Donald Eugene Grogan Sr. was born on April 21, 1937, in Chanute to Earl and Dorothy (Gray) Grogan; he departed this life peacefully on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, with his oldest son by his side at Heritage Health Care. He lived a life marked by service, dedication and a deep love of family.
He was a proud graduate of Chanute High School, with the Class of 1955. Don started at Ottawa University in 1955. After a year, he entered the Army and served two years. He then returned to Ottawa University and he and his brother, Gary, both graduated in 1961 with bachelor’s degrees. He then entered Central Baptist Theological Seminary and graduated in 1964 with a bachelor of divinity degree.
On June 3, 2006, Don married Claire Huntsman in Gatesville, Texas. Together, they created a warm and loving home.
Don is survived by his beloved wife, Claire; his sons, Don (Denna) Grogan Jr. of Knoxville, Tennessee, Dan (Tami) Grogan of Enid, Oklahoma, David (Sandy) Grogan of Chanute, Darin (Michelle) Grogan of Chanute; his daughters, Leslie (Marvin) Rubio of Austin, Texas, Jennifer (Barry) Gregg, of Austin, Texas, and Trinity (Paul) O’Leary, of Springdale, Arkansas; grandchildren, Kacie, Katie, Dustin, Quenten, Dani, Jessica, Robert, Ashley, Tiffany, Zachary, Zoe, Mia and Ryan; great-grandchildren, Jacelyn, Jhett, Keara, Madisyn, Adalynn, Cohen, Nathan, Gage, Logan, Mirio and Wrenley. Each of them carries a piece of his spirit and values, enriched by the many stories and memories he shared throughout his life.
Don had an adventurous spirit and a multitude of passions. He was disciplined and dedicated, with interests that spanned from woodworking to theater, all things music, wine and sailing. A voracious reader, he never missed an opportunity to entertain those around him with his singing and tales of adventure, all while enjoying a good game of sports. But most of all, his ministry of over 50 years, which began in 1959 at First Baptist Church, Erie, continued on at Mount Olivet Baptist, Princeton, from 1960-1961, Trinity Baptist Church, Chanute, from 19611964, First Baptist Church, Pittsburg, from 1964-1965, director of YMCA, Hannibal, Missouri, and First Baptist Church, Plainville, Illinois, from 1965-1968, director of YMCA and First Baptist Church, minister to the youth, Manhattan, from 19651968, director of YMCA and St. Phillips Methodist, minister of administration, Garland, Texas, from 1970-1973, First Baptist Church, Stafford, from 1974-1977, Gage Park Baptist Church, Topeka, from 1977-1979, executive director of Murrow Indian Children’s Home and First Presbyterian Church, minister of education, Muskogee, Oklahoma, from 1987-1989, First Presbyterian Church of Gatesville, Texas, from 1989-1998. He retired for the first time in 1998 but then began serving First Presbyterian Church in Hamilton, Texas, as minister and session moderator from 2005-2006. In 2006, he began his second retirement, which ended in 2007 when he again was minister and session moderator at First Presbyterian Church in Hamilton, Texas, until 2010, then finally retiring for the third and final time.
He leaves behind a legacy grounded in love, creativity and an unwavering commitment to his family and community. Don was a member of Grace Presbytery, Irving, Texas, and attended Grace Episcopal Church, Chanute.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, William Grogan.
His memory will be cherished by all who knew him, a reminder of a life well-lived and a heart full of joy. His absence will be deeply felt, yet his influence and love will continue to resonate within the hearts of his family and friends.
The family suggests memorials to Grace Episcopal Church, or Wounded Warrior Project, and can be left with or mailed to Wickham Family Funeral Home, 500 N. Forest Ave., Chanute, KS, 66720.
A celebration of life memorial service will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at Grace Episcopal Church, 209 S. Lincoln, Chanute.
Services are under the guidance of Wickham Family Funeral Home, 500 N. Forest Ave., Chanute.
