Ira Elmer Pray

Ira E. Pray, 93, went to meet his lord and savior Jesus Christ peacefully at his residence Sunday, October 23, 2022. Ira was born the son of Lyle Pray and Fern (Smith) Pray on February 24, 1929 in Wichita, KS. Ira graduated from Wichita East High School in 1946, but continued his education earning a B.A. degree from Wichita State University in 1978. In 1952 Ira started a very successful 40-year career at Beech Aircraft and in 1992 retired as Senior Chief of Engineering. Concurrently, Ira owned and operated The Pray Hereford Ranch in Eureka, KS where he managed registered Hereford cattle, quarter horses and several hundred acres of farmland.Ira was an outstanding member of many churches throughout his life including Seltzer Church and Gideon Baptist Church of Wichita, KS; and First Baptist Church of Eureka, KS. He was very involved with these churches and served as a worship leader, Sunday school teacher, ordained minister, and pastor itinerant. During his free time, Ira thoroughly enjoyed taking short trips throughout the United States, as well as abroad. Sometimes, his travels just took him on a Sunday afternoon drive through the back country gravel roads. Every summer, for over 30 years, Ira looked forward to spending time at Table Rock Lake during his family’s annual vacation. Mostly, Ira cherished and adored his beloved family. His family was a priority for him and he valued time with family. To know Ira, is to also know that he devoted his life to the Lord and he LOVED sharing his faith in God with anyone and everyone he spoke too.Ira is predeceased by his wife Goldie Ream Pray of 64 years; his son Ira Pray, Jr.; and daughter Janice Yoder. He is survived by his wife Dorothy Pray; grandchildren, Troy (Cheryl) Yoder of Kansas City, KS, Ira (Stacy) Pray III of Blackfoot, ID, Laurie Simmons of Claremore, OK, Christy (Kevin) Johnston of Platte City, MO, Jennifer (Colby) Ryan of Ogden, UT, Amy (Dustin) Mirmontazeri of Idaho Falls, ID; 19 great-grandchildren; 13 great-great-grandchildren.Ira is also survived by his 3 step-children, 9 step-grandchildren, and 8 step great-great-grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, October 29, 2022 at Faith and Family Worship Center, Rose Hill, KS. Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.