Donald Ray Mazer

Donald Ray Mazer, 86, of Wamego, Kansas, died Saturday, December 23, 2023, at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka.  He was a long-time member of the community.

Don was born on March 2, 1937, in Lochgelly, West Virginia, the son of Sam and Irene (Yarbor) Mazer.  He attended school in West Virginia and then served in the United States Army.  During his service he was stationed at Fort Jackson, South Carolina and then Fort Riley, Kansas.

After leaving the military, Don worked several jobs.  He worked helping to build the Tuttle Creek dam, then for the local Ford Dealership, the local Mobil gas station and then for thirteen years at the Chevy dealership.  He also worked for Beyer’s quarry.  He then opened Don’s Body Shop and soon added a wrecker service.  He ran his successful business until his retirement in 2017.  He was extremely hard working and was known for having several jobs at one time.

Don loved fishing and hunting.  He was always tinkering with something and enjoyed woodworking. Don was a member of Trinity Baptist Church.

Don married Betty Elane Young on April 30, 1959. They shared their lives and family together for fifty-seven years.  Betty preceded him in death on May 16, 2016.  In 2017, Don met Sue Gordon.  They were married in Wamego on December 2, 2021, enjoying their retirement years.  Sue survives at their home.

Don is also survived by his children; Donette Carter, Wamego, and Tom Mazer (Michelle), Cameron, Missouri; his grandchildren, Amie Overstreet (Lonnie), Wamego, Eric Carter, Wamego, Chase Mazer, Cameron, Missouri Cole Mazer, Kearney, Missouri, Koleby McClinick, Cameron, Missouri; and his great-granddaughter, Lily Dulaney, Wamego; his sister, Velda Smith, Temecula, California.  Don was also preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, John Mazer, Barnie Mazer, Alma Newhouse, and Samual Mazur.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 am, Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at Trinity Baptist Church in Wamego.  The Reverend Dr. Tony Mattia will be officiating.  Burial will follow in Wamego City Cemetery.  The family will greet friends at the church, prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 am.  They suggest memorial contributions to Wamego Honor Flight, and those may be sent in care of Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home.  Online condolences may be made at www.campanellastewart.com.