Donald Adair Filby, 93, an incredible husband, father, grandfather, gifted artist and teacher passed away November 1, 2023, in Wichita. 

Don was born in Junction City, KS on July 21, 1930, to Charles and Zella (Houston) Filby, the youngest of seven children. He appreciated small town life and spent many days playing at the railyard, joining pick-up baseball games, getting lost in books at the library, and listening to the “old guys lie to each other” at the local barber shop and filling station.

Don graduated from Junction City High School in 1949, where he took all the art classes he could. His junior year, he began dating Lois Hildebrand, a girl with the most “beautiful brown hair and a smile to die for.”

Enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in 1950, Don was stationed in Texas, Wyoming, and New York. There, most nights ended with writing to the love of his life, Lois, and rereading her letters. On June 15, 1951, Don and Lois were married. They had four children: Debbie, Jeff, Tim and Matt.

Once out of the service and back in Kansas, Don decided to start college at age 25. He graduated from Kansas State University with a Master of Fine Arts degree, an experience that he described as one of the most positive of his life. The family settled in Wichita, Kansas, in 1963.

Don, filled with talent and creativity, was passionate about painting, drawing, carving, and maintained his own studio at home. He was a dedicated educator for 33 years, including building the art department at Wichita West High School into a nationally recognized program and the largest in Kansas.

Don’s heart swelled with pride for his children and grandchildren. Spending time with his family was his greatest joy. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and daughter, Debbie. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Lois; his children, Jeff (Roxanne) Filby, Tim (Katie) Filby, Matt (Julie) Filby; along with his 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Nov. 5, at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Presbyterian Church at 2258 Marigold, Wichita, KS 67204.

 Valentine-in-the-box: https://www.facebook.com/notes/368382280954815

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/wichita-ks/donald-filby-11521944