Donald Hugh Kooken

Donald Hugh Kooken, 56, of DeSoto, Kansas, passed away January 6, 2012.

Don was a hardworking man with a passion for motorcycles, boating, animals, and home projects. He loved to be outside working in the garage or improving the yard. Don was proud of his home in DeSoto that he built and designed himself, and it was his favorite place to be along with his family and beloved dogs, Rosie, Winnie and Roxie. Don always loved a good laugh, and had a distinctive chuckle and was always known to crack a joke or play a prank. Don loved to talk, and he never met anyone he didn't want to share his thoughts or ideas with. He left all he encountered with a smile on their face and a laugh in their heart and his presence will be forever missed. Don is finally resting in peace.

He is preceded in death by his loving mother, Rosemary Lagomarcino.

Donald leaves behind his best friend and wife Joan of 34 years, married since July 16, 1977; daughter, Kristina and son-in-law Jeremy Carter and grandson Sean Patrick Carter; son, Thomas Kooken and his fiancé Nicole Hall; son, Matthew Kooken, and loving sister Karen Santa Cruz and family; beloved aunt and uncle, Louise and Robert Carter and family; and numerous other aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Don will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He will forever be in our hearts.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, January 12, 2012, at the Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee, where a prayer service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m., Friday, January 13, 2012, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 11300 W. 103rd Street, Overland Park, Kansas.

The family suggest memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105 or to Heartland SPCA, 9827 West 67th Street, Merriam, Kansas 66203.