Donald Edward Utz was born August 11, 1930, just northwest of Highland, one of three children of Lawrence Lee and August (Gussie) Elder Utz and had lived near Highland all of his life. 

He died Friday evening, October 30, 2020, at Maple Heights Nursing Home in Hiawatha with family by his side.

Don attended Arnold country school prior to graduating from Highland High School with the class of 1948.  He graduated from Highland Junior College in 1950 before graduating from Kansas State University at Manhattan in 1952 with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture engineering and architecture.  While he was at K State, he served in the Marine Corps Reserve for a year.  He then enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1953 and served until 1956, serving during the Korean Conflict, discharged at the rank of sergeant.  He returned to Highland where he farmed for a few years.  Don later worked many years as a mechanic, for his sister and brother in law, Beverly & Tom Miller with Miller Implement, Highland John Deere dealer, until it closed in 1989.  He then did farm work for Harold Sommers northeast of Robinson for a number of years before retiring.

Don was a dedicated member of Highland United Methodist Presbyterian Church where through the years, was active on the Church board.  He, along with his mother, were very faithful about attending Bible study groups.  He was a longtime member of Smithton Lodge #1, AF&AM of Highland, and had delivered meals on wheels to Highland area residents for many years.  Don volunteered many years to help put up and take down flags at the Highland Cemetery for Memorial Day observance.  He was an active member at Highland Senior Citizens Center.

Survivors include his sister Beverly Miller, his twin sister Donna Keebler (Keith) all of Highland, with numerous nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, brother in law Tom Miller, nephew Tim Keebler, great-nephews Nathan Keebler and Matthew Keebler.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Highland from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Tuesday where the family may be present at times.

A Celebration of Don’s life is planned for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 3, at the Highland United Methodist-Presbyterian Church, with Kevin Rea and Jerry Petering officiating.  Masonic Honors a courtesy of Smithton Lodge #1.  Military honors will be a courtesy of the Marine Corps, and Brown County Veterans Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Church Memorial Fund, Highland Senior Citizens Center, or Highland EMT Association, which may be sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 33, 66035.

A message may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

Services will be broadcast live at the Facebook group page:  Chapel Oaks Funeral Home Hiawatha & Highland KS             MASKS AND SOCIAL DISTANCING PREFERRED