Donald Ray Semple

Donald Ray Semple, 88, of Leawood, KS, was divinely called home on May, 25, 2023 on the exact 33rd anniversary of the tragic car accident of the love of his life, Nancy Arlene Semple. It was a beautiful closing of this circle of life for his entire family. He was surrounded by his children who were greatly blessed to have been able to hold both of their parents’ hands as they passed.

Don was born August 31, 1934 to Jack and Jeanette Semple in Chicago, IL. He was the oldest of 3 brothers. Don, Len and Phil. Don was an incredible athlete in multiple sports who helped win many trophies for Lane Tech High School in downtown Chicago. After graduating, he served in the U.S. Army at Fort Campbell Kentucky at the tail-end of the Korean War where he led and trained paratroopers. Until his last days, he would proudly shout “Airborne Baby” and demonstrate a perfect PLF (Parachute Landing Fall) when necessary!

Don was an accomplished Sales Rep for several engineering firms his entire career specializing in “vibration, isolation control” of large industrial complexes. Reintjes & Hiter Co., Inc. recruited him from Chicago to KC in 1969. Don was considered such an expert in this field, he was called upon to be one of the investigators of the horrific Hyatt Regency Hotel skywalk accident in Kansas City, MO in 1981.

Don and Nancy raised four children who all still live in the Kansas City area with their families. Don Semple (Gayle), Julie Cain (John), Lori Withers (Gary) and Ed Semple (Jennifer). They have 8 grandchildren (Reilly, Matt, Mitch, Stephanie, Beverly, Drew, Lauren, and Rebecca) and 4 great-grandchildren so far (Henry, Logan, Emma and Oliver), as well as a wonderful extended family mostly in the Chicago / Mundelein, IL area.

When asked, the family used the following to describe Don: smart, tough, a leader, self-made, problem-solver, sports and travel lover, fun-loving, dedicated to his family and friends, social, always wanting to be chatty, share stories and easy to laugh.

Don will be greatly missed, but we LOVE the idea that he and “Gussie” are finally together again. There will be a Celebration of Life in the future when their big, beautiful, and growing family can all get together.

A special thank you to the Healthcare Resort of Leawood who took tremendous, loving care of him for the past 4 years and to Elara Hospice who made the end as comfortable and peaceful as possible. All angels on Earth.

We cannot possibly end this obituary without Dad’s (Disco’s, Clancy’s, Chicago Don’s, Poppy’s) favorite quote which sums up his philosophy of life so very well…

“For when the One Great Scorer comes to mark against your name, He writes - not that you won or lost - but how you played the Game.” -Grantland Rice (often referred to as “this Country’s first great sportswriter”.)