Donald F. Dors, 94, passed away peacefully September 25, 2020 after living a long, full life. Don was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on February 22, 1926 to Ed and Helen (Knudten) Dors. He was drafted into the Army in the 1st infantry Division of the Big Red One immediately following high school and served in Europe (France & Germany) during WWII. He received the Purple Heart after being wounded while serving in Germany. He then met the love of his life Patricia (Hawkins) Dors and they were married at Gesu Church in Milwaukee on October 15, 1955.
Don worked for the family business, Knudten Brothers Color Center, and in 1960 transferred to Prairie Village where he worked for Colony Paint/Valspar, retiring in 1991. Don and Pat became involved members of St. Ann’s church for 30 years raising their four children. In 1990 they moved to Overland Park and became members of Ascension church, where again they were actively involved. Don was a Knights of Columbus member and developed many lasting friendships. Don and Pat were charter members at Leawood South CC and were avid sports fans. They were KC Chiefs season ticket holders at Municipal and Arrowhead Stadiums. Don never missed watching the Green Bay Packers on TV. He loved their lake house in the Ozarks and enjoyed his weekends there with family and friends. In 2008 Don and Pat moved to Santa Marta Retirement Community where they embraced another new family. Don was one of a kind, soft spoken and loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Don loved his family, sports, refinishing furniture, painting, travel and “dad jokes”.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Dors. Don is survived by his four children: Karen (Dave) Crandall, Joan (Rick) Jones, Ellen Dors (Chris Evans) and Patrick (Maggie) Dors. His eleven grandchildren: Kayla (Chris) Lipp, Hannah (Joe Tauk) Crandall, Jared (Jessica) Crandall, Hilary (John) Cornwell , Parker (Andrea) Jones, Spencer (Sarah) Jones, Lindsey and Brian Jones, Mary, Katie and Patrick Dors and three great grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the entire staff and community at Santa Marta for their love, support and care of Don, especially over the last few months.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Head for the Cure Foundation1607 Oak St. Kansas City, Mo. 64108. https://www.headforthecure.org/content
Assistance provided by Funeral Advocates, LLC.
Joan and Karen , I am so sorry for your loss. what a kind, loving and witty guy your dad was. No matter their age, it’s so hard to say good bye.. Wish I could hug you both. Lots and lots of love… Mary Martin
Karen and Joan , I am so so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. what a warm, loving and witty man he was..no matter their age, losing them is so hard. wish I could give you both a big hug. much, much love Mary Martin
To Patrick, Joan and Karen: Deepest condolences on your father’s passing. I was honored to have known him and will ALWAYS remember his friendliness, warmth and dedication to family that I try and replicate myself today. As Pat can surely attest, we had some WONDERFUL times when he would make the trip from K.C. to Manhappiness for a K-State Dad’s or parent’s weekend. His good spirit lives on in you and all that knew him! All my prayers! -Bryant Ralston