Donald Eugene Witte, 84, passed away on April 30, 2022, at Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kan. He was born on Jan. 28, 1938, to Edwin and Helen (Edmondson) Witte in Great Bend, Kan. Donald married Caroline Werth on Nov. 25, 1965, in Park, Kan.

A lifetime resident of Great Bend, Donald graduated from Fort Hays State University with a degree in Industrial Arts. He worked as a draftsman for many companies throughout his career, as well as farming the century-old Witte Family farm in Rush County. Donald was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in the Prince of Peace Parish, the Wet Walnut Water Shed, and E.A.A. He was a private pilot, having learned the skill during his service in the Navy, including his recall for service during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Survivors include his wife of the home; four sons, Dorian (Cheryl) Witte of Great Bend, Edwin (Nicole) Witte of Eastborough, Steven Witte (fiancée Corinne Lenz) of Manhattan, and Christopher (Rachel) Witte of Great Bend; one daughter, Deidre (Gary) Campbell of Great Bend; 12 grandchildren, Benjamin, Samuel, Elijah, Garrett, Emerson, Edwin, Drew Plaxton, Brianna, Gaven, Zaiden Burkes, Elaina, Everest; eight great-grandchildren, Cooper, Henry, Berklee, Harrison, Dawson, Benjamin, Nora, and Scarlett; a brother, Samuel Witte of Great Bend; a sister, Wreatha Witte of St. George, Utah. He is preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Thurman Witte.

Visitation will take place from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 4, 2022, with family receiving friends at 6 p.m., and vigil with Knights of Columbus Rosary starting at 7 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, May 5, 2022, at St. Patrick Catholic Church with Father Aneesh Parappanattu presiding. Interment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery. Memorials have been designated to St. Rose Dominican Alumni Fund or American Cancer Society, in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed atwww.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, May 4, 2022