Donna Lucille Engel, a loving soul and true beacon of humility, loyalty, and dedication, was born on March 22, 1939, in Winfield, KS to George and Lucille Brewer. Her radiant spirit touched many lives in her 85 years, leaving an indelible imprint on those fortunate enough to know her. Our beloved Donna, a devoted matriarch, consummate educator, and avid lover of all things beautiful, departed from our sights but not our hearts on January 22, 2025.
Donna’s life was a rich tapestry of accomplishments and joys, both big and small. After spending her youth in Winfield and Coffeyville, she graduated from Field Kindley High School. After graduation she met and married Wayne Eugene Engel. He was drafted into the United States Army and that took the couple to San Francisco where they welcomed their son Tom. After Wayne's honorable discharge they returned home to Kansas after a brief while in Oklahoma. The family welcomed an addition with Christina and they found their family complete. Her career in education was marked by over 25 years of service as a speech para-professional at Tri-County from which she retired. A woman of many passions, Donna found joy in her Scotties, cheering on KU Basketball, losing herself in a good book, and crafting beautiful creations through sewing. She was a gifted baker, a collector of purses and jewelry, and a wellspring of historical knowledge. Yet, her true delight was found in her family, whom she adored, and her grandchildren, who were the light of her life. She fervently championed education, regularly taking her children to museums and art shows, knowing the importance of culture.
Donna is survived by her loving family: her daughter Christina Slaton and her husband Don; her son Tom Engel and his wife Sonya; her grandchildren Grace Rainbolt (Dylan), Matthew Slaton, Emma Slaton, Lily Slaton, Zach Slaton, Michael Engel (Samantha), Dillion Engel (Abagail), and Kylie Johnson; her great-grandchildren MaKenzi Johnson, Ashlyn Streetman, Adaline Engel, Bryndal Engel, Jameson Engel and one more on the way; and her sister Candace Brewer. She is preceded in death by her parents George and Lucille Brewer, husband Wayne Engel and her great-grandson Landon Johnson.
Friends and loved ones are invited to a visitation on Monday, January 27, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00pm at David W. Barnes Funeral Home. The family suggests memorials be made payable to the American Diabetes Association and they may be left with or sent in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home 306 N Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337. To share a memory or to leave the family a message of condolence, please visit www.dwbfh.com
