Donald “Don” Omar Nutt

Donald Omar Nutt – May 30, 1921 to November 22, 2023

Donald “Don” Omar Nutt, 102, passed away Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at Vintage Park in Baldwin City, Baldwin City, Kansas. To the end, he remained alert, gracious and retained his great sense of humor. He loved the many visits from his family and was thankful for the time-shared reminiscing with his friends. 

Don was born on May 30, 1921, in rural Franklin County Kansas, the son of Roy and Dorothy (Sherar) Nutt and grew up on a farm outside of Paola KS.  He worked in the local grocery store during his high school years. Following high school and before his enlistment, he worked for Phillips Petroleum in Borger, Texas, performing pipeline maintenance.  One day, Don was asked by his best friend if he could escort his girlfriend on a date because he was called in to work.  Don met Ruth Ann on that date and his life was changed forever.

Don and Ruth Ann (Yocum) were married on September 20, 1942, in Osawatomie, Kansas. In December 1942, Don enlisted in the Army and trained in Aberdeen, Maryland, Fort Ord in California and Anniston, Alabama. Shipping out to France in 1943, he served 22 months with the 613^th Ordinance Base Armament Maintenance Battalion.

Upon his return from France, Don and Ruth Ann moved to Baldwin City, Kansas in 1946 where he enrolled at Baker University.  After graduating in 1950, Don went to work at the Baldwin State Bank as an assistant cashier.  During his early years at the bank he traveled to Madison, Wisconsin for 3 summers to the Graduate School of Banking. In1961, he was selected to serve as Executive Vice President, was elected to the Board of Directors in 1963 and elected President in 1966.  In 1976, he was elected Chairman of the Board and retained his title as President until 1988. During that time, he served 4 years on the Executive Council of the Kansas Bankers Association.  Don retired from being active in the bank in 1990, remained as Chairman until 2007 and continued to serve on the Board of Directors until 2016.

Don was passionate about his community and dedicated his life in service to it.  After moving to Baldwin City, Don and Ruth Ann became members of the Methodist Church and were active in its outreach and support.  He was a long-time member of the local Rotary International and served 20 years on the public-school board.  He was a member of the District Judicial Nominating Committee.  Don served 20 years on the Board of Directors of the Douglas County State Bank in Lawrence, Kansas and 5 years at the Marshall County Bank in Beattie, Kansas.  As a member Baker University Board of Trustees for 19 years, Don served as Financial Secretary, Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Property Committee and was presented by Baker University with a Doctor of Laws degree.

In his spare time, he managed his farm and, with Ruth Ann, never missed an athletic event, a concert, a play, a scouting event or a fair where his 3 sons were involved.

Don and Ruth Ann traveled extensively with Baker University tours but his greatest dedication was to his family, from his grand-parents to his great-grandchildren.  He was always there with support and good cheer and conversation.

Don was preceded in death by his sisters Nadine, Arline and Lauribel.  Also, his partner for 79 years, Ruth Ann in 2022 at the age of 100.

He is survived by his sons David Nutt (Suzanne), Michael Nutt (Denise), and Mark Nutt (Patricia).  Also surviving are grandchildren Sara Nutt (David Gagne), Brad Nutt (Eleysha), Kelsey Nutt (Sue), Matthew Nutt (Elizabeth Zamore), Erica Nutt (Mathew Gader), Lauren Nutt and Kimberly Sachs (Eric).  Also, great grandchildren Lennox Nutt, Sierra Nutt, Elliot Nutt, Rowan Nutt, Augustus Gagne, Emery Gagne, Freya Gader, Benjamin Sachs and Jack Sachs.

Services for Don will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, February 16, 2024, at Baldwin First United Methodist Church in Baldwin City, Kansas.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Baldwin First United Methodist Church or the Donald O. and Ruth Ann Nutt Endowed Scholarship at Baker University and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13^th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.