Donald C. Fleming of Formoso, Kansas, was born on September 13, 1936, in Stilwell, Kansas, to Chester and Alta Mae Fleming. The Lord called Don home on February 14, 2019, in Beloit, Kansas.
After graduating from high school in Adrian, Missouri, Don enlisted in the US Army, and then returned to Adrian to farm with his uncle.
Don met the love of his life, Ruth Ann Howland, and they were married on May 26, 1963, at the Formoso Community Church in Formoso, Kansas. Two sons were blessed to this union, Mark Duane and Paul Dean.
Don re-enlisted with the US Army and was stationed in Oklahoma, Georgia, Vietnam, South Korea, Colorado, Germany, and Minnesota. Master Sergeant E8 Donald C. Fleming retired after 20 years and 20 days of proudly serving his country.
After retirement from the Army, Don moved the family to Formoso, Kansas, Ruth’s hometown. Don then worked for the Jewell County Highway Department for 15 years before his second retirement. Don also drove a school bus for the Mankato School district for several years.
Don was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren and always made a special effort to be there to cheer them on in their activities and sporting events.
Don was very active in the Formoso Community Church, serving as Chairman of the Board, and as a Sunday school teacher. He was also a member of the Formoso Fire Department, and had served as a member of the board of directors for Area Aging and Pawnee Mental Health.
Preceding Don in death were his parents. He leaves behind his wife, Ruth Ann, of the home; son, Mark Fleming, and wife Karla, of Formoso; son, Paul Fleming, and wife Shanda, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; grandchildren, Amanda Fleming of 29 Palms, CA; Levi Fleming of Salina, KS; Kyle Fleming of New York City, NY; Reese and Ty Fleming of Lee’s Summit, MO; step grandchildren, Ashley, Ryan and Katelyn Hentschel of Lee’s Summit, MO; brother, Wayne Fleming, and wife Janice, Apply Valley CA; sister, Lila Fleming, Palo Alto, CA; and many nephews and nieces.
Memorial services will be held at the Formoso Community Church at 2:oo PM, Saturday, February 23, 2019 with Pastor Daniel Waide officiating. The family will greet friends an hour prior to the service on Saturday. Burial will follow the service at Balch Cemetery, Formoso, with Military Honors by Fort Riley. Friends may sign the register book from 10 am to 5 pm, Friday, Feb. 22, 2019 at Melby Mortuary, Mankato.
The family requests Memorial donations to the Formoso Community Church.