Donald Eugene Witzke, age 90, passed away Sept. 18, 2024, in Wichita. He leaves behind a legacy marked by dedicated service in both his professional and community endeavors.
Don was born on June 23, 1934, in Bessie, Okla. to Leonard and Miriam Witzke.
After graduating from Turpin High School, he furthered his studies for one year at Oklahoma Panhandle State University.
Don proudly served in the United States Navy for four years, where he was honorably discharged. Upon returning to Liberal in 1958, he embraced his role as a community leader and mentor.
Don was united in marriage to Laura Kay Zehering on Oct. 2, 1957, in Straight, Okla. They were married for 62 years. She preceded him in death on August 1, 2020. Together they raised two daughters, Laura RoxAnn and Tracie Dawn.
Don later married Sharon (Davidson) Rogers on Dec. 10, 2021. She preceded him in death on Sept. 3, 2022.
Don began his career in real estate in 1972, quickly establishing himself as a prominent agent. He later became a broker and assumed ownership of Coldwell Banker Witzke and Associates L.L.C., a business he successfully managed for more than 25 years. In a significant transition, he sold the business to Bill (William) Hockett and Richard Farrar, also known as Landmark Real Estate Center.
Throughout his impressive career, Don was recognized for his contributions and was the recipient of numerous awards from Coldwell Banker, including accolades for having a Premier Office.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Don was deeply involved in his community. He served as a Deacon for First Baptist Church, a Board Member of the USD 480 for 17 years. He dedicated four years to serving as a city commissioner, three of which were as mayor. Don served 15 years on the Board of Director of the Chamber of Commerce. He was a proud member of the Liberal Rotary Club and a member of the Economic Development committee. His memberships of the Graduate Realtor Institute and Certified Residential Specialist, both demanded additional education for advancement showing. He also made significant contributions as a member and past President of the Southwest Kansas Board of Directors and numerous committees of the Realtor Association, where he spent a decade on the Government Affairs Committee and earned the coveted Archie Leiman Award.
His indelible impact on both the real estate industry and the communities he served will be remembered by all who had the privilege to know him.
He is survived by his daughters, Laura RoxAnn Witzke and Tracie Dawn Hough, both of Liberal; grandson, Wyatt Eugene Hough; numerous nieces and nephews, including nieces, Debbie Schremmer, Karen Wiederstein and her husband Bob, and great-niece Andrea Huddleston, who cared lovingly for Don his last few months.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Miriam Witzke; first wife, Laura Kay Witzke; second wife, Sharon Rogers; brothers: Ben Witzke, Leo Witzke, and Albert Dale Witzke; and sisters, Norma Jarrett, and Lavona Gaylord.
• Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024 at Hornung Family Funeral Home at 1212 W 2nd Street in Liberal. The family will be present to greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024 at Fellowship Baptist Church at 310 W. Pancake Boulevard in Liberal, with Pastor David Harris presiding. Military Honors will be provided by American Legion Post #80.
Burial will follow at Restlawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to the Parkinson’s Foundation in care of Hornung Family Funeral Home, 1212 W 2nd Street, Liberal, KS 67901.
Condolences may be left at www.hornungfuneralhome.com.
Paid obituary
