January 3, 2023

Linn County News

Published January 4, 2023

Don Robert “Butch” McCarty passed away early Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, at Maggie’s Place Memory Care in Overland Park, Kan., in the arms of his loving family. Don was born in Fort Scott, Kan., on Sept. 17, 1944, the only child of John Russell and Ruby Maxine Schasteen McCarty.

Don began his business career in sales for Scott Paper Company covering the territory from Topeka through western Kansas. Later with a partner, Don bought a food brokerage firm, Ward Marketing, which they successfully expanded through a series of mergers. His final merger was with Acosta, a national food brokerage company, where he worked until retiring in 2000 to refocus his energies on his hobbies and his growing role as Grandpa.

Don accepted Christ as his Savior while attending the Mound City Methodist Church as a child then later he continued his Christian life becoming a member of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, Leawood, Kan. All his life he was guided by the Golden Rule and the Commandments.

Beginning in elementary and high school, Don also learned the value of hard work, holding jobs as diverse as paper boy, gas station attendant, soda jerk, and aide to the school janitor. His drive to keep busy lasted well into retirement where he attended auctions to purchase cars for Beckman Motors and served in the Methodist Men’s group at Church of the Resurrection. One of his most difficult transitions was the requirement to give up much loved activities when Alzheimer’s made it impossible to continue. 

A fourth generation McCarty to be raised in the Mound City vicinity, Don had a deep connection to and love for his community and country. During the Vietnam War, he joined the United States Naval Reserve immediately after graduating from Mound City High School. He served regularly with VA-882, Naval Air Station Olathe, Kan., during his military deferment to attend college. Don attended college at Pittsburg State University, Fort Scott Community College, and Washburn University, Topeka, from which he graduated in 1967 with a BA degree in Business Administration.  Upon graduation, Personnelman (PN) 2nd Class McCarty reported to Naval Air Station, Willow Grove, Pa., to complete his obligation with the Navy. 

High School sweethearts, Don married Linda Jean Ware on June 7, 1966. His young bride accompanied him on the adventure east to complete his Navy assignment. For more than 56 years, until his death, they were a team in all aspects of their lives - work, worship, travel, play, family, friends, and his final illness. While living in Pennsylvania in 1970, they welcomed the addition of their beloved son, John Ellis McCarty. Don loved son, John and daughter-in-law, Holly Porter McCarty, and family with all his heart. He always looked forward to seeing them and was so proud of their accomplishments, none more so than their three handsome, loving sons who called him Papa. They were a steady source of pleasure during Don’s final years and always brought a sparkle to his eye.

Don and Linda were blessed to spend many winters in Scottsdale, Ariz., where they enjoyed the camaraderie of a group of three other couples, traveling, eating out and watching sporting events. Don was introduced to sports - baseball, basketball, track, and football during his formative years and never lost the love of athletic competition. After he no longer played, he continued as a fan, especially rooting for the Chiefs, Royals and KU Jayhawks.

Don was a member of Masonic Lodge #33 AF & AM Mound City, Kan.; Mirza Shriner, Pittsburg, Kan.; and the American Legion Post 248, Mound City, Kan.

Don lived a life rich in love and friendship. He leaves to mourn his devoted wife, Linda; his son and daughter-in-law, John and Holly McCarty and their three sons, Maxwell, Samuel and Jackson; a brother-in-law and wife, Ron and Dora Ware; a nephew and wife, Brian and Chasity Ware and their family; and a niece and husband, Andrea and Ray Webb; several cousins and many friends.  

A graveside service will be held 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023 at the Curry Cemetery near Mound City, Kan.

Visitation will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Mound City Chapel.

Memorial contributions are suggested to American Legion Post #248 or Shriner Children’s Hospital c/o Schneider Funeral Home, P.O. Box J, Mound City, Kan. 66056. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.