Donald “D.W.” Wendt, Sr.

Don A. Wendt, age 83, of Lee’s Summit, Mo., passed away July 9, 2010, after a stoic battle with prostate cancer at the Kansas City Hospice House. Don was born in Detroit, Mich., to Edward and Elma Wendt; Don enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 17, right after his high school graduation. He served as a radio gunner operator on the USS Midway, with a rank of first class petty officer during World War II. He obtained his pilot license after the war. Don trained, studied and educated himself in many technical fields that pertained to electronics and the aerospace industry for Bendix and Allied Signal. Don was a detailed consumer and health food advocate person. He enjoyed playing the numbers (lottery), video poker, and shooting pool after he retired. Don was a modest and generous man who led by example; he was always there for his two sons and his four grandchildren. Don was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and great grandson Cole. He is survived by his brothers: Alvin, Kenny and Michael Wendt; two sons, David and Don Jr.; daughter-in-law Janet; ex-wife Lydia, and grandchildren Austin, Dan, Dawn and Alex Wendt, and nieces and nephews. Dad’s love and encouragement will be deeply missed.