ELLINWOOD — Ronald Raymond “Rocky” Bownes, 81, of Ellinwood passed away March 1st 2018 in Ellinwood, Kansas, the son of Clarence Raymond and Dollie Mae (Thomas) Bownes. Born on July 6th, 1936 in Shenandoah, Iowa he was a resident of Ellinwood since 1954 where he graduated from Ellinwood High School. He later entered the US Army in 1955 where he served in the 3rd Armored Division receiving an Honorable Discharge. Rocky worked for Ellinwood Coop from 1958-1964 and the City of Ellinwood Power Plant and Street Department from 1964-1992.
He married Beverly Jean Knop, his high school sweetheart after basic training January 26th, 1956. From this union four children were born, Sons, Ronald Lynn & Bradly Ray (Kim Blakely), Great Bend, KS, daughter, Tamela Renee Zimmerman, Ellinwood, KS and Sheryl Jean Watts (Travis), Great Bend, KS. Grandchildren include Ryan (Stacy) Bownes, Great Bend, KS, Derek (Ashley) Bownes and Kalesha Schartz, Holcomb, KS , Mikayla and Brenna Bownes, Great Bend, KS, Erin Rupp and Shelby Bownes, Sioux City, Iowa, Brashel Bownes, Great Bend, Krystal (Jeff) Woodral, Great Bend, KS, Shay (Joel) Lopez, Cherokee, Oklahoma, and Abigail Watts (Corbin Lawrence) of Pratt and 15 loving great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law, Rob Zimmerman, daughter-in-law, Rita Bownes, and grandson, Alex Thomas.
Cremation has occurred. A private family service with Military Honors will take place at a later date with Rev. Thomas Thierfelder presiding. Memorials are suggested to Ellinwood EMS or “Ronald Bownes Medical Expenses”, in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Minnis Chapel
P,O. Box 246
Ellinwood, KS 67526
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 4, 2018