Marion Don Courson, 73, of Hutchinson, died Jan. 26, 2021, at his home. He was born Sept. 17, 1947, in Great Bend, to Marion and Viola (Moss) Courson.
Don graduated from Larned High School in 1965. On April 11, 1970, he married the love of his life, Janice Marie Farmer, in Larned. They shared over 50 years together.
Don retired as a lieutenant from Hutchinson Correctional Facility after 25 years. He and Janice also owned a private club, D.J.’s, for over 20 years. Don loved animals, and really enjoyed helping with the Lucky Dog Program at the prison. He was a volunteer officer for the Newton Police Department, had his own home remodeling business, and was an Air Force Veteran. Don enjoyed working, shooting, golfing, coaching and umpiring softball, and cheering on his favorite team the Broncos. Often referred to as ‘Courson’, he was well respected by everyone he met, a man that was sure to make you laugh and smile. He will be missed dearly by those who loved him.
Don is survived by: wife, Janice Courson, Hutchinson; daughters, Chandra Wylie (Robert), Dawn Hendrix (James), both of Hutchinson; brother, Steve Courson (Susan), Great Bend; grandchildren, Realiti Courson, Najahaun Tipton-Wylie, Quincey Baker, and Malik Brown, all of Hutchinson; two sister-in-laws and a brother-in-law, Linda, Showna, and Troy, that he raised as his own; and a large extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents and several fur-babies.
Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021, at Elliott Mortuary. Honors will be conducted by the Hutchinson Correctional Facility Honor Guard and the McConnell Air Force Base Honor Guard. For those wishing to view the service online, visit Don’s obituary on the Elliott Mortuary website at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday to find the link. Friends may call from 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Always and Furever Midwest Animal Sanctuary, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main Street, Hutchinson, KS 67501.