Paul Charles Vondracek was born October 12, 1930 at the family home near Corwin, Kansas, one of four children born to James and Gladys (Sullivan) Vondracek.  He graduated from Hazelton High School in 1949.

In 1950, he received his draft notice from the United States Army to serve in the Korean War.  He chose to enlist in the United States Navy instead beginning active duty on July 14, 1951.  He completed boot camp at Long Beach Naval Base in San Diego, CA.  He served part of his time in Hawaii and nine months in Japan.  He was honorably discharged on July 5, 1955.

Paul returned home to his parents' farm near Hazelton, KS.  In 1956, he began electronic school in Kansas City.  After completing the 2 year program he went to work for the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) in Topeka, Kansas.  During this time he met a young nurse, Dona Carroll.

On October 24, 1959, Paul married Dona Carroll at St. John's Catholic Church in Kiowa, Kansas.  They made their home in Topeka, Kansas until 1962 when they moved to Anthony.  Together they raised six children:  Gregory, Stephen, James, Deanne, Darla, and Jeannie.

Paul continued working for the FAA at the site west of Anthony.  He also farmed and in 1982 he purchased and moved back to the family farm.  He retired from the FAA in 1985 after 27 years of service, but continued farming and raising cattle.

On June 14, 2008, Paul married Margaret Mary Foley at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Harper, Kansas.  Margaret passed away on January 17, 2011.

Paul was a devout Catholic and was a member of the Sacred Heart Church - St. Joan of Arc Parish.  He was active in the Knights of Columbus.  He also served on the rural water board.

Paul loved his family! He was a superior dad, always checking on his family making sure they all had what they needed and looked forward to seeing and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, dancing, playing cards, and a good game of checkers.  All the grandchildren knew grandpa had no mercy when it came to checkers -he played to win! A man of determination he taught all of his children and grandchildren how to drive, even if they were not ready to learn.  He will also be remembered by many as a comical prankster with a great sense of humor.

Paul's health began declining so in 2019 he moved into Attica Long Term Care.  Here he passed away on November 17, 2020 at the age of 90.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dona on June 5, 1992; his wife, Marge; his daughter, Deanne Potter; his siblings:  William "Bill" Vondracek, Robert "Bob" Vondracek, and Margaret Ann Holcomb; and his uncle, Paul Sullivan, whom he was named after.

Paul will be deeply missed by his children:  Gregory Vondracek, Stephen Vondracek, James Vondracek, Darla Smith and husband, Steve, and Jeannie Van Ness and husband, Randy; 12 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Recitation of Rosary will be held at 10:30 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial following at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 23, 2020 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Anthony, of the St. Joan of Arc Parish with Father Bob Pinninti as Celebrant.  Cremation will take place following the Mass and an inurnment will be held at a later date at the Riverview Cemetery in Kiowa, Kansas. We will attempt to live stream the Rosary and Mass on www.facebook.com/prairierosefuneralhomes. The services will also be uploaded to our website after the service.

Friends may view and register from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday at Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Anthony.

Memorials in memory of Paul may be made to Catholic Charities, the American Legion or the Lord's Diner and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003, is in charge of arrangements.