Donald M. Debrick, 90, of Paola, Kansas passed away at his home on Tuesday, Nov. 23rd, 2010.

Don was born January 14, 1920 in Paola, KS to John and Ida E. Schaefer Debrick. After graduating from Osawatomie High School in 1938. he enlisted in the United States Army on October 7, 1940 in Paola and served in the 35th Infantry until being honorably discharged on October 14, 1945 at Fort Leavenworth, KS; during which time he served during WWII. During his working years, he was employed with the Kansas Highway Dept. doing road maintenance before retiring in 1985. On July 8, 1948 he was united in marriage to Hilda Block England in Little Rock, AR. Together with Hilda’s sons, Loren England and Ray England, she and Donald went on to have two sons together, Ronny Debrick and Ricky Debrick. Hilda preceded him in death on March 9, 1994. On May 26, 1998 he was united in marriage to Marie L. (Mary Lou) Schuknecht in Joplin, MO. They made their home in Paola.

Along with being a member of the American Legion, Paola VFW, and was active in the First Lutheran Church. Don enjoyed hunting, playing pitch, and especially gardening, growing many different kinds of fruits and vegetables.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Hilda; sister, Ethelyn Laughlin; and brothers, Damon Debrick and Buford Debrick.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Lou; sons, Ronny Debrick of Lincoln, NE, and Ricky Debrick and wife Roselyne of Paris, France; two stepsons, Ray England and wife Janet of Paola, KS, and Loren England and wife Bev of Tulsa, OK; 12 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren.

He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Visitation will be Sunday, November 28, 2010 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Penwell-Gabel - Paola Chapel, 305 N Pearl, Paola, KS.

Services will be held Monday, November 29, 2010 10:00 AM at Paola First Lutheran Church. Memorials to First Lutheran Endownment Fund.