Lawrence D. Jontra's Obituary
How does someone put 78 years of life and 56 years of marriage onto a piece of paper? Lawrence DeWayne Jontra age 78 of Rural Howard, died Monday, May 1, 2017 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. Lawrence was born on January 7, 1939 on the family farm in Rural Elk County north of Elk Falls, KS., the son of Ross E. and Goldie Lee (Barnaby) Jontra.
After high school, Lawrence attended Independence Community College and completed his bachelor’s degree at Pittsburg State. Lawrence taught and coached school for 3 years in Moline. Then attended Emporia State where he received his Master’s Degree in 1964. Lawrence completed his teaching career at Fredonia High School where he retired in 1979. Farming and Ranching was his main love in life, he owned and operated Oil Leases, Managed the Longton Co-op, worked at the Home State Bank in Longton and the Commerce Bank in Fredonia. Lawrence also served as a county commissioner for Elk County, and 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 2 children and 3 grandchildren. Lawrence 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 including his wife Vera are:
Son:
Terry D. Jontra
Daughter:
Juli Young and husband Randy
3 grandchildren: Sabetha, William and Wesley Young
Brother:
Roscoe L. Jontra and wife Sharon
Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents
Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 6th, 2017 at 10:00 AM at the Longton Fair Grounds, with burial to follow at the Longton Cemetery, with Pastor Michael Dershem of Yale, OK 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 may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Services have been entrusted to: Countryside Funeral Home 420 S. 20th St., P.O. Box 247, Fredonia, KS 66736
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