Don Alan Durflinger

Don Alan Durflinger, 81, of Douglass, KS, passed away Sunday, June 1, 2025 in Wichita. A graveside service will be held at Pretty Prairie Cemetery, Pretty Prairie, KS at a later date.

Don was born at Grace Hospital in Hutchinson, KS on September 12, 1943, to the late Mary Elizabeth (Drolte) and Edward Thomas Durflinger. He was the youngest of four siblings: Glen Edward, Irvin Lewis, and Esther Elaine Fisher. He was raised and completed school in Arlington, KS. His mother was an old-fashioned homemaker, and his father was a farmer as well as a railroad maintenance man. Don was a "bridge kid" connecting two different generations, cultures, and upbringing.

After completing high school, he attended Southwestern College in Winfield, KS majoring in chemistry, biology, and human lab technology. He joined the Navy Reserves while attending college and trained as a medical corpsman and lab tech. In 1965 he was called up with the Marines to serve in Vietnam as a field medic. Don alternated between active duty and reserves until 1992 when he retired as Commander, USNR medical service corps. He received advanced training and gained a reputation as a great "fixer".

Between active duty, graduate training in healthcare, administration, and many technical seminars, he worked in civilian hospitals and nursing homes as admin consulting and fill in. He was certified in several professional organizations in purchasing, nursing, and lab. Don also worked as a traveling EMS Paramedic for some time. He finally retired as a physical therapy technician from PT Plus clinic after 12 years.

In his downtime Don enjoyed gardening. He was a lifelong learner and enjoyed reading. The most important thing for Don was serving others, and he enjoyed helping people.

On March 29, 1989 he married Donna (Bender) Durflinger. They were married for 36 years and had been together for 44 years. She survives him. He is also survived by: sons, Edward Durflinger of Iowa, Sean Stover of San Antonio, TX, and Chad Stover of Quinlin, TX; grandchildren, Sydnie, Casey, and Karlie Stover; sister, Esther Fisher.

He was preceded in death by: son, Chris Stover in 2018; parents, Edward and Mary Durflinger; brothers, Glen and Irvin Durflinger.

Memorial donations may be made to the Augusta Veterans Memorial in care of American Legion Post 189.