Donald William Lonker, 88, stepped into his eternal home on Sunday, September 29, 2024 surrounded by his loving family at the Medicine Lodge Memorial Hospital in Medicine Lodge, Kansas. He was born May 29, 1936 in Wichita, Kansas to Melvah and Mildred (Nelson) Lonker.

Don graduated from Medicine Lodge High School in 1954 and then attended Kansas State University where he completed his degree in Ag Economics. He married Barbara Jean (Lewis) Lonker in Corwin, Kansas on July 26, 1958.

After graduating from Kansas State University of Veterinary Medicine in 1963, he began his professional career in Dodge City, Kansas. In 1966 he returned to his roots where he and Barbara made their permanent home in Medicine Lodge. He continued the Lonker legacy in the cattle business begun by his great-grandfather, raising Herefords and eventually Red Angus.

Don was a member of the Medicine Lodge Methodist Church, Beta Theta Pi fraternity, Blue Key, Kansas Livestock Association, American Hereford Association and American Veterinary Medical Association.

Don was a devoted man of faith and his life was a testament to the dedication, loyalty and love he had for his family, community and the values he held dear.

Surviving are his wife, Barbara of Medicine Lodge, children Elizabeth (Brad) Forsyth of Medicine Lodge, Clint (Tammy) Lonker of Medicine Lodge, Brent (Serena) Lonker of Fresno, California, Andrea (John) Fisher of Medicine Lodge and American Field Service sons Uli (Caro) Leisch and Diego Vera. Grandchildren Wendy (Jesse) Gwennap of Sutton, Nebraska, Danielle (Luke) Waller of Strong City, Kansas, Mathew (Carrie) Forsyth of Medicine Lodge, Sean Forsyth of Medicine Lodge, Mallory (Kyle) Powers of Manhattan, Kansas, Courtney Lonker of Medicine Lodge, Brooklyn (Ethan) Loder of Olathe, Kansas, Torrey Lonker (fiancé Mott Asuma) of Manhattan, Kansas, Taryn Lonker of Wichita, Kansas, Luke (Brooklyn) Fisher, Kirk Fisher, Jake Fisher, all of Medicine Lodge, Elena and Noah Leisch of Germany. Great-grandchildren Hannah Chaon, Noah Gwennap, Gabe Gwennap, Landry Forsyth, Merritt Forsyth, Locke Forsyth, Clayton Forsyth, Brecklynn Forsyth, Rhett Forsyth, Kasold Powers, Huxley Powers and Bo Loder. One sister-in-law Judi Lewis. Nephews Dale (Jodi) Lonker, John (Mary) Lonker, Jason (Lindsay) Lewis and nieces Jamie Lonker and Summer (Brandon) Henry. and Special German Sons, Chris and Oli Stroehla and their families.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, infant son, Kirk, brother, Jim Lonker, sister-in-law, Bobbie Lonker, and parents-in-law, Granville and Virgie Lewis, brother-in-law, Jim Lewis and sister-in-law, Sherri Lewis.

A celebration of life service will be held at Medicine Lodge Methodist Church at 1pm on Wednesday, October 2, 2024. The family will greet friends following the service in the Fellowship Hall. A private burial was held at Highland Cemetery, Medicine Lodge.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are designated for Medicine Lodge Methodist Church and Watchman Evangelism Ministries, a ministry of his dear friend Rob Schmutz.