Donald Ray Panzer

ELLSWORTH

  Donald Ray Panzer passed away peacefully on June 24, 2026.  He was born June 2, 1955 on a U.S. Naval Hospital Ship in San Diego, California to Don and Wilma Panzer. He grew up in Lincoln, Kansas with the nickname “Don Ray”. After graduating from Lincoln High School in 1974, he attended Hutchinson Junior College. He graduated from Kansas City Community College with a degree in Mortuary Science, and being in the first class to do so. On December 20, 1975, he married Carol Meili at St. John's Lutheran Church in Lincoln, Kansas. The couple lived in Kansas City for six months when he was offered a job in Wakeeney, Kansas at the Hendrick's Funeral Home and Coast to Coast Hardware Store. In March 1982, Don accepted a position at the Parsons Funeral Home in Ellsworth, and following in May, their son Sydney was born.

  During Don's time at the Coast to Coast Hardware Store and working at Western Auto during high school, he was introduced to the hardware business. On February 1, 1988, Panzer's True Value Hardware opened after an extensive remodel of the former O'Donnell Hardware Store. He found retail business was his passion. Don was a salesman and loved talking to customers about merchandise. Don and Carol worked together as a team, along with their dedicated employees, to provide the very best customer service.

  After selling True Value in 1996, the couple opened Ellsworth Antique Mall in the former Duckwall building. Don loved working with antique furniture. Many antique pieces were refinished and refurbished to be displayed and sold in the Antique Mall.

  The couple found they loved retail business, and in the following years, Don opened Aqua Shine Car Wash, Panzers Mini Storage, and Panzer Ornamental Concrete. He loved selling products, visiting with people, and always had a joke ready.

  Don's latest business venture was Don's Knotty Woods. He was a true wood craftsman and utilized all of the tools in his shop. He loved starting a new project for any customer. Every cut was precise, every joint was perfect, and there was no reason to hurry the project. The shop held the biggest supply of screws, wood, paint and sandpaper, and of course sawdust in every nook and cranny of the garage.

  Every morning Don had a white note card and pen ready to go into his pocket listing what he would accomplish during the day. It was always all crossed off by evening.

  Don served on Ellsworth City Council for a total of 13 years. During his time on Council, he was part of numerous projects which include ADA Renovations of City Hall, Renovations of the Swimming Pool, New Golf Pro Shop, Fire Station Addition, New City shop building, Downtown Streetscape Project, Water Treatment Plant, Sewer Lagoons, and New Airport Hanger. He was also involved in various Water, Sewer, Airport, Park, and Street Improvements as well.

  Don is survived by his wife Carol of the home, son Sydney (Melissa) of Salina, grandson Avery, mother Wilma Panzer of Lincoln, sister Vickie Haun (Steve) of Wilson, sisters-in-law, Jayne Feldkamp of Lincoln and Lisa Kennedy (Darrell) of Liberal along with nieces, great nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends who will cherish his memories, jokes, and laughter. He was preceded in death by his father Alfred Don Panzer and nephew Benjamin Feldkamp.

  Visitation: 3-8 p.m., Monday, June 29, 2026 at Parsons Funeral Home in Ellsworth. Family will be present to greet visitors 6-8 p.m.

  Funeral service: 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at Parsons Funeral Home with burial following at Ellsworth Memorial Cemetery.

  Memorial contributions can be made to the Ellsworth Golf Course, c/o, Parsons Funeral Home, PO Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439.

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