Donald Lee Kile

Donald Lee Kile, 84, passed away Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at McCrite Plaza in Topeka, Kansas.

Don was born on May 3, 1939, the son of Benjamin and Lorene Kile. Don attended grade school and junior high school in Wichita, Kansas and graduated from Liberal High School in 1957.

He earned a full ride football scholarship to Oklahoma Panhandle State University, then later transferred to Hutchinson Junior College where he earned his Associate of Arts. In 1960 he went Emporia State University to pursue his Bachelor of Music Education degree.

While at Hutchinson Junior College, he met Marilyn whom he later married Marilyn on September 3, 1961. In the fall of 1963, he was hired to be the orchestra teacher at Emporia USD 253 and held this position until the Spring of 2001. He also taught applied guitar at Emporia State University for 30 years. During his tenure at Emporia State University, he completed his Master of Music and Educational Specialist. Early in his teaching career he spent summers working at the Santa Fe Railroad as a brakeman.

His other interests included building basements, playing in the church softball league, and other outdoor activities with his dad and brothers including golf, fishing, and hunting. He was an avid Kansas City Royals fan and enjoyed family vacations in Colorado. He also enjoyed taking garden tours with Marilyn. He served on the board of the Kansas Music Educators Association. He was a longtime member of the Emporia State University Civic Orchestra, and he started the Don Kile Band while in college and played for many years. Steve later joined his dad's band in 1984 and they performed together until 2001.

Don is survived by his wife of sixty-one years, Marilyn, sons Alan James Kile of Lakewood, Colorado, and Steven Lane Kile of Tecumseh, Kansas, grandchildren Ben and Lauren Kile, and brothers Dale Kile (Rebecca) and Bryan Kile.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 am Wednesday, March 6th at Topeka Baptist Church, 4500 SW Gage Blvd, Topeka, KS 66610.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either McCrite Plaza or Emporia Friends of the Zoo sent in care of Midwest Cremation, 525 SE 37th Street, Topeka, KS 66605.