Don Heiser

Don M. Heiser, 52, of McPherson, passed away June 25, 2011, at Via Christi Hospital on St. Francis Street in Wichita.

He was born Nov. 13, 1958, at Herington, the son of Charles and Ruth (Skibbe) Heiser.

He lived in Ramona with his parents, where he attended grade school and graduated from Centre High School, Lost Springs, in 1977.

He accepted the Lord at a young age, was baptized, and became a member of the Strassburg Baptist Church in Marion, where he remained a faithful member for the remainder of his life.

Don endured many difficult times because of his early illness as a baby which left him mentally handicapped. His pleasant disposition was a constant reflection of his love for the Lord. He received care in several training facilities and made his home in McPherson, where his needs for mental and physical care were wonderfully provided.

Don had a great love for those with whom he shared his home and those who surrounded him with care and encouragement.

Don loved to work, and found great pride completing any job assigned. He kept busy outdoors mowing the lawn on the farm, which never had a chance to grow back before he was outside mowing again. He displayed a great love for animals, and spent hours outdoors with his dogs.

Sports were another area Don enjoyed — bowling and basketball were two of his favorites. He even lettered on the basketball team during high school. Don won a gold medal during the Special Olympics in 1987, when he flew to Notre Dame University and participated with the Kansas baseball team.

When indoors, you could always find Don cheering for his favorite KU team or busy doing a crossword puzzle.

Especially dear to him was the love he received from his family who survives him: his parents, Charles and Ruth; his brother, Mark, and his wife, Kathy; his nieces: Stephanie Albrecht and her husband, Kelly, and Krista Donahue and her husband, Drew; his church family; and many friends.

Visitation with family was 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at Zeiner Funeral Home, Marion.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. today at Strassburg Baptist Church, Marion.

Interment will be at 1:30 p.m. at Lewis Cemetery, Ramona.

Memorial funds have been established with Strassburg Baptist Church and Disability Support of the Great Plains in care of Zeiner Funeral Home, 205 Elm St, Marion KS, 66861.