Donald P. Danielsen

Donald Paul Danielsen, "Paul", was born November 8, 1959 in Hiawatha, KS to Donald R. and Vera Pauline (Mentgen) Danielsen. A couple of years later he was joined by his sister, Peggy. Paul died September 21, 2014 at the age of 54, at his home in Topeka following a long battle with cancer.

During his youth, Paul lived in Lawton, OK, Widefield, CO and Ft. Benning, GA, while his father was on active duty with the National Guard. The family returned to Hiawatha where Paul graduated from Hiawatha High School in 1978. He attended Kansas State University, before graduating from Highland Community College in 1982. He then completed college at Washburn University, graduating in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement.

Paul married Heather Goldsworth in 1990, and they divorced in 2003. During the course of their marriage, he was blessed with three children, Ashley, Andrew, and Thomas. Ashley graduated from William Jewell College with her Bachelor of Science in Business in 2013. Both sons have opted to serve in the Armed Forces - Andrew in the Army National Guard and Thomas in the Navy. Thomas is currently on deployment in the Pacific.

Paul's interests and talents were varied. He was trained by his father as an electrician. Over his years, he worked in many other fields as well. Early in his career he worked as a part-time announcer for KNZA radio while in college. After graduation, he worked as security for both Washburn University and Capitol Area Police. He then served as a Motor Carrier Inspector with the Kansas Highway Patrol, and concluded his working career in office work.

He was an active member of Boy Scout Troop 59, serving as the troop treasurer for many years. He served on the Jayhawk Area Council's Cub Camping and Shooting Sports committees. He was a National Rifle Association (NRA) Certified Rifle Instructor and Range Safety Officer. He helped instruct and run ranges for Cub Scout BB Gun shooting and archery at camps and council activities for several years. He completed Wood Badge Training in 2005, and was continuing his next steps in his Scouting adventure.

Paul is survived by his 3 children who live in the Kansas City area; his sister, Peggy of Topeka; his aunt, Jean Weber of Lincoln, NE; his uncle, Norman Danielsen (Lola) of Randolph, KS; numerous cousins; and his many Scouting friends of Troop 59 and Jayhawk Area Council.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, October 3 at 7:00p.m. at Snyder's Cabin in Gage Park, Topeka, KS.