Ronald D. Clater

Ronald Dale Clater, age 71, passed away Wednesday, January 29, 2025.

Ronald was born May 30, 1953, in Missouri to William Clater and Dorothy (Hamblen) Potter. Ronald married Kathleen Joann (Gilchrist) on November 3, 1973. She gave him the true meaning of joy. The couple was blessed with two children, William “Cory” and Angela, who in turn gave them five grandchildren.

Ronald was an Army Veteran of the Vietnam War. He worked for the City of Des Moines as a gravedigger for Glendale Cemetery for 20 years. He then went on to work for Leachman Lumber. Ronald was a Kansas City Chiefs fan and would have loved to see them win their fifth Super Bowl and make history with a three-peat. He also enjoyed fishing while drinking a beer and watching old westerns. But above all else, if you asked him what made him the happiest, he would tell you his wife and his family.

He is survived by his children, William “Cory” Clater (Katie) and Angela White (Jason); grandchildren, Matthew, Gavin, Breanna, Gillian, and Gage; siblings, Kenneth Clater, Billy (Cindy) Clater, Peggy (Larry) Huffmon, Jim Clater, and Nancy Wilson; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other extended family, and his circle of friends.

Ronald was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife of 38 years, Kathleen; sisters-in-law, Donna Clater and Gloria Clater; brother-in-law, Jim Wilson; and his parents, William Clater and Dorothy Potter.

There will a celebration of life on Friday, February 7, 2025, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m., at Jester Park Golf Course Club House, 11949 NW 118th Avenue, Granger, IA 50109. Military honors will be performed at 1:30 p.m. Ronald will be interred at Iowa Veterans Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the family.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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