Donald Charles “Don” Herold, 98, died on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at Presbyterian Manor in Wichita, KS. He was born in Ellinwood, KS, on March 19, 1924, to Dr. Charles R. and Selma (Held) Herold. He graduated from Ellinwood High School in 1941 and attended KU for one year before entering the Army during World War II. He served as a paratrooper in the 503rd Combat Regiment Team. In 1944, he won a Bronze Star while fighting in New Guinea. In 1945, his regiment was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for the recapture of Corregidor in the Philippines. He was discharged on December 31, 1945.
On June 1, 1947, he married Natalie C. Billingsley in Great Bend, KS. She preceded him in death in 2008, after 61 years of marriage. Survivors include three daughters, Becky (Dr. Bill) Collier, Ann (Clyde) Engert and Charlotte (Al) Henning, all of Wichita; as well as five grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Norma Colvin; brother, Dr. Richard Herold; and grandson, Grant Collier.
He was a member of First Congregational United Church of Christ, American Legion Post 180, Lake Barton Golf Course, and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. He worked at the Great Bend Post Office as a substitute, clerk and foreman before his appointment as a Postal Service Officer in 1966. After his retirement, he worked 20 years as a crop hail insurance adjuster in Kansas and surrounding states. He also prepared income tax returns for many years, and was an enrolled agent licensed to practice before the IRS.
In 2009, he moved to the Wichita area, living 6 years with his daughter, Ann and her husband, and the last 8 years at Presbyterian Manor. With his generous spirit, great sense of humor and remarkable memory, he loved to share stories of family history, old friends, and co-workers. In 1996, he wrote his memoir, “World War II: A Kansas Corporal’s Experience.” He enjoyed following the stock market and was a big fan of KU sports, Chiefs football, Royals baseball, old movies, western novels, and a wide variety of music. Most of all, he delighted in spending time with his family.
Funeral service will be at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 2, at Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 S. Patton Rd. in Great Bend, KS, with Pastor Mike Munz officiating. Burial at Great Bend Cemetery will follow.
Memorials may be given to First Congregational UCC, in care of Bryant Funeral Home. A digital guestbook for condolences and live stream of the funeral service will be available under Don’s obituary at www.bryantfh.com.