Donald Jack Orton

Major (USAF Ret.) Donald Jack Orton, 79, of Prairie Village, KS, went to heaven on August 31, 2012. He passed away at Menorah Medical Center. A Memorial Service for Don will be 11 AM, Saturday, September 8 at St. Michael and All Angels Church, 6630 Nall Avenue, Mission, KS. Cremation. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Asera Care Hospice, 11020 NW Ambassador Drive, KCMO; to Ronald McDonald House, 2502 Cherry St., KCMO, 64108; or to the church.

Don was born August 4, 1933, in Sioux City, Iowa. He graduated from Wyandotte High School in 1951, then earned his Master’s Degree from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA. He retired from the United States Air Force as a Major, where he was a pilot during the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War. He was the Past President of the Lion’s Club. Don was a devoted member of the Masonic organization. He joined Parkland-Lakewood Lodge in Tacoma, then when he moved to Prairie Village became a dual member of the Roger E. Sherman Lodge in Kansas City, KS. He was a member of the Northeast Kansas Scottish Rite, and was a 32nd Scottish Rite Mason. He was awarded the honor of being a Knight Commander of the Court of Honour, and was a member of the Royal Order of Scotland.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marilyn, and a son, Kenneth. Don is survived by his wife Patricia “Patty” Erickson Orton of the home; his son, Scott Orton of Puyallup, WA; sister Betty Orton (Ed) Campbell of Virginia Beach, VA; brother Rodney (Clara) Orton of Tulsa, OK; step-son Brian Bruce of Prairie Village, KS; step-grandchildren: Justin (Katie) Zeh, Krystal (Ben) Slenker, Ashley Vaughn; and step-great grandchildren: Harper and Logan Zeh.

Don loved life, and enjoyed being with his family and many friends. He was very active in many projects, and loved them all. He was a fun man to be with and will be missed by many.