DONALD A. TANG

Donald 'Donny' A. Tang, age 73, Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on October 6, 2023 at Saint Luke's Plaza Hospital with his daughter by his side.

Donald was born in Iowa City, Iowa on July 4th 1950. He was a true American Hero & son of Donald Christian Tang, World War II Staff Sergeant Tank Commander who's team liberated the Dachau concentration camp and Rita Geraldine Logan, who worked at the University of Iowa for many years. After graduating from Regina High School, Donald served as a US Marine during the Vietnam War. He later received his bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Iowa. He was part of a team who audited the Foreign Military Importing & Exporting Arms Act. He devoted his life to the fight of illegal weapons usage, bringing justice & freedom to all people here & overseas. He loved black tank tops, avocados, Evamore water & martial arts. He earned his black belt then later became an instructor. He loved cycling around the city. His taste in music ranged from Jello Biafra to Tom Petty. He was an avid writer, traveler, even spent years living in an old VW van. He was highly intelligent with a beautiful mind and a great sense of humor, he didn't know a stranger. He was full of passion, a dreamer, always striving to make a difference and he never gave up.

Donny was always so healthy, nothing ever slowed him down until 2014, when he slowly started having trouble walking and within a year, became quadriplegic. Even then, he still fought hard & his spirit never slowed down. Thankfully, he was able to be moved to KC for the last three years, where he lived down the road from his daughter & they were able to celebrate birthdays, holidays & football games together with family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Rita 'Jerry' Tang. He was married one time to Suzy Harkins (Peterson). They met when she picked him up hitchhiking in the 70's. They had one loving daughter, Merrie Marie Tang. He was blessed with three grandchildren, Mollie Halseth, Milo (Liv) Duncan & Memphis Duncan, who he called Grahamcrakers & they called him Granddood/Dude. Four brothers, Gene Tang (Rhonda), Raymond Tang (Roxanne), Martin Tang, and Russell Tang (Beverly); three sisters, Catherine Poggenpohl (Bill), Christine Burch (Bill), and Lori Gerard (Alan); and numerous nieces and nephews who loved him, especially when he was their babysitter. He is greatly missed & forever cherished.

A Celebration of Life will be held on his birthday, July 4th, 2024 in Iowa City, IA at the American Legion.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the DAV – Disabled American Veterans.

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Inc., Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278