Wichita radio legend to get ‘Don Hall-worthy’ memorial service on Saturday at Koch Arena
When Wichita radio personality Don Hall died in a car crash in late April, the city was shut down because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Family members held a small viewing, but Hall’s many friends and fans across the city were never able to say goodbye.
On Saturday, that will change. One of Hall’s longtime friends and former co-workers, Stacy Wontorski, has led the organization of a public celebration of life honoring Hall that will happen at 11 a.m. at Wichita State University’s Koch Arena, where for 36 years Hall announced Shocker basketball games.
The event will be limited to 1,000 people, and Wontorski said she’s been assured by local officials that because the event was already planned, it can continue despite Sedgwick County health officer Dr. Garold Minns’ plans to issue more restrictions, limiting public gatherings to 15 people or fewer.
For those who can’t attend, the celebration also will be live streamed on the Don Hall Memorial Page on Facebook, she said.
“He’s just such an icon in Wichita, and everything he did was larger than life,” said Wontorski, who worked with Hall for 10 years when he was at radio stations KKRD and KZSN. “My thought from the beginning was that we had to do something that was Don Hall worthy.”
Hall, age 70, was driving to work early on the morning of April 29 when his car was hit at Kellogg and Rock by one driven by 43-year-old Ray Watkins. In June, Watkins was charged with involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence. Police said they believe Watkins ran a red light while he was headed south on Rock and collided with Hall, who was headed east on Kellogg and was attempting to turn north on Rock.
The small viewing after Hall’s death didn’t provide closure for his many co-workers, friends and family members in the community, Wontorski said. His 93-year-old mother, Bettye, will be able to attend on Saturday, and Hall’s widow, Linda “Fluffy” Hall, has been looking forward to celebrating her husband with other people who loved him.
First preference on seating will be given to members of Hall’s family and his former co-workers. Whatever space is left will go to friends and admirers from the public.
People will be seated with the people they came with in groups with lots of spacing in between groups, Wontorski said. Masks will be required throughout the service, and hand sanitizer will be available.
American Legion Riders, who counted Hall as a member, will line up at the entrance to the service with American flags. Mayor Brandon Whipple is scheduled to speak as is former Wichita Wings coach Roy Turner. Ron Baker, a former Shocker basketball star, is sending a video message, Wontorski said.
Hall’s beloved motorcycle will be on display, and Wontorski has put together a video tribute.
“It’s bittersweet,” she said. “There’s going to be some fun stuff, and there’s going to be some tears.”
Hall loved local food truck The BOMB BBQ, and it will be set up at Grace Point Church, 9025 W. Central, at 1 p.m. Saturday, where it will give out 300 free meals in honor of Hall.
.jpg)