Donald Du Bois

Donald “Don” D. Du Bois, 77, Holton, Kansas, formerly of Topeka, Kansas, passed away on May 30, 2024, at Anew of Jackson County in Holton. Don was born on January 13, 1947, in Butte, Montana, the son of Albert and Audrey Carr Du Bois. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Richard and William; and his sisters, Patty and Bonnie. Don attended Poulsbo High School in Poulsbo, Washington and received his GED in the United States Navy. He served from 1965 to 1967, (Kiddy Cruiser), and was in Vietnam on the USS Maddox DD731. After his Navy service, Don became a welder, he worked for himself and for several companies. Don was a member of the North America Fishing Club, American Legion and supported Wounded Warriors. Don married Cynthia “Cindy” Gartner at Emmanuel Baptist Church, Topeka on June, 25, 1988; she survives. Other survivors include son, Robert Du Bois (Deb), Vidor, Texas; daughters, Donrae Quiahua-Reyes (Benjamin), Clayton, North Carolina, Shanna Jones, Blanch, North Carolina and Janet Hersh (Gareth), Pennsylvania; fifteen grandchildren; sister-in-law, Tammy Bauerle (fiancé, Tony Campbell), Wakarusa, Kansas; brother-in-law, Chris Gartner (Teresa), Horton, Kansas; and many nieces and nephews. Don enjoyed singing at nursing homes, Topeka Rescue Mission, and weddings – including his own. His other loves in life were his wife, his beautiful horse, Dolly, his German Shepherd rescue, Rainy, and fly fishing. He was learning how to make his own flies. Don wanted to learn to fly and was taking lessons in Utah, but dementia would not allow him to pass the test. However, he did study enough that the pilot took him up in a plane and let him pilot the plane a couple of times. The grin on his face when he came in was worth the worry. Honoring Don’s request, cremation has taken place. Visitation will be 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 9, 2024, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. A Celebration of Don’s Life will be 10 a.m. Monday, June 10, 2024, at the funeral home. Inurnment will follow in Oneida Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society or Gentiva Hospice-Topeka, and sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Donald Du Bois

January 13, 1947 - May 30, 2024