Donald J. Minnis, 75, Lawrence KS, passed away on Thursday, March 9, 2023, at his home. Don was born on August 3, 1947, in Atchison, KS, the son of Dee Alexander and Kathryn Patricia (McGinnis) Minnis. He married Virginia Stanley on September 30, 1978, and she survives at home. Other survivors include his sons, Oliver (Katie) Minnis, Morgan (Heidi) Minnis, siblings, Michael (Debbie) Minnis, Jane Biffinger, Judy (Roger) Proffitt, Joyce (Dan) Nolan, two grandchildren, Elizabeth Minnis, and Hugh Minnis, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister-in-law, Dee Alexander (Jenny) Minnis, and brother-in-law, Roc Biffinger.

Don grew up in Atchison, KS, and graduated from Maur Hill - Mount Academy in 1965. He earned a bachelor's degree in business from Emporia State. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy, stationed in Nicosia, Cyprus for nearly two years. After his service, Don lived in Emporia, Kansas City, and Dallas, before returning to Kansas in 1976. Finding his home in Lawrence, Don began his 47 year real estate career at Haverty & Hatfield, followed by 8 years at McGrew Real Estate, and the remaining 35 years at Stephens Real Estate. Don was honored with Realtor Emeritus status and was awarded Lawrence Board of Realtor's Distinguished Service award in 2021. Don made close friends in every chapter of life. He loved the Lawrence community and the opportunity to meet and serve countless friends and clients.

Don's passion was his family. Don loved his wife, Virginia, of 44 years, and their two sons, Oliver and Morgan. Don and Virginia loved dancing and music. Don enjoyed attending his sons little league and high school sporting events. He cherished time and closeness during their academic and professional journeys. Don's favorite moments were seeing his sons marry their wonderful wives, and spending time with his two grandchildren, Elizabeth and Hugh.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 24, 2023, at St. Lawrence Catholic Center in Lawrence, KS. There will be a visitation from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., with a Rosary Recitation starting at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, March 23, 2022, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence, KS.

The family suggests memorials in Don's name to Corpus Christi Catholic Church, St. Lawrence Catholic Center, or LMH Oncology and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Mar. 21, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Minnis

11 Entries

Larry Hatfield

March 10, 2024

A real gentleman and family man. Always a friend.

Bob and Patty Skahan

April 22, 2023

It was a pleasure to become reacquainted with Don in Lawrence after knowing him at Emporia State.
He always went the extra mile
while helping us with real estate
In Lawrence. Don was a pleasant, dependable and professional man.

Bob and Patty Skahan

Peony Allen

March 24, 2023

Please know we are thinking of your family during this difficult time. Don was such a good and kind man and will be sincerely missed.

Brendon & Peony Allen

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james otten

March 23, 2023

When we moved to Lawrence in 1984 we were looking for a place to call home. We were lucky enough to find Don who essentially was building this wonderful community now called The Westdale neighborhood. We always thought of Don as kind of the mayor of the neighborhood because he was so instrumental in its development and in all of the transactions that happened across these 40 years. We found such a wonderful home in the neighborhood that we´ve stayed for all this time even though we were tempted to move on several occasions. It continues to be a signature neighborhood in our community and we all have to be grateful for Don for helping us find it. We´ll miss your community spirit and your kind waves as you drive through the neighborhood. It just won´t be quite the same without you but it will remain an important part of your legacy for a long time. May God´s love be with you and your family at this time. Jim and Vickie.

Sean Williams

March 23, 2023

Don was one of the first people knew in Real Estate. He set a standard of style and demeanor that I wish I could emulate. He was a gentleman and professional and taught a lot of Agents how to do business by setting a great example. He will be missed.

John Frick

March 22, 2023

Virginia, Oliver & Morgan. Our sincerest condolences. Don was so nice to the Frick family from the day we met him. He and I shared a number of great moments, mostly participating in family time with the kids going through high school sports. His kindness and friendship was as genuine as it gets. Thanks for sharing! xoxo

Tony & Kim Gattis

March 22, 2023

We appreciated the attentive care and honest professionalism that Don and Morgan exhibited during our move back to Kansas. They were very pleasant to work with and Don will be missed.

Deborah McMullen

March 21, 2023

I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Don. He was an honest good natured person. He will be greatly missed, I will miss him. My condolences to his family.

Andrea Halsted

March 21, 2023

Virginia, Morgan, Oliver I am so sorry for your loss. Don was my landlord for 10 years and was very kind and caring. He always spoke of you all and how much he adored and loved his family. He always spoke about his family with great pride and thankfulness. Sending prayers.

Larry Hatfield

March 20, 2023

Condolences to Virginia,Oliver and Morgan. I always felt a special relationship with Don as a Realtor and friend. Don was completely trustworthy in everything he did. A great family man and just a wonderful person. Many, many will have great memories of him. A kind person for sure.

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