Donald A. Cain

Donald Cain, age 83, of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away, Saturday, November 7, 2020, at AdventHealth of Ottawa. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Thursday, December 3, 2020, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Ottawa, Kansas. Family will meet with friends from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at the church. In order for family, friends, former students and colleagues to have time to organize travel, rearrange schedules and maintain recommended COVID-19 guidelines a Celebration of Life service will also be held on the Cain’s family property, Saturday, July 3, 2021. Don was born February 5, 1937, in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Patrick Donald and Eva J. (Jackson) Cain. Don was a long-time resident Franklin County resident living in or around Ottawa since the 1940’s. He graduated from Ottawa High School with the class of 1955. Don graduated from Kansas State Teachers College in 1969 and from Emporia State University in 1993 earning a Master of Science in Engineering degree. Don was united in marriage to Karen Kay Haverty on December 8, 1956 in Ottawa, Kansas. She preceded him in death on January 2, 2018. He was also preceded in death by his daughter Babette Cain, parents, Donald and Eva Cain and his younger brother David Cain. Survivors include two children, Candi Cain-Borgman and her husband Craig and their three children, and Cliff “Donnie” Cain and his wife Kerry and their four children. He is also survived by a great grandson, a younger brother Darold Cain, a younger sister Sharon Hiner and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. Don dedicated his work life teaching high school physics, college prep chemistry, chemistry and other science and math courses at Ottawa High School and Pomona High School from 1969 to 1999. He also served in the Kansas National Guard, Ottawa, Kansas from 1955 to 1963 where he earned many commendations. Don earned many awards including the 1996 Walmart Teacher of the Year and 1998 Emporia State University Outstanding Contributions of the Teaching Profession. He was a member of the National Education Association, Kansas Educational Association, Ottawa Education Association, National Science Teachers Association and Kansas Association of Teachers of Science. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Don’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com Ottawa, Kansas

February 5, 1937 - November 7, 2020

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Donald A. Cain

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Laura Miller

December 4, 2020

I was the third of three siblings to have Mr. Cain as a high school science teacher. My college science classes were so much easier than they would have been if I hadn't had the opportunity to learn from him. I also was able to help my daughter with her science classes... Continue Reading

Dale Ream

December 4, 2020

Mr. Cain was by far one of the most influential teachers I've had -- high school or college. I still remember we had to "show our work" on every problem and he taught us about "conversion factors" (from one unit or measure to another) that I have have never forgotten. Hi... Continue Reading

Paul Klingele

December 4, 2020

I will always treasure my memories of Mr. Cain as one of my favorite teachers of all time. The way he taught us how to think and reason has turned into an invaluable life skill. He had an easy-going spirit, a ready smile, and a commitment to his students. I once watched ... Continue Reading

Jason Haworth

December 4, 2020

I have so many fun memories of M.r Cain from his science classes that I could go on for pages. He’s the reason I passed Chemistry at KU despite my less than ideal study habits. But I think the best tribute I could pay to him, or at least the one I think he would apprecia... Continue Reading

Tim McCune

December 2, 2020

Mr. Cain was such a special teacher. He was meticulous and passionate. He truly loved what he did, and left such an impression on so many of us. When I got to college physics, all I had to do was show up on test day and get my A because of how much I had already learne... Continue Reading

Sean Brown

December 1, 2020

I was a student of his at Ottawa High School back in the mid-90s. Absolutely loved his chemistry and physics classes. I was just thinking about him the other day when I was helping my daughter with her middle school chemistry using a method he taught me that I still re... Continue Reading

Sara Rich

December 1, 2020

Mr. Cain was my chemistry and physics teacher. I took both classes at the same time, so needless to say, I spent a lot of time in the lab. Mr. Cain arrived to his classroom at 4am every day, and there were many mornings when I arrived shortly thereafter to start running ... Continue Reading

Joe Dellamorte, Stefan Altwasser, and BASF Beachwood Team

November 30, 2020

Candi and Craig, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. With heartfelt condolences,

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Ron and DeeAnna Kimes

November 28, 2020

We taught with Don for many years at OHS. He and Ron had a photography business for a few years. A privilege to have he and Karen as friends and all his children as students, great memories. Our prayers to the family. Ron and DeeAnna Kimes

Janice Rhodes

November 27, 2020

I first met Don in 1973 when I was a student teacher. He was one of my cooperating teachers. I really appreciated his wisdom. He and Karen then became my landlords, as I took over for a math teacher who left mid year. He was always ready to be helpful. Praying for the f... Continue Reading

Donald A. Cain

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