Don Ashel

Donald "Don" Harlan Ashel died on January 17, 2024, in Overland Park, Kansas at the age of 78. Don was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing.

Don was born on April 18, 1945, in Fayetteville, Arkansas to Donald Harland Ashel and Alma Jeanne (Williams) Ashel. He was the oldest of two sons. When Don was just a few months old, the family moved to Wichita, Kansas, where he was raised and remained until joining the Navy in 1967. Don was stationed at Naval Air Station Jax in Jacksonville, Florida, where he met the woman who would be his wife, Susan Virginia Echevarria. Don and Susan married on February 16, 1968, which is widely regarded as the single best decision Don ever made.

Over the next four years, Don served his country in Vietnam as an Aviation Ordnanceman on the USS Kittyhawk. Loading bombs on an aircraft carrier during war time was not for the faint of heart, and Don carried the physical and emotional battle scars for the rest of his life. He also carried deep pride in his military service, fond memories of world travel, and life-long friendships with his brothers-in-arms.

Upon his return from Vietnam, Don and Susan started their family. Their daughter, Shannon, was born in 1972, prompting relocation from Florida to Kansas in 1974 to be closer to Don's family. Erik was born in Wichita, Kansas, in 1976. The family remained in Wichita for 16 years, during which time Don worked as an Electrical Designer at NCR and in the aviation industry.

In the early 1990's, job opportunities took the family to Rockford, Illinois for 5 years and then took Don and Susan to Raleigh, North Carolina (empty nesters by this time), where they remained for 17 years while Don worked in the telecommunications industry. Upon retirement in 2012, Don and Susan relocated to Overland Park, Kansas to be near Erik and his wife Annie in anticipation of their daughters Ella and Izzy, who were Don's joy. Unanticipated blessings were dear friends and "bonus grandchildren" who became part of Don and Susan's lives upon their return to Kansas.

In addition to his family and the Navy, Don loved the Kansas City Chiefs, KU basketball, good and bad scotch, Harleys, his Ford F-150, his well-worn spot on the couch, good movies, and old westerns. His family will preserve these memories and many others in the days and years to come.

Don is survived by his wife, Susan (Echevarria) Ashel, daughter Shannon (Ashel) Hall, son Erik Ashel (Annie), granddaughters Ella and Izzy, grandson Nicholas, his brother Aaron Ashel, and many loving extended family members and friends.

Don is preceded in death by his father, Donald Harland Ashel and his mother, Alma Jeanne (Williams) House.

A memorial service for Don will be held on Friday, February 23rd, 2024, at 11 AM at Penwell-Gabel Cremations, Funerals & Receptions in Olathe, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer's Association or Disabled American Veterans in Don's memory.



Don's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here to view the service.



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