Donald Neal Blythe, 94, passed away February 7, 2021, at Longmont United Hospital, Longmont, Colo. He was born July 1, 1926, in Lincoln, KS, to Herbert and Hazel (Lyster) Blythe. He married Phyllis E. (Todd) on August 6, 1948, in Williamsburg, KS. They were married over 66 years when she passed away in 2015.
On May 30, 1944, Don enlisted in the U.S.N.R., and was discharged on March 17, 1946, with the rank of Radioman 3/C. His service to his country spanned from WWII to the Korean Conflict. After his service in WWII, he attended Kansas State Teachers College on athletic scholarships for football and track, where he met Phyllis and graduated with a teaching degree. From 1950 to 1952, Don taught at Coldwater, KS. In 1952, they moved to Great Bend where Don taught industrial arts, drivers education, coached and served as athletic director for many years at Harrison Junior High and taught industrial arts at Great Bend High School, retiring in 1985. Following his retirement, he and Phyllis worked at the YMCA in Estes Park, Colo., until 1990.
Don enjoyed coin collecting and loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, American Legion Argonne Post #180, VFW Post #3111, Elks Lodge, Masonic Lodge #15, Blue & Royal Arch, Retired Barton County Teacher’s Association, and Emporia State University Alumni Association.
Survivors include, three sons, Jerry Blythe and wife Susan of Helena, Mont., Neal Blythe and wife Sheryl of Arvada, Colo., and Kent Blythe and wife Jeanne of Longmont, Colo.; two daughters, Jean Allen and husband Bruce of Plano, Tex., and Karen Kotzman and husband Greg of Shawnee; fourteen grandchildren; and 18 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Phyllis Blythe; a son, Rodney Blythe; and three sisters, Arleen, Ruth, and Revelle.
A private family inurnment will be held at Great Bend Cemetery. There will be no public services. Memorials have been designated to Alzheimer’s Association or American Legion Argonne Post #180, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Feb. 10, 2021
Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Feb. 10, 2021
