Donald Dwaine Gasper was born June 17, 1932 in Wellington, Kansas, son of Katherine (Kay) and Linus Gasper. He passed away January 2, 2019 in Anthony, Kansas.

Donald graduated from Wellington High School in 1952. He was very athletic and loved playing football and basketball. He was especially proud of being named outstanding freshman boy and receiving the Lions Club Junior Plaque award.

Upon graduation, Donald attended summer school at Kansas University and then worked locally until he joined the United States Army. He completed basic training and then he married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Heckes, on August 29, 1953. The Army then sent Donald to Itazuke Air Force Base at Itazuke, Japan where he became a combat engineer attached to the Air Force.

Donald returned home in March of 1955 and that fall entered Parsons Jr. College where he also played football. He graduated in 1957 with an Associate of Arts Degree. He continued his education at Pittsburg State University and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1959. He later received a Master's of Science Degree from the same institution.

Teaching was Donald's goal and he loved it! He taught science and coached one year at West Jr. High in Parsons, KS. In 1960 he accepted the junior high science teaching position in Anthony, Kansas. He also coached football, basketball and track. During this time he applied for Summer School National Science Grants and attended Southwestern Oklahoma State and East Texas State and Texas A&M.

When unification was mandated by the State of Kansas, Donald left his teaching position and went to work at USD #361 Central Office. He was involved in every aspect of the reorganization process that led to the building of Chaparral High School. His grants funded the planetarium, driving range and the track. He then became Director of Transportation, Curriculum and Title I. He secured funds for numerous other projects and was involved in all areas of the District's business.

Donald stayed at the Central Office serving as Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent until retiring in 1994.

After retiring, Donald and his wife, Shirley enjoyed traveling to many far away places. They were also fond of cruises. His major hobby was gardening and growing beautiful flowers all around the house. He was a former member of the NEA, KNEA, American Legion and Midian Shrine.

Being with family was important to Donald. He especially loved attending the school activities of their grandsons.

Donald will be deeply missed by his wife of 65 years, Shirley; daughters: Cindy Green and companion, Elmer Patterson, Gayla Fox and husband, Mike, and their two sons, Westin and Jarret; and brother, Gary and wife, Blanche Gasper of Wellington, KS.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents and brother, John Gasper and his wife, Margaret.

Memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. January 21, 2019 at the United Methodist Church in Anthony.

Friends may sign the register book 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, January 18, 2019 at Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Anthony.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Anthony Senior Citizens and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003, is in charge of arrangements.