Ronald Russ Prater

Ronald Russ Prater died December 12, 2018. Ron was born on October 12, 1934, in Kismet, Kansas to Russ Prater and Alice Simonsen Prater. He loved to tell you about where he was born, and every other address in every small town he ever lived in, as his father built more and more houses across the state. Eventually the family settled in Wichita where Ron attended Hyde Elementary, Robinson Middle School, East High School, and Kemper Military School. His lifelong friends from school years were very important to him and he met with a group of them every month throughout his life. Rons father died in a plane crash when Ron was 14. When his mother remarried several years later, Ron acquired a much beloved step family with brothers John Carnahan, George Carnahan (deceased), and Betty Timberlake. Brother Dan Prater died in 1979. Ron married Joan Wardell (now deceased) and had two sons, Ronald Russ Jr. (Ronnie), and Michael Todd (deceased). Ronnie and Barbaras sons are Ronald James, Daniel, Jonathan, and David. Todd and Kerrys daughter is Allison. Great grandchildren are Ryker, Raelee, and Ridge. He is also survived by two nieces Stephani and Christy; and grandniece, Raven. Ron was a Petroleum Engineer and held several patents on extraction processes. After years of working together in the "oil patch" he ended up with his choice for a life companion Gayle Gentry Bishop, bringing about an additional step family with Gayles daughters Amy, Angela, and Alissa, and grandchildren Alex, Kailea, Jack, Karis, and Genevieve. Ron loved his family and was a devoted "grandpa" who tried not to miss state wrestling matches or performances. He was a huge football fan, especially of the Oklahoma University Sooners, where he received his engineering degree and rarely missed a televised game. He loved being in the oil business, traveling, and boating on Grand Lake in Oklahoma. Ron wished for his ashes to be thrown into Grand Lake and did not want a funeral or service. Therefore, a memorial has been established with The Music Ministries of East Heights Methodist Church, 4407 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67218. Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.