1944
Donald
2016
Donald Zollars
March 27, 1944 — July 1, 2016
Donald Joseph Zollars, 72, Overland Park, Kansas, passed away July 1, 2016 surrounded by his family. A gathering to Celebrate Don’s Life will take place on Wednesday, July 6 from 5-8pm at the Johnson County Chapel, 11200 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, KS. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 1500 Rosencrans Avenue, Suite 200, Manhattan Beach, CA, 90266.
Donald was born March 27, 1944 in Kansas City, Missouri, to parents David Frederick and Dorothy Allene (Peterson) Zollars. During his school years, Don enjoyed participating and excelling in sports of all kinds. In 1963 he was a member of the first graduating class of Shawnee Mission West. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he was a communications specialist serving some of the time in Africa. Don was always a hard worker, working long hours to provide for his family and including time to further his education at a local college. He excelled in restaurant management and was often called upon to remedy or boost a fledgling enterprise in the area. A most creative gentleman, Don was an excellent artist and carpenter. His home revealed his many talents. He loved watching Sci-Fi and western movies, but when it came to music—country music was where his heart was. He cheered for the Kansas City Chiefs and was a loyal follower. He was known at “Papa Don” or “Papa” to his beloved family who described him as a fun Dad and best Papa ever. While raising a family, Don was the “fun Dad” who always participated in his children’s activities. Guess you could say he was just a “kid at heart.” He looked for, and saw, the good in others and remained positive throughout his life, even when faced with serious health issues. A phrase he will be remembered by is: “Surround yourself with positivity and you will succeed in life.”
Don was preceded in death by: his parents; stepson, Richard Engel; and brother, Charles Simmons. He is survived by: his wife of 20 years, Victoria Freeman; daughter, Jody (Stephen) Roberts; stepdaughters, Sarah (Drew) Campbell and Theresa Sue (Greg) Hafner; brother, David (Linda) Zollars; sister, Debbie Linder; and grandchildren: Brett and Brady Sears, and Andrew, Nik, Hunter, and Madison Campbell and Daniel and Nathan Hafner. Please express condolences and share fond memories at www.johnsoncountychapel.com.
Donald was born March 27, 1944 in Kansas City, Missouri, to parents David Frederick and Dorothy Allene (Peterson) Zollars. During his school years, Don enjoyed participating and excelling in sports of all kinds. In 1963 he was a member of the first graduating class of Shawnee Mission West. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he was a communications specialist serving some of the time in Africa. Don was always a hard worker, working long hours to provide for his family and including time to further his education at a local college. He excelled in restaurant management and was often called upon to remedy or boost a fledgling enterprise in the area. A most creative gentleman, Don was an excellent artist and carpenter. His home revealed his many talents. He loved watching Sci-Fi and western movies, but when it came to music—country music was where his heart was. He cheered for the Kansas City Chiefs and was a loyal follower. He was known at “Papa Don” or “Papa” to his beloved family who described him as a fun Dad and best Papa ever. While raising a family, Don was the “fun Dad” who always participated in his children’s activities. Guess you could say he was just a “kid at heart.” He looked for, and saw, the good in others and remained positive throughout his life, even when faced with serious health issues. A phrase he will be remembered by is: “Surround yourself with positivity and you will succeed in life.”
Don was preceded in death by: his parents; stepson, Richard Engel; and brother, Charles Simmons. He is survived by: his wife of 20 years, Victoria Freeman; daughter, Jody (Stephen) Roberts; stepdaughters, Sarah (Drew) Campbell and Theresa Sue (Greg) Hafner; brother, David (Linda) Zollars; sister, Debbie Linder; and grandchildren: Brett and Brady Sears, and Andrew, Nik, Hunter, and Madison Campbell and Daniel and Nathan Hafner. Please express condolences and share fond memories at www.johnsoncountychapel.com.
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