Obituary

Donald Boyd Culbertson

1937-2024

Overland Park, Kansas

Donald (Don) Boyd Culbertson, 87, of Leawood, Kansas peacefully passed away on September 18, 2024 at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas.

Don was born on March 15, 1937 in Sioux City Iowa to Ruby and Hilton (Cub), the first of their 2 sons. After his parents parted ways, Cub married Margaret and they had 2 children Jimmy and Catherine, Don’s half siblings.

The family moved from Sioux City to Omaha where Don and his younger brother Cliff spent most of their childhood. He attended Omaha Technical High School where he lettered in football, basketball and track. He spent many summers in McCool Junction, NE at the family farm, he absolutely adored his grandparents.

Don worked a variety of jobs from delivering ice to working at Eppley Airfield before he started down the road to becoming a steamfitter. He was a proud member of Local 464 Steamfitters Union (joined in 1958) and worked for companies such as Natkin & Co. and Waldinger Corporation.

Don was a proud member of the 2nd armored division training in Fort Knox, KY. As a Staff Sergeant he was a firearms instructor and a tank commander in the U.S. Army. He was very proud to be a Veteran, was a member of the American Legion and was a Patriot every day of his life.

Don met Mary Jane King while she was in nursing school at Methodist School of Nursing. He knew she was the one and proposed after only 3 months of dating. They were married September 20, 1959, after Mary Jane’s graduation. Her family absolutely adored him!

Don and Mary Jane settled in Omaha and had 2 children, Jeff in 1961 and Phil in 1964. Jeff and Lisa have 2 sons, Trevor Boyd and Lucas Christian (Lilly). Phil and Lisa have 2 daughters, Hannah Christine Goldsmith (Austin) and Heather Lyn Goodwin (Jay). Don was a strong and supportive father and grandfather, coaching his boys’ football teams and attending soccer, football, cheerleading, volleyball, rowing and track for his grandchildren. He even created and welded weightlifting equipment for his boys to use in the basement to foster their success in sports.

Don retired from the union in 1997 and they moved to the Lake of the Ozarks where they built their dream home on a quiet cove. He loved the lake and he and Mary Jane spent their time boating, hosting family and friends and enjoying the beauty of the lake.

They moved to Lee’s Summit, Missouri in 2000 to be closer to family and dote on those sweet grandkids. They enjoyed life in this home for over 20 years. In his retired years Don worked at Home Depot, volunteered at Ronald McDonald House, engaged in a multitude of DIY home projects and was an avid gun collector and gunsmith.

Don was known for his stories. He could captivate an entire room and truly touch the hearts of others with his story telling ability. He also had an amazing sense of humor, always cracking jokes and making others smile.

He loved sports! He was a die-hard KC Chiefs and Royals fan. He also loved to cheer on his Huskers.

Don was a faithful servant of the Lord and a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church.

The sun rose and set in his wife Mary Jane. Don took great pride in the life they built together and worked hard to always provide for her and his family. In his later years, his sweet schnauzer Misty, stole his heart. He loved caring for her and enjoyed her sweet snuggles.

He was truly one of the kindest, most humble, positive people you will ever meet. He met each day as a gift from God and put a smile on the face of all those he encountered. He is already so incredibly missed.

Don is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary Jane Culbertson, his children Jeff (Lisa) and Phil (Lisa); his grandchildren Hannah (Austin), Heather (Jay), Trevor and Lucas (Lilly); Brothers Cliff (Judy) and James (Janet); Nieces and Nephews Rick, Cindy, Dale, Chris, Brett, Mike, Joe, Jimmy, Matt Tara, Cassie, Mandy, Kevin and Lori. He was preceded in death by his parents Hilton (Cub) Culbertson and Ruby Borden and his sister Catherine.

We will hold a Memorial Service for Don on Saturday, October 12th at 11:00 am. at St Matthew Lutheran Church at 700 NE Chipman Road, Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Lunch will be served following the service.