KANSAS CITY — Donald Leroy Standiferd, Osage City, died Thursday, March 10, 2022, at Select Specialty Hospital, Kansas City. He was 89.
He was born Nov. 14, 1932, at his family’s home near Arvonia, the son of Hugh and Ora (Reed) Standiferd. He attended primary school at Mount Pleasant, also known as the Booth School, and graduated from Osage City High School with the Class of 1951.
Shortly after high school, Don followed his uncle, Roscoe Reed, to Nevada, where they worked at a tungsten mine. Don later moved home to farm with his dad. He then moved to Arkansas to work at Roscoe ‘s sawmill. After returning to Osage City for good, Don worked at Nordling Salvage Yard and later at Concrete Materials, Carbondale. In 1970, he took a position with Hallmark as a machinist, where his career would span 25 years. During his time at Hallmark, Don also operated the road grader for Barlcay Township. Don retired in 1995 and became a winter Texan, wintering at 1015 RV Park in Weslaco, Texas, for the next 20 years. When home, he could often be found at Melvern Lake, where he loved to camp and fish. He also helped the Williams family during harvest, whenever and however he could.
He married the love of his life, Nora Edna McAlexander May 2, 1958, in Ottawa. They shared almost 30 years together before cancer claimed her life on April 29, 1987, at the young age of 52. Don and Nora were both preceded in death by their son, Daryl Standiferd, on Oct. 21, 1978.
Don will live on in the hearts and memories of his daughters, Kathryn S. Boyd (Russ), Harveyville, and Rebecca “Becky” Standiferd, Topeka; his grandchildren, Dylan Boyd, Topeka, and Emma Grace Boyd, Harveyville; a sister, Marilyn Chase, Topeka; two sisters-in-law, Donna Williams and Juanita McAlexander, Osage City; numerous extended family and close friends.
Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 22, at the First Presbyterian Church, Osage City. Inurnment will follow at the Osage City Cemetery. The family will receive friends 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, March 21, at the VanArsdale Funeral Chapel, Osage City.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association and sent in care of the funeral chapel.
Condolences may be expressed at VanArsdaleFS.com.
