Don Lauver

Donald L. Lauver
(Clinton, IA)

Don Lauver passed away on June 5, 2022 at Eagle Point Nursing Home in Clinton, Iowa.

Don was born April 11, 1930, in Elliot, Iowa to Clarence and Goldie (Keith) Lauver.  Don had three sisters: Dorothy Inloes of Quinter, Kansas (died on December 14, 2019).  Don is survived by his sisters Charlene Lauver of McGregor, Texas and Marlene Robertson of Springfield, Missouri.

Don was preceded in death by Donna (Rinkel) Lauver. They were married on October 23, 1955 in Wichita, Kansas. Donna died on November 18, 2006.  Their son Danny died June 2, 1992.  

Don is survived by sons; David of St. Paul, Minnesota and Dennis (married to Rhonda) of Clinton, Iowa.  Don has four grandchildren: Alicia Flinner of North Mankato, Minnesota, Aaron Flinner of Burnsville, Minnesota, Max Lauver of Henderson, Nebraska and Mason Lauver of Henderson, Nebraska.

After being born in southwestern Iowa, his family moved to Ponca City, Oklahoma when Don was 7 years old. When Don was 12 years old, his family moved to McPherson, Kansas. Don graduated from McPherson High School. He enjoyed delivering papers, working in a grocery store and at a locally owned ready-to-wear clothing store.  More than once, he was told that he had “grown up on Main Street McPherson!”  Don went on several long distance Boy Scout camping trips including Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, the Black Hills in South Dakota and Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming.

When he was 20 years old, Don was promoted to assistant manager of a JM McDonald Co. store and then worked for regional and national retailers for 20 years.  Don was then in direct sales for 30 more years.

In addition to being active in the Methodist churches in locations where Don and his family lived, Don spent 63 years as a registered Boy Scout and was awarded the Silver Beaver Award by the Viking Council in Minneapolis Minnesota.  The award was in recognition of Don's record of service and work in the community.  He was found to have provided a noteworthy history of service and an example of exceptional character to many youth over the years.  Don was an Eagle Scout, as is one of his sons and one grandson.

Don was active in The Lions Club over the decades and served as Club President in Ottawa, Kansas, Wichita, Kansas and Willmar, Minnesota.  He enjoyed being in The Lions Club in Clinton, Iowa.

In addition to being a husband, dad and grandpa, one of the best memories for Don was the trips he won when he was in direct sales.  For example, he once won a trip to Hawaii for him and Donna.

Funeral Services will be 10:00 a.m, Friday June 10, 2022 at the First United Methodist in Salina, Kansas. Burial to follow at McPherson Cemetery in McPherson, Kansas.

Memorial gifts are suggested to be made to the Boy Scouts of America.

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