WICHITA — Philip Craig Donecker, 26, passed away surrounded by family and friends after a courageous battle on Sept. 6, 2025, at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, Kan. He was born on July 9, 1999, in Hays, Kan., to Jeffery Donecker and Michelle (Viescas) Smee.

Philip was a master installer for Renewal by Anderson. He was a graduate of Central Plains High School Class of 2018 and North Central Kansas Tech in Hays, where he received his associate’s degree in construction management. While a current resident of Wichita, he cherished his childhood growing up in Claflin, and the strong connections that he built through being raised there by his parents and community. Philip was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and was a man of great faith. He enjoyed snowboarding, golfing, football, hunting, and growing plants. Philip – known by a multitude of nicknames – was a compass for his family and friends. He was a light for those he met. Along with being a loving family member and big brother, he was a dedicated friend. While a friend to all, Philip was the center of a close core group of friends, from all aspects of his life, ranging from childhood, serving as CEO of the Dead-End Bar at 212, and beyond.    

Survivors include his parents, Jeff and Megan Donecker of Claflin, and Michelle Smee and husband Chris of Hill City; sisters, JoAnna Donecker of Claflin, Caitlin Smee of Hoisington, Natalie Smee of Hill City, and Emily Smee of Hill City; grandparents, Anna Donecker of Great Bend, Shelly Viescas of Hill City, Sandy Parret of Larned, Ray and Millie Smee of Hill City, and Deb Smee of Belleville; girlfriend, Isabelle “Izzy” Cannata of Pratt; aunts and uncles, Jon and Misty Donecker of Pawnee Rock, Chad and Sarah Herbert of Larned, Renee and Jon Stephens of Parker, Colo., Dusty Allen of Aurora, Colo., and Kristin and Travis Doze of Hoisington; numerous cousins, family members, and loved ones; and beloved dog, Sky. He is preceded in death by his grandfathers, Craig Donecker, Philip Viescas, and Bob Parret.

Funeral service will take place at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, at Central Plains Junior-Senior High School, Claflin, with Pastor Kenton Abbott and Pastor Daniel Harders presiding. Interment will follow at Claflin Cemetery. Visitation will take place Wednesday, Sept. 10th, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with family receiving guests from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a time to share memories at 6 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been designated to the Philip Donecker Memorial Scholarship Fund or Claflin Fire/EMS, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Sept. 9, 2025