Donald 'Don'
Claassen
Donald
"Don" Lawrence Claassen, 80, passed away Thursday (Jan. 31, 2008) in
Newton.
He was born
Feb. 20, 1927, to Peter D. and Elizabeth (Penner) Claassen. They preceded him
in death.
Don was a
lifelong resident of Newton. He attended Newton public schools and graduated
from Chillicothe College in Missouri. He served in the Army Air Forces during
World War II.
He married
Florence E. Hiebert on Sept. 12, 1952, in Hillsboro. She preceded him in death
in June 1988.
Don was a
retired officer with Railroad Savings and Loan in Newton. Prior to that he was
associated with his father in the Claassen Flour Mills.
He was a
member of Salem United Methodist Church and held numerous church offices. He
was a longtime Sunday School teacher and an assistant Boy Scout leader.
He was a
longtime member of the American Legion Post 2, past president of the Wichita
chapter of the Society of Real Estate Appraisers, a member of the Veterans
Administration real estate valuation panel, a member of the Newton Lions Club
and a volunteer at Newton Medical Center and Meals on Wheels. He was also a
charter member of the Harvey County Historical Society and served on its board
of directors.
He made
numerous trips to Israel and was a member of the Hebrew University Biblical
Archaeological Group for two seasons, excavating in the ancient city of
Jerusalem.
Survivors
include two daughters, Keri D. Black of Albuquerque, N.M. and Kris and Michael
Porter of Canyon, Texas; and four grandchildren, Andy, Angela and Luke Porter
and Brie Black.
He also was
preceded in death by two sisters, Dorothy Ann Cannon and Helen Dorothy Pfautz,
and a brother, Herman Claassen.
Visitation
will be from 1 to 9 p.m. today at Petersen Funeral Home in Newton.
Funeral
service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Salem United Methodist Church in Newton,
with the Rev. Sherry Clemons of the church officiating.
Burial will
be at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton.
Memorial
contributions may be made to Bridges of Peace or Salem United Methodist Church
in care of the funeral home.
