Donald Arthur Schmanke Obituary

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.
In 1956 while working at Convair in Ft. Worth, Texas, he met the love of his life, Linda. They were married in 1957 and had two sons, Kyle and Troy.
He worked as an AC and electrical engineer throughout his life. He was a good mechanic and could fix just about any type of engine.
Don was adventurous soul always ready to explore new horizons. He loved the mountains and was always ready to climb the nearest hill or overlook. He was physically active right up until his death.
He devoted himself to his family, and was always willing to do whatever it took to support them.
He retired, but never stopped working. His wife Linda never had to call a plumber, an electrician, a carpenter, a painter, a brick layer, 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.
He leaves behind Linda, his wife of 65 years; two sons, Kyle and Troy, two grandsons, Cole and Connor. He was so proud of these guys.
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 Dale (deceased), David Dale, Billy, Marla, Bootsie, Michelle, Dana, Denise, Kim, and Brian and all their children were very dear to him.
Don felt blessed by all his family, and he loved them very much.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Alma, Kansas at a later date. His ashes will be scattered on the Flint Hills of Kansas that he loved.