Earl Donald "Don" Schwantes Jr., 79, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Saturday morning, January 22, 2011 at the Kansas Veterans' Home in Winfield.

Born June 14, 1931 in Winfield, he was the son of Earl Donald and Mary (Kilts) Schwantes. He was raised and received his education in Winfield, graduating from Winfield High School in 1949. He then joined the United States Army where he proudly served his country in the Korean War. After the war he was honorably discharged and returned to Winfield, where he went to work running a gas station.

Don was united in marriage on April 14, 1956 to Beverly D. Triplett in Winfield. The couple made their home in Winfield where Don worked as a Maytag repairman for Barnard's Maytag. He later went to work as an electrician for the State of Kansas, where he remained until his retirement. Mrs. Schwantes preceded him in death on April 18, 2008.

Don was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the American Legion. He enjoyed gardening and watching KU basketball.

His family includes:
His son: Stan Schwantes of Winfield;
His daughters: Christy Haynes of Newton; Gloria Baca and husband, Robert of Lawton, OK;
His sisters: Delores Thomas of Winfield; Arlene Speer of Winfield;
His grandchildren: Bradley Wallace; Melissa Haynes; Miranda Haynes; Ashley Schwantes; Donny Wooldridge, Jr.; and
His great-grandson: Bradon Wallace.

In addition to his parents and wife, Don was preceded in death by his son, Allen Schwantes, and his grandson, Bo Wooldridge.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield. Interment will follow at Mt. Vernon Cemetery, northwest of Winfield. Friends may call at the funeral home from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M., Tuesday, January 25, 2011. The family will greet visitors from 5:00 to 6:00 that evening.

A memorial has been established in Mr. Schwantes' name for the National Parkinson's Foundation. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.