Don Wiley, Jr.

Donald Graham Wiley Jr. passed away on Wednesday, November 19th, surrounded by his loved ones. In his 63 years on this earth, he was a beloved son, dad, grandfather, and friend.

Born on July 12th, 1962, in Kansas City, KS, to Patricia and Don Wiley Sr., Don grew up with a competitive streak that showed up early and never left him. Whether it was bowling, baseball, billiards, darts, or even croquet with his grandmother, who he absolutely refused to let win.

Graduating from Pittsburg State University, Don worked as a Project Manager III for companies like Koch, Sprint, Kohls, and PNC. He married Karen, and they had three children, Colton, Courtney, and Caylin.

Don’s greatest sources of joy in life were his children, grandchildren, and friends. As a family they enjoyed lake days, various activities such as HORSE, volleyball, and bowling. Don was an avid Chiefs fan and regularly attended games with family and friends. He loved to sing and dance to songs like “Roxanne”, a trait he not only shared with his children, but his grandchildren. He never knew a stranger and enjoyed passing his time through conversation.

He taught everyone around him how to embrace where life placed them and how to throw a dart correctly. He was a devoted father who showed up in the hardest moments without question. Though his physical presence is no longer with us, he will continue to live on in the stories, laughter, and love he left behind.

Don is survived by his mother, Patricia Ann Wiley, his three sisters; Debbie (Ken) Fosha, Robin Schmalz, and Geri Jimenez, his former wife Karen Wiley and their three children; Colton (Tori) Wiley, Courtney (John) Riley, Caylin (Nick) Cox, and his 5 grandchildren Judah, Jonah, Arlo, Alice, and Cora. Don is also survived by numerous extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Graham Wiley, Sr., his grandmother Helen Kensinger, and his uncle Roy Swearengin.

We will celebrate Don’s life on Tuesday, November 25th. Visitation will begin at 9 AM, followed by the funeral at 10 AM at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home in Olathe, KS. An informal gathering will take place at Roni’s at 1 PM, where we’ll continue to share the joy he brought to all of our lives.