Ronald Strader 1939-2017
Ronald Ray Strader, 77, of Holton, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017, in Holton.
He was born Nov. 12, 1939, in Marshall County, the son of Alfred Nelson and Hazel Mae (Catlin) Strader. Ronald graduated from Frankfort High School in 1957. After graduation, he worked for more than 40 years at Strader Drilling as a water well driller.
Ronald loved his family and working in his yard. He was an avid runner; he ran his first marathon at the KU Relays at age 40 and continued running in 62 marathons throughout the United States and Europe.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Holton and Holton Scramblers. Ronald was part of the “grounds crew” for Holton High School football field and he was influential in the landscaping and construction of the walking/running trail at Banner Creek Reservoir.
He married Linda L. Locher on Sept. 24, 1961, in Sabetha. She survives of the home.
Other survivors include his daughter, Jennifer Paxton (Kevin) of Holton; his son, Ryan Strader of Holton; his daughter-in-law, Diann Strader of Holton; and two brothers, Leroy Strader (Janice) of Sabetha and Glenn Strader (Maxine) of Wolf Point, Mont.
He loved attending all of his “superstar” grandchildren’s activities. Ron’s seven grandchildren are Taylor Stonerock (Anthony), Sydney Strader, Connor Strader, Peyton Paxton, Riley Strader, Mason Strader and Paige Paxton.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Scott R. Strader.
A celebration of Ron’s life was held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 20 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Private family inurnment will be held in Holton Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family strongly suggests memorials may be given to the Holton High School Athletic Fund or Friends of Banner Creek Foundation, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com
(PAID OBITUARY)
