Art Kliewer

Art Kliewer

Obituary

NEWTON — Art Kliewer, 96, was born on May 28, 1916, in Gotebo, Okla., to John G. and Marie (Buller) Kliewer. In 1921, he and his family moved to rural Burrton. He attended Country Grade School and graduated from eighth grade in Burrton. His father died on July 4, 1926, and they moved to Newton with his mother, sister and three brothers.

He graduated from Newton High School in 1935 and was appointed deputy Harvey County treasurer in October 1937. He ran for the office in 1941 and won a two-year term. He became treasurer in October 1941 and was re-elected for an additional term.

He married Betty Jane Howerton on April 25, 1941, in Newton. They were married for 71 years.

He entered the U.S. Army in 1942 and was assigned to the finance department. He was later sent to Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis, Ind. He did his basic training and technical training at Fort Benjamin Harrison. A finance office was formed and he was promoted to T/4 staff sergeant. He went overseas to Plymouth, England, and later to Antwerp, Belgium. He was stationed in Antwerp for 18 months. He was later promoted to staff sergeant and became cashier of the finance office. He returned to the United States and was discharged on Jan. 9, 1946.

He returned to the county treasurer’s office until November 1949, when he joined First Federal Savings and Loan and Central Securities. In 1972, he bought Central Securities from the George D. Hanna family. He operated the Finance Company until 1981, when it was sold. He retired at that time and enjoyed his retirement and years of playing golf. Art was an active member of the Lions Club and the Masonic Lodge in Newton. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion and VFW.

He survived by his wife, Betty Kliewer of Newton, and son and wife, Bill and Dena Kliewer of Wichita. There are numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John G. and Marie Kliewer; three brothers; and one sister.

A funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday (May 24, 2012) at Petersen Funeral Home in Newton. The family will greet friends from 9 to 10 a.m. just prior to the service.

A committal service will be conducted following the service at Greenwood Cemetery. The U.S. Army will present military honors at the graveside. A memorial has been set up for the United Church of Christ of Newton. Visit www.petersenfamilyfuneralhome.com.