On a hazy September 24, 1940, the world quietly welcomed an overachiever—Donald Gene "Little Donnie" Bramwell, born to Howard (Steve) and Francis Rall Bramwell. Few could have imagined the remarkable life that lay ahead.

Don lived life to its fullest and mastered whatever he set his mind to. His curiosity, drive, and determination shaped every chapter of his story. Even when Parkinson's disease appeared and slowly made its presence known, Don continued to face each day with courage. He passed from this world into Heaven on December 8, 2025, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply.

A Kansas country kid at heart, Don grew up hunting and fishing along the Chikaskia River before becoming a master elk hunter. His adventures took him from Alaskan bear country to the dove fields of Argentina, he hunted deer and turkey in nearly every state he could reach.

As a teenager, he discovered a passion for speed and mechanics. He co-founded the hot-rod club "The Radicals," tore down engines in the living room, and built dragsters with his young children serving proudly as his pit crew. He raced with some of the best and never lost his appreciation for the sound of a finely tuned engine.

Don was active and accomplished even in his youth—serving as FFA President in high school, earning an associate's degree from Hutchinson Junior College where he served as President of the Young Democrats and met John F. Kennedy. He then went on to receive his bachelor's degree in biology from Emporia State (then Emporia Teachers College).

His professional life was as varied as it was impressive. He began as a Food and Drug Inspector, later serving as an undercover agent with the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs and ultimately as a Special Agent with the DEA. His entrepreneurial spirit later led him into the oil industry as a wildcatter, establishing Western Drilling & Exploration Inc., Western Drilling of Arizona, Producers Engine Service, D&B Drilling, and Bramwell Petroleum.

Don also developed a deep love for English Springer Spaniels and became a respected field trialer. What began with Barbie Ballou grew into a lifelong passion. His beloved Miss American Pie competed across the United States and Canada, retiring as the All-Time High Point Dog. Over the years, Don trained several dogs and produced numerous champions. In 2019, Don and his wife, Pat, were inducted into the National Bird Dog Hall of Fame, alongside his English Springer Spaniel Miss American Pie. Don was further honored with the 2025 English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association Lifetime Achievement Award.

Though his accomplishments were many, Don's greatest joy was found in family. He loved nothing more than seeing his loved ones gathered together, sharing laughter, a friendly game of Trivial Pursuit, or a good camping meal cooked over an open fire. Those ordinary moments were, to him, the very best parts of life.

Don is survived by his wife of 42 years, Patricia Bramwell; his daughters and sons-in-law Chris and Steve Hanner of Cheney, Kansas, and Donna Fletcher of Kingman, Kansas; his sons and daughter-in-law Doug and Judy Bramwell of Spivey, Kansas, and Jonathen Bramwell of Zenda, Kansas. He is also survived by his grandchildren—Stephanie Hanner, Danielle Lesser, Kristina and Brittney Bramwell, Ciara French and Chelsea French, Andrea Stephenson, Tiffany Fletcher and Garrett King;  along with ten great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, David Claude Bramwell; and his daughter, Beverly Jean Bramwell.

Don Bramwell lived boldly, worked tirelessly, loved deeply, and leaves behind a legacy of strength, adventure, and devotion. He will be forever missed and lovingly remembered.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 at the Livingston Funeral Home, Kingman.  The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday at the funeral home.  Burial will be in the Nichols Cemetery outside Zenda.

Memorials may be made to the Springer Spaniel Foundation and sent to the Livingston Funeral Home, 1830 N. Main, Kingman KS  67068.