Donald Dean Argabright

Donald Dean Argabright

Mar 6, 1936 — Aug 7, 2026

Donald Dean Argabright was born March 6, 1936 to Glenn and Polly Argabright in Atwood, Kansas. He died at his home on August 7, 2026.

Don enjoyed a happy childhood with his older sister Gleneva (Higley) and younger sister Mary Beth (McCutchen). After high school Don enrolled at Kansas State University. He worked as a photographer for the school paper and lettered on the rifle team. When he graduated he was drafted into the Army. Don used the time he was stationed in Germany to ski the Alps, bicycle through parts of Italy and float the Danube river.

He came home to Rawlins County to farm and raise cattle and he took notice of Dwilia Johnson, who worked at the Farm Service Agency. After a period of dating which involved quite a lot of debate on the Bible and religion, they became engaged. On August 24, 1964 they were married at her parents’ home in Atwood.

As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses Don enjoyed many types of volunteer service with the house to house ministry being his primary focus. He served for years as an elder in the Atwood and Colby congregations. He loved working on Kingdom Hall building projects and on disaster relief assignments with Dwilia. They traveled extensively to International Conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses and made friends all around the World. They also dedicated countless hours to helping people learn about God’s Kingdom and the hope the Bible provides for the future.

Don loved to learn; whether the topic was the Bible, nature, languages, cultures from around the world, or a new skill. He grew up hunting and fishing. He become a pilot, built model airplanes and would often park on the top of his hill to watch the planes coming and going from the airport. He had a large wood lathe that he built himself and he was well-known for his personalized “walking sticks.”

In 1977 they welcomed their daughter Diana. And in 2006 they gained Lee Skiles as a treasured son-in-law. The lives of many were touched by the fatherly advice and kindness that Don showed. Some thought of him as a quiet man, others knew he could talk at length about a wide variety of subjects.

Much like the faithful prophet Daniel who was told near the end of his life: “Go on to the end. You will rest, but you will stand up for your lot at the end of the days.” Don is resting, safe in Jehovah God’s memory and awaiting a resurrection to life in better conditions. A life as promised at Psalm 37:29, when “The righteous will possess the earth. And they will live forever on it.”

Those who remain include his wife Dwilia, his daughter and son-in-law, Diana and Lee Skiles, his sister, Gleneva Higley, and his brother-in-law, Dwayne Johnson.

Funeral services will be held outdoors at Don and Dwilia’s farm at 11:00 am central time on Saturday August 29th, 2026. Travel West of Atwood on Highway 36 and then North on Road 19 to the tent location. In the event of inclement weather, the funeral services will be held at the Shirley Opera House at 503 Main, Atwood, KS.

Condolences can be sent in care of Diana & Lee Skiles at 406 S. 5th St. Atwood, KS 67730. 

To plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our tree store.