Don Pratt

Donald E. Pratt, 70, Topeka, passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at his residence after a two-year fight with pulmonary fibrosis.

Don was born November 22, 1938 in Gunnison, CO, the son of Norman and Lucille (Dixon) Pratt. He grew up on a farm near Alton and graduated from Alton High School in 1957.

He served in the U. S. Army, and subsequently graduated from Ft. Hays State University with a degree in Business in 1968.

Don worked in Human Resources for Chip Carriers, Inc. and Harry Turner & Associates, and later was the Job Placement Coordinator for KNI, retiring in 2002.

He was a member of Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene and a former member of Town & Country Christian Church. His deep and abiding Christian faith was shown in his strong interest in foreign missions, which led to two missions trips to Shanxi Province, China, as well as another missions trip to Laos and Thailand. He also was interested in ministry to foreign students and their families in Topeka, and helped tutor a Chinese family to successfully pass their U. S. citizenship test.

Don was a diehard KU basketball fan which stemmed from his high school basketball career.

Don married Judy Bauer on September 29, 1968 in Topeka. She survives. Other survivors include son, Randy Pratt, Topeka; sister, Deloris Zink, Topeka; brother, Norman Lee Pratt, St. Louis, MO; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 20, 2009 at Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene. Burial will follow in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery. Don will lie in state at Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Road, from noon until 8:00 p.m. on Sunday and visitation will be from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Upward Sports Ministry at Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene, 3501 SW Wanamaker Road, Topeka, Kansas 66614 or Evergreen Family Friendship Service (China), 6660 Delmonico Drive, Suite 201, Colorado Springs, CO 80919.