Donald Keith Krone's Obituary
Donald Keith Krone, 93, of Chanute passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2024 at Heritage Healthcare in Chanute. Don was born on September 9, 1930, in Chanute the son of George F. and Mary Josephine (Dickerson) Krone.
After spending a few years of his childhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Don and his family moved back to Chanute where Don would graduate from Chanute High School in 1948. After high school, Don attended Chanute Junior College, and after graduating from Chanute Junior College Don enlisted in the United States Navy. Don served his country honorably for four years aboard the USS Bataan, and after his discharge he would return home to graduate from Wichita State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business.
After college, Don began his 43-year career with the Santa Fe Railroad. He started as a fireman on steam engines and was promoted to locomotive engineer where he would run steam engines and later on diesel electric locomotives. On March 6, 1965, Don married the love of his Betty L. Beck Taylor at Grace Episcopal Church in Chanute. Don and Betty were married for 57 years until Betty’s passing on July 15, 2022.
Don loved to travel with Betty, especially going to see shows in Branson. They also made a trip to the Holy Land, and would travel all over the United States to attend reunions of the USS Bataan. Golf and tennis were activities Don and Betty often enjoyed together and with friends. In his spare time, Don volunteered for many years at the Chanute VFW helping veterans and elderly members of the community with their taxes.
One thing that Don was very proud of was his heritage. He was a decedent of Captain Samuel Stewart who survived the failed Vegetarian Colony south of Humboldt, and Captain Stewart along with his brother were two of the founding fathers of Allen County.
Don was a loyal and dedicated member of Zion Lutheran Church in Chanute, Chanute VFW 1654, Elks Lodge 806, Chanute American Legion Post 170, and NARVRE.
Don will always be remembered as a very humble man that never had a bad word to say about anyone. He is greatly loved and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Don is survived by many nieces and nephews whose visits brought great joy to his life.
Don was preceded in death by his parents George and Mary, his wife Betty, and his brother Loren.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 1, 2024 from 9:30 am to 10:30 am at Zion Lutheran Church in Chanute with services to immediately follow at 10:30 am. Burial will follow the service at Memorial Park Cemetery in Chanute. Memorials have been suggested to Zion Lutheran Church or American Legion Post 170 and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at: www.countrysidefh.com. Services have been entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home, 101 N. Highland, Chanute, Kansas 66720.
What’s your fondest memory of Donald?
What’s a lesson you learned from Donald?
Share a story where Donald's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Donald you’ll never forget.
How did Donald make you smile?
