Frank Ritchal

(From Carson-Wall Funeral Home)

Frank T. Ritchal, 62, of McCune, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 10:11 p.m., Thursday, November 15, 2018 at the Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.

Frank was born on July 21, 1956 at Wichita to Joe Max and Helen Ann (Strobel) Ritchal. He grew up at Wichita, Mulvane and McCune and attended schools there. He graduated from McCune High School in 1975. Frank attended Coffeyville Community College where he graduated with an associates degree and he also attended Pittsburg State University.

Frank went to work for the Katy Railroad where he worked in railroad track maintenance and track construction departments. He worked for the Katy and the Union Pacific railroads for over 30 years until his retirement. Through his employment in track construction he was affectionately known as the “Track Rat”.

Frank loved his work during his career at the railroad. He also enjoyed being with family, woodworking, and going out to eat and trying out new restaurants. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Mirza Shriners. Most importantly he was a born again Christian who accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.

He and Elaine (Hensley) Zulauf were married on February 14, 1995 at Miami, Oklahoma. She survives of the home.

In addition to his wife he is survived by a grandson, who he helped raise, Kaile Snyder-Combs; four step-children; his nephews, Joe Carl Ritchal, Aaron Ritchal, Anthony Ritchal, and Jon Jackson; his niece, Natalie Ritchal; his brother Owen Ritchal, of McCune; and his sister, Thresa Wilson of Water Valley, KY. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Floyd “Red” Ritchal.

Frank has bequeathed his body to the University of Kansas Willed Body Program at the KU Medical Center in Kansas City, KS. Memorial services will be held at a later date at the Cherokee Holiness Church in Cherokee, KS. Burial will also be held at a later date at Versailles, Missouri. Memorials are suggested to the family to assist with medical expenses and these may be left at or mailed to the Carson-Wall Funeral Home 112 N. 26th St., P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357. Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.

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