Paul Donald Fairbank

Paul Donald Fairbank, an educator who helped thousands of students during his more than three decades working in the schools, died Nov. 11. He was 88.

Mr. Fairbank began working with students and their families after graduating from Fort Hays Kansas State College with a bachelor’s in education and Kansas State Teachers College with a master’s degree in secondary education.

He married his wife, Carol, on July 28,1956, in Dodge City. They were married 62 years and until her death on Aug. 26, 2018.

He began his career teaching junior high math and biology at Montezuma, KS, in the late ‘50s and then moved on to Ashland, KS, where he continued teaching those subjects. An athlete from Ransom High School and Dodge City Community College -- where he played football and basketball -- he also stepped in to help coach several sports in Ashland.

It was there that Mr. Fairbank first stepped into his role as a high school counselor. He was perfectly suited for the role. He understood family goals and hardships. With his calm and gentle demeanor, understanding and flexibility and his willingness to always see the good in every child it was a perfect fit.

In 1966, he and Carol loaded up their professional lives and their three boys – Bruce, Douglas and Daniel – and moved to Independence. There they made their home and for more than half a century he devoted his life to his family, students and community.

As a guidance counselor he helped usher in societal changes from the Civil Rights Movement to Title IX, always with an eye to what was right and kind.

As a father, he coached his sons’ baseball teams. He served as their Boy Scout troop leader.

For his community, he was a referee for school volleyball matches. He served in leadership positions at First Presbyterian Church, but never hesitated to also mow the lawn. He was a longtime member of the Independence Lions Club, where he held various positions, but loved his work most on the eye glass program and Kiddie Land, which he helped develop and maintain for children and families in the area.

He was first to step up in times of crisis. He volunteered with the American Red Cross Disaster Services, meeting victims of fires and floods to assist them in the aftermath. While people were scrambling to leave, he traveled into several nationally declared disaster sites, including the aftermath of the 9-11 terrorist attack in New York City.

Many people in Southeast Kansas will remember him as the person who brought them food through the local Meals on Wheels program or the man who drove them to their dialysis treatment.

He retired from his guidance counselor role in 1996 but continued his volunteer work until 2022 when he was no longer able.

Survivors include his sons Bruce (Mikel) of Topeka; Douglas of Wichita; and Daniel of Andover, KS. He has six grandchildren; Jonathan (Teresa) of Independence; Allison Ysusi (Bryan) of Lenexa, KS; Amy of Independence; Danielle of Andover; Christina Smith and Lindsey of Wichita; ten great-grandchildren – Grace Lofton (Tristan), Emily, Hannah, Jackson, Callie, Quincee, Braxton, Tatum, Jaycen and Kara; and his brother Bob and sister  Dora Yoder.

Paul was preceded in death by Carol; his parents Vincent and Mae Fairbank; brothers Ralph, Elmer, Chet and Richard; and his sisters Esther Zordel, June Bartlett, Audrey Lentz, Laura Kraft, Carol Small and Burdene Schweitzer.

A celebration of life service will be Saturday at 10 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, Independence. Internment will occur at a later date at Mt. Hope Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Independence Lions Club or the First Presbyterian Church in Independence. To leave a special message for the family please visit www.webbrodrickchapel.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Webb & Rodrick Chapel and Crematory.