Donald Dean Gatrost

Donald D. Gatrost, such a young 80 year old man, left this earth on Monday, September 30, 2013 from Midland Hospice House in Topeka following a brief illness.

He leaves his wife and loving companion of 30 years, Sherry (Taylor) Gatrost. He was formerly married to Emolyn Bonner Spaulding, with whom he has his daughters, Deborah L. Beeler (Scott) of Leawood, KS; and Linda M. Metzler (C.C.) of Topeka; as well as his only son and his best friend, Michael D. Gatrost of Topeka. He was grandfather to five grandchildren (Stacy, Brady, Brooks, Bobby and Tommy) and three great-grandchildren (Haven, Mason and Kiera). He was also Dad to two stepchildren, Michelle Bosworth and Scott Page; as well as seven step grandchildren and seven step great grandchildren.

Born on his father's birthday February 11, 1933, on his maternal grandparents' farm in the Wells Creek Community in Belvue, Kansas; he was the son of Elbert Gatrost and Alice (Seele) Durkee. He was raised by his paternal grandparents on their farm in Eskridge, Kansas. He graduated from Highland Park High School in 1951. Don willingly and loyally served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War from 1957-1961. Following his service to our country, he went on to live most of his adult life in Topeka working for the Kansas Gas Service Company. Following his retirement he opened his own business as a coin dealer, a business that became his passion which he continued for decades.

Don also had a life time passion for cars, and over his adult life he bought, fell in love with and then sold over a hundred vehicles. He also loved to sing country music and often joked that he should have been a country music writer. He not only was a regular at the slot machines at the casinos north of Topeka but, he was a regular winner…and proud of it! One of the more important highlights of his week was his Wednesday trips to the mall simply to walk, sit and visit with his close friends there. Up until recently he also enjoyed his weekly bowling league and his many friends there as well.

Our Husband, Dad, Granddad and friend will be so very missed.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am Thursday, October 3 at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel. Family will greet friends an hour prior to the service. Burial with military honors will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.