Donald Eugene Moran

Don Moran, 92, retired painter from Boeing Aircraft, passed away Saturday, January 17, 2015. Don was born August 4, 1922 in Wichita, KS to Adolph B. and Flora J. Moran. He was the youngest of ???? children who have all preceded him in death. Don was raised in Wichita and graduated from North High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in November of 1942 and served during W.W.II in the South Pacific as a cook and was Honorably Discharged in December of 1945. His first job he sold newspapers at the downtown Wichita Allis Hotel. Also, was caddie at the Wichita Country Club. Don loved to roller skate and he was floor manager at many local skating rinks such as South City, Skateland South and North and in the 60’s with Kiddieland which was located on East Harry where the Wichita Mall use to be. This passion of roller skating led to another passion for a young lady by the name of Patricia Bratt. Who he met in 1951 at a roller rink that was managed by his future father in law James Bratt. The year 1952 was a busy year for them, they bought their house and then got married on November 28, 1952. Pawnee Ave Church of God was two blocks from their house, so that is where they decided to get married. That day November 28, 1952 was one of, if not, the worst blizzard in Kansas history. The Wedding ceremony started an hour late. Pastor Charles Thomas was coming back from Newton, KS and was only able to get thorough because he showed the highway patrol his clergy card. 1952 Don started work at Boeing as a painter and retired 36years later. March 2, 1954 their daughter was born, Gail Lugene Moran. Then 2 years later their son Leslie Bruce Moran was born. Don had many passions in life he loved to roller skate, paint houses exterior and interior, golf, fishing, camping and most of all he loved scouting. He dedicated 50 + years of his life mentoring many young boys his son included. Don was a cook in the Army and that carried over into his life. The first meal a breakfast, Pat cooked for him was not to his liking and from that point on he did all the cooking and grocery shopping. This same passion for cooking has carried over to his grandson Kevin Johnson. He is a hugh fan of many western tv shows. Gail and Bruce knew Sunday nights as Bonanza night and this passion is also shared by his son Bruce to this day. The family loved to take many short car trips around Kansas, camping and fishing. Don of course doing all the cooking and his campfire cooking was the best. They recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary, where Keith and Gail took them to Branson for 4 days. One of the most significant trips was when Don got accepted to go on the Kansas Honor flight for WWII veterans. His son in law Keith went as his guardian, who himself is a Vietnam veteran. This however was very special for Don because it was a 3 generation trip, his grandson Kevin met them in DC. Don was faithful to his church and God. He will be remember by his caring smile and his willingness to support and help wherever needed. Family wished to thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 20th from 6-8 p.m. at Resthaven Mortuary and Funeral Services will be held 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 21st at Pawnee Ave Church of God.

Survivors include his wife, Pat; children and their spouses, Gail and Keith Johnson, Bruce Moran and Claudette Brown; grandson, Kevin S Johnson; many nieces & nephews and friends.