Donald Lee “Don” Pedigo, 74, passed away March 13, 2023, at the University of Kansas Health System, Great Bend Campus. He was born on August 11, 1948, in Great Bend, to Howard S. “Coonie” and Melba Jean (Warrenburg) Pedigo. He married Kathy Schwartz on January 16, 1971, in Great Bend.
A lifetime Great Bend resident, Don was most recently an electrician for Doonan Specialized Trailer, retiring in 2010. He had previously worked for Guthrie Trailer, hauled fuel for Jayhawk, was a lineman for REA, and was a dozer operator for his father’s business, Pedigo Dozer Service. Being a racing enthusiast, Don previously operated the Golden Belt Raceway in Great Bend, and served as a track official, flag man and inspector, for many area racetracks. He was a veteran of the United States Army, being stationed in Germany during the Vietnam Era, and obtaining the rank of Sergeant.
Survivors include, his wife, Kathy of the home; a son, Brian Pedigo and his wife Carie of Great Bend; two daughters, Michelle Pedigo (Mitchel Burkes) and Janell Pedigo; a brother in law, Randy Smith of Great Bend; and five grandchildren, Phane Pedigo, Accacia Pedigo, Nevaeh Pedigo, Remmi Burkes and Rowley Burkes. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Gary Pedigo; two sisters, Sandra Smith and Kandis Pedigo; and a nephew, David Smith.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, March 17, 2023, with family to receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 18, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Pastor Troy Miller presiding. Interment will be in Great Bend Cemetery, with Military Rites conducted by the Fort Riley Honor Guard.
Memorials have been designated to the American Diabetes Association, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.