Life as a kid was making do with nothing. Time was spent roller skating everywhere you went, and swimming everyday the pool was open in the summer. Family got first TV for 1955 World Series between Brooklyn Dodgers vs. New York Yankees. Spent summers in Red Cloud, Nebraska with an Aunt and Uncle.

Papa Don's favorite childhood was going to Nebraska for five summers where he was one of one child and at home he was one of five children. He liked the extra added attention he received there.

He had no heroes or role models. There was no guiding hand in high school to help. No counselors, no strict expectations, teaching was taught by nuns.

Papa Don's father was the strictest out of his mother and father, but his father was highly respected at the same time.

Grandpa's first job was at his dad's uncles farm between Clifton and Cloud County. He cut wheat, plowed, and helped with many other farm chores.

Baseball, basketball, football, and playing pool were some of the many sports that he enjoyed playing as a kid growing up. Today he spends his days playing in pool tournaments around Kansas, as well as at the Salina Senior Center with his buddy Jeff!

Papa Don

Papa Don and his friends enjoyed playing sports, and racing their cars whenever they had free time.

Grandpa's first car was a '47 Ford Coupe which he had for a month and was off to another Ford. (I can't believe he drove a Ford because he doesn't care for them today).

Growing up in Concordia, KS there was only one black family who got along with everyone in town and segregation was non-existent.

Papa Don was discouraged by the Vietnam War because it was a Political conflict instead of a militaral conflict, in which he believes if it was a militaral conflict it would have been short and quick. He was not against the war nor with the war.

Grandpa had a brother in the Navy and was very concerned for him.

GPA was working his shift at Ashton's in Salina, KS when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.

John Wayne is Papa Don's favorite actor because he stands for everything that is thought to be good, wholesome, and every movie he made could be G rated. Also clean, family entertainment.

One of Grandpa's favorite things in present time is retirement. He came home from playing pool one day and Grandma asked him if he wanted to go to Branson, so they packed up and headed on the road. He also likes that they are fortunate to be where they are.

Christmas is the time of year that the whole family gets together, all the kids and grand kids under one roof. That is why Christmas is Papa Don's favorite holiday.

When the Twin Towers were destroyed, Grandpa was on a mail route.

Papa Don's life before marriage and family consisted of no responsibilities other than for himself, worked at a grocery store, and lived at home. His father had a rule: If you are going to live in the same town as your family and you're not married, you are living at home. Grandpa paid rent by bringing home milk.

Papa Don and his old lady met at the Cloud County Rodeo. Wedding Day was on June 29, 1963, And from then on the rest was history.

After marriage Grandpa's life changed tremendously. he quit drinking (well not completely), and he quit partying.

Papa Don and Grandma Judy make joint decisions on major discussions, but on the small discussions we all know who wins that battle.

To Grandpa Don it didn't matter if he had boys or girls for kids. All he wanted were healthy ones. He was blessed with two beautiful daughters: Tammy Jo and Jennifer Sue.

Boring and quiet were some of the words to describe having an empty nest for the first time. Now he and grandma enjoy having the grand kids come over.

Papa Don's proudest moment was when his first daughter Tammy got married, which was a fulfilling achievement.

Grandpas biggest regret in his life is not buckling down in school and not studying.

Papa Don's advice to teenagers is to enjoy life, study hard, and to have a goal in life.