Donald Eugene Chegwidden, 82, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, February 12, 2019, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas.

Don was born May 31, 1936, in Hays, Kansas, the son of Harley and Charlotte (Marsh) Chegwidden. He grew up in Bunker Hill, Kansas, and graduated from Bunker Hill High School. He then attended and graduated from Ft. Hays State University with a degree in Biology.

Don was united in marriage to Julia Rae Rogg on June 21, 1958, in Bunker Hill. This union was blessed with two daughters, Connie Louise and Suzanne Marie. They made their home in Russell.

Don was a Biology teacher at Russell High School for 37 years. During this time he also worked as a crop adjuster and at the Bunker Hill grain elevator during harvest. He was well known for raising exotic animals and birds, classic shetlands and miniature horses, and many breeds of cattle. He was a mentor to many and enjoyed hearing from former students. He was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church. He also belonged to the Russell Masonic Lodge and the Isis Shrine of Salina.

Don’s surviving family include his wife of 60 years, Julia, of the home; daughters, Connie Kelley (Dick) and Suzanne Matthias (Greg), all of Wichita, Kansas; granddaughter, Julia Tyler (Jarrett), and great grandson, Jeremiah Everrett Tyler, of Katy, Texas; and brother, Dan Chegwidden (Janet) of East Lansing, Michigan.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Connie Pat Chegwidden.

A Celebration of Don’s life will be held at 1:00 PM, Friday, February 15, 2019, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell. Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery in Russell. Masonic Services will be conducted by the Russell Masonic Lodge. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Thursday, February 14, 2019, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Memorials have been established with St. Jude Children’s Hospital and the Shriners Hospital for Children. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.