Donald J. "Desmo Don" Kitchen

Donald J. “Desmo Don” Kitchen

Donald J. “Desmo Don” Kitchen, 87, Hays, died Friday, May 12, 2023 at Russell Regional Hospital.

He was born June 28, 1935 in Hays, the son of George and Barbara (Keberlein) Kitchen.  He graduated from Hays High School, and on December 29, 1956 he was united in marriage to Jeanette Wiesner.  They later divorced, and she preceded him in death on September 24, 2020.  Don learned to be a machinist from his father, and for more than 30 years, owned and operated Kitchen Cycle and Machine.  He was a property developer, built electric cars, and used his many talents remodeling the I.M. Yost Cement Mill into living quarters and a shop.  Don loved animals, especially his beloved dog Jack, and he enjoyed big band and jazz music.  He was a drummer in several bands including the Jimmy Maxwell Quartet, and always had a good time with fellow musicians when they gathered and listened to music at his shop on Saturdays.

Survivors include his three sons, Mark Kitchen and wife Millie of Aurora, CO, Marshall Kitchen and wife Brenda of Hays, and Brent Kitchen and wife Shelly of Olathe, two daughters, Kim Betts and husband Mike of Hays and Mindi Pfannenstiel and husband Marty of Mulvane, 17 grandchildren, Dustin Kitchen and wife Robin, Brenden and Taylor Kitchen, Blake Kitchen and wife Tanya, Brian Kitchen and wife Allison, Kayla Landers and husband Jake, Dylan, Bailey, and Gage Kitchen, Sheldon Betts and wife Niki, Clay, Taylor, and Jordan Betts, Austin, Chayton, Easton, and Maci Pfannenstiel, and 10 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Robert and William Kitchen, and two sisters, Mary Jane Roper and Patricia Kitchen.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Richard Daise officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00 on Tuesday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Wednesday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.  A vigil service and rosary will be at 6:00 pm on Tuesday at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to the Humane Society of the High Plains.  Condolences and memories of Don may be shared with his family at www.haysmemorial.com     

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