Donald William Newbanks

Donald “Don” William Newbanks, 95, of Olathe, Kansas, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, June 7, 2025. He will forever be loved and remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and a friend who helped others.

Don was born on July 7, 1929 in Kansas City, Missouri to Haley and Minnie (George) Newbanks. He attended and graduated from Olathe High School in 1947.

Don married the love of his life, Barbara Kurtz on November 5, 1948. Donald’s family was very important to him. He loved to hold the babies and always seem to put them to sleep. He was Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 85, in which, the boys nicknamed him “the white hunter”. He loved hunting, fishing, camping, and being outdoors. Taking the grandchildren on 4-wheeler rides was a joy for everyone. Don was an active member of the Noon Optimist Club and served in the position of President. For many years one of Don’s greatest pleasures was serving on the Olathe Police Advisory Board. Don enjoyed the Royals. Going to many Spring Training Camps and attending the Royals 1985 World Series win. He was always ready to tell a story especially about cars, travels, grandchildren, dogs, hunting, and just adventures.

Don worked at various occupations throughout the years: Soil and Water Conservation, Bendix, General Motors, and Dale’s Body Shop. He opened his own auto body business, Don’s Body Shop, in 1981. He enjoyed working on different cars, meeting interesting people, and was always thankful that customers trusted him with their cars.

Don was a strong committed Christian. As a member of the First Baptist Church of Olathe for over 70 years he held many offices and served on many committees.

Preceded in death was his wife of 74 years, Barbara Newbanks, a son, Kenneth Newbanks, his parents, Haley and Minnie Newbanks Sr, a brother, Haley Newbanks Jr, and a sister, Kathryn Hauk.

Survivors include two sons, Larry Newbanks of Olathe, KS and Gerald (Sheila) Newbanks of Gardner, Kansas, and three daughters, Patricia (Jon) Robison, Charlene Newbanks, Brenda (Terry) Vaughn all of Olathe, Kansas. Thirteen grandchildren and twenty-five great grandchildren. He will be missed by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Donald’s funeral will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025 at the First Baptist Church of Olathe, 2024 E. 151st Street, Olathe, Kansas, 66062, at 10:30 A.M. Visitation will be held starting at 9:00 A.M. at the church before the service. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to The First Baptist Church of Olathe or Cedar Lake Village, 15325 S. Lone Elm Rd, Olathe, Kansas 66061.

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