Donald L. Muir
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Donald L. Muir, 87, of Lawrence, Kansas passed away Tuesday August 7, 2018 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
Don was born on June 29, 1931 in Lenora, Kansas to LeRoy Carl Muir and Eva (Watts) Muir. He was raised in Effingham and Stockton, Kansas where he attended local schools. He graduated from Stockton High School in 1949. After graduation, he attended the University of Kansas where he played football, joined Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, and was a member of of Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC). He graduated from KU with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1954.
He married his high school sweetheart, Marian Diane Larson, on August 15, 1952 in Stockton, Kansas. Don and Diane entered the United States Air Force life where he graduated from Undergraduate Navigator Training as a Navigator. He flew many assorted aircraft. His service branched out to Life Support, where he was instrumental in the development and distribution of critical life support equipment, such as ejection seats and aircraft deployable life rafts. He attended many professional schools, such as Squadron Officers School, Air Command and Staff College and Air War College. Don served two tours in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. Don retired from the Air Force in 1979 as a Colonel. Diane preceded him in death on March 15, 1995.
He also spent several years as a consultant with Pacific Scientific a Safety equipment company. Don was a member of the American Legion, the Kiwanis Club, First Presbyterian Church, the COSMOS breakfast club and several boards at Brandon Woods Retirement Community.
Don married JoAnn Hoverder on February 6, 1997, in Arlington Texas. She survives him at the home. Survivors include his son Steven R. Muir (Susie) of Lawrence, KS; son Kevin L. Muir (Elizabeth) of Beavercreek, OH; step daughter Jamie Thaemert of Greenville, SC. He is survived by 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
A visitation is set for Sunday, August 19, 2018 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery, Washington D.C.
Memorials are suggested to the Kiwanis Club and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I really enjoyed getting to know him at COSMOS breakfast group and am going to miss seeing him on Friday mornings. He was truly a remarkable man. Keep those good thoughts and memories fresh.
So sorry to hear of Don’s passing:(
Jo, I will always remember your avocado washer n dryer at ur home on Bass in a Sun City . U had me laughing at how long those machines lasted! Do u think they’re in the Smithsonian now?
Hugs to you and family n love to r dear Don????
Our Sincere Sympathy to the Don Muir Family, Our Prayers are with You.
We just spoke to him recently at the annual car show. He was a good friend.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Jo and family at this difficult time . We miss you. You and Don were such an asset to our neighborhood.
A great loss to our country and all who knew Don. A Real Gentleman.
John & Martha Hopper
Don was a very popular member of the Lawrence Kiwanis club. He had a kind word and a smile for everyone. He was a willing and enthusiastic participant in club activities and shared his passion for Kiwanis with both Jo and Steve.
Don was a most generous, remarkable man.
My deepest sympathy to Don’s family!! An incredible man dedicated to his family and those he loved. May you be blessed with peace and strength in the days ahead!!
Don was a family cousin and a very good friend to my parents, Dick and Nancy Muir, and I always enjoyed visiting with him and enjoyed his company! My Deepest sympathy to Don’s family!!
Kevin and family, So sorry to hear of the loss of your father. My most sincere sympathy.
My condolence to the family. God Bless
My condolence to the family
Don Muir was the best of the best. He was an outstanding leader and a good friend. My condolences to the family.
My deepest sympathy to Don’s family. He was a neighbor and close friend of my parents in Texas (Gordon and Lillian Schneider), and I enjoyed good visits with him there and in Washington DC. He honored us with his presence at my Alexandria VA wedding in 1990. My parents told great stories about road trips to Kansas involving pie (gooseberry?) and extended family members. I think of him with fondness and respect.