Don Jon Allphin

Don Jon Allphin was born October 5, 1927 in Hutchinson, Kansas. Don was the son of Russell and Edna Allphin. Education was very important to Don. When he was 17, he put his education on hold to enlist in the United States Navy. Following the end of World War II, he returned to Arlington and graduated in 1947. He went on to Kansas State University where he studied to become a teacher. Don re-enlisted and served 3 more years in the Korean War. After being discharged from the service in 1952, Don went to work for his father as a bricklayer. He continued this line of work for 25 years, working on many academic buildings all around the state of Kansas. He has worked on many buildings that still serve students on the campuses of Fort Hays State University, Kansas University, Kansas State University, and countless high schools in the Wichita area. He moved to Beloit in 1972, where he started the bricklaying program at NCK Technical College. He fulfilled his dream of becoming a teacher. He was an instructor for 25 years educating students who achieved state, national, as well as an international level award in Ireland. Don achieved much in his life. He was a member of the Blue Lodge in Hutchinson, and was a life member of the Masonic Shrine Temple in Salina. He was named a Master Mason of Kansas, and received numerous awards for his work as a bricklayer and instructor.
Don was the father of two wonderful children, Shelley Allphin and Guy Allphin. He was the kind of father who was caring, gentle, and above all, fun. Don met and fell in love with Sharon Eilert. They were married December 18, 1991. He was a loving, devoted husband to Sharon and helped raise her three children, Sondra, Stacy, and Shawn. Don spent his life enjoying the love from his growing family, always being quick witted, and always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone. Don and Sharon enjoyed their many road trips recruiting students across the state of Kansas.
Don, 89 died Friday, June 23, 2017 in his home, surrounded by his family. Preceding him in death were his parents, Russell and Edna, and his brother Captain Guy M. Allphin, US Air Force, who died serving his country. Survivors include his wife Sharon of the home; his daughter Shelley Allphin and husband Ben of Perryville, Arkansas; his son Guy Allphin of Perryville, Arkansas; three step children Sondra and husband Bryan Hone of Salina, Stacy and husband Tony Perez of Beloit, and Shawn Heidrick and wife Jerrica of Beloit; his sister Willa Spence of Hutchinson; and eight people lucky enough to have him as their grandfather, Richelle, Eriq, Garrett, Kaleigh, Blake, Brayden, Kaleb, and Landon. He adored his large family, many friends, and his long time coffee crew at the Banner. All of us were lucky to have known and loved "Papa" Don.
Memorial services for Don Allphin, age 89 of Beloit, will be at 10 AM Wednesday, June 28, at the Beloit First United Methodist Church. Memorials may be given to Solomon Valley Hospice. Cremation was chosen and there will be no visitation.