Donald F. Lindsey

Donald F. Lindsey, Jr., age 67, lifetime resident of Osawatomie, Kansas, died surrounded by family on Thursday, August 20, 2015 at the University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS. Don fought hard since his first cancer diagnosis in 1995 and won many battles over the years. However, complications of removal of a cancerous tumor from his esophagus on July 9, 2015 never allowed Don to leave the ICU. Don was born December 12, 1947 in Paola, Kansas. He was the oldest of four children born to Donald F. Sr. and Juanita (Speaks) Lindsey who preceded him in death. He grew up in Osawatomie and graduated with the Osawatomie High School Class of 1965. Don was a standout student, football, baseball, track and band member. He was voted "Mr. Trojan" in 1965. After graduating from high school, Don attended Pittsburg State University. He served in the United States Army Reserves from 1967 until 1973 and received an honorable discharge. Don was united in marriage to Judith Ann Harbour on February 27, 1969 at the First United Methodist Church in Osawatomie. They made their home in Osawatomie and became the parents of two daughters, Suzanne and Ericka. Don was a conductor for the Missouri Pacific/Union Pacific Railroad. He worked for the railroad from 1966 until 2010 when he retired. He was elected 6 times Director of the Kansas State Legislative Board for the United Transportation Union from 1988 until 2010. He was a life member of the United Transportation Union Alumni Association, UTU Representative for BNSF System SACP serving on two sub committees, Delegate for Local 533 Representative, Secretary/Treasurer of Local 533 for over 40 years, & a member of Eugene V. Debs Foundation. He was also a 46 year member of Osage Valley Lodge 24 AF & AM in Osawatomie & a life member of International Supreme Council, Order of DeMolay where he was selected outstanding DeMolay "Degree of Chevalier." Don is survived by his wife Judy of the home; two daughters Suzanne Barbour (Kurt) of Shawnee, KS and Ericka Hart (Frank) of Ottawa, KS; two sisters Pam Cook (Bill) of Osawatomie and Cheryl Meinig (Gary) of Paola; one brother Steve Lindsey (Cathy) of Oklahoma City, OK; 5 grandchildren Jackson, Payton, and Hayden Barbour and Dane and Bret Hart; many nieces, nephews, numerous relatives and friends. Contributions in memory of Don can be made to the Miami County Cancer Foundation and sent in care of Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 605 O'Neal Ave., Osawatomie, KS, 66064. To leave a special message for Don's family, please click the "Share Memories" tab above. Lenexa Baptist Church, 15320 W. 87th St. Pkwy, Lenexa, KS 66219 Service: Tuesday, August 25, 2015 at 3:00 PM Visitation: Tuesday, August 25, 2015 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM