Ronald Theodore “Ron” Pirtle, 87, passed away Dec. 2, 2023, at Via Christi St. Francis Hospital, Wichita, Kan. He was born on Oct. 11, 1936, in Sedalia, Mo., to Dwight and Sylvia (Hatfield) Pirtle. On Sept. 24, 1963, he married Rose Mary Gatewood in Sedalia, Mo.

A resident of Great Bend since 1964, Ron worked as an engineer for KSN. He was a member of the First Christian Church, Sandhill Gun Club, and benefactor member of the NRA. Along with being an accomplished marksman, Ron was a big music man – liking all kinds of music and instruments. He was also interested in model airplanes, photography, and learning and sharing his computer skills.

Survivors include his wife, Rose Mary of the home; two daughters, Vicki Needham and her husband, Conrad, of Hays, and Vandy Simpson and her fiancé, Phil Dierks, of Great Bend; four grandchildren, Julie Thompson, Joshua Simpson, Trey Lumpkins and Rachelle Marie Lumpkins; and one great-grandchild, Sullivan Devlin, with another on the way. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, at Hillcrest Memorial Park, with Pastor Dick Ogle presiding. Due to severe allergies in the family, if friends feel the need to send flowers, please have them be silks. Memorials have been designated to the NRA, Sandhill Gun Club or Ron Pirtle Expense Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 5, 2023