Donald L. Waterman

Donald L. Waterman, 78, of Tonganoxie, KS, passed away Saturday, October 3, 2009, at the Tonganoxie Nursing Center. A funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 7, at St. Augustine's Catholic Church in Washington. Father Larry Letourneau officiated. Edna Olson accompanied Ed Durst while he sang "How Great Thou Art", "On Eagles Wings", "The Rose Will Bloom Again" and "Nearer My God to Thee." Burial was in the Washington City Cemetery. Pallbearers were Rob With, Tim With, Gary Gauby, Eric Johnson, Kenneth Craig, Leslie Gauby, Brad Waterman and Kenneth Waterman. Don was born November 22, 1930 in Greenleaf, KS, the son of Harmon C. and Dora S. (Lohmeyer) Waterman. On May 17, 1952 he married Mary Rice in Carlsbad, CA. She preceded him in death on December 19, 2008. Don, a Marine Veteran of the Korean War, was the publisher, along with his wife Mary, of several newspapers including The Osceola Record (NE), The Ulysses News and The Tonganoxie Mirror. He was active in the Kansas Press Association where he served as Secretary. His newspapers won many State and National awards for excellence. Over his lifetime, Don had many hobbies and interests. He was a pilot, enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. Most of all he loved to spend time with his family, especially his Grandchildren. He rarely missed a sporting event or a school program. Don was preceded in death by his wife and his parents; sister Betty Brenner and brothers, Louis and Lowell Survivors include three children Debbie Johnson and husband Mike of Tonganoxie, KS, Susan Waterman of Bonner Springs, KS and Brian Waterman of Bonner Springs, KS; four grandchildren Eric Johnson of Overland Park, KS, Amy Johnson of Tonganoxie, KS, Brad and Cody Waterman of Bonner Springs, KS. The family suggests contributions in Don’s honor to Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, Development Office, 9720 W 87th St., Overland Park, KS 66212. Contributions may also be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home, 115 W 2nd, Washington, KS 66968. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Donald L. Waterman, please visit our flower store.