Donald Mainey

Donald Eugene Mainey

On December 4, 2009 at the age of 67, Don passed away at Midland Hospice House after a courageous battle with ALS.  Knowing he is in Heaven is comforting to his family and many friends who will feel the void he leaves behind.  He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, with whom he just celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary; his daughters Deena Mainey-Slater (Doug) and Jennifer Day (Drake) who loved and admired him for his generosity, support, and unconditional love. He and Marilyn raised five nieces and nephews as their own children who are eternally grateful for their love and devotion through the years, Bill Mainey (Ruth), Annette Cripps, Ed Mainey (Michele), Cathy Mainey and Michael Mainey.  He leaves behind a brother, Robert Mainey (Nancy); 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.  He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Cecilia Mainey, a brother, William J. Mainey Jr., and a sister, Betty Woodruff.

Born August 10, 1942, in Topeka, Kansas, Don was a life-long Topeka resident.  He attended Sacred Heart Elementary School, Hayden High School and Washburn University.  Don served in the Kansas National Guard.  He married Marilyn Rae Johnson on November 28, 1964 at Sacred Heart Church. 

He worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company for 36 years and was a member of the United Rubber Workers Union, Local 307 (now USWA) retiring in 1999.

Don was elected to the Kansas State Legislature in 1972. He served as an influential State Representative for 16 years, serving the 57th District. During his tenure at the State Capitol, he held or was elected to several leadership roles, including, House Minority Whip and Assistant Minority Leader.  After choosing not to run for re-election, he was employed by Pete McGill and Associates during the 1989 session of the legislature, was appointed by the Governor to the Kansas Parole Board and served four years. He was also a member of the Citizen Band of the Potawatomi Nation and Knights of Columbus Council #534.

Don donated his body to the Kansas University School of Medicine.  The visitation will be held Sunday, December 6, at Brennan- Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th St. from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. with a rosary at 1:30 p.m.  A Memorial Mass will be Celebrated on Monday at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 312 NE Freeman.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Keith Worthington ALS Foundation, 6950 Squibb Road, Suite 210, Mission, KS  66202, or Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Online condolences to www.brennanmathenafh.com.