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Obituary: Donald LaFawn Jacka Sr.

Sep 15, 2004

Services for retired U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Donald LaFawn Jacka Sr., Leavenworth, were Aug. 27, 2004, at the First United Methodist Church, Fifth and Chestnut, Leavenworth, with the Rev. Tim Hutabarat officiating. Burial with military honors followed at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery.

Mr. Jacka died Aug. 23, 2004, at his home. He was born July 21, 1919, in Fairmount, Kan., the son of Edward L. and Mae Mercedes (Elder) Jacka.

Mr. Jacka graduated from Tonganoxie High School in 1937, attended Kansas University on a football scholarship for two years and earned a bachelor’s in education from Emporia State University in 1946. He earned a master’s degree in education from Emporia State University in 1963.

On Dec. 26, 1941, he married Loretta M. Maloney in Kansas City, Kan. She died on Oct. 25, 1998.

Mr. Jacka enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1941 and was commissioned a naval aviator in 1942. He flew in the Pacific Theater during World War II and flew patrol bombers during the Korean War. A highly decorated naval officer, in 1953 he commissioned the Naval Air Station in Fallon, Nev. After various overseas duty stations he retired from the U.S. Navy in 1962, completing his tour of duty in Morocco.

After military retirement, he moved his family to Leavenworth where he taught at Muncie Elementary School from 1962 to 1967, following which he became vice principal of Leavenworth High School. From 1970 to 1980, he served as principal of Leavenworth High School. He was a lifetime member of the Emporia State University Alumni Association Century Club and The Endowment Athletic Hornet Club. He was a past president of Leavenworth Noon Lions, past president of Leavenworth City Teachers, member of Phi Sigma Epsilon Fraternity, Phi Delta Theta Professional Fraternity, Leavenworth Retired Teachers Association and Retired Officers’ Association.

He was a member of the Henri Lodge 190 AF&AM, Tonganoxie, Scottish Rite Southern Bodies 32nd Degree, Fort Leavenworth, and a member of the Abdallah Shrine.

Survivors include three children, Linda C. Williams, Prairie Village, Patricia A. Lis, Leavenworth, and Brig. Gen. Donald L. Jacka Jr., Topeka; and five grandchildren.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Emporia State University Alumni Association. R.L. Leintz Funeral Home, 4701 10th Ave., Leavenworth, handled arrangements. Condolences may be forwarded to the family at www.leintzfh.com.