In Memory Of
Robert Donaldson
1923
2013
Robert Donaldson
October 15, 1923 — October 16, 2013
Robert Ray "Bob" Donaldson, 90, of Topeka, passed away Wednesday, October 16, 2013.
Bob was born October 15, 1923, in Wichita, Kansas, son of Henry George and Gladys Ruth (Callen) Donaldson. He grew up in Lawrence, Kansas, attending schools there until his family moved to Topeka in 1938. Bob graduated from Topeka High School in 1941. He attended Washburn University and then enlisted in the US Navy. Bob served aboard the USS Eisele (DE-34) in WWII in the Pacific. He was selected to return to Officers Training School in the V-12 Program. Bob attended Purdue University and later graduated from the Gemological Institute of America.
He married Elaine E. Walters on March 31, 1945, and they had three children, Daniel Ray Donaldson (Chearie), Keary Lynn Donaldson (Peggy) and Tracie Elaine Forkner (Kirk). Bob and Elaine were married for 63 years before Elaine passed away in 2008.
Bob and Elaine founded, owned and operated Donaldson's Jewelers from 1966, until they retired in 1999.
Bob was a 60 year member of Central Presbyterian Church. He was also active in Masonic organizations, a member and Past Master of Orient Lodge #51, a 33rd Degree member of the Scottish Rite, and a member of Arab Temple Shrine, Royal Order of Jesters, Order of Quetzalcoatl, Beulah Chapter O.E.S., American Legion Post 1, V.F.W. Post 1650, Royal Order of Scotland, and a member and Past President of Topeka Optimist Club.
Bob and Elaine loved to travel, play golf, and spend time with family.
Bob was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Jane Ann Donaldson.
He is survived by his sister, Doris Burke (Duane), five grandchildren, Schaan Donaldson (Jenifer), Heather Scherer (Lee), Robert Forkner, Michael Forkner, and Nick Lyons (Kerry), six great grandchildren, Luke, Bruklyn, Kyra, Melina, Jaq, John Robert, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 19, 2013, at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, Topeka.
Interment will follow at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery, Topeka, where Masonic Services will be conducted by Orient Lodge # 51, AF & AM.
Visitation will be at the funeral home from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Friday, October 18, 2013.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Shriners Hospitals for Children Travel Fund c/o Arab Shrine, 1305 South Kansas Avenue, Topeka, KS 66612-1332.
Bob was born October 15, 1923, in Wichita, Kansas, son of Henry George and Gladys Ruth (Callen) Donaldson. He grew up in Lawrence, Kansas, attending schools there until his family moved to Topeka in 1938. Bob graduated from Topeka High School in 1941. He attended Washburn University and then enlisted in the US Navy. Bob served aboard the USS Eisele (DE-34) in WWII in the Pacific. He was selected to return to Officers Training School in the V-12 Program. Bob attended Purdue University and later graduated from the Gemological Institute of America.
He married Elaine E. Walters on March 31, 1945, and they had three children, Daniel Ray Donaldson (Chearie), Keary Lynn Donaldson (Peggy) and Tracie Elaine Forkner (Kirk). Bob and Elaine were married for 63 years before Elaine passed away in 2008.
Bob and Elaine founded, owned and operated Donaldson's Jewelers from 1966, until they retired in 1999.
Bob was a 60 year member of Central Presbyterian Church. He was also active in Masonic organizations, a member and Past Master of Orient Lodge #51, a 33rd Degree member of the Scottish Rite, and a member of Arab Temple Shrine, Royal Order of Jesters, Order of Quetzalcoatl, Beulah Chapter O.E.S., American Legion Post 1, V.F.W. Post 1650, Royal Order of Scotland, and a member and Past President of Topeka Optimist Club.
Bob and Elaine loved to travel, play golf, and spend time with family.
Bob was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Jane Ann Donaldson.
He is survived by his sister, Doris Burke (Duane), five grandchildren, Schaan Donaldson (Jenifer), Heather Scherer (Lee), Robert Forkner, Michael Forkner, and Nick Lyons (Kerry), six great grandchildren, Luke, Bruklyn, Kyra, Melina, Jaq, John Robert, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 19, 2013, at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, Topeka.
Interment will follow at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery, Topeka, where Masonic Services will be conducted by Orient Lodge # 51, AF & AM.
Visitation will be at the funeral home from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Friday, October 18, 2013.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Shriners Hospitals for Children Travel Fund c/o Arab Shrine, 1305 South Kansas Avenue, Topeka, KS 66612-1332.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert Donaldson, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Friday, October 18, 2013
6:00 - 8:00 pm (Central time)
Penwell-Gabel - Mid-Town Chapel
Service
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Starts at 10:00 am (Central time)
Penwell-Gabel - Mid-Town Chapel
Guestbook
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