OVERBROOK, Kan. – William “Don” Donald Linden Sr., 95, passed away peacefully with his wife by his side August 28, 2024, at the Oakley Place, Topeka, Kan. Born Oct. 28, 1928, in Homewood, Kan., Don lived a life rich in family, service, and community.
Don’s early years were spent on the family farm north of Williamsburg, Kan., where he graduated from high school in 1946. He continued his education at Emporia State University.
In 1948, Don married the love of his life, Nathalee Harrison. Together, they built a life filled with love and raised four children: Bill, Rick, Jill, and Kim. Their marriage spanned more than six decades until Nathalee’s passing in 2014.
Don’s dedication extended beyond his family. He proudly served in the Kansas National Guard and held various jobs throughout his life, including work at Coca-Cola, the Santa Fe Railroad, and DuPont & Flexel, all while continuing to manage the family farm. In 1959, the family relocated to Overbrook, Kan.
Later in life, Don found love again and married Pat Samson in December 2015. They cherished more than eight years of marriage together.
Don was a man of faith, attending the following: Overbrook Bible Church (which he helped build), Maranatha Church and Lion and Lamb Church, in Topeka. He loved his great grandchildren and also enjoyed spending time with them. His other passion was playing pool with his longtime friends and his new friends at Boulevard Billiards.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lorna (McGee) Linden; his first wife, Nathalee; son, William “Bill” D. Linden Jr.; sister, Louise Hackett (Milo); and granddaughter, Megan Linden.
He leaves behind a loving family, including his wife, Pat Samson; son, Fredrick Lee Linden (Jane) of Troy, Ohio; daughters, Jill Valerie Olson, Fort Worth, Texas, and Kimberly Denise Wikle (Richard), Moody, Ala.; five-grandchildren Ron Wikle (Jessica), Pomona, Kan., Elizabeth Mann (Daniel), Yates Center, Kan., Laura Barnard (Sydney), Beaver Creek, Ohio, Chris Linden, of Troy, and Lorna Smith (Tyler), Vinemount, Ala.; five- great-grandchildren Kaelie, Hedge and Nathalee Wikle, and Ryan and Brad Mann; and sister-in-law, Shirley Fischer.
A visitation will be 10 a.m. Sept. 14, at Overbrook Bible Church, 719 Western Heights Drive, Overbrook. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. After the service, there will be an inurnment with military honors at Mt. Hope Cemetery, 840 Finney Road, Williamsburg.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Overbrook Bible Church or the Lion and Lamb Church, 2401 SW Belle, Topeka, KS 66614. Donations can be sent in care of Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, PO Box 268, Overbrook, KS 66524. Condolences can be left at www.lamb-roberts.com.
Don will be dearly missed by all who knew him. His dedication to family, service, and community will serve as a lasting legacy. At the memorial service, we invite you to honor Don’s memory by sharing stories and reminiscing or by reading something special.
