Donald Mark Church

Don graduated from University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Masters of Business Administration. He married his college sweetheart, Fran, on the day they both graduated from MU. He was a gymnast, MU Cheerleader and avid sports fan.

Don was a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Air Force during World War II, serving as a Navigator, Flight Engineer and Instructor. He worked in the defense industry at Bendix / Allied Signal / Honeywell for 37 years.

His hobbies included writing poems and songs, and speaking to various civic groups and social clubs. He began writing poetry at the age of 10 and eventually wrote over 6,000 poems and published 10 books. His poems often appeared in magazines and newspapers, both locally and nationally. He was voted Best Local Poet by "The Squire". His Eagle Scout poem, first written for his oldest son's Eagle ceremony in 1968, has appeared in hundreds of Eagle Scout programs and continues to be part of Eagle Scout ceremonies today. He had over 400 poems memorized, varying the poems he recited in his speeches to cater to his audience's interests.

Don was a long time member of Asbury United Methodist Church, Mensa, and the Bendix Management Club (past President). He served for many years on the Prairie Village Arts Council and the Board of Zoning Appeals.

He loved to travel and was also a constant supporter and attendee of his children's many activities and events.

He is survived by Fran, his wife of 66 years, two sons, Gary (Kathryn) Church and Steve (Jennifer) Church, a daughter, Karen (Chris) Prater, three grandchildren, extended family and many friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Asbury United Methodist Church (Prairie Village), KidsTLC (Olathe, KS) and/or Salvation Army (of KS & Western MO).

Visitation at 9:00 a.m. and Memorial Service at 10:00 a.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church at 75th & Nall, Prairie Village, KS, on Saturday, January 2, 2016.