Alvin Pratt

Alvin Matthew Pratt, Sr., 91, of Iola, Kansas, died Saturday, October 10, 2015. Alvin was born May 3, 1924, in Kansas City, Kansas, the son of Matthew William and Ora Luella (Smith) Pratt. He graduated from high school in Kansas City and then served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He served from March 1943 to March 1945 under Vice Admiral J.S. McCain. He was a gunner serving on the USS Wasp. He was awarded the Victory Medal, American Area, Asiatic-Pacific (3 stars), Aircrew Insignia (3 stars), Air Medal, Philippine Liberation (2 bronze stars) and several ribbon awards. He worked for the Federal Aviation Administration as an Air Traffic Controller for 30 years in Emporia and Chanute, retiring in 1983. On July 9, 1960, Alvin married Jeanette Rutledge Spencer in Heber City, Utah. He enjoyed trips to Colorado and Las Vegas with his wife. He also enjoyed gardening and flying the plane he owned. He was also a carpenter building several of his homes and his cabin, including the family's home in New Strawn that they lived in until 1977 when they moved to Iola. SURVIVORS: His wife of 55 years: Jeanette Pratt of the home 5 Children: Rita (Robert) Reed of Waverly, Kelly Catron of Iola, Alvin Jr. (Kathy) Pratt of Wellington, Janal (Brad) Piley of Humboldt, and Kim (Jess) Morrison of Iola 10 Grandchildren & 17 Great Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and 4 siblings, Retha, Dollie, Joe and Betty. FUNERAL SERVICE: 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2015, at Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. VISITATION: An hour prior to the service BURIAL: Highland Cemetery, Iola, Kansas MEMORIAL: Wounded Warrior Project Memorial gifts may be left with the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. To sign the guestbook online or leave a condolence, go to www.iolafuneral.com .