MAURICE DONALD WEDDLE , 94, passed away Sunday April 30, 2017 in Wichita KS. He was born in Miami, FL March 6, 1923 to Charles and Ada Weddle. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Johnell (Yost), Mark (Peggy) Weddle of Manhattan, Sara Henry (Bill) of Emporia, Paul (Penny) Weddle of Park City, Kris Gentry (Kelly), Daren Gentry (Diane) and Blake Gentry (Laurie) of Tucson, AZ, 21 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and sister Nada Fetrow of Ponca City, OK. He was preceded in death by his sister Joyce Porter and parents Charles and Ada Weddle, and by his first wife Marjorye Creighton. "Donnie" grew up in Lindsborg KS graduating from high school in 1941. His college years were interrupted by WWII in which he served his country as a lieutenant in the Navy in the Pacific. He returned and earned a BA in Art from Bethany College, Lindsborg, where he met Marjorye Creighton. They married in 1946 and were divorced in 1966. After attending the Chicago Art Institute, he earned a Master's degree from University of New Mexico and, in 1985, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from his alma mater, Bethany College, a very special honor. Encouraging and inspiring young art students was his passion at Wichita West, South, and Southeast High Schools as art teacher for many years earned him a "Teacher of the Year" award from the Wichita Public School System. He also taught classes at Wichita University. Retirement allowed time in his studio for producing many impressionist works, which now reside in homes across the country. It also allowed him more time in his beloved Lindsborg, where he delighted in perpetuating its history and character with his gift of storytelling. In his retirement years, Don became the unofficial "ambassador" of Lindsborg. He made countless costumed appearances as "The Tomte", a Swedish traditional gnome-like character who tells stories of Swedish culture and experience. Pictures and postcards featuring Don as "The Tomte" can be found all around Lindsborg today. He dearly loved those Swedish and Lindsborg traditions that were a part of the Christmas season, especially the Jullotta (Christmas morning) worship service at Bethany Lutheran Church. Don and Johnell shared a love of art, music, travel and gardening. Classical music or opera was usually playing in their home. Beauty in nature, the church, architecture or an interesting face didn't escape Don's eye, eagerly sharing his artistic insights with those around him. Everyone he met he considered a friend and always had a good word and an interesting story to share. His quick wit and sense of humor endeared all who knew him. He held a special place in the hearts of his family and countless friends, and will be sorely missed. Visitation is Thursday, May 4, 5-7 p.m. at Baker Funeral Home, 100 S. Cedar, Valley Center. Services are at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 5 at Bethany Lutheran Church, 320 N. Main, Lindsborg, Kansas, of which he was a member. Graveside following at Elmwood Cemetery, 1452 Wells Fargo Rd, Lindsborg, Kansas. Memorials may be designated in his memory to Bethany College, www.bethanylb.edu or 785-227-3380. Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com.