Alvin Matthew Pratt Sr., 91, Iola, died Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015.
Alvin was born May 3, 1924, in Kansas City, Kan., 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 World War II. 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.
Jeanette, his wife of 55 years, survives, as do five children, Rita (Robert) Reed, Waverly, Kelly Catron, Iola, Alvin Jr. (Kathy) Pratt, Wellington, Janal (Brad) Piley, Humboldt, and Kim (Jess) Morrison, Iola; 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings, Retha, Dollie, Joe and Betty.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. Burial will be at Highland Cemetery, Iola. Visitation begins an hour prior to the service
Memorial gifts to the Wounded Warrior’s Project may be left with the funeral home. To sign the guest book online or leave a condolence, go to www.iolafuneral.com.
Alvin Pratt Sr.
