Donald Lee Bircher, 89, left this world to be with Jesus Saturday, November 18, 2017. He was born to Walter G. and Bessie (Hudson) Bircher on April 4, 1927 at home near Kanopolis, KS.
Don married Wadona Heitschmidt on October 9, 1948. To this union were born two daughters, Karen and Sherry.
Don was a dedicated stockman and steward of the land all his life, and built a nice operation northeast of Ellsworth.
He truly valued his neighborhood, community, and church. For many years, he and his neighbors worked together farming and herding cattle. He served in leadership on many church and community organizations.
He never met a stranger, was always relating stories of the past and present, and was always willing to lend a hand.
Don is survived by his wife Wadona; daughter, Karen (Terry) Murphy of Fairview, OK; son-in-law, Bob Viles; grandchildren, Luke (Shay) Viles, Timothy (Cheri) Viles, Rylee Rankin, Erick (Julie) Rankin, and Ricky (Stacey) Rankin; great grandchildren, Taryn and Caelie Viles; brother, Kenneth (Geraldine) Bircher; many nieces and nephews and close family and friends. Don was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; daughter, Sherry; and several in-laws.
Visitation: 9:30 a.m.-noon, Friday, November 24, 2017 at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth.
Celebration of life service: 2:30 p.m., Friday, November 24, 2017 at First Presbyterian Church, Ellsworth.
A private family interment will take place.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, Ellsworth, Ellsworth Public Library, or Ellsworth County Medical Center, c/o, Parsons Funeral Home, PO Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439.