Donald H. Vistuba, 79, of Gorham, Kansas, passed away Sunday, March 4, 2018 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Don was born December1, 1938 in Pawnee City, Nebraska, the son of Donald F. and Maytha K. (Jensen) Vistuba.  Growing up Don and his family lived in Steinaur, Nebraska, Marysville, Kansas, Oketa, Kansas, Winifred, Kansas and then in 1953 his family moved to Gorham.  He graduated from Gorham High School in 1957.

Don met, fell in love, and was united in marriage to Donna Tittel on October 12, 1958 in Milberger, Kansas.  They made their home in Russell and Gorham before Don served his country in the U.S. Army during 1961 to 1963.  During which they lived at Ft. Leonardwood in Missouri and Ft. Benning in Georgia.  Then they returned to the Gorham area.

Don was a Lineman and later a Supervisor for Midwest Energy Company from 1955 to 1996.  He was involved with the Gorham Fire Department from 1961 to 1999 and was the Fire Chief for over 11 years.  He was a founding member and President of the Gorham Development Association, a founding member of the Butterfield Trail Auto Club and a founding member of the Gorham Community Church.  Don enjoyed restoring old cars and motorcycles, fishing, golfing, boating, watching the Royals, playing Texas Hold’em, and traveling to Zapata, Texas during the winter with Donna.  He loved teaching local children the song “Barley Boo”.  He was a humorous person that loved to make friends and family laugh, attend car shows and always looking for a good bargain.

Don’s surviving family include his wife of 59 years, Donna of the home; three children, Jeff Vistuba of Frisco, Texas; Kristi Crumrine (Bob) of Olathe, Kansas and Jason Vistuba (Staci) of Overland Park, Kansas; sister, Colleen Hall (Richard) of Colorado Springs, Colorado; four grandchildren, Kirstin Crumrine, Tylor Crumrine, Jillian Vistuba and Ashlyn Vistuba.  He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Jim Vistuba.

Celebration of Don’s Life will be held at 10:30 AM Thursday, March 8, 2018 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell.  Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  A Memorial has been established with the Gorham Community Church.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangement.