John Jack Ranson
May 15, 2008
Ranson, John “Jack”, 78, entered into this life on Thursday, August 16, 1929 in Wichita and died following heart surgery in Wichita on Thursday, May 15, 2008. A memorial celebration of Jacks life will be held at 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, May 21, University Congregational Church, with a reception immediately following. Jack was the eldest child of Samuel and Dorothy (Fontron) Ranson, and brother to Susan Egan (deceased) and Jim Ranson. He was a graduate of the University of Kansas and a member of Phi Gamma Delta. While at KU, he played varsity tennis and was president of the tennis team. He was an avid Kansas Jayhawk basketball fan; although he could not watch the games unless they were at least 20 points ahead. He served as a naval officer during the Korean conflict. Jack married Pat Ranson, May 14, 1982, and they made their home in Wichita throughout their marriage. Jack had four children, Cindy, Trisha, John, and Missy, with his first wife Dolores Waugh, and inherited two step-children, Brad and Jennifer, upon his marriage to Pat. Between the two of them, Jack and Pat had fifteen grandchildren. Jack cared deeply for his family. Next to his family, serving his country through the political process was Jacks passion. He had been a leader in the Kansas Republican Party. He served as Chairman of the Kansas Republican Party from 1972-1978 and Republican National Committeeman from 1996-2000. He was the Sergeant of Arms at the National Republican Convention in Kansas City, Missouri in 1976, a delegate to the Republican National Convention, and a Kansas Traditional Republican Majority Board Member. Through the years, many elected officials have benefited from Jacks wisdom, and he was very much respected by those with opposing views. Jack was a leader in Kansas public finance for over 50 years. He went to work as an investment banker for Ranson and Company, Inc. and later became President and Chairman. While at Ranson and Company, Jack was instrumental in creating the Kansas Municipal Energy Association (“KMEA”) and the Kansas Unit Investment Trust. Also at that time, Jack played an important role in developing the Kansas Mortgage Revenue Bond program which allows first time buyers to purchase homes at a reduced interest rate. In 1985, Jack had the foresight to purchase a personal computer for every employee of Ranson and Company. He knew the future of business would revolve around it. In 1991, Jack, along with his son, John, created Ranson Capital Corporation and the innovation in Kansas public finance continued. Jack and John created the Kansas Municipal Bond Fund which was the first mutual fund to allow individuals to invest small amounts of money in the Kansas municipal bond market. In 1994, Jack incorporated the first Kansas domiciled public finance advisory firm, Ranson Municipal Consultants, LLC. He very much believed in the role of the independent financial advisor. Jack served on the Board of Directors of Oglethorpe Power Corporation from March, 1997 to March, 2008. Jack also created Ranson Housing, LLC and the Office and Technology Center (“OTC”) in the 1990s. Over the years, many young men and women learned Jacks guiding business principle of putting the client first. Most of Jacks clients were also his friends. He was a member of Albert Pike Lodge, Midian Shrine, and Rolling Hills Country Club. He will be deeply missed by all of his family, friends, clients, and employees. Jack is survived by his wife, Pat, and brother, Jim, both of Wichita; son, John A. Ranson (Jana), Pagosa Springs, CO; daughters, Cindy Curfman of Wichita, Trisha Boeken of Lawrence, Missy May (Mike) of Overland Park; stepchildren, Brad Storey of Wichita and Jennifer Reumund (Mark) of Perry; 15 grandchildren, Brett Curfman, Kyle Curfman, Kayli Curfman, Brent Boeken, Michael Boeken, Alysha Ranson, Ryan Ranson, Jordan May, Austin May, Alex May, Poppy Reumund, Daffodil Reumund, Marigold Reumund, Max Storey, and Victoria Cocannouer. Memorials have been established with The Wichita Childrens Home, 810 N. Holyoke, Wichita, KS 67208 and Midian Shrine Plane of Mercy, 103 N. Topeka, Wichita, KS 67202. Downing Lahey Mortuary West.
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During the early 1990s, I was introduced to Mr. Ranson via Linda Hatchell. Linda is a friend of my aunt, Carole Nelson. My aunt had previously talked to Linda and mentioned my interest in working for the Republican Party. Linda mentioned this to Mr. Ranson who invited me to Wichita for a personal meeting. At the time, I was attending Texas Tech University and living in Dallas. After meeting with Mr. Ranson, he recommended I apply for an internship with US Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas. Thanks to Mr. Ranson, I was able to obtain the internship. This internship also allowed me to obtain another internship and full-time position with US Senator Phil Gramm of Texas. The fact Mr. Ranson took time out of his weekend to meet with a college student from Texas shows his true character. To this day, I am so thankful and appreciative for Mr. Ransons advice and helping hand. I would not be where I am today if not for Mr. Ranson. FBI Special Agent Kevin W. Young 1200 North McColl McAllen, Texas 78501-9583 956-342-4910
Pat, There is nothing that anyone can say or do at a time like this to make it any better. But, we wanted you to know that we are thinking about you and praying for you. Jack called a week or so ago. We talked about the 16th District Senate race and the candidates. He sounded real good and indicated that both of you were doing pretty good. He said that he had a plan to get people elected and was trying something new. He said rather secretively that he would let us later how it worked. Sounds like to me he was living right up to the last. That’s the way to do it. If there is anything that we can to, please let us know. You both have been some of our favorites as long as we have known you. Love to you and your family. David and Betty Corbin
Dear Pat:I was truly shocked and saddened to learn of Jack’s death.I’m very sorry for your loss. Even though there was an actual gap of 60 years in our friendship it seemed like there was no gap at all once we picked up where we left off. His intellect, sense of humor, integrity, political acumen, economic sense, and analytic ability were all as keen and vibrant as they ever were. I was really looking forward to having my life enriched by Jack once again, as he had so many years ago. Damn–damn–not to be Love, Hal
Pat: When I heard about Jack’s death it hit me the same force the news of a famly member’s death brings. Frankly, I was surprised that it hit me so hard. But, Jack was both the leader of reasonable Kansans, for many decades, he was also a genuine friend. I will never forget the two of you greeting me, at the Wichita airport, when the Governor asked me to run with her two years ago. At a time when I was being called everything under the sun, the two of you were there. I will also always remember Jack for his passion to fight for everything that is right. All progressive Kansans and reasonable people will miss him. His life enriched our State. You are in Stacy and my prayers. Mark Parkinson
Family & Friends of John ‘Jack’ Ranson. Jack was a good friend and advisor while I was Mayor of Wellington Kansas. We worked together on many financial projects and bond sales in the 1990’s along with John Haas his last project. I had known Jack since the 1970’s and worked with some of his employees on other projects, Mott Randall is one I recall from that time. Anyhow, Jack was a Good Friend and a Trustworhty Advisor. He will surely be missed and my sympathy to his family. Stan Gilliland Mayor and Councilman Wellington, Kansas 1987-2006
Pat, I’m so sorry to hear this news. Jack (and you) played a big role in my early professional life, and I will never forget his commitment to serve the client’s best interest, and his passion for politics! Susan Henry
I offer condolences and prayers to your families, Jack was as his obituary read a very good man. Thank your family for employing me and the opportunity to work for you Pat, with deepest regards. The Dustin Burkhart family.