Don O. Loyd, 85, of Hiawatha, died Friday morning, September 19, 2014, at Maple Heights Nursing Home in Hiawatha.

Don was born in Powhattan, September 10, 1929, one of four children born to Dr Hugh and Maude Ashley Loyd. A lifelong resident of the Brown County area, he grew up in Powhattan where he attended school and became an Eagle Scout. Active in all sports, he graduated from Powhattan High School in 1947. Briefly attending Kansas State University, he enlisted in the US Army in 1948. After serving in the Army Security Agency in the Philippines as a radio code operator, he was discharged in 1952 at the rank of corporal. Returning to the US, he started a farming and livestock operation north of Powhattan. Even after he retired, he still enjoyed assisting his son Shawn in the farming operation.

Don married Patricia “Pat” Patton, August 20, 1955, in Topeka. Together, they owned and operated their farm and for several years the Hiawatha Implement John Deere Dealership. She survives at home.

Don was a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church in Hiawatha. In 1981, Don served as Potentate of the Abdallah Shrine in Kansas City, KS, and was instrumental in the construction of their new temple. He was a 65 year member of local Masonic bodies: Masonic Lodge #35, AF&AM, Mt. Horeb Chapter #43 RAM; Washington Council #2; Hiawatha Commandry #13 KT; and Abdallah Shrine. He was a former member of the Royal Order of Jesters; BOPE #1741 Hiawatha Elks Lodge; and the Hiawatha Country Club. He was active in the Republican party and enjoyed the local golf and bridge clubs. He received the Bankers’ Award for soil conservation in 1998. Finally he was a member of the Wenger Post #373American Legion of Powhattan, and VFW Post #5210 of Hiawatha.

He is survived by two sons Shawn Patton Loyd (Robin) of Hiawatha, Brett Ashley Loyd (Maria) of Greenville, Indiana; a daughter Nancy Dawn Loyd-Leffingwell (Paul) of Lawrence; a sister Ruth Ross of Willis; 5 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren, and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters Myrtle Kindig, and Ina Phillips.

A Celebration of Don’s life is planned for 1 p.m. Tuesday, September 23, at the First United Methodist Church in Hiawatha with Reverend Randy Quinn officiating.

A private internment ceremony will be held at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha, with military honors a courtesy of the Brown County Veterans Honor Guard; and Masonic Committal Services by Masonic Lodge #35, of Hiawatha.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Abdallah Shrine Transportation Fund; the Brown County Veterans Honor Guard; or Maple Heights Care Home (a not-for-profit institution), which may be sent in care of the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7^th St., 66434.

Friends may call at the funeral home after 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday. A special message may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com