Dorious Desmarteau

Dorious "John" Desmarteau, Hays, KS died Sunday August 5, 2012.

He was born January 17, 1921 in Damar, KS to Leo and Mary (Brin) Desmarteau. He was a graduate of Damar High School in 1940. He was a U.S. Army Veteran serving September 18, 1942 through January 18, 1946. He was a 1st Sergeant serving in Holland, Germany, France and the British Isles with the 9th Army.

He married Rosalind Houser in Hays, KS on January 6, 1947. They farmed in Damar, then moved to Wyoming before settling in Hays, KS. There, he was a salesman for Lonestar Industries for 28 years prior to retiring in 1984.

He was an avid golfer throughout his retirement and also loved attending and watching sporting events, especially Royals Baseball. He enjoyed playing cards, including pitch and pinochle. He was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council #1325, and the Hays VFW and American Legion.

Survivors include: His wife, Rosalind of Hays, KS. A daughter, Mary Toepfer, Hays. A sister, Arlene Newell, Wichita, KS. Three grandchildren, Matthew Glassman and wife Haylee, Bridgeport, CT; Andrea Paul and husband Landon, Hays; Anthony Glassman and girlfriend Lexi Copeland, Hays. One Great-Grandchild Isabelle Glassman, Bridgeport, CT. One Step-grandson Russell Toepfer, wife Kitty, and children Emma, Luke and Jack, Olathe, KS. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, a brother; Clifford, three sisters; Lucille Morel, Marcella Arpin, Camilla Benoit and infant sister Leola; and son-in-law Thomas L. Toepfer.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Hays. Burial with military honors by the Hays VFW and American Legion will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 5:00 until 8 pm and on Wednesday from 9:00 am until 9:30 all at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine. A parish vigil service will be at 6:30 pm followed by a Knights of Columbus rosary at 7:00, both on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorials have been suggested to Thomas More-Prep Marian High School, Hays. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com