Don Edward Perry

Don Perry, age 72, passed away peacefully on November 30th at Midland Hospice House. He was a devoted husband and father, whose loving memory will always be cherished by his family and friends.

Born on July 28, 1953, to William J. Perry and Helene Cazier Perry, Don grew up with a passion for education and sports. He graduated from Washburn Rural High School, where he actively participated in cross-country, track, and basketball. His commitment to education led him to earn a degree in education from Washburn University. Don dedicated his career to teaching history at Auburn Junior High School and later at Shawnee Heights High School, where he inspired his students and shared his love of sports as the girls' varsity basketball and track coach.

In addition to his teaching career, Don enjoyed a successful tenure as a pharmaceutical sales representative for Proctor & Gamble, from which he eventually retired.

A lover of the outdoors, Don was an avid hunter and fisherman. He took great pride in raising quail and developed a small hunting preserve on the family farm in Wakarusa, Kansas, providing a cherished space for family and friends to enjoy.

Don is survived by his loving wife together for 40 years, Chris Vanlaningham Perry; his children, Drew Perry and Traci Perry; his sister, Ruth Ann (Tom) Marstall; sisters-in-law, Kathy Perry and Jill VanLaningham; brother-in-law Kirk (Noriko) VanLaningham; and several nieces and nephews, including Lindsey Baker, Beth (Michael) Langley, Kelly Lancaster, and Clinton (Brandi) Marstall. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Greg Perry and brother in-law Todd Vanlaningham.

As a tribute to his life, cremation is planned, and inurnment will take place at Shawnee Center Cemetery in Wakarusa, Kansas. A celebration of Don's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday December 13th 2025 at Dove Cremations and Funerals SW Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Road. Topeka, KS 66610 with a reception to follow. 

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Aphasia Recovery Connections, 2013 Olde Regent Way Suite 150 Unit 290, Leland, NC 28451, or The Project 2 Restore, 4011 SW 29th St, #259, Topeka, Kansas 66614.

The family is being cared for by Dove Cremations and Funerals SW Chapel in Topeka, Kansas. Don’s spirit and the memories of his love and laughter will continue to resonate with all who knew him. He is now in the hands of his loving lord and savior.