DONALD CHARLES PAUTLER

Donald Charles Pautler
November 11, 1931 - January 3, 2018

Born to Cyril Francis Pautler and Ruth Miller Pautler in St. Louis, Missouri. Brother to Carol Rose and Mary Jeanette.

Don's formative years were spent attending Catholic elementary and high schools in St. Louis, graduating in 1949. He then attended Southeast Missouri State College where he met his future wife of 64 years, Mary Vaughan Hammett. He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War, attaining the rank of staff sergeant in the 10th Infantry Division.

After the war he finished his degree at the University of Missouri, earning a Bachelor of Science in Earth Science. Don and Mary moved to Kansas City in 1958 where he pursued a career in sales and marketing. He retired in 1993 to a new home he designed in Stockton, Missouri.

Don and Mary were active and supportive members of Saint Peter's Catholic Church in Stockton.

The couple moved back to Kansas City in 2005. Don had numerous passions and hobbies which he pursued throughout his lifetime. A voracious reader, he loved to share his knowledge of history with those around him. A knowledgeable mechanic and woodworker, he could fix any engine and also build and restore numerous pieces of furniture.

Civil War reenacting occupied a huge place in his heart, and he participated in it for over 20 years. He also turned to model railroading in his senior years. His train layout was featured in Classic Toy Trains Magazine. Of the many joys in his life, Donald was most proud of his three children, Robbie, Matthew, and Charles. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, sister Carol Runnels, and niece Gayle Buydos. Survivors include his wife Mary, daughter Robbie Keeling (Tim), son Matthew, son Charles (Mary), sister Mary Jeanette Loewe (Joe), granddaughters Liz Adee (Herb) and Stephanie Vermillion (Seth), as well as two great-granddaughters Alexandra Gaughran and Ada Vermillion. Also mourning Don's loss are numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life visitation will be held at Cullen Funeral Home in Raymore on Thursday, January 11, 2018 from 7:00-8:30 pm.
Inurnment burial will take place at St. Boniface Cemetery in Evansville, Illinois at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be given to the National MS Society, 7611 State Line Rd Suite 100, Kansas City, MO 64114; the American Heart Association, 6800 93rd St, Overland Park, KS 66212; or to the Train Collectors Association HOA Chapter, tcahoa@tcahoa.org.