1937-2026
Donald F. “Don” Lett, 88, formerly of Hutchinson, Kansas, died September 2, 2026, in Roanoke, Texas, just days shy of his 89th birthday. He was born September 14, 1937, in Hutchinson to Clinton John (C.J.) and Minnie K. (Klein) Lett, Sr.
Don graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1955 and Oklahoma State University in 1957. He went on to own Lett Electronics with his brother, C.J. Lett, Jr., formerly located at 410 N. Plum Street in Hutchinson.
Electronics came naturally to Don. An electronics whiz and lifelong tinkerer, he loved figuring out how things worked, fixing things, modifying them, and dreaming up new and better ways of doing things.
Cars were another lifelong passion. Don was a true car aficionado and collector who appreciated the mechanics, details, and character of the automobiles he collected over the years. Whether it involved electronics, cars, or one of his many projects, Don was rarely without something to tinker with or a new idea to pursue.
He also loved the art of making a deal. Don was always looking for an opportunity, trying a different approach, or figuring out how to make something happen. A natural charmer with a wonderful smile, he had a personality people remembered and could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. He was also known for unexpected acts of generosity toward strangers.
A devoted Catholic, Don was a member of St. Teresa Catholic Church in Hutchinson. His faith remained an important and enduring part of his life, and he was faithful in attending Sunday Mass.
Although Kansas was his birthplace and remained an important part of his life, Don never developed much affection for its cold winters. He much preferred sunshine and warmth and loved spending part of the year in Tampa, Florida. In later years, he divided his time between Florida and Texas, where he spent part of each year with family.
Don was the father of six children. He is survived by his children, Laurie Humiston and husband Tom of Kennedale, Texas; Leslie Caldwell and husband Joe of Argyle, Texas; Donald Lett, Jr.; and Mary Fischer and husband Scott, both of Manhattan. His family grew to include 12 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his sisters, Charlene Hollingsworth, Karen Whitehall, and Vicki Taylor; sister-in-law, Audrey Lett; and his beloved nieces and nephews, Kim Lett, Kris Finke, Sam Lett, and C.J. Lett III.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; his daughters, Linda Ledel, who died in adulthood, and Mary Elizabeth, who died shortly after birth; his brothers, Royce Lett and wife Marian and C.J. Lett, Jr.; his nephew, Thomas Lett; and his first wife, Kathy.
Nearly 89 years gave Don plenty of time to collect more than cars. He collected projects, ideas, stories, deals, experiences, and memories. He will be remembered for his quick and inventive mind, his love of cars, his talent for electronics, his constant tinkering, his unmistakable charm and smile, and his devotion to his Catholic faith.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at St. Teresa Catholic Church, 211 E. 5th Avenue, Hutchinson, with Father Andrew Meng officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson.
Friends may sign his book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Teresa Catholic Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.
May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
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