Bret A. Middleswart

Bret A. Middleswart, 54, of Parsons, passed away from injuries sustained in an automobile accident near Altamont on Monday, October 16, 2017.

He was born June 19, 1963 in Manhattan, Kansas to Jerry M. and Margaret L. "Peggy" (Elffner) Middleswart. As a young boy, he moved with his family to Oswego where he attended Oswego Schools and served as President of the 1981 graduating class of Oswego High School. He attended Labette Community College in Parsons and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Ft. Hays State University in 1985.

After earning his degree, he returned to Oswego. In 1992, he began his career with the Labette County Farm Bureau Insurance Agency. In his 25 years of service, he was honored by Farm Bureau with a number of awards for outstanding service. Bret was also a licensed real estate agent.

He was a member of Mother of God Catholic Church in Oswego and had attended St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Parsons. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus.  Bret enjoyed hunting, fishing, and going to Grand Lake with his friends. In earlier years, he enjoyed playing golf. He also loved spending time with his family and his dog and faithful companion, Josey.

On July 28, 2007, he and Diana M. (Flax) Dechant were married at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Parsons. She survives of the home.

In addition to his wife, survivors include:

His Mother – Peggy Middleswart                                          Oswego, KS

One Sister – Kim Umbarger and her husband, Chris             Chanute, KS

Two Sons – Jared Dechant                                                     Topeka, KS

Evan Dechant                                                                         Topeka, KS

In-laws – Adolph and Norma Flax                                         WaKeeney, KS

Numerous Nieces, Nephews, Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins

He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Jerry Middleswart, on June 11, 1989; paternal grandparents, Reginald "Pink" and Maxine Middleswart; and maternal grandparents, Fred and Gertrude Elffner.

The funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 21, 2017 at the Mother of God Catholic Church in Oswego. Burial will follow in Oswego Cemetery. The rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m., Friday, at the Mother of God Catholic Church in Oswego. The family will receive friends at 7:30 p.m., immediately following the rosary, at the church.

Memorials are suggested to the Mother of God Catholic Church or St. Patrick's Catholic Church. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.