Ronald D. Innes

The Honorable Ronald D. Innes, age 85, of Wichita, passed peacefully on April 12, 2021.

 Born in Phillipsburg, Kansas to Dr.Guy Innes and Carolyn (Unland) Innes, he was the third of five children.

 He served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956, followed by the Army Reserves. After graduating from Kansas State University and Washburn Law School with a Juris Doctorate, he served as an FBI Agent from 1963 to 1967. In 1968 and again in 1970, he won election as Riley County Attorney. In 1971, Governor Robert Docking appointed him to serve as a District Court Judge of the 21st judicial district, where he later became the Administrative Judge, a position he held until he retired in 1982. During his tenure on the bench he also served on many distinguished Judicial Committees.

 Ron also enjoyed his fourteen years of teaching Business Law at Kansas State University. It was not uncommon for a former student to approach him and remind him, “Judge, I took your class and it has really helped with...”

 He would later return to the bench as a Senior District Court Judge of Kansas for twelve years, traveling to various regions of the state to hear cases.

 In 1980 he met Debbie (Turkington), the woman who would become his best friend, constant companion, and fellow adventurer. On November 19, 1988, he married the love of his life, and he and Debbie enjoyed over 32 years of marriage with their joined families.

 After stepping down from the bench Ron worked on his ranch, joined private legal practice, participated in Senior rodeos, fly fished with his sons, remodeled homes, and enjoyed time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

 When asked which of his “nine lives” he enjoyed most, he said, “remodeling houses.” He worked with his hands; he often worked with his kids; he created spaces filled with beauty and legacy. No one that worked with him can look around their home and not see him, whether it is in the color of a wall, the construction of a bannister, or the placement of a wall hanging . Ron was a true “renaissance man” - a man with many talents and areas of knowledge. Shall we live a life so well-lived.

 He is preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Carolyn. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Debbie; his children Kip, Meg (Scott), Kelly, Kim (Shelly), and Kerry (Ronnie); his nine grandchildren, Shailey; Reegan, Connor, Andrew, Ashley, Abby, J.R., Noelle and Hayley as well as four great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews; siblings Doug (Betty), Von (Lois), Sue, and Rod (Mary).

 On April 29, 2021, the family will receive visitors at 10:00a.m. at Brenner’s Mortuary in Pittsburg, Kansas, followed by services at 11:00a.m. Internment will be at the Ft. Scott National Cemetery at 1:30p.m. with graveside military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be made to the American Heart Association or Phoenix Hospice of Wichita, Kansas, and can be left at Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS 66762.  Friends may leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com.  Arrangements are under the direction of Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg, KS.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ronald D. Innes, please visit our floral store.