MEADE – Donald I. Dye, age 86, passed away early Saturday morning, September 5, 2020, at the Meade District Hospital, Meade, Kansas.

He was born September 9, 1933, at Meade, Kansas, the son of Ernest Cecil and Helen Eugenia (Holdeman) Dye. As a young boy he attended school in Meade, graduating from Meade High School in 1951. After his graduation, he joined the United States Army, serving for several years in Europe with Army Intelligence.   Upon his honorable discharge, he attended Kansas State University and Emporia State University. He later moved to Nebraska and began his career, working in turkey production. Working for many years, he retired as a manager of the turkey farm. After his retirement, he spent quite some time performing carpentry work and woodworking projects. For a few years, he was a caretaker of the grounds at the Windmill State Recreation Area, near I-80 at Gibbon, Nebraska. His love of gardening could be seen at his home where he planted many trees and flowers. He raised some beautiful Hibiscus.

He was a member of the American Legion.

In 1962, he married Ferne Middleswart at Meade, Kansas. She precedes him in death in 2002.

He is survived by two stepsons, Larry and Chuck Middleswart; a stepdaughter, Debra; three brothers, John Dye, Francis (Red) Dye, and Norman Dye, all of Meade; fourteen grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; two stepsons, Max and Gary Middleswart; a grandson, Troy Middleswart; and a brother Ernest Leland Dye.

Private family memorial graveside services will be held Thursday, September 24, 2020, at Graceland Cemetery, Meade. Cremation has taken place. Fidler-Orme-Bachman Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.