Don C. Gallagher, age 64, passed away on the morning of Tuesday, April 19th 2022 at his home in Olathe, KS surrounded by family.
During his time within the KRAS Kickers community he made a difference. We have lost one of our own. Hearing Don share his lung cancer journey, in his voice - his way, he will continue to make an impact.
His full obituary https://www.forevermissed.com/don-c-gallagher/about
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, May 15th from 10am-1pm at Eagles Landing at Olathe Lake (475 S Ward Cliff Dr. Olathe, KS 66061). The event will be an open house style; there will be a short presentation at 11:00 am. Refreshments will be served. To honor Don, we encourage everyone to dress casually and wear bright colors and/or tie dye.
Don was born in Cedar Rapids, IA to Donald and Mary Lou Gallagher on May 13, 1957. He graduated from Linn-Mar High School in Marion, IA, then attended Iowa State University where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering; he later earned an MBA from University of Wisconsin - Madison. He married Linda Dilts on August 13, 1983 in Ames, IA. Don worked for John Deere for twenty five years; after retiring from Deere, he started his dream job as a semi-truck driver for Harvesters. Don and Linda raised three sons, Ryan, Daniel and Patrick. Don loved cooking, exploring nature, driving trucks, wearing tie dye, listening to great music, and most of all, he loved his friends and family.
Don’s lung cancer diagnosis was unexpected. He led a healthy lifestyle and never smoked. He became a fierce advocate for lung cancer awareness by pushing for early detection, encouraging radon testing, and supporting increased funding for lung cancer research. The White Ribbon Project and KRAS Kickers were beloved allies during his journey.
Don is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Lou Gallagher.
Don is survived by his loving wife, Linda, children Ryan (Jessica), Daniel (Lauren), Patrick (fiancée Elizabeth Ravenstein), and three grandsons Hudson, Henry and Beckett. He is also survived by his father, Donald, and sisters, Lynn and Leslie.
Don’s family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to all the staff at St. Luke’s and Mayo Clinic for the wonderful care that was provided to Don and to Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care for the incredible end of life care.