Donald Edward Toevs

Donald Edward Toevs, 89, of Shawnee, Kansas, passed away at Shawnee Mission Medical Center Friday, September 9, 2011 with his family by his side.

Donald was born in Newton, Kansas on April 20, 1922, to Henry and Elizabeth Toevs. He grew up in Newton, where he played high school basketball for the Newton Railroaders. It was in high school that he met the love of his life, his wife, Cora Ruth Adams. He went to Kansas State in 1941, where he played basketball for Jack Gardner. He joined the United States Navy after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Donald served his country for four years on the troop carrier U.S.S. Admiral W.S. Benson. While still in the Navy he married Ruth in 1944. After the Navy, Donald attended Wichita State University where he played basketball as captain of the team, and was voted the Most Valuable player his senior year. He went on to earn his Master's degree in administration for the University of Kansas.

Donald was a true gentleman, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His first teaching assignment was in Iola, Kansas, where he also coached. Donald moved from Iola to teach in Kiowa, Kansas for one year. In 1956, Donald and Ruth moved to Kansas City, Kansas, where he taught and coached at Washington High School and Arrowhead Junior High. He became an administrator where he served at Lowell and Central Elementary, Northwest Junior High, and Coronado Junior High. Donald touched the lives of many students, teachers and athletes.

Donald's sense of family was unmatched. He taught his children the appreciation of nature through camping, canoeing, hunting morel mushrooms, and gardening. Don and Ruth enjoyed traveling together to casinos, ocean fishing, and exploring the country, frequently with brothers and sisters, and his children. He and Ruth maintained contact with retired Washington High School staff and always enjoyed their get-togethers.

Donald was a member of the Masons. He served for many years on the board of directors for the Wyandotte Credit Union.

Donald was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Ruth and two sisters, Marcella Throne and Judy Cox. He is survived by his children: Susan (Rod) Anderson, Nancy (Jim) Snowberg, Fred (Yandell) Toevs, Peggy (Jake) Hess, and Julie Gaunce; ten grandchildren: Richard, Andy, Candie, Jill, Samantha, Adam, Becca, Cole, Evan, Lane; five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Roberta Swinehart and Betty Turman; and two brothers, Horace and Bruce.

The family suggests memorial contributions in lieu of flowers be made to the American Heart Association, 6800 West 93rd Street, Overland Park, Kansas 66212-1461 and American Red Cross, 1600 Washington Boulevard, Kansas City, Kansas 66102.

Memorial Service and Visitation

Visitation will be 10-11 am, Tuesday, September 13, 2011, at the Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee. A celebration of Donald's life will follow at 11:00 am, Tuesday at the chapel.