Bernard Domann

Bernard E. Domann, Lawrence, KS passed away on his birthday, April 11, 2012 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Lawrence.

“Bernie” as he was known, was born April 11, 1925 in Mooney Creek, Kansas and was one of 10 children of Albert and Mary Domann.  He was very proud of his heritage in the Mooney Creek Community and was very close to his seven sisters.

He graduated from Winchester High School and received a degree in pharmacy at the University of  Kansas School of Pharmacy in 1949.  Domann served briefly in the Korean War and later moved to Atchison where he worked at Schmierer Drugs.  Bernie married Mamie Irene Turner in 1952 in Atchison, KS.  He purchased the drugstore in 1953 and following the flood in 1958, Domann was of several individuals who led the Atchison urban renewal effort when he built a new drugstore, Domann Drug Inc., on the Atchison Mall.  Many a high school kids in the Atchison area were hired by Domann for their first job.  The drugstore became known for its great service and especially for its fountain that served their famous tenderloin sandwich, and was a gathering place for coffee clubs.  He expanded his business to include the Wishing Well a children’s store and the Clothes Vault, both on the downtown mall.  Their six children all worked at the family businesses as they were growing up.  He retired from the business in 1992.

Bernie was active in the community and served on the board of the City National Bank and the Atchison Hospital and served as President of the Atchison Chamber of Commerce.

Bernie loved to teach and taught dozens of children to water ski at the family summer home at Bean Lake Missouri and was especially fond of teaching children and adults to ball room dance.

In 1987, Bernie married Kay Fowler Shipman and they adopted a son Mikel where they have lived in Lawrence, since 1999.

Bernie was an avid Jayhawks fan and attended basketball games for numerous years.

Survivors include his wife, Kay Domann and son Mikel of the home, his sisters: Helen Domann, Lenexa, KS, Aletha Domann, Lenexa, KS, Grace Curran, Centerville, OH, Kay Johnson, Minneapolis, MN, Gerry Nicholas, Blue Springs, MO, Darlene Domann, Lee’s Summit, MO.  Also surviving are his children, David (Libby) Domann, Doylestown, PA, Patricia Domann, Lawrence, KS, Joseph (Sherry) Domann, Atchison, KS, Sara (Jeff) Ryan, Overland Park, KS, Grace (Les) Burchett, Atchison, KS, and John (Maria) Domann, Everett, Washington, two stepsons, Jon (Sheryl) Shipman, Houston, TX, Steve Shipman, Atchison, KS.  He leaves 3 great and 12 grandchildren.

Bernard was preceded in death by a sister, Irene Evans, two brothers, Clarence and Herbert Domann.

Join us in a Celebration Mass for Bernie’s Life, Saturday, April 14, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Atchison, KS.  A visitation and luncheon will follow the Mass in the church basement.

The family suggests memorials in his name to Atchison Catholic Elementary School (ACES), Lawrence Memorial Hospital Endowment Association, or to Lawrence Humane Society and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.