Don Schmanke passed away at his home on Palo Pinto Lake on March 2, 2022. He was born in 1926 in Kansas, and was raised on the family farm outside the small town of Alma in Wabaunsee County. He graduated from Alma High School in 1943. Don was a veteran of WWII, serving in the Marine Corp. aboard the USS Hornet (CVN-12) during the campaigns off of Okinawa and the coast of Japan. After WWII, he returned home and attended Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas.

He leaves behind Linda, his wife of 65 years; two sons, Kyle and Troy, two grandsons, Cole and Connor.

His sister Betty and brother Jack have gone on to save him a place in heaven.

His sisters, Peg Etherington and Pat Dismukes, and brother Glen Schmanke are still fighting the good fight.

His nieces and nephews, Tamara, Taryl (deceased), Stephen (deceased), David, Billy, Marla, Bootsie, Michelle, Dana, Denise, Kim, and Brian and all their children were very dear to him.

Don retired but never stopped working. His wife Linda never had to call a plumber, an electrician, a carpenter, a painter, a bricklayer, or a landscaper. He was all those and much more. Don was a man of many talents, always thinking outside the box. He was smart, handsome, kind and good. He loved his family. He was a good friend to many. He will be missed.