Donald Eby

Donald Mack Eby passed away March 25, 2010 at Olathe Medical Center from complications with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Judie, of Overland Park, KS, three sons, Mike, Joe and Andy and their families, and brother Richard Eby and wife of Overland Park, KS.

Don Eby was born March 22, 1945 in Newton, Kansas to Olin and Lorene (Prather) Eby. He graduated from Newton High School in 1963 and graduated from Wichita State University in 1967, earning a BA in business administration. Following graduation, Don enlisted in the National Guard and served at Fort Carson, CO, as supply sergeant until 1970.

Don married Judith Bickford on September 10, 1966. For 20 years, Don Eby worked for Sisco Equipment, starting out as a salesman and working his way up until he became President. Don expanded to Kansas City and moved to Olathe, KS. He retired from Sisco in 1991.

Within months, Don's mother-in-law, Mary Bickford began to require more care because of her Alzheimer's disease. Don not only built an assisted living residence for his mother-in-law, but he also became instrumental in fashioning legislation for assisted living in several states and Bickford Senior Living has become a leading provider in senior care, with 42 branches through seven states.

Don Eby prepared himself to retire again by beginning a new business--ranching. Within the span of six years, Don Eby had become one of the leading producers of Angus cattle in the state of Kansas, specializing in pure-bred genetics.

Within the first year of his cattle business, Don was diagnosed with terminal cancer, being given two months to two years survival. He attacked this diagnosis with the same fighting spirit with which he approached all the rest of his life, outliving his prognosis by over three years.

Memorials for Don Eby may be made to the Bickford Foundation and they can be left at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home or mailed to 706 N. Lindenwood, Olathe, KS, 66062.