On December 18, 1952 he married Myra W. Kleppe at Hiawatha, KS.

Don was raised in Falls City and graduated from Falls City High School in 1938. Don farmed and drove a semi for Falls City Meat Co. (Linscott & Wiedmeier) for three years. He later drove for Melvin Strecker. He went to work for Missouri Pacific Railroad February 14, 1946; he fired the last steam engine from Falls City to Kansas City, Harry Ryan, Engineer, Engine No. 1303. Don served as Secretary and Chairman for B.L.F.E. and U.T.U. for twenty-two years. Don retired February 28, 1984 from the railroad. He had booths of antiques and collectables at flea markets for twenty years. Don was employed for fifteen years for Clark Funeral Home and later for Dorr & Clark Funeral Home. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Falls City, member of Elks Lodge No. 963, Falls City. 

Don is survived by his wife, Myra of Falls City, sons, Greg and his wife Kelly of Lawrence, KS and Gary and his wife Kelly of Omaha, NE. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Richard.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at 10:00 AM at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home with Monsignor Robert A. Roh officiating. Interment will be in Steele Cemetery.