Donald E. Jolley, 71, of Kansas City, KS, passed away on Tuesday, May 3, 2022.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Tennessee. 

 

     Don was born August 29, 1950, in Kansas City, KS to Hercial Boyd and Joyce Lee (Hargis) Jolley.  He served in the United States Navy.  Don was employed by the Federal Reserve Bank in Kansas City before he started his ad specialty company called DJs Custom Designs.  He retired 12 years ago and needed something to do, so he worked part time driving a school bus for the Piper School District.    Don was involved in many community groups and previous Board positions, including the Kiwanis West Club in Kansas City, KS, Grinter Place Friends, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) in Leavenworth County, He loved his community, family, friends and country music.  Don enjoyed seeing his family at the family reunions.  He was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law Gilmer Massey.  Don is survived by his wife of 50 years, Kathy (Massey) Jolley, his sister Brenda Jolley Brewer and her husband Harold, her children Dr. Stacy and her husband Dr. Victor Armstrong, Michael and Holly Brewer, uncle C.L. Jolley, mother-in-law Stella Mae Massey, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Douglas Massey, Alvin and Anne Massey, Cynthia and Rick Cantrell, Brenda Massey and many nieces and nephews, who he loved and enjoyed,   A special thank you to Kansas City Hospice in particular Duchess and Chris.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Hospital.

https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=home-btn-donate-now



Condolences

Mike Burns May 04, 2022

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

RIP MY friend. Don and I became friends at Kiwanis West. He was always positive and when my son was a little ornery on the Piper school bus he was very understanding.

Ann and Al Massey May 04, 2022

Brother and Sister in Law ,Knoxville ,Tennessee

We will miss him Kathy. He fought to live each day and that fighting spirit kept him on this earth longer allowing many of us to enjoy his funny messages, recommended songs ( all country) and general updates on FB to the very end. He so enjoyed his trips home to Tennessee and we always looked forward to seeing the two of you. Praying you find comfort and peace especially in the coming months with your memories of Don.

Glenda Edgemon May 04, 2022

Friend ,Ten Mile ,Tennessee

I’m so sorry for your loss. I didn’t know Don was that sick. I’ll be praying for you. I love you, Kathy😘

Betty Brewer Wilroy May 04, 2022

Friend & brother-in-law to my brother Harold Brewer. ,Batesville ,Arkansas

Kathy, Brenda and family: Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God Bless and comfort you both. Don was like family. We all loved him. He was sweet, kind, loved to eat, and always smiling. He will be missed by many family members and friends. RIP Don.

Carolyn and Rod Newberry May 04, 2022

Cousin ,Battle creek ,Michigan

Sending our deepest condolences to Kathy and Don’s family. So very sorry for your loss of such a kind, fun loving man.

Catherine Roe May 04, 2022

Cousin ,Battle Creek ,Michigan

Kathy so very sorry for your loss. Our prayers and hugs are with you the family at this very sad time. Don will be greatly missed by all that knew him and at the family reunion.

Misty Meadows May 04, 2022

Cousin ,Decatur ,Tennessee

Kathy, you have been in my thoughts and prayers. I’m so sorry for your loss. Don was such a kind soul. Every time I see a “mud hole” it will remind me of Don. My favorite memories include when it would rain at the reunion, he would always try to convince EVERY child to sit down or splash in the water. There was a time when I was that child…and, my children, after me. I remember seeing the joy on his face when he was successful. I will remember his laugh and his kind spirit always. He was a great historian. The reunion and family gatherings won’t be the same without him. He will be greatly missed.

Linda Fowler Knoblock May 04, 2022

I’m so very sorry for your loss.

Debbie Sands Anderson May 04, 2022

High school friend

RIP my great friend. You were always so kind. A gentle giant. You fought a galant fight. You will be missed. 🙏🏻🙏🏻

Fred Warren May 04, 2022

High School Classmate and friend ,Colorado Springs ,Colorado

I first met Don in HS. He was a manager on the Football team. He was always so positive and such a great guy. Our travels took us to different places. We then reconnected in Knoxville where I was living and he visiting. A great visit. My partner, Debbie, who also graduated with Don , saw him a number of times in Bonner Springs. It was always a pleasure. We just spoke with him a few months back and we planned to visit him this summer when we came to KC. “Fair well and following seas” my old friend!

Vicki Hargis May 04, 2022

Aunt ,Savannah ,Missouri

I am so happy that Don and I kept in touch on Facebook Don you fought a hard fight and now you can rest I loved your laugh nobody could laugh like you and I love the way you love my children when they were young and played with them and conversed with them and talked with them especially that little Gina tell your uncle Ernie hello for me and that I love him if you can hear this at all because I’m saying it out loud I’m so sorry Kathy for your loss 50 years is a long long time to be with the love of your life and I know you’ll miss him dearly and I’m praying for all of you that you have peace love aunt Vicki

Brenda Massey May 05, 2022

Sister Inlaw ,Clinton ,Tennessee

Don was such a kind and decent person with a passion for history and community. We will miss him.

Shirley Moore May 05, 2022

Friend ,Ten Mile ,Tennessee

I am saddened by the passing of Don. When he was in Meigs County he would come by to see my husband, Ottis Gene. They would talk for hours and reminisce about their families. My prayers go out to Cathy and the rest of the family.

Steve Crowder May 05, 2022

Childhood friend ,Kansas City ,Kansas

Don an I grew up together in Muncie. He was always my friend and had a great sense of humor. We stayed in touch up until the end. Until we meet again in heaven my friend. You have been a blessing to all you've known.

Chantell Benware May 05, 2022

Friend ,Pleasant Hill ,Missouri

Don and I worked together at the Fed. I truly enjoyed working with him not only for his knowledge but his upbeat personality. He always had a way of making things not so stressful. My deepest condolences to his family.

Octavio (Ockk) Lorenzo May 05, 2022

friend ,Richmond ,Missouri

Enjoyed working with Don, good company and great humor He always loved his county music.(now my favorite) and his wife Kathy sorry for your loss

Gordon kennedy May 05, 2022

Cousins ,Decatur ,AL

Sorry to hear about Don, we Kathy , we will be praying for you in this time of sorrow, we love you, He will be greatly missed,

Donald Ash May 05, 2022

Friend ,Kansas City ,Kansas

Don was a good friend and a great club member at Kansas City West Kiwanis. While I coached basketball and football at Piper Middle School, Don drove us to many, many games during his years as a bus driver. And we had many post-game debriefings during the ride home. His passion to support kids was second to none. We shall all miss him terribly. Keeping Kathy and the family in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers...

Pat Spencer May 06, 2022

Friends of Grinter ,Kansas City ,Kansas

Sending prayers and condolence for Kathy and all of Don's family. I volunteered with Don at Grinter for 9 years. He was always working at finding ways to benefit Grinter and to raise money for projects that were going on - he worked many years on the Apple fest & he was a big part of getting the walking trail started and worked tirelessly to keep the monthly Jamboree going. So thankful for all he did to help out.

Jan Wiley May 08, 2022

Friend ,Parkville ,Missouri

Kathy, I am so sad to hear of Don’s passing. Lots of fond memories of working with him in Kiwanis. He was a wonderful man and cared deeply for his community. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.

JohnGreen May 09, 2022

Friend ,Stanberry ,Missouri

Always proud to call you friend RIP DJ

Fred Uzzell May 09, 2022

Friend ,Kansas City ,Kansas

Kathy & Family, Donna and I are saddened by Don's passing but also comforted in knowing that his suffering is over. He fought a great fight. I feel blessed to have known Don for many years and for having worked with him on many musical events that raised funds to help the underserved of our community. Don's drive and dedication were an inspiration to many. He will be sorely missed. Fred Uzzell

Lori Ragle May 09, 2022

I worked with Don at the Fed. He was always fun to be around. I will always remember his laugh. Sending prayers to the family during this difficult time.

Karrie May 09, 2022

Friend ,Lee's Sumit ,Missouri

My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.

Roger Marquardt May 13, 2022

Friend & neighbor ,Kansas City ,Kansas

Sorry for your loss, I'm the guy that lives around the corner from you with the Buffalo in my front yard. Just to let you know l'm still planning on doing your driveway every winter. Once again sorry for your loss. ,

Robert woerman May 19, 2022

friend ,Quincy ,Illinois

Patty and i are very sorry to hear about Don's passing. He was always so kind to talk to when ever we were lucky enough to spend time with him on the OAIC trips and get togethers. Patty and i are sending prayers to you and your family Kathy.

Kevin Steele Aug 29, 2022

Acquaintance ,Kansas City, ,Kansas

I met Don when I was assigned to the West Patrol Divison of the KCKPD. We worked together on various committees for year's at the PD. He was a caring and honest person that told you what he thought - a quality that I loved about him. Also, Don was a kind person, that was always looking after the welfare of people. He loved his family and his community with all his heart and soul. He always thought of others first. May he rest in peace. I will miss him. Pray for us, Don. Kevin Steele KCKPD (Ret)