Rufus Stinnett

October 9, 1927 - November 9, 2010

Pratt- Rufus Newton Stinnett Jr., 83, died Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at South Wind Hospice Home in Pratt, Kansas. He was born October 9, 1927 in Altus, Oklahoma the son of Rufus and Hazel (Childress) Stinnett Sr. He Graduated from Edmond High School in Edmond, OK in 1945 and from Oklahoma State University in 1949. On September 10, 1950 he married Marjorie Marie Martin at Stillwater, OK. On September 27, 1950 he enlisted in the Army and served during the Korean War as a Master Sergeant. After serving his country he was the sales manager at the Harley-Thomas Ford Dealership. In 1956 he moved to Wichita where he was the Vice President for the Whitlock Automotive Supply, while living in Wichita he was the President of the Wichita Purchasing Agents, member of the Optimist Club, where he received the Golden Circle Award, Wichita Shrine Club, won the Key Man Award for the Wichita Jr. Chamber of Commerce, and taught adult Sunday School Class at West Heights Methodist Church. Rufus and Marj moved to Pratt in 1966 and purchased the Western Auto. In 1971 he also opened The Home Appliance Store. While in Pratt he was the President of the Chamber of Commerce, Pratt Rotary Club, was awarded the Rotary Foundation District Service Award, was City Commissioner and served as Mayor, he also taught the Adult Come Double Class at First United Methodist Church in Pratt. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie, of the home; a daughter Ann Klein (Mike), Wichita; a daughter-in-law Dana Stinnett, Green Bay, WI; Three Grandchildren, Nicole Iseman (Mark), St. Louis, MO; Jacob and Ben Stinnett, Green Bay, WI; and two Great-Grandchildren, Vincent and Samuel Iseman, St. Louis, MO. He was preceded in death by a son Jay Martin Stinnett, his parents, and a sister Kathryn Burkey. Memorial Service will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 12, 2010 at the First United Methodist, Pratt with Dr. Dan Ferguson officiating. Inurnment will be Saturday, November 13 at 12:00 in Laurie Cemetery near Guthrie, OK. In lieu of flowers, family suggests memorials be sent to South Wind Hospice or Jay Stinnett Wrestling Scholarship in care of Larrison Mortuary 300 Country Club Rd., Pratt, KS 67124. Condolences may be left at www.larrisonmortuary.com.