Ronald "Doc" Strader

Ronald "Doc" Strader passed on July 7th after a long battle with cancer, surrounded by his 2 children, daughter Michelle and son Michael. He passed peacefully in his home surrounded by loved ones which is what he deserved.
Doc knew no strangers and was known for his generosity, kind heart, and willingness to help anyone in need. His passion for hunting, fishing, collecting, traveling, and charity work is what people will most remember him for, but family was truly his driving force.
Doc was born in California to Marilyn (Bever) and William Strader. He is survived by his 2 children, Michelle (David) Knofflock of Wichita, Michael (Kimberli) Strader of Las Vegas, Grandchildren, Alec (McKenzie) Risser, Morgan Strader, Ashton (Anthony) Risser, Garrett Strader, Great-grandson Easton Risser (6). He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, DeMaris Strader.
Dr. Strader opened his Girard Dental practice on Monday August 5th, 1968. For the next 50 plus years, Doc provided dental services to folks in SEK through his Girard and Fort Scott practices, as well as opening the FSCC Dental Hygiene School in 2005. He continued to serve by providing dental screenings for the Army after he retired from his daily practices.
While family, dentistry, travel, sports (Go Royals), and collecting were his passions, Philanthropy was his mission in life. Amongst so many others, Doc co-founded the Kansas Mission of Mercy dental organization that traveled throughout Kansas, Missouri, and Wisconsin, providing free dental care to tens of thousands of children and people in desperate need. In addition, he set up numerous dental clinics in Central America to help villages who had never had options for dental services. Kansas Theta (Sigma Phi Epsilon Chapter) was founded by Doc in 1973 at Pittsburg State University. The Chapter continues to thrive under his leadership and guidance and will continue through the amazing support of the alumni association. His love for everyone he interacted with was felt by all.
The family is requesting in lieu of flowers, please send charitable donations to the Girard Food Bank, Kansas Theta Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon (give.sigep.org) at Pittsburg State University, or KMOM Dental Charitable Foundation (ks-dentalfoundation.org) This may be left at the funeral home or mailed to the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home, 518 W. St. John St., P.O. Box 258, Girard, Kansas 66743
Visitation will be held at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home, in Girard Sunday from 6-8:00 PM., where friends may call after 2:00 p.m., Sunday.
Funeral services for Ronald "Doc" Strader will be Monday at 10:30 AM at Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home followed by a graveside service, Girard Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to www.wallfuneralservices.com