Jerry Ray Praytor, 74, of Russell, Kansas, died on Saturday, August 17, 2024, in Newton, Kansas, with his family at his side.
Jerry was born on November 11, 1949, in Great Bend, Kansas, the son of Doil M. and Loretta E. (Lindell) Praytor. He grew up in Russell, Kansas, and graduated from Russell High School in the class of 1967. Jerry attended Hutchinson Community College and Pittsburg State University before being drafted into the United States Army. While he was stationed in Aberdeen, Maryland, he met Donna June Harvey. They fell in love and were united in marriage on July 30, 1971. After serving 8 years in the military, he returned to Russell to work for his dad’s pipeline business, Praytor Construction. He and his brother continued with the family business for many years. After relocating to Inman, Jerry started a new venture, JP Pipeline Construction, Inc. He was a longtime member of the V.F.W. Post #6240 and American Legion Post #99 both in Russell. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and the countless hours spent at roping events with his boys. Jerry loved nothing more than to “clown around” with his grandkids.
Surviving family include his wife Donna June Harvey Praytor of Hutchinson, Kansas; sons Jeremy Praytor and wife Sara of Salina, Kansas, and Jason Praytor of Wichita, Kansas; brother Gary Praytor of Austin, Texas; grandchildren Britton Praytor and Addison Praytor; great-grandson Riggins Collett. He was preceded in death by his parents and infant brother.
A memorial service to celebrate Jerry’s life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas. Family will greet guests the day of the service. Military rites will be performed by the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240. Memorials may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Special Olympics Kansas and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, are in charge of the funeral service arrangements.