Donald Wayne “Don” Tiffany

Memorial services for Donald W. Tiffany, 83, Lawrence will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at Lawrence First Presbyterian Church. Private inurnment will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery. He died Friday, March 14, 2014 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

Donald was born the second of five children in St. Louis, MO on May 24, 1930 to Murray Lee and Vera (Paul) Tiffany. During his childhood he moved with his family to Tulsa, Oklahoma, Houston, Texas, San Diego, California and returned to Maplewood, MO when he was 10.

After high school he attended Drury University, where he completed his B.A. in Psychology. He was drafted by the U.S. Army and served for two years as a PFC at the Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth. After his military service he worked in several VA and state hospitals while completing his Ph.D. in clinical psychology at the University of Kansas in 1965. In 1961 he married, Phyllis Guthrie, his fellow student at KU. In 1965 he took a position with Institue for Community Studies in K.C., MO and moved his family to Kansas City. In 1970 they moved to Hays, Kansas where he became chief psychologist at High Plains Community Mental Health Center. In 1978 Dr. Tiffany opened his own private practice in Hays until 1990. In 1990 they moved to Lawrence where he worked until his retirement in 2002.

Throughout his professional career he wrote and edited several books in addition to several dozen professional and research articles on psychology issues, particularly on personal control.

He was a member of the Lawrence Presbyterian Church. He was also a member of APA, APS, KPA, American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, and a member of Sigma Psi. Don became a big follower of the Kansas Jayhawks and Kansas City Chiefs.

He leaves behind an older brother, Murray Lee, II and wife, Nancy and family in Kimberling City, MO; his wife, Phyllis of the home; his son, Allen and wife, Adeliza, four granddaughters, twins, Natasha & Nikita and twins Eleanor & Cassandra all of Austin, TX; his daughter, Karen Dean and husband, Jeffery, one granddaughter, Madelyn and one grandson, Andrew all of Lawrence. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Marilyn Jean Jones; and two brothers, Robert Lewis Tiffany, Lawrence Paul Tiffany.

The family suggests memorials in his name to the Lawrence Salvation Army, Lawrence Humane Society, Drury University, or KU Endowment for students in need of financial help and may be sent in care of the Warren-McElwain Mortuary.

8 Condolences

  1. Robert McColl on March 16, 2014 at 10:31 am

    Such and influential personality and mind

    He, his work and humor will be missed



  2. Aixa E. Lasso on March 17, 2014 at 10:41 am

    Phyllis, Allen and Karen: My heartfelt sympathy. Aixa



  3. Glee and Jerry Smith on March 17, 2014 at 1:16 pm

    Dear Phyllis,

    We were saddened to read of Don’s death. Our friendship started about the time you moved to Lawrence, and Glee enjoyed visiting with Don at Rotary Club. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Phyllis, and your family. With special caring,
    Glee and Jerry Smith



  4. Bob and Joleen Bechtel on March 17, 2014 at 7:57 pm

    Dear Phyllis and family, We are truly saddened by the loss of a good neighbor and friend, with whom we shared numerous stories and sightings of various species who inhabited our Girl Scout campground. Unfortunately, we have a commitment that won’t allow us to attend Don’s memorial service. We send our heartfelt thought and prayers to you and your family. Wishing you moments of peace and tender reflections. Joleen and Bob



  5. Frank Shontz on March 18, 2014 at 1:38 pm

    About Don:
    I remember fondly our work together at KU and ICS in Kansas City, so long ago.
    I remember you as a diligent student, a dedicated professional, and a gracious host.
    So long. It’s been good to know you.



  6. Anonymous on March 19, 2014 at 2:03 pm

    We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We are sharing memories about our times together. We were blessed to know all of you. Hope you are all well.
    Irene Leiker, Jen (the Babysitter)Nash and Michelle Fisher



  7. Irene Leiker and Jen Nash on March 19, 2014 at 2:05 pm

    Sorry address failed.



  8. Franklyn K Jones on September 23, 2024 at 4:33 pm

    I appreciate that you are in a better spot to help. Much Love.



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