Donald Lee Humphrey

Donald Lee Humphrey, of Emporia, KS, went home to Jesus on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at age 72, after a brief battle with cancer.

Donald was born in Dayton, Ohio on January 23, 1953 and raised by his maternal grandparents in the hills of eastern Kentucky (Middlesboro). Don grew up alongside his beloved Uncle J.L, Aunt Mary, and little sister, Brenda. He was saved at age 11 in a little country church and was baptized in 1978. Don was the first person in his family to graduate from high school. Then, at age 18, he left home to join the U.S. Air Force, where he served from 1971 to 1979. At Grand Forks Air Force Base, in the fall of 1973, he met and fell in love with (SSgt, E5) Peggy Jean Vogelsang. The couple were married on the base, in a snowstorm, on December 14, 1973. The couple served tours in Korea and Germany. Their only child, a son, John Michael, was born during their military service in Germany in 1978. Once honorably discharged (SSgt, E5), the couple returned stateside and settled in Neosho Rapids, KS to raise their son. Don and Peggy celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary this past December.

In addition to being a loving husband and father, Donald was also an avid musician. He especially loved playing bluegrass and gospel music. He could play anything with strings, including the stand-up bass, ukulele, mandolin, guitar and banjo. There were few things Don enjoyed more than "jammin'" with friends. For many years, he blessed the nursing home residents in the Emporia area with live, toe-tapping oldies nearly every week. Don never met a stranger and could talk to anyone about anything. He was quick with a kind word and a man you could depend on if you ever needed help of any kind.

In June of 1981, Don completed his Electronics Technicians program at the Missouri Institute of Technology in Kansas City. Over the years, Don worked as an electronics technician for IBP/Tyson Foods and then at Simmons/Menu, before retiring. In retirement, he continued playing music and joined a local group for daily coffee meetups. Throughout his life, Don held an unwavering faith in God, which he shared with everyone around him. He could often be heard thanking the Lord for all the blessings in his life.

In 2004, Don was promoted to "Grandpa", a title he wore well. His love of music and his faith live on in his grandchildren.

Don was preceded in death by his grandparents, John & Ellen Mifford; uncle J.L. Mifford; aunt Mary Price; and infant brother, David. He is survived by his loving wife, Peggy; his son, John (Barbie); grandchildren, Mikayla Grace (20), Miley Joy (18), and John-David Donald (16); his sister, Brenda (Steve) Horsley; and many nieces, nephews & cousins.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 at 2:00 P.M., at Roberts-Blue-Barnett, 605 State Street, Emporia, KS, 66801. Musicians are asked to bring their instruments for a jam session during visitation at 1:00 P.M.