Posted on 12/11/2017
Richard Yates Scott (April 26, 1923 - December 8, 2017)
Captain Richard Yates Scott died at his home at Parkwood Village on December 8, 2017 in Pratt, Kansas. He was 94 years old. Richard was born in Pratt, KS on April 26, 1923 to Delmont Scott and Julia Klose Scott. He attended Pratt Junior College prior to receiving a congressional appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. He graduated on June 6, 1945 as a member of the 4th company.
He married his high school sweetheart, Melba Norby, in the First Christian Church in Pratt, Kansas on December 23, 1945.
During the course of his 30 year career he commanded five ships and Destroyer Squadron 17. He attended the Naval War College in 1954-55, the Industrial College of the Armed forces in 1966-67 and also earned a MS degree from George Washington University.
Richard was awarded the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star with a V for Valor, a gold star in lieu of a second award and the Navy Unit Commendation, Viet Nam Service.
His most rewarding shore duty was as Director, Office of Micronesian Status Negotiations (OMSN). OMSN supported the President’s Personal Representative in negotiations with the Congress of Micronesia on the future form of government for the Districts on Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. On February 15, 1975, the Northern Marianas District chose to become a Commonwealth of the United States and President Ford approved this action.
Upon retirement, he worked with the Department of Interior, Office of Territorial Affairs for two years and the six years with a consulting company. In 1986 he and Melba returned to their hometown of Pratt, Kansas to help care for their mothers. During that time they built a cabin in Cuchara, Colorado on the banks of the Cucharas River with the help of their children. Their cabin has been the source of enjoyment for the entire family.
Richard was active in the Presbytery of Southern Kansas, volunteering at the Pratt Regional Hospital, the Pratt Historical Museum, tutored adults and children in reading, and cofounded the Pratt High School Alumni Association to give scholarships to graduates.
He is survived by six children, Andrew (Miriam), of Bend, OR, Janene Orem (Terry), of Preston, KS, Jo Allyn (Harry) of Cuchara, CO, Timothy (Karen) of Sterling, VA, Jonathan DeVier-Scott (Mary) of Harrisonburg, VA, Daniel (Maureen) of Kansas City, MO; 14 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, December 12, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family present from 5-8 p.m., at Larrison Mortuary, 300 Country Club Rd., Pratt, KS 67124. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at 1:00 p.m., at the Pratt Presbyterian Church with Reverend Stephen Wing presiding. Burial with military honors will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery, Pratt, KS.
Memorials may be made to the PRMC Auxiliary or the Pratt Presbyterian Church in care of the mortuary. Online condolences may be made at www.larrisonmortuary.com.
Larrison Mortuary
300 Country Club Rd
Pratt, KS 67124
Telephone: (620) 672-6436
Fax: (620) 672-1901
Toll Free Phone: (888) 306-5344
Email: info@larrisonmortuary.com
Website: http://www.larrisonmortuary.com
http://www.larrisonmortuary.com/obituaries/Richard-Scott-17/#!/Obituary