Donald DeWayne Maris

     Donald DeWayne Maris was born on July 20, 1938 to Raleigh and Irene (Reiff) Maris in Ashland, Kansas and left this earth May 28, 2017.

     Don graduated high school in Protection, Kansas in May of 1956. He was active athletically in football and was a standout runner in track and field. Don enjoyed camping with friends and family and teaching their children to water ski.

     Following his graduation, he enlisted in the Army National Guard and served two years.  Following his detachment he was employed by Beech Aircraft in Wichita, Kansas.

     Don joined the United States Navy and received his training in San Diego, California in June of 1957, serving four years in various locations in the Pacific including the Philippines, Hawaii, Japan, Wake, Guam and Alaska, patrolling the Pacific Ocean aboard a P2V5-F Neptune, Patron 22, Squadron 10 as Crew Chief, searching the waters for enemy             submarines.

     His best stories, as his son Kevin and his friends will attest, were of those experiences.

     On November 23, 1961 he was blessed to join in marriage, Karen LaVoy Bowling and establish as their home, Ashland, Kansas.

     Following their marriage, Don was employed by Crosby Oil Inc., Wallingford Elevator, Mishlers' Service Center, Filson Manufacturing and as custodian at the Ashland High School.

     Don, being the strong willed person he was, purchased a backhoe and trencher in the early 70’s and started his own business, Maris Ditching. He developed several springs north of Ashland which still provide ground water to ponds in the area. He also raised several buildings in the downtown area of Ashland which provided the lumber for an addition to his family's home with the help of several family members.

     Don and Mr. Pete Mead joined a partnership establishing Ashland Development Co. and served 25 years as manager.

     Don also served as an Ashland City Council member for eight years.

     Ashland native, Lee (Calvin) Rainey, brother to the late Millie Steele, wife of William Steele installed a concrete batch plant that Don managed for many years prior to being purchased by Mr. Edward Eslinger, Kinsley, Kansas, upon which time, due to Don's health he relinquished his managerial duties.

     Don proudly served as a member of the Ashland Masonic Lodge in which he excelled into the rank of Master Mason.  

     He was preceded in death by his parents, Raleigh and Irene, and sister, Betty Kay of Protection, KS.

     Survivors include his wife, Karen; son, Kevin and wife, Kala of Ashland, KS; daughter, Kelly and husband, Stuart Weatherford of Martins Mill, TX; and brother-in-law, Neil Kay of Protection, KS.  Grandchildren include Kelsey Maris of Hanston, KS; Dillon Weatherford and Adrianna Weatherford of Texas; sister, Pat and husband, Don of Wichita, KS; brother, Ron and wife, Talma of Coldwater, KS; and numerous nieces and nephews.

     Memorials made in Don’s name may be made to the Lone Tree Care Facility, PO Box 340, Meade, KS  67864 or the Veterans Memorial Wall, VFW Post 7770, PO Box 303, Ashland, KS 67831.