Donald Eugene “Don” Deines, born February 11, 1930, in Hays, Kansas, son of Palmer E. and Caroline (Massier) Deines, departed this life on May 25, 2021, at Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital Long Term Care, in WaKeeney, Kansas at the age of 91.
Donald was baptized February 23, 1930 at Christ Lutheran Church, Ellis, Kansas, and was confirmed into the membership of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in WaKeeney on February 3, 1952, where he has been an active member. Donald served on the church council for 6 years and was a sponsor for the Senior High Youth Group at the church for 4 years. Donald attended rural Trego Elementary schools and was a 1949 graduate of the Trego Community High School, participating in all sports during his high school years.
On April 14, 1953, Donald was united in marriage to Helen Caroline Zachman at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ellis. They made their home on the farm 1 ½ miles southeast of WaKeeney. To this union one son, Dean Alan, was born.
Donald was a farmer and stockman, also for many years employed with Deines Construction Company of WaKeeney, helping to construct several churches, businesses, and homes, locally and in the nearby communities.
Donald loved the outdoors and spent many hours fishing, hunting and trapping. He also was an avid sports fan, especially football and baseball, keeping up with all teams. Donald played baseball and basketball on the town teams for many years after his school years.
Donald’s biggest pride and joy are his son Dean and daughter-in-law Christine. Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Palmer E. and Caroline Deines; and sister Eleanor Swank.
Donald is survived by his wife Helen; son Dean (Christine) Deines of Austin, Texas; his twin sister Dona Smith of Great Bend, Kansas; his many relatives and friends and “my Brenda.”
Visitation will be from 5-7:00 PM, Friday, May 28, 2021, at Schmitt Funeral Home, WaKeeney.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM, Saturday, May 29, 2021, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, WaKeeney, with committal taking place at WaKeeney City cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Bethlehem Lutheran Church or Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital. Donations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N. 12th St., WaKeeney, Kansas 67672.