Don James Kallos

Don was born in Horton, KS, October 13th, 1934, to James and Chrisoula Kallos, the second of four kids. Affectionately referred to as “Tarzan” by his mother, for his active personality, he grew up in Horton and worked at the family restaurant, Jim’s Waffle Shop, and the Shoe Repair shop opened by his dad, James. He enjoyed many things growing up in a small town including the Horton Fairs and Carnivals and participating in the choirs and bands where he played the clarinet.

Following high school, Don attended the University of Kansas where he was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity and continued to play the clarinet in the KU Marching Band. After graduating, he began working for the Kansas Gas Service Company. His work with the gas company began in Horton where he worked for several years before moving to Pittsburg, Kansas to continue his work for the company which became known as Westar Energy. While in Pittsburg, Don also became involved with the local Sigma Chi Fraternity chapter, serving as chapter advisor. He eventually moved to Lawrence, Kansas where he lived for many years, attending damn near every home basketball and football game at KU. He went to many tournaments throughout the years, including several Final Fours and bowl games. After retiring from the gas service company, Don spent his time working at Dillon’s in Lawrence and volunteering as an usher at the KU Lied Center. He truly enjoyed his time with both Dillon’s and the Lied Center, meeting and getting to know all who came in contact with him. Don never knew a stranger.

Don not only traveled to sporting events for his beloved Jayhawks, but he also enjoyed rooting on and attending many Kansas City Chiefs and Royals games. In the 70s and 80s Don traveled to Greece and Italy to visit cousins, aunts, and uncles on both sides of the family. Family, his Greek heritage, and Orthodox faith were first and foremost in his life. He worked many hours at the Greek Festival at St. Dionysios, throughout the years, grilling shish ka bob and meeting and talking to many, always ending the conversation with, "see you in the funny papers!"

Don was preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law, Kay, brother-in-law, Michael, brother-in-law Ernie and cousins, Greg and Dorie, Tom and Olga. He leaves behind, to continue cheering on his Jayhawks, his siblings, Greg, Stella and Peggy; cousins Elaine and Stephanie; nephews, Jimmy K., Jim J. and John (Anna Marie); niece, Chrissy; great nieces and nephews, Stephanie (Levi), Sophie, Alex, Henry, Sam, Daphne, Zoe, Fiona and Katrina and newest great great niece, Lyla.

Don, Donnie, Uncle Don, and his great smile, will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Here’s to one final Rockchalk Jayhawk, Go KU!!

A visitation for Don will be held Friday, February 7, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Dionysios Greek Orthodox Church, 8100 W 95th St, Overland Park, KS 66212. A funeral service will occur Friday, February 7, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 8100 W 95th St, Overland Park, KS 66212. A committal service will occur Friday, February 7, 2025 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at Mount Moriah Cemetery, 10507 Holmes Rd, Kansas City, MO 64131.

Contributions in Don's memory may be made to St. Dionysios Greek Orthodox Church, 8100 W 95th St, Overland Park, KS 66212, https://stdionysios.org/giving.