Donald Lee Kilian, 89, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Thursday, May 21, 2020 at his home in Russell.
Don was born April 16, 1931 in Russell. He was one of five children born to Sam and Alma (Mai) Kilian. He grew up in Russell and graduated from Russell High School with the class of 1949.
Don was united in marriage to Mary Ann Weigel on January 13, 1950 in Newkirk, Oklahoma. This union was blessed with six children; Sheila, Sam, Sonya, Don, Jr., Christopher and Dwight. They made their home in Russell. Mary preceded him in death in 2005.
Don started out working in family farming and then became a Service Station Operator and Partner for several stations in Russell. He was employed by Giebler TV as a repairman before he started working for the State of Kansas as a Driver’s License Examiner. He retired from the State in 1994. He was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church where he served on the Church Board. He was also a proud lifetime Golden Eagle member of the N.R.A. In his spare time he enjoyed photography, playing golf and hunting.
He was blessed with an amazing singing voice and a talent for playing guitar. He was a member of the Saddle Pals Band, performing locally as well as on the Prairie Jamboree that was televised in Great Bend, KS in the 1950’s.
Don is survived by a very special companion of 14 years, Cathryn Trapp, two daughters, Sheila Verbraken (Michael) of Mesa, Arizona and Sonya Voorhies (Rick) of Showlow, Arizona; three sons, Sam Kilian (Cheryl) of Russell, Kansas, Donald Kilian, Jr. (Carla) of Independence, Missouri and Dwight Kilian (Sandy) of Phoenix, Arizona; two brothers, William “Bill” Kilian and Dennis Kilian both of Russell, Kansas; 14 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mary Ann, son Christopher “Whitey” Kilian; and two sisters, Patricia Walker and Betty Dumler.
Graveside Service for the Don will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, May 28, 2020, at St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Russell, Kansas. Public visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell. A Memorial has been established with the Kilian Family Memorial and St John Lutheran Church. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.