July 16, 1938 - September 14, 2024
Donald Eugene Alber, of Overland Park, KS, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2024, at the age of 86. Born on July 16, 1938, to Margaret (Weide) and Daniel Rehm Alber, Don lived a vibrant and spirited life in the Kansas City area, where he made an indelible mark on everyone he met.
Don was a man who thrived in the company of others, always the first to arrive and the last to leave any gathering. His boundless energy and enthusiasm were matched only by his remarkable ability to fix anything that came his way, often doing so with a spirited vocabulary remembered by all who knew him.
A proud veteran, Don served in the United States Air Force and Reserves from 1959 to 1965. Following his service, he continued his life of adventure and dedication, marrying Phyllis Gray on June 15, 1962. They were married for 60 years before her passing. Together, they raised two daughters and created countless memories, including many joyful times at their vacation home at the Lake of the Ozarks, where they boated, skied, and tackled endless repairs with a mix of humor and tenacity.
Don's career was deeply rooted in the electrical business, following in his family's tradition. He worked at Graybar and Foley Electric before becoming a partner at Walker-Loudermilk, where his expertise and work ethic shone brightly.
He is survived by his loving daughters, Tracy Alber Mattis and Christine Allan; his cherished grandchildren, Drake Mattis, Dane Mattis, Catherine (Spencer) Ellis, Emily (David) Shattuck, and Ashley (Dustin) Rice; and his two great-grandchildren, Savanah Ellis and Mason Ellis. He is also survived by his brother Bob (Judy) Alber, sister Mary (Larry) Licata, and five nieces and nephews.
An uplifting, casual celebration of Don's life will be held on Saturday, October 12, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Barley's Kitchen & Tap in Shawnee, KS. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the charity of your choice, in honor of a life lived with zest and generosity.
Don will be remembered for his vivacious spirit, his knack for fixing things, and his unwavering love for family and friends. His legacy of a strong work ethic and resilience will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him.
