Werneth John Avril

Werneth attended Withrow High School and graduated from Ohio State University in 1955, as the first percussion major in the School of Music. He was a snare drummer in the famous Ohio State Marching Band, TBDBITL (The Best Damn Band In The Land). Werneth’s favorite memory of the band was the 1955 Rose Bowl. The band traveled by train to Pasadena and rehearsed in the baggage car. A slight drizzle began during the Rose Parade, and by game time, it was pouring down rain, ruining all the drums.

Upon graduation, he served two years in the Army in San Francisco, California, where he met the love of his life, Betty Chafin. They were married in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1958, and Werneth joined the family business, Avril & Son’s on Court Street, a sausage business begun by his immigrant German grandfather, Anton Avril, in 1894. When Werneth retired in 1998, the three-generation business was 100 years old and widely known as Cincinnati’s “Best of the Wurst”. That tradition still continues today as Avril-Bleh under owner, Len Bleh.

Always described as a “kind, gentle man, and a gentleman,” Werneth’s love for his family and friends is his greatest legacy. He made everyone feel special. His heart was as big as his smile, and we will miss his hearty laugh and witty humor. He had an exceptional talent for music, and performing gave him great joy. His hobbies included cooking big family breakfasts, tending to his garden and “circle time” with his family.

Werneth was a member of the Cincinnati Rotary Club, the Ohio State Alumni Association, Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity and an elder in the Presbyterian Church of Wyoming, Ohio. In Dallas, he was a member of Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, where he continued his love of music as a member of the choir.

Werneth will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 60 years, Betty, daughters Dodie Foxworth (Jack), Dennie Pitzer (Mark), Sarah Sutfin (Gary), Emily Payne (Ron), ten grandchildren; Brittain Ewert (Aaron) Austin Pitzer, Will Bakke (Christen), Alison Mesec (Nick), Emily Smiley (J.D.), Cilla Sutfin, Alex Payne, Jack Payne, John Sutfin and Avril Payne. And four great- grandchildren; Jackson Mesec, Beau Smiley, Lottie Ewert, and Cooper Mesec.

Surviving are siblings Elaine Avril Kroger, Ferd Avril and cousins Lila Mueller Bishop, Janet Mueller, George Riehl, Jack Avril, and Susan Avril Schneider. Preceded in death by cousins Tom Avril and Florence Roadcap.

A memorial service will be held at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, 9800 Preston Road, Dallas, on Saturday, September 8, at 10 am. An interment service follows at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Dallas, for family members.