Donald Lee Sewell

On July 22, 1932, Gilbert Lee Sewell and Marie Celia Trumpower Sewell welcomed a beautiful, baby boy
into their family. Donald Lee Sewell was the youngest of three siblings raised on the family farm in
Independence, Kansas, where he learned the importance of God, family, and a strong work ethic.
A precocious child, Don was educated in the Independence public schools. He graduated from
Independence High School in 1947, and subsequently enlisted in the United States Air Force. Following
an honorable discharge, Don returned to Kansas and began a career in data processing. One evening,
while out with one of his cousins, he was introduced to the love of his life, Myrtle Frances Frye. The
couple was united in holy matrimony on April 1, 1956 (Easter Sunday), and Don built their residence in
Independence, Kansas from the ground up. They lived happily as husband and wife for 51 years, and
their union was blessed with three wonderful sons: Steven, David, and Mark.
Don retired from the Williams Company in Tulsa, Oklahoma after 25 years due to his failing eyesight, but
his labor did not end. He worked alongside his wife operating a daycare, renovating and flipping houses,
and delivering cars to their new owners, among other ventures. They spent 7 years living in Galveston,
Texas before returning to Southeast Kansas. After his wife's passing in 2007, Don dedicated himself to
serving as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for abused children, a calling that was near and
dear to his heart. So dedicated was he to this cause, that Don was recognized as the 2017 CASA
Volunteer of the Year for the state of Kansas. He also served on the board of directors of Fredonia
Regional Hospital, and spent his spare time researching genealogy and family history back numerous
generations.
In 2017, Don relocated to Texas City, Texas. There he fully embraced the art of knifemaking as he crafted
and sold hundreds of knives online, to individuals, and at numerous festivals. True to his heart of
service, Don also led the residents' council at his assisted living facility and acted as an ombudsman on
behalf of fellow residents.
Don transitioned from this life on September 10, 2022. He was preceded in death by his wife, Myrtle
Frye Sewell; son, Mark Sewell; siblings, Mary Jane Sewell Hefner and Leon Sewell.
Don's legacy lives on in the hearts of his sons, Steven Sewell (Carmen) of Texas City, Texas, and David
Sewell (Elizabeth); 8 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws and
dear friends.
Visitation will be held on September 24, 2022 at 10 am with a memorial service to begin at 11 am. A
second service and burial will be held in Kansas at a later date.
Anyone who ever met Don knew that he was a kind, loving, gentle soul who gave the most heartfelt,
authentic hugs one could imagine. He will truly be missed.