Donald Harold Gottschamer

Donald Harold Gottschamer, 91, of Pomona, Kansas, passed away Saturday, September 30, 2023 at Olathe Health Hospice House in Olathe, Kansas.

Cremation is planned. Family will receive friends  2:00-4:00pm, Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Appanoose Baptist Church Smith Fellowship Hall.

He was born on Tuesday, February 9, 1932 in Saint Louis, Missouri, the son of Harold and Stella (Janitch) Gottschamer.

Don has been a resident of Pomona since 1936, except during his tour in the Air force, moving to Franklin County at the age of four with his parents from St. Louis, Missouri.

He graduated from Appanoose Grade School and High School with the class of 1949 and Auto & Diesel Mechanic Vo-Tech in Kansas City, Missouri.

On October 16, 1951, Don was united in marriage with Joyce Snyder at Emporia, Kansas. She survives of their home.

Don served in the United States Air force from October 1951 until October 1955, attaining the rank of T/Sgt.

He was a farmer and a self-employed mechanic operating Gottschamer Farm Service for thirteen years; worked as a mechanic for Hoyt Farm Equipment in Overbrook, Kansas for thirteen years and worked eleven years for the U.S. Corps of Engineers, Melvern Lake, retiring in August of 1996.

Don was a member of the Power of the Past, served on the Appanoose School Board from 1960 to 1964, was a member of the United Cemetery Association and served as sexton of the Appanoose Cemetery. He was also a charter member of the Appanoose Area Preservation Society, helping organize the Appanoose Museum.

He was proceeded in death by his parents; grandparents; and brother Bill Gottschamer.

Survivors include wife Joyce; children Sue Gottschamer of Pomona, Kansas, Karl and Amy Gottschamer of Lawrence, Kansas, Johna and Paul Snethen of Ottawa, Kansas, and Lee and Monica Gottschamer of Overbrook, Kansas; brother James and Sarah Gottschamer of Nashville, Tennessee; sisters Norma Godsey of Salt Lake City, Utah and Virginia and Richard Powers of Lawrence, Kansas; ten grandchildren Noel Young of Overbrook, Kansas, Dana and Jerry Savage of Belton, Missouri, Briana Gottschamer, Brandi and Chase Wells, and Garrett Gottschamer of Overbrook, Kansas, Nate Snethen of Castle Rock, Colorado, and Carlie Snethen of Ottawa, Kansas, Nick, Max and Luke Gottschamer of Lawrence, Kansas; six great grandchildren Adrianna and Trenton Jones, Gracey Goebel, Katlin Greer, Emily Greer, Johnlee and Cainyn Wells; and great great granddaughter Parker Jones.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Appanoose Area Preservation Society and the Appanoose Baptist Church c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.