Donald Vannoster

Donald Ray Vannoster (age 75) of Jefferson, Kansas, gained his angel wings at 7:12pm on November 13, 2022 surrounded by close family.

Don was born to Virgil Vannoster and Martha Noblitt-Vannoster in Nowata, Oklahoma on September 22, 1947. He attended several grade schools in Oklahoma and Kansas, graduating from Wayside High School in Kansas in 1965. After graduation, he joined the United States Air Force, being stationed in Altus, Oklahoma. He was a Staff Sargent, specializing in aircraft mechanics and was a crew chief for the flight line working on KC135 re-fuelers. He served in Vietnam, Guam, and Midway.

While serving in the military, he was united in marriage to Gloria Fox and had one daughter, Wendy Michelle Vannoster. They divorced and a few years later in 1973, he was joined in matrimony to Carolyn Sue Lohmann. Together they had two children, Christopher Lee Vannoster and Keri Dawn Vannoster and built their home in Jefferson, Kansas. Yes, he literally built their home with his hands. He was a skilled carpenter, contractor, and loved working with wood. He and Carolyn enjoyed arts and craft shows and would travel around to show off their work they had created as their business Little Pine Mfg. Don had worked for Readi-mix, Funks Mfg, and Automotive Controls Corp, but ultimately enjoyed working for himself much more.

As a young man, Don found religion and was baptized at the Church of Christ in Caney, Kansas. He attended that same church for many years driving the Joybus, teaching children's classes, and even filling the pulpit from time to time. Around this time, he also discovered dirt-track racing. He drove several cars himself and as time went on, he passed the torch to his son and grandson. He has enjoyed watching them race, attending sporting events, going fishing, working auctions, mowing his yard with his John Deere mower, and planting a vegetable garden every year. He liked Western and Sci-fi movies, the color blue, and caramel shakes from Sonic.

Survivors include: Carolyn Lohmann-Vannoster (wife) of Jefferson, Kansas; Charlie (their dog); Wendy (daughter) and Eli Bays of Neosho, MO; Chris (son) and Crystal Vannoster of Coffeyville, KS; Keri Vannoster (daughter) of Copan, OK; Archie (brother) and Connie Vannoster of Elk City, KS; Jim (brother) and Tammie Vannoster of Jefferson, KS; Betty Vannoster (sister-in-law) of Dearing, KS; Grandchilden: Lindsey Thompson, Jake Foster, Garrett Vannoster, and Gavin Vannoster; Great Grandchilden: Kobe Thompson, Khloe Foster, and Ava Grace

He is preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Martha Vannoster, brother John Vannoster, sister Virginia Wilson, and great granddaughter Kelsey Paige Thompson.

We welcome friends and family for visitation on Thursday, November 17 from 5-7pm at Potts Chapel in Independence, Kansas. The remembrance service will be held Friday, November 18 at 2pm also at Potts Chapel, followed by a short graveside ceremony at the Jefferson Cemetery in Jefferson, Kansas.