Louis “GeGe” Sachetta, Jr., 99, formerly of Scammon, KS died Oct. 30, 2024, at Freeman Hospital in Joplin. He was born Oct. 31, 1924, in Roseland, KS, the son of Louis Sachetta Sr. and Angeline Palumbo Sachetta. On April 16, 1947, he was united in marriage to Mary Louise Deboutez in Scammon, and she preceded him in death on March 11, 1998. GeGe attended West Mineral High School before starting work at age 18 for P&M Coal Company, at Mine 18, located in West Mineral, KS. He was called to service during WWII, and he served with the U.S. Infantry in the European Theater, serving in England, France and Germany until receiving an honorable discharge in April of 1946. During his military service he was awarded several honors including the Bronze Star, the Distinguished Unit Badge, and Good Conduct Medal.
After being discharged from the Army he returned to work for P&M Coal Company at Mine 18 working there until 1949. He then worked at Mine 15 from 1949 to 1951 and then Mine 19 at Hallowell, KS from 1951 to 1974 at which time he was transferred to P&M Midway Mine located in Amsterdam, MO until his retirement on Jan. 31, 1987. While employed for the P&M Coal Company his classifications included, truck driver, ground man, loader, bank shooters helper, loader engineer, mechanic, crane operator, pumper and loader operator he worked all of his 44 years of service without any loss of time accidents and attended work 35 years without missing a day's work or being tardy. After 45 years he was awarded the Safe Worker Award at Chevron and P&M Coal Company.
GeGe was an active member of the Columbus American Legion, Pittsburg American Legion and the West Mineral Eagles. He enjoyed seeing many friends and acquaintances that he made over the many years in the area. He was also a member of the Heartland Antique Car Club. He rebuilt many antique vehicles, ranging from 1903 Model Ts to renovating a 1965 GMC military bus into a cozy family camper. He was a long-time member at St. Rose Catholic Church in Columbus. Survivors include a son Kerry (Amber) Sachetta of Joplin; a daughter Kristi (Jeff) Cook of Oswego, KS; four grandchildren: Kolton (Jaimie) Rennie, Katie Rennie (Greg), Gabe (Alexa) Sachetta and Luke Sachetta; two great-grandchildren Solace and Samuel Rennie and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, five brothers: Angelo, Frank, Pete, Alfred and William Sachetta and two sisters: Dorothy Boyce and Maxine Johnson.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, at St. Bridget's Catholic Church in Scammon, KS. Burial will follow at Hosey Hill Cemetery in Weir, KS. The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3, at the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home in Weir, where the rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. Condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor.com. Memorials may be made to the GeGe Sachetta Memorial for Big Brutus; these may be left at or mailed to the funeral home. Services and arrangements are under the direction of the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home of Weir, Kansas.