Donald Lee Page of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away Saturday, January 20, 2024. Don was born December 22, 1924, in Edgerton, Missouri. The eldest son of Zelma Maude Page (Evans) and Orlando “Lee” Page. Don was united in marriage to Dolly “Diane” Page (Baker) on September 6th, 1952. Don and Diane lived above Sebus Hardware on Main Street in downtown Weston before moving to Indianapolis, Indiana, and then back to Kansas City, Missouri, where they made their family home. They have three sons Jeff Page (Diane), Greg Page (Elena), and Vince Page (Gina); six grandchildren Jennifer, Justin, Sierra, Maura, Gabriel, and Belle; and three great grandchildren Nadia, Dahlia, and Royal.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his little brother Shirley Vincent “Jack.” He is survived by his wife, sons and daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Don was 12 when his parents bought the Page family farm in Weston, Missouri. He went to Weston High school and eventually the University of Missouri Columbia where he graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Don learned to fly and became an accomplished pilot and aerospace engineer. Prior to retiring from the FAA, he was a crash investigator and wrote safety manuals. Owning his own private airplane, a Beechcraft Model 35 Bonanza, meant freedom of the skies and a dream fulfilled. Together with his dear friend Dick Yoder, they started the Four Winds Flying Club. Work aside, Don enjoyed the life he and Diane made for themselves and their three sons. The family kept him busy with camping and boating, visiting America’s national parks on family vacations, coaching football, and baseball for his sons, and scouting with them. He had many hobbies and was very active throughout the years, working the family farms, flying his Bonanza and managing the flying club, woodworking projects, tinkering in the garage or the airplane hangar, square dancing, warm winters in Texas and keeping up with world events. He loved spending time with his sons and their families, especially the grandkids and great grandchildren. Don loved all his family and commented “my God what a family” he was incredibly proud.
Diane never left his side, together they cared for each other’s every need, they were a team for 71 years through thick and thin living life to the fullest. One of the last things Don said was that he had a good life and he and Diane did everything they wanted to do.
Graveside interment is Saturday, January 27, 2024, 12:00 PM at Mount Bethel, Weston, MO. In lieu of flowers, donations to West Platte High School (Math and Science) in his memory. (formerly Weston High School). Arrangements By: Vaughn Funeral Home-Weston, MO—Ph. 816.386.2281. www.vaughnfuneralhomes.com
