Don

Donald Stephen Krish, June 30, 1947 – December 22, 2025.

Don grew up in Ohio. He joined the United States Navy in 1965, working as a jet plane mechanic. His final duty station was in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he met his wife, Mary Lou whom he was married to for 52 years.

Don should have been born a century earlier than he was. He loved anything “cowboy.” He made two trips out west to participate in actual roundups, herding cattle, sleeping on the ground and meals from a “chuckwagon.”

Don and Mary Lou fostered dogs and horses on their farm in Parma, Ohio. Don became a farrier so he could shoe the horses they cared for. He was a man of many talents. One such talent was baking chocolate chip cookies and eating at least a dozen of them every day.

Don’s very big, extended family will miss him more than words can express. His Emporia relatives, Lee and Lanie Seymour, Jennifer Dent and Jessica Cruz are heartbroken. Don will be missed by his neighbor and very best friend, Alphonza Powell.

Cowboy’s Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pause mindful of the many blessings you have bestowed upon me. I ask that you will guide me in my life. Help me to live my life in such a manner that when I make the last ride to the country up there, where the grass grows lush and the water runs clear and cool,

That you’ll take me by the hand and say – Welcome Home Cowboy!!

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Children's Research Hospital, (www.stjude.org.)