Donald LaFawn Jacka Sr.

Mr. Jacka died Monday, Aug. 23, 2004, at his home.

He was born July 21, 1919, in Fairmount, the son of Edward L. and Mae Mercedes Elder Jacka. He graduated from Tonganoxie High School in 1937. He attended Kansas University for two years on a football scholarship and received a bachelor’s degree in education from Emporia State University in 1946. He received a master’s degree in education from Emporia State in 1963.

Mr. Jacka enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1941 and was commissioned a naval aviator in 1942. He flew in the Pacific Theater during World War II and flew patrol bombers during the Korean War. He retired from the Navy in 1962.

He moved to Leavenworth and taught at Muncie Elementary School from 1962 until 1967, when he became vice principal of Leavenworth High School. He was principal of the school from 1970 to 1980. He was a lifetime member of Emporia State University Alumni Assn. Century Club and the Endowment Athletic Hornet Club. He was past president of the Leavenworth Noon Lions and the Leavenworth City Teachers as well as a member of Phi Sigma Epsilon fraternity, Phi Delta Theta professional fraternity, Leavenworth Retired Teachers Assn., the Retired Officers Assn., Henri Lodge 190 A.F. & A.M. in Tonganoxie, Scottish Rite Southern Bodies 32nd degree of Fort Leavenworth and Abdallah Shrine.

He married Loretta M. Maloney on Dec. 26, 1941, in Kansas City, Kan. She died Oct. 25, 1998.

Survivors include two daughters, Linda C. Williams, Prairie Village, and Patricia A. Lis, Leavenworth; a son, Donald L. Jr., Topeka; and five grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at R.L. Leintz Funeral Home in Leavenworth. A Masonic service will be at 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

The family suggests memorials to the Emporia Alumni Assn., sent in care of the funeral home, 4701 10th Ave., Leavenworth 66048.

Online condolences may be sent at www.leintzfh.com.