Donald Gene Armstrong

Donald Gene “Lefty” Armstrong, 76, of Paola, Kansas, passed away Sunday, January 5, 2025. Don was born June 1, 1948, in Paola, the youngest son of Henry Walker Armstrong and Catherine Marie Carruthers Armstrong. He attended Paola public schools and graduated in 1967. 

After high school, he was employed as a welder at Behm in Osawatomie. Don joined the pipefitters UA Local 533 as an MTJ Metal Trade Journeyman and was hired in 1981 at the Bendix Corporation (later known as Allied Signal and Honeywell). He worked at the company for more than 30 years until his retirement in November 2011.

Don married Paula McKaig at the Paola United Methodist Church on August 17, 1974. They had three sons, and he devoted his life to being a loving husband and father. Some of his great joys were coaching Little League Baseball and supporting his boys in other activities such as cross country running, band, basketball, karate and tennis.

He loved music and was a longtime member of the Paola United Methodist choir. Don and a few other men at the church formed their own Christian singing group, calling themselves The New Beginnings. He continued his faith journey at Paola Lighthouse Church.

Don was a fan of the Kansas City Royals and enjoyed attending countless games with his family and friends. His favorite teams also included the Chiefs and Kansas State Wildcats. He liked exploring new places and traveled to locations such as Alaska, Hawaii, Jamaica, The Rose Bowl Parade, Niagara Falls and other memorable destinations.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; son Kevin Roy Armstrong; granddaughter Lucy Mae Armstrong; brothers William (Bill) and Henry (Hank) Armstrong; father-in-law and mother-in-law Roy and Eleanor McKaig; and brother-in-law Dennis McKaig.

He is survived by his wife Paula; sons Chad Armstrong (Julie) of Andover, Kan. and Kyle Armstrong (Erica) of Olathe, Kan.; four grandchildren, Logan and Meghan of Andover, and Iris and Ruby of Olathe; sister Betty Ann Armstrong of Paola; brothers-in-law Doug McKaig (Susan) and Darrel McKaig (Laura); sisters-in-law Shannon Armstrong, Patty Armstrong, Alice McKaig; nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held at the Paola Lighthouse Church at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 18 followed by a service at 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Paola USD 368 Endowment Association to support students seeking education in skilled trades. 

Link to Online donations: http://bit.ly/Endowment-Donations