Donald J. Meyer of Axtell, Kansas, died peacefully on Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at his home surrounded by his family.

Donald John Meyer was born on October 2, 1928 at the family home north of Baileyville, Kansas. He was the second of 10 children born to Henry and Clara Haug Meyer. He graduated from Baileyville High School in 1947.

He was drafted into the U.S. Army on April 11, 1952 and served in the Korean War until March 4, 1954. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal with two bronze service stars, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Overseas Bar.

Don married Marcelline “Marcy” Hulsing on February 20, 1954 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Benedict, Kansas. They had just recently celebrated their 59th anniversary.

Don was an avid, successful farmer and cattleman in Marshall and Nemaha Counties. They lived in rural Axtell until moving into Axtell in 2000.

Don had a deep love for his wife, family, faith and farming. He enjoyed “snow-birding” in Laughlin, Nevada and volunteering at Holy Trinity Monastery in St. David, Arizona for many years during his retirement.

His community involvement included 4th degree Knights of Columbus, American Legion, Axtell school board, St Michael’s church council and school board.

Besides his wife Marcy, survivors include his nine children, Jim (Julie) Meyer of Axtell, Jackie (Shawn) Aday of Wichita, Mary Jo Erdmann of Lincoln, Nebraska, John Meyer of Axtell, Jerry (Kristi) Meyer of Pawnee City, Nebraska, Julie (Damon) Putnam of Hoyt, Kansas, Steve (Velda) Meyer of Valley Center, Kansas, Donna (Jeff) Nider of Pawnee City, and Diane (Duke) Dutton of Augusta, Kansas; 27 grandchildren, Bridget Crow, Carrie Alcon, Travis Meyer, Carla Strathman, Adam, Aaron and Allison Aday, Melissa Beeck, Andrew and Dustin Erdmann, Luke and Evan Meyer, Hayden, Hannah, Henry and William Meyer, Macy and Megan Putnam, Abby, Emma, Heidi and Connor Meyer, Austin, Savannah and Mallory Nider, Ciara and Sage Dutton; nine great-grandchildren; two brothers, Clarence (Joann) Meyer of Soldier, Kansas and Kenny (Alice) Meyer of Baileyville, Kansas; six sisters, Sr. Mary John, OSB of Clyde, Missouri, Elaine (special friend Jean Placke) Meyer of Baileyville, Marilyn (late Dennis) Holthaus of Seneca, Delores (late Steve) Saggars of Olathe, Kathy (Richard) Buessing of Axtell, Janice (Tom) Tomlinson of Sarasota, Florida; and a sister-in-law, Thelma Meyer of Granger, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant sister, Mildred; a brother, Vernice; and daughter-in-law, Sharis.

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 AM Saturday, March 9, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Axtell. Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM Friday, March 8 at St. Michael’s Church. Burial will be in church cemetery with military honors.

Memorial contributions can be given for St. Michael’s Church and/or School, and sent in care of the family.