Donovan "Don" Kenneth Dirks

Don Dirks, 48, of Paxton, died Monday, Dec. 18, 2017, in St. Lukes Hospital of Duluth, MN.

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die." Ecc. 3:1-2

For our beloved husband, dear Dad, brother and son, those times were both on December 18.

Donovan Kenneth was born to Kenneth and Patricia (Regher) Dirks on December 18, 1969 at Community Hospital in Bonner's Ferry, Idaho. For his 48th birthday on December 18, 2017, he received the best gift of all, Heaven.

At the age of four, Donovan's family moved to Scott City, KS, from Bonner's Ferry, Idaho.  He received his education there at the little country schools, Beaver Flats and Sunny Plains School.

Donovan was baptized on February 22, 1985 by Minister Ervin Nightengale. Soon after, Donovan and his sister, Sheila and Peggy, lived together through their teen years. He bought his first cow herd at age 16 and continued to have cows, horses, sheep and cow dogs the rest of his life.

Don married Deann Joy Koehn on September 22, 1991. His wish came true when their first born was a little girl, Katie Lynne. Next, he chose the name for his only son, Tio Bryan, and he was equally pleased when Kimberly Ann was born, calling her his "little papoose." They made their home in Scott City for twelve years where he worked in feed lots, doing a variety of work there. He was a true cowboy and loved his herd of Black Angus cows.

In 2003, the family moved to North Platte, NE and later to the Paxton area. Don loved Nebraska and often said he would never leave. Don was always a rock for the family with his steadfast faith and calm nature.  Special memories are those of the family climbing into the old work pickups to go check the cattle.  Ranching was his passion and he was very knowledgeable about it.  He memorized all his cows numbers also.  Later in life, Don devoted his time to soil nutrition and organic farming practices.

Don was a sociable man, considering everyone his friend. He loved a good story along with a belly laugh, singing, and all little children. Family was especially important to him.

Don was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer about two years ago. He had surgery and weeks of chemo. God gave a miracle and blessed us with two extra years. The summer of 2017, the cancer returned with full force. He fought long and hard, holding on till the family got to say goodbye. The family surrounded his bedside and sang together with him humming along till his last breath. Don reassured us that he was ready to go meet Jesus. His Christmas will be spent singing with the angels. "God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So, he put his arms around you and whispered, "Come with me!" A golden heart stopped beating, hard-working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best!"

Preceding him in death were his paternal grandparents David and Fern Dirks, nephew Kirby Decker, and step-father Steve Haggard.

Those left with good memories are his wife Deann, son Tio, and daughter Kimberly, all of Paxton; daughter Katie (Justin) Koehn of Scott City, KS; mother Patricia Haggard of Macon, MS; father Kenneth Dirks (wife Lisha) of Scott City, KS.

Two sisters: Sheila (Les) Decker of Brooksville, MS; and Peggy (Jeffery) Unruh of Macon,MS; Step-sisters: Tisha (Cody) Kennedy and Tasha (Justin) Gossman; and four sisters-in-law: Darlene (Darwin) Decker, Sandra (Jeremy) Johnson, Loretta (Joe) Unruh, and Trula Koehn. Also, maternal grandparents: Leonard (Dessie) Regher of Buhl, ID.

Visitation will be Friday, Dec. 22, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Draucker Funeral Home and from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Paxton Mennonite Church. The funeral Service will be Saturday, Dec. 23, at 10:30 a.m. in the Paxton Mennonite Church, south of Paxton. Ministers Mark Koehn, Rod Frank, and Ray Frank will officiate. The funeral service will not be live streamed.

Interment is in the Paxton Mennonite Cemetery. A memorial has been established in his memory. Online Condolences may be sent to webmaster@drauckerfh.com or by signing the Guest Book at www.drauckerfh.com.

Draucker Funeral Home of Ogallala is entrusted with the arrangements.

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