RADER, Forrest Levi - b. February 17, 1919 - d. April 6, 2009

[patyrn]

Forest Levi Rader, age 90, a resident of Wichita, Kansas and formerly of Piedmont, Kansas, passed away Monday, April 6, 2009 at the VA-Transitional Living Center in Wichita, Kansas where he had resided since the age of 85.  He was born on February 17, 1919 in Piedmont, Kansas, the son of Ray and Ethel (Mullinax) Rader.

During World War II, Forrest served his country in the United States Army.  He earned the rank of Staff Sergeant of a machine gun platoon of the Company "M" 320th Infantry.  He was the recipient of the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.  After the war, Forrest went to work for 32 years at Cessna Aircraft as a tool and die maker.

Forrest was united in marriage to Donna Schnieder, and to this union a son and daughter were born.  They later divorced.  He enjoyed quail hunting and helping his son, Ron, on his ranch near Piedmont.  He also served as a Boy Scout leader.

Forrest is survived by one son, Ron Rader of Piedmont, Kansas; one daughter, Carol Jones of Clinton, Missouri; six grandchildren, Ty Rader, Travis Rder, Kayla Rader, Dennis Jones, Tami Jones, and D. J. Jones; and numerous great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Howard Rader, and one grandson.

Graveside funeral services with Military Honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2009 at the Piedmont Cemetery, Piedmont, Kansas, with Pastor Robin Haines officiating.  There is no visitation.  The family suggests memorial contributions to the VA-TLC Unit in Wichita, Kansas and may be left with the funeral home.  Online condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com.  Arrangements are under the direction of Zimmerman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1233, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)