Donald Ellsworth Small entered eternity with Jesus Christ on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, after a brief battle with COVID.

Don, son of Herbert Ellsworth and Ava (Yocum) Small, was born in North Platte, Neb., on June 6, 1948.   He grew up in Maxwell, Neb. until age twelve when the family moved to Big Springs, Neb.  After moving to Greeley, Colo., in 1963, Don attended Greeley West High School, graduating in the class of 1967.

Don attended Colorado University-Boulder from 1967 to 1969 as a political science major.  As turmoil increased at Vietnam, Don left school to serve his country, enlisting in the U.S. Navy where he was trained to be an operator in submarine nuclear propulsion, reactor control.  During his tour he served on both the USS Sunfish (SSN 649) and the USS Batfish (SSN 681), ranking ET1.  By the time of his discharge in 1983 he had received many awards including the Bronze Star.

On March 10, 1976, Don married Pamela Small (Small) his bride of forty-four years in Charleston, S.C.   God blessed them with three daughters during his time of service: Mandy (Charleston, S.C.), Lindsey (Blackfoot, Idaho), and Danielle (Charleston, S.C.).

During service at the Nuclear Power Training Unit in Idaho Falls in 1980 and after many years of searching for life's meaning, Don found purpose from His Creator.  He accepted Christ's death and resurrection as his personal provision for eternal life and a clean heart.  After his honorable discharge, in 1983, Don began operations at Wolf Creek Nuclear Generating Station and moved to Burlington, Kan., where their fourth daughter, Elise, was born.  When Don retired in 2013 he enjoyed more time with family, church, and community.  Don and Pam together gave time and strength to meet the genuine needs of others.

Don engaged with his community through multiple media outlets across Kansas.  Much of his energy channeled into editorial commentaries in papers across the state and into grassroots political organizations and campaigning.  Don served twenty-seven years as committeeman on the Coffey County Central Republican Committee and 12 years as chairman.  He served on the KS GOP state committee (16 years) and on the KS Second Congressional District Committee (12 years).

His reputation for doing the right thing when no else would stand up was widespread.  He was passionate for Christian education and the communication of Biblical truth, the right of unborn children to live, and interpreting the Constitution based on our founders intention.

Don is survived by his brothers George (Sue) Small of Canon City, Colo. and Edward (Lois) Small of Durango, Colo.; daughters Mandy (Cory) Loriot of Atlanta, Ga., Lindsey Small of Burlington, Kan., Danielle (Jeffrey) Weirich of Fishers, Ind., Elise (Jerry) Young and Leonard Fisher of Olathe, Kan;  grandchildren Reghan and Parker Weirich, Sonya and Callisia Fisher, and Megan Young; mother-in-law Darlene Small; aunts Evelyn Small of Waterford, Con., Donna Dirksen of North Platte, Neb., Annie (Mike) McEvoy of Ft. Smith, Ark., and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Ava Small, and his wife, Pamela.

Don will receive military honors at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery (Maxwell, Neb.), on Wednesday, January 12 ^th at 1:00 p.m.  A memorial will be held at 10 a.m. on January 14 ^th at Flint Hills Bible Church (1836 East, U.S. Highway 50, Emporia, Kan.).  Live stream is available. In lieu of flowers, please give to LifeCare Center of Ottawa, Kan. (121 E. 2 ^nd St, Ottawa, Kan. 66067).