Donald L. Elliott

DONALD L. ELLIOTT Donald "Don" Elliott's life began on December 23, 1935, in Cottonwood Falls, KS; the son of Byron and Grethel (Nicholas) Elliott. Don went to college and graduated from Emporia State University with a Bachelor of Science. He proudly served in the United States Army, visiting many countries overseas, to name a few, such as Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy, and Spain. After serving his enlisted time, He received an honorable discharge. Don was united in marriage to Lennie Owen on May 28, 1961, in Hamilton, KS. Don taught school for about 5-6 years in Kechi and Milford, KS, then, due to his love of the outdoors, he worked as a heavy equipment operator. He worked for the City of Wichita, Diamond Engineering, Knebler Construction, and Banks Construction before retiring. Not liking retirement, he went back to work for Walnut Valley Township for another 10 years. Then, he retired again. He and his wife, Lennie, traveled on a couple of cruises and visited numerous states in the US. He was of Christian faith and a member of New Spring Church in E. Wichita. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoyed gardening, fishing, and even hunting in earlier days. He also loved spending time with his family. Don was a meat-and-potatoes kind of man, enjoying home-cooked meals rather than fast food. Doing the simple things in life was where Don was most comfortable. He was honest and true blue, loved hard work and seeing the fruits of his labor. In his retirement, Don enjoyed tending to an orchard he had started on his son's farm. His family includes his children Dawna (Bart) Gillespie, Stephanie (Terry) Gannon, Randal (Terri) Elliott; grandchildren Aubriawna (Will) Kaba, Amberel Macdermant, Regan Gillespie, Joshua (Makenzie) Lauber, Jennifer (Alex) Parkhurst, Clayton Elliott, Hayden Elliott, Ashton Elliott, Reece Bourisaw; great grandchildren Kye Davenport, Dax Macdermant, Sadie Ratto, Sawyer Ratto, Wren Lauber as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins. Don passed away on October 8, 2025, in Wichita, KS. He is preceded in death by his wife, Lennie; his parents, Byron and Grethel Elliott; and siblings Darrell Elliott, Larry Elliott, Gabe Elliott, and Yvonne "Sis" Nordmeyer. A Viewing for friends and family is scheduled with the family from 6-8 pm on Friday, October 17, at Carlson Colonial Funeral Home in El Dorado. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 18, at 10 am at Carlson Colonial Funeral Home. Don will be laid to rest at Walnut Valley Memorial Park with military honors. Memorials in his name may be directed to the El Dorado Senior Center. Please sign his online guestbook and leave a memory of Don at www.carlsonkirbymorris.com