Donald Francis Lafond
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A visitation for Donald Francis Lafond, 88, Lawrence will be held between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00p.m. Saturday, November 14, 2020, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence, KS. Graveside services will immediately follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Lawrence. With social distancing in place, and masks being required, family and friends are welcome to attend in person or while listening to the service from their vehicles on a radio station provided by Warren McElwain Mortuary, while at the cemetery. Donald passed away on Thursday, November 5, 2020 at Bridge Haven in Lawrence.
Donald was born on February 18, 1932 in Beaverville, IL, the son of Hilaire and Luella Marie (Dionne) Lafond.
Donald served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War as a 1st Lieutenant, a graduate of the Army Ranger School, and served for ten years in the Illinois National Guard.
He was a member of the American Legion Dorsey-Liberty Post #14 in Lawrence.
Donald moved his young family from Kankakee IL to Topeka Kansas as a start- up team member of the new General Foods/Quaker Oats, currently JM Smucker Co pet food plant. He held a number of positions with the company during his thirty- eight year career ranging from hourly production worker to plant manager at the time of his retirement in 1987.
He married Mary Ellen Lafond in 1955. He later married Judy (Baker) Zeller on February 13, 1988. She survives.
Other survivors include his sons, Mark (Alea) Lafond, David (Christine) Lafond; grandchildren, Allison Carson, Ashley Lafond, Nicole Johnson, Carly Lafond, Alexandria Axlund, Caleb Axlund, Joshua Axlund, Michael Yergey, Ryan Yergey, and Kendra Yergey. Nine great- grandchildren, sister, Mary Jean Hartlip of Sheldon, IL and many nieces and nephews and his special four legged buddy Dash. Donald was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Eileen Buckley, and daughter, Tammy Yergey.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Lawrence’s Just Food; an organization Donald has supported, and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
To The Lafond Family:
I am so sorry that you lost your Husband, Father, Grandfather , Great Grandfather and friend!
Judy: I’m sure you lost your best friend when you lost Don, you had some hard times and some great times. Hold on to those memories!
Mark & David: I worked 28 years with your Dad, starting in 1972. Back then workers socialized together. I have a lot of good memories from those days! He was a very caring person. I remember you guys and your Mother coming into the plant to see your Dad. You guys were young then. I worked with you David at Honda Sport and remember your Dad coming in to visit. I know he had a lot of pain, but I don’t remember him complaining about it.. I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope you and Mark remain close with Judy.
Daughter-in-law’’s & Children: I’m sure Don was a caring Father-in-Law & Grandfather. I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing any of you, but I’m very sorry for your loss. I hope the memories you hold in your heart will help you get through these sad times.
I am so happy that Don is not in pain anymore.