Donald Kirk Enoch

Donald Kirk Enoch - Of the Greatest Generation: Faith, Family, Community - June 22, 1916 to June 24, 2010. Dad often said: “A Man is simply a collection of his years!” But his family would say he was much more. Proud Kansan and Wichita booster, former Mayor Don Enoch, with members of his family present, peacefully joined our Lord on June 24, 2010. He had just passed his 94th birthday. A member of “The Greatest Generation”, Mayor Enoch was home grown, graduating as part of one of the earliest classes at Wichita North High School, attending Friends University, and graduating from Wichita University (now Wichita State), Magna Cum Laude, and having served as ROTC Band Drum Major. After a short but successful stint as music instructor at Atwood, Kansas, High School, winning Kansas State music titles, Enoch enlisted in the Army Air Corps at the beginning of World War II. In the Air Corps, Enoch rapidly advanced through Pilot Instructor and Fight Commander to Test Pilot. He was rated in 19 different combat and commercial aircraft. For his 89th birthday, he flew acrobatics in a T-6 War Plane. After the war, Mayor Enoch joined Wichitas business community, taking the reigns of Wichita Brush Company. He built the brush company into a full-service building maintenance and cleaning supply business, Wichita Brush and Chemical Co., retiring from its helm in 1975. Mayor Enoch received the U.S. Jr. Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award, served as Vice President of the Wichita Manufacturing Association, President of the Wichita Independent Business Association and International President of the National Research Association. While serving as Board member of the International Sanitary Supply Association, he had the distinct honor of introducing then presidential candidate Ronald Reagan at the ISSA Annual Convention. He joined Wichitas Retired Professional Business Mens Club in 1976, served as Treasurer for many years, and as President from 1979-1980. By 90, he had become one of the clubs most senior members. A Wichita booster from the beginning, Mayor Enoch was elected to the Wichita City Council in 1966 and served as Mayor from 1969-1970. During his tenure, the City instituted the River Festival, and he served as the National League of Cities Executive. His other public service included serving on the City Planning Commission when it instituted the Model Cities Program, serving the City Park Board as founding Chairman of Botanica Gardens, and participating with the Sister Cities Committee in working for Orleans, Frances gift of the Jean dArc Statue (now standing in front of Wichitas Library). Another strong interest for Mayor Enoch was community service. As a long-time member of Kiwanis International, he served as President of the North Wichita Club and Kansas District Governor, receiving the organizations Distinguished Award. At the young age of 84, Mayor Enoch joined the Albert Pike Lodge of Midian Shrine, where he volunteered as the Million Dollar Band editor and Pianist for four bands. Among the educational institutions he served were WSU as Alumni President and was a charter member of WSUs Music Associates. He held Kansass Life-time Teaching Certificate, served as adjunct professor and member of the Board of Trustees for Friends University and as advisory board member for Southwestern College. Other groups he served were Wichita Childrens Theater Guild as President, the Art Museum as Theater Addition Building Committee Chairman, Wichita Childrens Community Choir Board Member, and most recently a member of the Review Board for Wichitas recent School Bond issue. Not the least, he also served the Orpheum Theater Rehabilitation Project as a member of the Advisory Board and Historian. Finally he served many years on the Wichita Symphony Board. A man of faith, Mayor Enoch was a long-time active member of First United Methodist Church, serving as Chairman of various committees and Wichitas larger church community as Secretary to the Wichita Council of Churches. As a committed member of the Young Mens Christian Association, and shortly after the War, Enoch presided over the first integrated all YMCA banquet in a Wichita hotel. He also Chaired the ground-breaking for the current Central YMCA building, and co-founded and served as 2nd President of the Young Ys Mens Club. Of all, Mayor Enoch was most proud of his family. Margery Trively, his wife of 64 years, provided the support, inspiration and vital partnership that enabled him to accomplish all he did. Margery has been an active community servant in her own right, having been voted Soroptimist Woman of Distinction 2002 and having more that 4000 hours of volunteer service to Wesley Medical Center. She has also served as President of the Kansas State Diabetes Association and currently volunteers at Larksfield Health Center. Mayor Enoch is survived not only by Margery, but their children, Dr. Rolland Enoch of Wichita, former President of both Wesley Hospital and Wesley Rehab Hospital Medical Staff, Craig Enoch of Austin, Texas, retired Justice of the Texas Supreme Court, Mark Enoch of Rowlett, Texas, Past Mayor of Rowlett, Texas, and former Chairman of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit System Board, and Dawn Enoch Moore of University Park, Texas, President and CEO of Allegiance Title Company, former Chairwoman of Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation, and currently University Park Board of Adjustment member. Included among these siblings is Don and Margerys, former German exchange student and now close son and brother, Klaus Burk, award winning architect, Crailsheim, Germany. In addition, Don and Margery have four wonderful daughters and son in law, ten grandchildren and one great grandchild, all of whom were able to walk his final journey with him and love him dearly. Mayor Enoch was the oldest of four boys, his youngest brother, Norman Enoch of Santa Maria, California, also survives him as do numerous close in-laws and loving nieces and nephews. He has joined his father and mother, William and Breta Enoch, and his other two brothers, Charles and David. Memorial Services 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, June 29, 2010 at First United Methodist Church, Wichita, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with the First United Methodist Church, Pipe Organ Fund, 330 North Broadway, Wichita, 67202. Downing and Lahey East Mortuary.