Donald E. Hinshaw

Donald Eugene Hinshaw, 86, of Topeka, passed away on August 16, 2010. He was born on April 9, 1924, in Topeka, the son of Glen and Martha Speck Hinshaw.

In his early years, Don worked for the Hinshaw Grocery Store in the Potwin area, and attended Topeka schools. After graduating from Topeka High, he enlisted in the United States Air Corps. While in the Air Corps., he acquired training for flight, navigation, and bombardier school at Washburn, Kansas, and Arkansas Universities. During his second mission in WWII, Don's aircraft was shot down over Bavaria and he was taken prisoner in Germany. He was later liberated from Stalag Luft III. After returning home, Don retired from the Air Corps. and joined the Air Force Reserves. Later he was called up for two additional years of service during the Korean Conflict. He returned to the Air Force Reserves at Richard Gabauer Air Force Base in Belton, MO, where Don retired as Major. After WWII, he returned home to run the family grocery store, until its closing in 1962. He then worked for the State of Kansas, retiring from the Office of Vital Statistics as Chief of Records, in 1987.

On October 24, 1975, Don married Donna L. Simmons, in Topeka. She survives. Don was a life-member of the American Legion, Honor Society of the 40 & 8, providing scholarships to prospective nurses, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Military Order of Cooties. He was also a life-member of the Disabled American Veterans, National Rifle Assoc., and charter and life-time member of the Kansas Chapter of Ex-POW's. Don is a Past Master of Siloam Lodge 225 and member of Arab Shrine Temple, where he joined the Legion of Honor and the Nomad's Club. Don and Donna very much enjoyed camping with their trailer, along with friends from the Nomad's, Capital Sams, and the Holiday Ramblers. They also enjoyed taking trips to Lake Superior, where they enjoyed sailing around the Apostle Islands. Don loved woodworking, making many items from walnut, and turning items on the wood lathe.

Don is survived by his wife, Donna, of the home; step-daughter, Kathryn (Bill) Ogle, of Topeka; step-grandchildren, Stephanie (Stephen) Sullinger, Michael Ross, Alissa (Craig) Emme, and Jeffrey Ross; step- great grandchildren, Annika McHale, Gavin Ross, McKenna Sullinger; and son, Robert (Deb) Hinshaw. He was preceded in death by son, Richard Hinshaw; step-son, Michael Soucy; and sister, Margaret Hallowell.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 19, 2010, at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Don will lie in state after 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 18, 2010 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to First Baptist Church, 3033 MacVicar, Topeka, KS 66611.