Donald Carrington

Donald W. Carrington, 88, passed away on March 19, 2018 after a short illness. A visitation will be held from 6-8 PM on Tuesday, March 27, at Johnson County Funeral Chapel, 11200 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66210. A graveside service with military honors will be held at 1:30 PM on Wednesday, March 28, at Fort Scott National Cemetery, 900 E National Ave, Fort Scott, KS 66701.

Don was born on May 14, 1929 in Fort Scott, Kansas, son of Bessie (Eves) Everhart and Rudyard Carrington. He grew up in Fort Scott, attended Fort Scott High School and Pittsburg State University and received his Bachelor’s degree and Masters in Industrial Arts Education from that institution; he later received a second Masters from the University of Kansas in Psychology and Counseling. Don was proud to have served his country in the Korean War and married the love of his life, Donna Jean Carrington, nee Colvin, soon after he returned from overseas.

Don and Donna made their home in Overland Park, Kansas and Don worked his entire career in the Shawnee Mission School District. He started at Milburn Junior High as a shop teacher, then transitioned to counselor for the rest of his career, first at Nallwood Junior High and later at Shawnee Mission South High School. He had several interesting side jobs as well: as a fireman and conductor for the Union Pacific Railroad, as an expert house painter and once he retired from the school district, as a driver for Enterprise Car Rentals. He worked this last job up until a month before he passed away.

Some of Don’s hobbies included woodworking and restoring antique clocks, hunting and fishing, camping, playing cards and reading. He was a huge fan of the KU Jayhawks and cheered them on to victory the day before he died. His favorite activity, however, was spending time with his extended family at barbecues, Fourth of July celebrations, Christmas Eve, the New Year, birthday or any old excuse to get together. He was always the warm and steady center around which his family revolved and he will be greatly missed. His faith in Jesus Christ and in the Resurrection will ensure him a place in God’s beautiful kingdom, where he is surely now catching up with old friends, hugging his beloved mom, Bessie, and much-loved sister, Joyce.

Don was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

He is survived by his wife, Donna (Colvin) Carrington; children, Steve Carrington, Cindy (Carrington) Basaure and Stan Carrington; their spouses, Laura (Hare) Carrington, Jorge Basaure-Castellanos and Stacy (Echols) Carrington; grandchildren: Steven, Jorge Andres, Steele, Rebecca, Perry, and great granddaughter, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Great Plains SPCA, 5424 Antioch Dr, Merriam, KS 66202 or Project Healing Waters, http://www.projecthealingwaters.org/donate/