Ronald 'Ron' D. Proffitt, 72, passed away April 13, 2021, at Smoky Hill Rehabilitation Center, Salina.  He was born April 22, 1948, in Sterling, to Gilbert Arlos and Twila 'Jo' (Fleming) Proffitt.

Ron was a 1966 graduate of Sterling High School.  Following graduation, he served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1969.  Ron was a member of the Sterling American Legion Post #128, Sterling, and The Father's House Church, Hutchinson.

He was a model railroad train enthusiast.  Ron was a member of the Rio Grande Southern railroad group and enjoyed collecting model trains and showing them to friends and family.  His passion for being around model trains was only surpassed by the love for his family.  Ron had many titles in life, but his favorite was being a husband, a father, and especially a grandfather.

On December 14, 1969, he married Alicia Baker, in Sterling.  They shared over 51 years of marriage.

Ron is survived by:  wife, Alicia Proffitt of Lyons; children, Dawn (Zane) Zahradnik of Windom, and Wesley (Erin Cartwright-Harrison) Proffitt of Austin, TX; grandsons, Zander and Xavyer Zahradnik; and brother, Mike (Marion) Proffitt of California.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Roger Proffitt.

Cremation has taken place and a private memorial service will be held.  Military honors will be conducted by the Fort Riley Honor Guard.  Family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m. Monday, April 19, 2021, at the Sterling Community Cemetery Chapel, 522 E. Cleveland, Sterling.

The family would like to request that instead of sending flowers, that memorials be given to The Father's House Church, Hutchinson, or Samaritan's Purse, Boone, NC, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.