Dr. Don R. Tillotson

Don Ray Tillotson died October 1, 2017, in Ulysses, Kansas, after an extended illness. Don was born in 1932 in Frankfort, Kansas, the son of Raymond and Amy (Jones) Tillotson.

Don grew up on the family farm near Shields, Kansas, with siblings, Paul, Betty, and Peggy. Don graduated from Dighton High School in 1950, and then attended Kansas State College graduating in 1954 with a degree in Animal Husbandry. He married Shirley Miller in 1955. They celebrated 62 years of marriage. They farmed in Lane and Kearney counties. Don returned to school in 1960 to pursue a medical degree graduating from KU in 1965. In 1966, he moved to Ulysses beginning a private practice as a medical doctor. He retired in 1996.

Don was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Ulysses, Kansas. He served on the boards of First National Bank of Dighton, the Kansas Foundation for Medical Care, Area Mental Health Center, as well as the Southwest Kansas Royalty Owners Association. He served as medical director for The Legacy at Park View. He worked for many years with patients and families of AA. He received a sixty year recognition in the Masonic Lodge.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley; three children and their spouses, Scott and Debbie Tillotson of Ellinwood, Gwen and John Lowe of Tyler, Texas, and Jill and Tim Hill of Satanta; five grandchildren, Jordan Lowe, Daniel Hill, Shelby Kelman, Jonathan Lowe and Chase Tillotson; brother, Paul Tillotson of Auburn, Washington; and sister, Betty Milford of Council Bluffs, Iowa.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Peggy Tajchman formerly of Garland, Texas; and one granddaughter, Kyndall Lowe.

Funeral service will be Thursday, October 5, 2017, at 10:00 AM at the First United Methodist Church in Ulysses with Reverend Todd Guinn officiating. Graveside service (casual) will be Friday, October 6, 2017, at 11:00 AM at Shields Cemetery with Masonic Rites. Visitation will be Wednesday, October 4, 2017, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM will family present from 6:00 PM until 7:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be given to the Grant County Community Foundation or First United Methodist Church in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave, Ulysses, KS 67880. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.