John P. St. John Memorial High School
Class of 1944

(Oct. 3, 1926 — March 5, 2012)

In high school, Don excelled in football, basketball and track. He trained two years with the U.S. Navy and received an honorable discharge in 1946. At the University of Kansas, Don swam on the 1946 swim team and graduated with a business degree. After two years working for Hallmark Cards, Don decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and began a 59-year career with First Federal Savings in Olathe. He served as president and CEO until 1995 and then as director and chairman until 2011. Don served on the Olathe school board from 1956-62. He coached the Olathe Optimist baseball team to the 1966 city championship and was a leader for Boy Scout Troop 86. He was a member of the American Legion Post 153 for 60 years and served on the Legion board. Don became a life member of Optimist International and served as president of Olathe Optimist Club where he was recognized with the Touchdown Club Award. Additional honors include the American Red Cross Bertha Scott Award, the Northeast Kansas Lung Association community service award, and the Olathe Jaycees’ Distinguished Service Award.