Donald J. Vitt

Donald J. “Donnie” Vitt, 63, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and formerly of Parsons, passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2026.

Donnie was born on May 8, 1963, to James “Jim” and Judith “Judy” (Diediker) Vitt in Parsons, Kansas. He grew up and attended school in rural Parsons, graduating from Labette County High School in 1981.

Throughout high school, college and professionally, Donnie competed and established himself as one of the best heelers in the country. In high school, he qualified for the National Finals twice and went on to compete in the College National Finals in 1981 and 1984. Donnie also competed in the International Professional Rodeo Association (IPRA), where he qualified for the finals several times. Through hard work and God-given talent, Donnie traveled and competed in 48 states and was a member of numerous associations, competing at some of the toughest ropings, including the George Strait Roping and the Bob Fiest Invitational. For several years, Donnie worked as a cowboy for Beachner’s.

His proudest role in life was being sons’ dad. He was so proud of his boys and loved being Papa Don to his granddaughters. Donnie’s quick-wit and good sense of humor made him a friend to anyone he met. He lived life to its fullest in everything he did, from the rodeo to being a friend to being a dad.

Survivors include:

Three sons – Gus Vitt and his wife, Hailey, of Tontitown, Arkansas

Roper Vitt and his wife, Emily, of Summers, Arkansas

Trace Vitt of Tontitown, Arkansas

Three granddaughters – Ava, Adlee and Hallie Vitt

His mother – Judy Vitt of Parsons, Kansas

Two sisters – Sherry Seibert of Parsons, Kansas

Shannon Pool and her husband, Nick, of Hugoton, Kansas

Dear friend – Toni Sutherland

Lifelong friend – David Stice

He was preceded in death by his father, Jim Vitt; his grandparents, Cliff and Lois Diediker; and his brother-in-law, Kevin Seibert.

The funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 4, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Parsons. The family will receive friends from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Parsons. There will be a private family inurnment at Valley Cemetery in rural Parsons at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to Justin Sportsmedicine Team. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.