Donald McKenzie

Don spent his early years in NW Arkansas, with the family moving to Medicine Lodge, Kansas while he was in Junior High. He learned love for big equipment while working after school for Humphrey Implement Company (the world’s largest combine dealer at the time).

In 1953, Don met and fell in love with a waitress in Kiowa. Wanda Chew and Don McKenzie were married that same year in Anthony Kansas.

The couple moved to Wichita in the mid-1950’s. Until his mid-sixties, Don had a very long career working as the Operations Manager for Miles Sand Company. Upon the sale of the company, Don embarked on a second career with Pearson Construction. He worked full-time for Pearson up to the young age of 86.

His grandchildren considered him a thrill seeker. In the 1960’s, he was a regional champion on the NHRA drag racing circuit and a local favorite known as “Straight-8 McKenzie” with his thundering Buick. The boys have memories of shelves full of trophies around the garage.

Don loved to mountain climb, do long trail hikes, and fish. He never got rattled by the bear and moose encounters in these adventures and he never passed up a chance to race go-karts. Travels were to every corner of the US as well as Canada and he loved to play cards. Almost no adventure was too much for Don, all the way up to his mid-eighties.

He is preceded in death by wife of 72 years, Wanda and granddaughter, Crystal McKenzie and is survived by sons, Dan (Betty) McKenzie and Jerry (Karen) McKenzie, both of Wichita Kansas; as well as two granddaughters, Desirae (Brandon) Moreno of Wichita and Valerie (Bill) Schmitt; and three great- grandchildren, Kya, Lochlan & Adelaide.

A Memorial Service will be held on June 2, 2025 at 3:30pm at Resthaven Mortuary, followed by a committal service in the Garden of Freedom, Lot 26C, where he was laid to rest next to his wife, Wanda, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, Kansas 67209.

A “Celebration of Life” event will be held after the ceremony (directions will be provided).

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to “The McKenzie Family Memorial” at the Alzheimer's Association (also online option).