Donald Richard Raybern

Memorial services for Donald Richard Raybern, 77, Lawrence, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 30, 2022, at First United Methodist Church in Lawrence. Don passed away on Sunday, December 11, 2022, from Parkinson’s complications at his home, surrounded by family.

Don was born on March 10, 1945, in Lawrence, KS, the son of Joseph N. and Margaret E. (Severns) Raybern. After attending Kanwaka Grade School, Don graduated from Lecompton High School in 1963. Don served in the United States Air Force from June 1965 to December 1968. He graduated from the KU School of Social Welfare in 1975 and earned a Master of Social Work from KU in May 1976. He worked as a school social worker in the Topeka USD 501 district and at St John’s Catholic School. He ended his career working 15 years as a Special Education Paraprofessional for the Lawrence USD 497 district.

He married Shari Vick on February 14, 1969, at First United Methodist Church in Lawrence. They shared a lifetime of love, adventures, and KU sports.

Don is survived by his wife, Shari, his daughters Jennifer Raybern and Kelli (Randall) Hedges, adoring grandchildren Brea, Joshua and Dylan Hedges, sister Martha Smith, brother Gary Raybern, Aunt Sally (Guy) Coffman, brother-in-law Kevan (Gail) Vick, sisters-in law Ardie Meadows, Melinda Raybern and Dixie Raybern, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Don has also had 5 granddogs to love.

Don was an avid traveler, visiting all 50 states and multiple countries, and making 25 trips to New Zealand to see his grandchildren. These trips often involved National Parks and historical sites as Don loved the outdoors and history. Don collected rocks, each with a story, and collected Native American art including many turtle and bear carvings. He had tremendous respect for other cultures, religions, and philosophies and approached all of them eager to learn. Don was known for his pancakes and other baking, loved reading, and sharing his books with others, and attended more sporting events with his wife than most could ever imagine. He loved baseball more than the rest of his family combined. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church for over 50 years, served for years at Jubilee Cafe, and volunteered at LMH Health.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law and mother-in-law Allen and Elaine Vick, siblings Mary (Bob) Sutton, Jeanette (Lester) Wilson, Margaret (John) Richards, Hazel (Bill) Jones, Bill Raybern, Roger Raybern, sister-in law Lynette Rasmussen, and several nephews. He was followed in death by his brother Joe Raybern Jr.

During his battle with Parkinson’s disease, Don benefitted from Parkinson’s activity classes, the Lawrence Parkinson’s support group and therapy from LMH Health. The family would like to thank all of those who helped him and treated him with kindness.Thanks to his caregivers, the LMH Health staff, and Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials in Don’s name to the First United Methodist Church Jubilee Cafe or Lawrence Humane Society and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13^th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.