Kyle Ross Stranathan

Kyle Ross Stranathan, 41, of Hardtner, Kansas, passed away on November 22, 2025, in his Peterbilt truck, his trusted companion on the open road. He was born on July 30, 1984, in El Dorado, Kansas.

Kyle attended South Barber Schools from kindergarten through twelfth grade. During his school years, he enjoyed soccer and football, and he especially loved working with animals through 4-H. He and Abby once named their pigs Ham Faye and Bacon Bits, a memory that always brought a smile. One year, his grandpa gave him a baby calf for 4-H; Kyle named him Knuckles because his front legs turned under. Kyle had a natural way with animals, patient, gentle, and steady.

Kyle was known for his caring heart and his willingness to help anyone who was down on their luck. He also had a quick wit and could come up with a funny comment for just about any situation. Whether he was ribbing a friend, easing tension during a long day, or lightening the mood in the shop, Kyle’s humor made people feel comfortable and seen. He cherished time spent with his cousins and friends during high school, where his jokes and one-liners were part of what made him so loved.

After graduation, Kyle attended Dodge City Community College, where he played football and studied diesel mechanics. A back injury ended his football days, and he returned home to Kiowa. He helped his dad and discovered he enjoyed welding. Before long, he began hauling cattle for several cattlemen, including the Yazels, Francises, Tim Stark, Randy Patterson, and others.

Kyle loved trucking, especially his Peterbilt. He bought his first one from a friend after he passed away, and it became a point of pride. When it broke down, he never hesitated to take it apart and put it back together, often working with the DeCoudres brothers in Winfield, known for their Wagon Wheel cattle trucks. He hauled cattle across western Kansas, to South Dakota, and even as far as Louisiana and Florida.

If another driver needed help, whether hauling cattle or repairing a truck, Kyle was there. He didn’t mind getting his hands dirty. In recent years, the open road became his closest companion, a place where he found purpose and peace.

Kyle is survived by his parents, Sid and Marsha Stranathan; his sister, Abby and her husband, Justin Yodis, of Danville, Kentucky; and his daughter, Morgan Heath. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who loved him.

Graveside service for Kyle will be Friday, November 28, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at Riverview Cemetery in Kiowa, Kansas. Arrangements are by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. of Kiowa. www.lanmanfuneralhome.com. Facebook: Lanman Funeral Home Inc.

Memorials may be made to the Kiowa United Methodist Church and given to the funeral home.