Donald “Don” Leroy Dir, 83, beloved brother, husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on March 14, 2026. Don was born on February 10th, 1943 in Dallas, Texas to Ken and Lucille (Keirsey) Dir. Upon graduating High School, Don served in the United States Navy. He moved to Eureka Kansas and was working as a Sta-Krisp Potato Chip distributor when he met the love his life Mary. He and Mary Newby Dir were wed in July of 1976. Don retired from the Boeing Aircraft Company. While at Boeing, Don worked in the woodworking shop. His passion for woodworking enabled him to produce hundreds of children’s rocking chairs for the Toys For Tots Program.
He was faithfully married to Mary for 41 years until her passing in 2017. Later in life, one of Don’s greatest enjoyments was going on the USD #252 Honor Flight to Washington DC with other veterans.
Don is survived by a brother Bob (Sharon), a sister Jena Thomison, a son Jonathan Dir, a daughter Jamie Dir Howell, Stepsons Kevin Sears and Mike Sears, and several grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Newby Dir and parents Ken and Lucille (Keirsey) Dir.
A graveside memorial service is planned for a future date in Eureka, Kansas.
The family respectively requests any donations be made to USD 252 Honor Flight. https://www.usd252. org/page/honor-flight If you would like to make a donation in Don’s name, please send check to: USD 252 Honor Flight, 100 Commercial St., Ste A, P.O. Box 278, Hartford, KS 66854.
