Donald 'Don' Lee Thomas, 76, died February 27, 2021, at Diversicare of Hutchinson.  He was born April 4, 1944, in Americus, to Clyde Alan and Edith Ora (Mallory) Thomas.

Don graduated from Alta Vista High School.  He received a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Emporia State University (formerly Kansas State Teachers College).  Don continued his education at Pittsburg State University, earning a Master's Degree in Education and a Specialist Degree in Education.  He was employed as a building trades instructor for 28 years at Central Kansas Area Vocational-Technical School, Hutchinson, and then served as its director for 12 years.

Don was a member of the Great Plains Antique Tractor Club, Hutchinson, and Journey Mennonite Church, South Hutchinson.  His overwhelming passion was to provide vocational education training opportunities to as many high school students and adults as possible.  Don was dedicated to his work, but his first priority was always his family.  He loved being a husband and father.

On August 29, 1965, Don married Gayle Smith, in Emporia.  They shared over 55 years of marriage, prior to his death.

He is survived by:  his wife, Gayle Thomas of Hutchinson; sons, Scott (Melissa) Thomas and Cameron (Jeanne) Peirce, all of Hutchinson; brothers, Allen Thomas of Council Grove and Bob (Jan) Thomas of Park City; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, John Thomas.

Private graveside service will be Friday, March 5, 2021, at Fairlawn Burial Park, Hutchinson, with Pastors Howard Wagler and Eric Miller officiating.  Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 4, 2021, with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.  Memorial service will be scheduled at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Mennonite Central Committee, Newton, or Kansas Honor Flight, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.