- Date Of Birth: October 5, 1935
- Date Of Death: April 18, 2015
- State: Illinois
Paul D. Ritter, 79 of Centralia, passed away, Saturday, April 18, 2015 at Good Samaritan Regional Health Center in Mt. Vernon surrounded by his wife and children. Mr. Ritter was born October 5, 1935 in Seminole, Oklahoma, son of Bayles Arkley Ritter and Elsie Kathryn (James) Ritter.
He married JaNean West on March 8 1959 and they later divorced and she preceded him in death on April 23, 2010. He then married Darleen Dorries on October 6, 1984 in Breese and she survives in Centralia. In addition to his wife of 30 years, he is also survived by a son, Brad Ritter of Ozark, MO; three daughters: Shel Lee Haik and husband Bryan of Springfield, MO, Wendy Sparrow and husband James of Nixa, MO and Misty Booyens and husband Matt of Springfield, MO; a step-son, Tommy Dein of Aviston; a step-daughter: Shelly Ray and husband Joe of Centralia; nine grandchildren: Jonathan Ritter and wife Collette of Springfield, MO, Nathan Ritter and husband Britini of Nixa, MO, Spencer Haik of New York City, NY, Autumn Haik of Springfield, MO, Tessa Haik of Springfield, MO, ChanTell Barrington and husband Jerry of Springfield, MO, Joshua Dearing of Springfield, MO, Abigale Francios of Ozark, MO and Mason Brown of Nixa, MO; a step-granddaughter, Emmalee Ray of Centralia; seven great-grandchildren: Maliee, Jailynn, Brayden, Ashlyn, Jayden, Pyper, Lucy and a great-granddaughter on the way; four brothers: James Ritter and wife Bonnie of Hoffman, Jerry Ritter and wife Ruth Ann of Texas, Ron Ritter of Texas, and David Ritter and wife Sharon of Oklahoma; a sister, Betty Evans of Junction City; several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Tom Ritter. Paul graduated from Centralia High School and then attended Oklahoma University. He then served in the U.S. Army. Mr. Ritter worked in the oil fields and Burlington Northern Railroad. He also served as a Police Officer in Centralia for 35 years and retired 2000 and then went to serve as a Security Guard at the Clinton County Courthouse until 2012. Paul enjoyed classic cars,watching sports, an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, and an avid OU Football fan. Most of all he loved spending time with his family,friends,and four legged companions.
