Ronald G. "Ron" Phifer

Ronald G. “Ron” Phifer, 69, of Ottawa, Kansas, went to be with the Lord Sunday, November 27, 2016, at Olathe Hospice House. Memorial services will be held at 1:00 P.M., Saturday, December 10, 2016, at Dengel & Son Mortuary, with military honors by the United States Air Force. Family will meet with friends immediately following the service. Private family inurnment will take place later at Welda Cemetery, Welda, Kansas. Ron was born Tuesday, December 31, 1946, in Poteau, Oklahoma, the son of Arthur and Mary “Barbara” (Wright) Phifer. Ron grew up in Pittsburg, Kansas. He graduated from Pittsburg State University receiving his master’s in psychology. He worked on his doctorate in psychology at Louisiana State University and University of California, Los Angeles. Ron was highly dedicated to working with individuals with special needs. He spent years involved in research in the areas of epilepsy, cerebral palsy, hyperactivity in children, nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting), state dependent learning and the reversal of state dependent learning. Some of his research was published in the New England Journal of Medicine and Psychology Today. Ron was the former Director of Survey & Certification for MH-MRDD Licensure & Certification with the Kansas Department of Health & Environment. He retired as a licensed psychologist from the state of Missouri. He was a QMRP, Qualified Mental Retardation Specialist, and consulted in the area of behavioral management for individuals with special needs. Ron served in the Air Force during Vietnam. Ron was married to June Allen Watson in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. They later divorced. He married Carol Puckett in Walnut, Kansas. To this marriage a son, Sean Matthew Phifer was born. They later divorced. Ron was united in marriage to Jessica Evans August 26, 1991, in Las Vegas, Nevada. She survives of the home. Other survivors include his son, Sean Matthew Phifer of Topeka; stepsons, Richard Evans of Ottawa, and David Evans and wife Tracy of Oceanside, California; grandchildren, Kelcie Evans of Ottawa, Sydney Evans of Ottawa, Jake Evans and wife Sam of Oceanside, California, Wyatt Evans, Frank Evans, and Jesse Evans all of Oceanside, California; great grandchildren, Grey Zaine Evans, Athena Alexandria Evans both of Oceanside, California, and the family is anxiously awaiting the arrival of a third great grandson in January of Ottawa; father and mother-in-law, James and Doris Bunch of Welda. Ron had no siblings, although his cousin, Ray Ledford of Oklahoma was like a brother to him as was his stepbrother, James “Jim” Crider of Welda. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Mary “Barbara” Phifer; grandparents, Cecil and Johnnie Wright; granddaughter, Amber Nicole Miller Evans; aunts and uncles, Teresa Monroe, Betty Jo Haggard, Jim Wright, and Troy Wright; grandparents-in-law, Ulis and Louise Tucker. Ron loved to read and enjoyed many types of books, science fiction was his favorite. As a small child, Ron would read 6 to 10 comic books a week. When he finished, he would read them again and again until he got his allowance to buy more. His favorite comics were Donald Duck, Archie and Superman. Ron’s nickname was “Duck”. He loved swimming, diving, scuba diving, and snorkeling. Ron loved water sports, jet skiing, boating, and parasailing. When he was young, he spent his summers as a diving and swimming instructor for young children. Ron had a beautiful voice, loved to sing and listen to music. To help pay for his education, he played the drums and sang in different bands. He loved playing board games and cards with his family. Ron loved to tell jokes and had a great sense of humor. We will miss his sense of humor most and the laughter and smiles he brought to all who knew him. He loved his wife Jessica more than life itself. There was never a day that he didn’t tell her that. Ron was a dedicated, kind and generous husband, father and grandfather. He always saw the best in everyone and always encouraged everyone he knew to be the best that they could be. His family and friends will miss him always. For those who were lucky enough to know him, he will live on in each and every memory. The family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Ron’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com