Donald Elmer Lumpkin, long time grocer and world traveler, departed for his final trip Thursday April 21, 2016 at the Phillips County Retirement Center in Phillipsburg, Kansas. He was 81 years of age. Don was born to Elmer Ellsworth Lumpkin and Dorothy Isom on April 16, 1935 in Smith Center, Kansas.

Don spent most of his childhood years in Phillipsburg, Kansas where he attended Phillipsburg Grade School and High School. He went to college at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. It was there that he met Jo Ann Boswell. They were united in marriage on December 27, 1958. They were blessed with three children: Michelle, Todd, and Lisa. Jo Ann passed February 22, 2010.

Don found love a second time and married Brenda Wells in Laughlin, Nevada on May 5, 2011. Together they enjoyed travelling. They made their home in Phillipsburg, Kansas.

Don started his career as a grocer working for his parents at Lumpkin's IGA. They had four stores in operation, one in Phillipsburg, Norton, Smith Center, and Holdrege Nebraska. Don would later take over the family business, having a new site built for the Phillipsburg location and added a deli and JC Penney catalog store. The final store was sold in 1992 to allow for more travelling and leisure time.

Don was a member of the Lyon's Club, Sig Ma Nu, Masons, Retail Grocers Association, Independent Grocers Association, Phillipsburg Chamber of Commerce, Elks Lodge, Phillips County Rodeo Board, a Shriner, host for foreign exchange students, and Rotary, where he earned the honor of District Governor. Don loved his community and gave back in multiple ways. He will always be remembered for his role as the Good Fairy for Halloween.

Travelling was one of his greatest passions. His many journeys took him all over the world. Besides travelling all over the United States, some of his many stops include Jamaica, Russia, China, and several trips to Germany. If you were ever fortunate to go on a voyage with him, you could always count on a stop or two at a casino along the way. Don also enjoyed Bee Keeping, hunting and made several trips to Colorado over the years to hunt Elk. Don took delight in spending time with his five grandchildren. He especially loved to share his appreciation of wildlife with them. He spent many hours with the grandkids watching critters from the window, especially the raccoons or Whitey the opossum and family. He was an affectionate husband, father, and grandpa, lovingly known as Donny Boy by his grandchildren. Don will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Jo Ann, infant daughter Michelle, and sister Norma.

Survivors include his wife, Brenda, of the home in Phillipsburg; son, Todd Lumpkin and daughter-in-law Darcie, of Phillipsburg, KS; daughter Lisa Millan and friend Tim Kelly, of Norton, KS; brother-in-law Dan Boswell and wife Mary, of Vancouver, Washington; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Cremation was chosen. A memorial service will be held Thursday, April 28 at 2:00 p.m. in the First Christian Church, Phillipsburg with Pastor LeRoy Herder officiating.

Visitation will be from 9:00 to 9:00 Wednesday at the funeral home, with the family receiving friends from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Memorials have been established to Phillipsburg Rotary Club or Hospice Services