Donald was stern but had a good heart. I don’t remember a lot from when I was younger, but seeing him in old family videos, he seemed down to earth, funny, and sarcastic. He used to call me little, Waneta, because I look so much like my mom. As time went by and we all got older, I noticed he was still the same person he was in those old videos. He was funny, outgoing, sarcastic, and down to earth. He never once down graded me or belittled me regardless of choices I made or things that happened in my life. He would give me hope that everything will get better, regardless of the outcome. He was nonjudgmental towards me and my family. I loved everything about him. His memory will live on in our hearts and through our memories. Rest in Heaven, Uncle, until we meet again!
 
Love Always Your Niece,
Jessica Hardin

I will always remember this way together forever . It was a great day . He will always be in my mind and heart always and forever . Till we are together again . I love you and I will miss you . Your sister Debbie .

I was luckily enough to work with Don at the NRC for several years. He was always available for help in any matter when asked. And it was a joy working with him. He always had a smile and a good  morning for everyone. And he always lit up when asked about his family. Condolences to Shelly and the rest of Don's family. He's with the angels and will be missed.

Sorry to hear about your husband Shelly you're in our prayers 🙏 
David and Diane Borchers

Don and Shelly and Greg and I shared many memories together.  We played cards many Friday and Saturday nights.  After we all retired we played cards whenever we had an evening there was nothing else going on, that is where we learned how competitive Don really was!  Winning was a priority, as was skipping Greg every chance he got!

Don loved to travel and he was a fantastic person to travel with.  We would decide where we were going and he would research everything and I really do mean everything.  The four of us went on several cruises together and many “long car rides” to different vacation spots.  He always planned out the best things for us to do and the best places to eat.  He really should have been a travel agent!

One thing I know for sure is Don loved Shelly and he was going to protect her no matter what.  I remember sometimes thinking he was too controlling but I later came to believe he truly was just wanting the very best for her and loved her so much it was hard for him to see any other way than his way.

Don is a good man and a good friend.  Heaven got a good guy and a great travel planner.  We will miss our friend.  We will play cards again in Heaven.

I am really saddened to hear about Don’s passing. I worked with Don at the NRC as a contractor. I remember Don as being so very kind and respectful to everyone he met. Always had a smile on his face and always said hello or good morning to you. He will be greatly missed by everyone. My heart and prayers go out to Shelly and the family   May Don rest in peace with his Heavenly Father. 
Nancy B

I will forever wish I had known Donald for a much longer time than I was able to. I first met him through my partner, Alicia. She spoke so highly of her father, told me everything he did to raise her, all the sacrifices he made to be there for his daughter. 

I was nervous to meet him, a no-nonsense military man that cared for his family more than anything else. I was so happy when we finally met and he instantly embraced me as a member of his family. 

I hoped we would get to spend more time together, I hoped he would be there for Alicia and I when we married, but life sometimes has other plans. 

From what I know, Donald lived a full life and I find myself inspired to push for the same thing, he loved his daughter Alicia and always wanted the best for her, which is something I'll do - he doesn't need to worry about that.

I look forward to seeing Donald again in a far greater place than this. Rest in peace, Donald - the world is a darker place in your absence.

My heartfelt condolences go out to Don’s family during this difficult time. I know he fought hard and never gave up. I was deeply saddened to learn of his passing last week.

I had the privilege of working with Don at the National Benefits Center in Overland Park, Kansas, and Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Although Don was about 25 years older than me, we bonded quickly as fellow retired Air Force Senior NCOs and passionate fans of the Chiefs and Royals. We attended games together often, and our conversations always centered around our teams.

After I moved to Texas in 2018—just before the Chiefs’ Super Bowl wins—Don and I stayed in touch. We texted regularly, and Don and Shelly were always thoughtful, sending us Red Friday Chiefs flags, newspaper clippings after championships, and holiday cards throughout the years.

Don loved his family deeply. He often spoke about his children and was always excited to spend time with them. I can only imagine what a wonderful father he must have been. He was a great friend and an outstanding mentor to me as my career progressed with USCIS. I will truly miss our sports discussions, but most of all, I will miss his friendship.

My dad was the kind of person who made people feel welcome without even realizing he was doing it.

He treated people with kindness because that was simply who he was. I learned so much just by watching him. The way he spoke to people. The way he showed patience and respect, even in small everyday moments. He taught me that strength and kindness could exist together.

Some of my favorite memories with him are the simple ones. Sunday movies. Blockbuster Mondays. The little routines that became lifelong memories without either of us knowing it at the time.

When I was young and scared during my adoption hearing, he held me in his lap and told the judge, “We can handle her.” And he did. He chose me every single day after that.

Even after I moved out, he would still call me and jokingly ask where I was because he needed help carrying in the groceries. I never realized how much those moments would mean to me until now.

He shaped the person I became. The way I love people. The way I try to treat others fairly. The way I keep going when life gets hard.

Before he passed, one thing he made sure I knew was that no matter what regrets he had in life, he never regretted being my dad.

I will carry that with me forever.

There’s one thing everyone who knew my father could agree on: somehow, he was always right.

He had a way of seeing things clearly, guiding people with wisdom, patience, and honesty even when we didn’t always want to hear it at the time. So now, I like to think he’s up in heaven doing the same thing he always did here helping others, guiding lost souls, and probably keeping the angels in line too.

And if I’m lucky, maybe he’s still guiding me from up there the same way he always has.

I love you and I'll always miss you, Dad.

- Your Allie Cat (Alicia) -

I met Don while working at the NRC years ago and have enjoyed his friendship over the years.  He will be missed!!  Prayers to his family and friends during this difficult time. I’m praying for peace and understanding.  RIP Don!! 🙏🏼♥️

Crystal B.

I worked with Don for many years. He was a colleague and more importantly a friend.  Something I will always remember about Don is he rarely took notes in meetings, but he never forgot what needed to be done.  I was truly sorry to hear about his passing.

You will be missed Dad.  Thank you for all the great memories and adventures we took. Love you always.

Grandmas Favorite. It’s a family thing.

Aunt Juanita and dad cruising the streets of KC.

I worked with Don on and off over the years.  I appreciated how he openly shared his knowledge and sense of humor.  I was glad to see him finally retire and enjoy his retirement.   Sad to hear about his passing.  Condolences to his family.   Cindy B

I know I wasn’t around much but when I was you were always welcoming! Your sense of humor will always be remembered by, and for that I am grateful to have had an uncle like you. Fly high uncle!

You are the best of the best that ever could be and your love will be locked in my heart for ever and you will never be forgotten so spread your wings and fly high and rip till we meet again you sis waneta.

no need to cry brother you will get some cake  - you will be missed but never forgotten - rip brother

you always gave good advice and tryed  to keep the family together - love you brother  -  rip

You will be missed but never forgotten you will always be in my heart rip brother till we meet again.

OBITUARY

Donald Lee Ashworth

May 6, 1958 – May 20, 2026

Newcomer’s Noland Road Chapel

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