 2010, at the Select Specialty Hospital, Kansas City, Kansas.

Walter was born September 19, 1930, Meridan, Kansas, to Raymond Frank and Minnie (Riddle) Backus. He was a 1948 graduate of Seaman High School in Topeka. Walter was employed with Manor Bakery and in 1964 became an agent with Bankers Life & Casualty Insurance Co., retiring in 1993.

Walter enjoyed playing golf, bowling and online pinochle, where he was fondly known as Gramps9Iron. He was very proud of the fact that he had two holes in one and had bowled a perfect game. Walter also enjoyed yard work and owned and operated Walt's Landscaping and Lawn Service.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Leah Backus. Survivors include his wife, Betty Lou (Hoover) Backus; four children, Michael E. (Sophia) Backus, Bonner Springs, Kansas, David A. (Joyce M.) Backus, Overland Park, Kansas, Patti (Rob) McWilliams, Olathe, Kansas and Daniel E. Backus, Olathe, Kansas; three sisters, Geraldine (Joe) Malvasia, Niles, Ohio, Gwendolyn (Larry) McClurg and Edith Beaty, both of Meridan, Kansas; brother, Bruce Backus, Ypsilanti, Michigan; nine grandchildren, Rebekah (Jeff) Brenner, Stacy Backus, Mindy McWilliams, Paul Backus, Michelle (Steven) Grigsby, Timothy (Stephanie) McWilliams, John Backus, Danielle Backus and Sarah McWilliams; great grandchildren, Tristin, Isaac, Ashlyn, Riley; and many other family, friends and pinochle buddies. His family was always number one above anything.

Memorial contributions may be made to Community Covenant Church, 15700 W. 87th Street Parkway, Lenexa, Kansas 66219.

Funeral Service and Visitation

Visitation will be 6-8 pm Tuesday, May 18, 2010, at the Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee. Funeral services will be 2:00 pm, Wednesday, May 19, 2010, at the Community Covenant Church, 15700 W. 87th Street Parkway, Lenexa, Kansas; burial in the Shawnee Mission Memory Gardens.