Don Sypkens
1923-2009
Donald Walter Sypkens, 85, Turney, Mo., passed away, Monday, February 9, 2009, at the Cameron Regional Medical Center. Born in a farmhouse near Pinagree, North Dakota, on Aug. 27, 1923, he grew up in Rockwell City, Iowa. In 1950, he married Dorothy (Mann) Sypkens, she preceded him in death in 1992. On Dec. 16, 1961, he married Carol A. (Miller) Sypkens, who also preceded him in death in 1989. Joining the Marines in 1942, he was assigned to VMFA-115 Joes Jokers Corsair Squadron. He took part in WWII battles from Guadalcanal to Zamboango, Philippines, as a Corsair mechanic. After the war, he worked for Trans World Airlines for 38 years as a Flight engineer flying the Constellation, Boeing 707, Lockheed L1011 and Boeing 747. His joy was working on his farm near Turney. He was an active member of the First Christian Church, Plattsburg Masonic Lodge 113, Moila Shrine, Plattsburg VFW Post, Save-a-Connie, VMFA-115 Reunion Association and the TWA Heart of America Seniors. He follows his sisters, Helen Morris and Marion Jenner; his parents, William and Mary (Meyer) Sypkens. He is survived by his children, Sally Stewart, Lenexa, Kan., Nancy Fricke, Merriam, Kan., Rebecca Koestner, Oviedo, Fla. Steven, Sypkens, Turney, Linda, Sypkens, Columbia, Mo., Cynthia Gassman, Kearney, Mo., Lara Klover, Lone Jack, Mo., Chad Sypkens, Hillside, Ill.; his brother, Arnold Sypkens, Highland, Calif.; 16 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Services 1 p.m. Saturday, First Christian Church, Plattsburg. Interment Log Church Cemetery, Plattsburg. Family visitation 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Bailey & Cox Family Funeral Service, Plattsburg. The Family suggests memorial gifts to Moila Shrine.