Payne Harry "Darb" Ratner age 92, died Feb. 11, 2017. Born in Parsons, in 1924, Darb was the eldest son of two-term Kansas governor Payne Ratner and Cliffe Dodd, and the older brother of Cliff “Teno” Ratner (deceased) and JuRie Reiserer Cole of Wichita. After graduating from Topeka High School, Ratner entered the University of Kansas, where he earned a degree in business administration. He spent a year at the Wharton School of Business, before returning to KU and earning a degree in law. His education was interrupted briefly by his service in the Second World War. In 1942, Ratner attended the United States Navy Reserve Midshipmen’s School at Notre Dame and served during the conflict as an officer at sea on the USS Pontiac, USS Midland and USS Storm King. In 1950, Ratner joined the firm of Ratner, McClellan, Pirtle & Mattox, in Wichita, where he forged a career as a successful trial attorney for more than 50 years, during which time he handled a number of high-profile cases in Kansas and across the greater Midwest. Ratner served three terms in the Kansas House of Representatives, and was active in Kansas Republican Party politics for much of his professional life. Despite being a Navy man, Ratner’s first devotion was to the air. He was an active pilot for most of his life, and handled numerous aviation cases for the family’s firm. As a longtime member of the Flying Fezzes of Midian Shrine, Ratner often flew injured children for treatment at Shriner Hospital Burn Institutes across the country.A recipient of countless professional and civic awards, Ratner was also a member of Beta Theta Pi and Phi Delta Phi fraternities, the American College of Trial Lawyers, the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, Scribes, a founding member of the Kansas chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates, the Wichita Lawyers Club and a member of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce. Ratner was preceded in death by his beloved wife Barbara (Urquhart). He was the devoted father of Payne Ratner III, Cherie (Steve Gick) Ratner, Carl Ratner and Holly Nobile. He leaves behind 6 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Darb was loved for many things, but it was his ability to find the humor in even the most difficult moments that drew people to him. Laughter filled his days and lightened the lives of everyone he knew and loved. Darb was an active member of St. James Episcopal Church, in Wichita, and, in later years, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, in Bonita Springs, Fla., where a memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials should be sent to Kindred Hospice, 2622 W. Central, Ste. #501, Wichita, KS 67203.

Payne Harry "Darb" Ratner age 92, died Feb. 11, 2017. Born in Parsons, in 1924, Darb was the eldest son of two-term Kansas governor Payne Ratner and Cliffe Dodd, and the older brother of Cliff “Teno” Ratner (deceased) and JuRie Reiserer Cole of Wichita. After graduating from Topeka High School, Ratner entered the University of Kansas, where he earned a degree in business administration. He spent a year at the Wharton School of Business, before returning to KU and earning a degree in law. His education was interrupted briefly by his service in the Second World War. In 1942, Ratner attended the United States Navy Reserve Midshipmen’s School at Notre Dame and served during the conflict as an officer at sea on the USS Pontiac, USS Midland and USS Storm King. In 1950, Ratner joined the firm of Ratner, McClellan, Pirtle & Mattox, in Wichita, where he forged a career as a successful trial attorney for more than 50 years, during which time he handled a number of high-profile cases in Kansas and across the greater Midwest. Ratner served three terms in the Kansas House of Representatives, and was active in Kansas Republican Party politics for much of his professional life. Despite being a Navy man, Ratner’s first devotion was to the air. He was an active pilot for most of his life, and handled numerous aviation cases for the family’s firm. As a longtime member of the Flying Fezzes of Midian Shrine, Ratner often flew injured children for treatment at Shriner Hospital Burn Institutes across the country.A recipient of countless professional and civic awards, Ratner was also a member of Beta Theta Pi and Phi Delta Phi fraternities, the American College of Trial Lawyers, the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, Scribes, a founding member of the Kansas chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates, the Wichita Lawyers Club and a member of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce. Ratner was preceded in death by his beloved wife Barbara (Urquhart). He was the devoted father of Payne Ratner III, Cherie (Steve Gick) Ratner, Carl Ratner and Holly Nobile. He leaves behind 6 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Darb was loved for many things, but it was his ability to find the humor in even the most difficult moments that drew people to him. Laughter filled his days and lightened the lives of everyone he knew and loved. Darb was an active member of St. James Episcopal Church, in Wichita, and, in later years, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, in Bonita Springs, Fla., where a memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials should be sent to Kindred Hospice, 2622 W. Central, Ste. #501, Wichita, KS 67203.