Donald C. "Papa Don" Malin

Donald C. “Don” Malin, of Plainville, KS, passed away on December 16, 2022, at the Rooks County Health Center in Plainville, at the age of 84. He was born on May 20, 1938, to Francis P. and Maxine (Colvin) Malin in Codell, KS. Being born on Cyclone Day, Don came into this world early at only 2 lbs 6 oz and wasn’t expected to live through the night. At 16 years old Don escaped another demise when a car accident landed him in a body cast for six months resulting in a leg amputation.

Don grew up helping on the farm and attended school in Codell until his accident. He worked as a Roughneck in the oil field during his early years and later worked with his father at Malin Backhoe Trenching for 20 years. He also did auto body work throughout his life. Don was always tinkering and could fix ANYTHING. He loved to restore old cars, especially his Sedan. A scout leader for many years, good storyteller, and historian, many referred to Don as “Big Moe” and “Papa Don”. Papa Don loved his family and children – especially babysitting his grandchildren.

Don is survived by his children: Shawn Hearld (Carla) of Hays, KS, Justin Hearld (Megan Brown) of Hays, KS, and Angie Armbruster (Lance) of Plainville; siblings: Robert “Bob” Malin (Carol) of Plainville, Virginia Lumpkins of Plainville, Peggy Jore (Jim) of Salina, KS, Betty Davidson (Craig) of Plainville, and Phil Malin of Salina, KS; nine grandchildren: Derek Hearld (Aubrey), Hannah Hearld, Cheyenne Armbruster-Wahrman (Alex), Sage Armbruster, Kyle Nesslinger, Lakota Hearld, Chloe Hearld, Trenton Brown, and Makala Brown; two great-grandchildren: Hudson Hearld and Avery Hearld; numerous nieces and nephews; and many who know him as “Papa Don”.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Maxine.

It has been said, “kindness is like a seed that when cultivated will continue to grow”. Don was a kind man with a heart of gold. Never would you hear him complain when others might say he had a lot he could complain about. He was a man of passion and drive who never let anything stand in his way, not even his disability. His love of, and service to, his family, friends, and community knew no bounds. He taught us by his daily example that a dream does not become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, December 22, 2022, at 10:30 AM, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville. Burial will follow at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday, 5PM until 8PM with the family receiving friends 5PM until the Vigil Service at 7PM at the funeral home in Plainville.

Memorials are suggested to Rooks County Health Center "RCHC/Employee In Need Fund" and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd St., Plainville, KS 67663.