JONTRA, Lawrence DeWayne - b. January 7, 1939 - d. May 1, 2017

[patyrn]

Lawrence DeWayne Jontra, age 78, of rural Howard, Kansas, passed away May 1, 2017 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas.  He was born on January 7, 1939 on the family farm in rural Elk County north of Elk Falls, Kansas, the son of Ross E. and Goldie Lee (Barnaby) Jontra.

After graduating from Longton High School, Lawrence attended Independence Community College in Independence, Kansas and completed his Bachelor's degree at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas.  He taught and coached school for three years in Moline, Kansas.  He then attended Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas where he received his Master's degree in 1968.  He completed his teaching career at Fredonia High School in Fredonia, Kansas where he retired in 1979. 

Farming and ranching were his main loves in life.  He owned and operated oil leases, manged the Longton Co-Op, worked at the Home State Bank in Longton, and worked at the Commerce Bank in Fredonia.  Lawrence also served as a County Commissioner for Elk County and was deeply involved in the Elk County Free Fair of Longton where he served as President for the past 37 years.

On August 14, 1960, Lawrence married Vera Crowell.  They have been married for 56 years, and she survives at their home.  Most importantly, Lawrence loved his two children and three grandchildren.  He spent his "retired" years following his grandchildren's activities.  He loved being their fan and was very proud of their accomplishments.  He served many years for the Council on Aging and strived to do good for others.  He was humble.  He was kind.  He worked hard.

Survivors include his wife, Vera; his son, Terry D. Jontra; his daughter, Juli Young and husband, Randy; his three grandchildren, Sabetha, William, and Wesley Young; and his brother, Roscoe L. Jontra and wife, Sharon.  Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 6, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the Longton Fair Grounds in Longton, Kansas with burial to follow at the Longton Cemetery with Pastor Michael Dershem of Yale, Oklahoma officiating.  There will be no open visitation.  Online condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com.  Memorials have been suggested to either the Elk County Free Fair of Longton or the Lawrence Jontra Memorial Scholarship, and donations may be left with or mailed to Countryside Funeral Home, P.O. Box 247, Fredonia, Kansas 66736 which is in charge of arrangements.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)