Don D. Tatro

Don D. Tatro, 93, of McPherson, KS and formerly of Hutchinson, KS, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 30, 2023, at The Cedars, McPherson. 

Don was born on April 10, 1929, in Cherokee, OK, the son of LeRoy “Lee” Ottowa Tatro and Dora Edith (Hale) Tatro.    He attended Washington Grade School and graduated from Alva High School in Alva, OK.  On June 6, 1948, Don was united in marriage to Cleta E. Richardson in Alva, OK. 

Don was a United States Army Veteran, serving during the Korean War from 1949 to 1952.  He served in the 45^th Infantry Division and was honorably discharged at the rank of corporal.

While living in Oklahoma, Don worked for Shalloup Packing Company for five years and Carmen Locker & Ice Plant for three years.  While living in Pratt, KS, Don worked for Cudahy Packing Company in sales and management for 20 years. In 1980, he and Cleta purchased the Zip Trip Convenience Store until 1987 and sold to the Bridgman Oil Company.  In 1988, they purchased a liquor store, known as Tatro Liquor, in Pratt.  They sold the store in 1994, retired, and moved back to Hutchinson, KS. 

Don enjoyed bowling, golf, old cars, hunting with his four sons and brother, Robert “Bob”, who passed away in 2003.

Survivors include his loving wife of 74 years, Cleta; four sons, Thomas Tatro and wife, Marla, of Broken Arrow, OK, Terry Tatro and wife, Pat, of Issaquah, WA, Bob Tatro and wife, Becky, of McPherson, KS, and Gary Tatro and wife, Jo, of Cheney, KS; ten grandchildren, Ethan Tatro, Anna Tatro, Tammi Kirkpatrick, Kyle Tatro, Meghann Sterling, Chelsea Thul, Audrey Reese, Jessica Gillette, Zac Tatro, and Breanna Tatro; two step-granddaughters, Monica and Morgan; 22 great-grandchildren; and many extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother and sister-in-law, Robert “Bob” and Bonnie Tatro.

No services will be held at this time.

Arrangements are with Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.