U.S. Navy · United States 
Donald Marler
1972
Donald Lee Marler served the U.S. Navy.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
What Happened
Patrolman Donald Marler and Patrolman Francis Wirt were shot and killed when they were ambushed by a suspect while walking their beat on the northwest corner of the town square. The suspect approached them and opened fire with a M-1 rifle. Both officers fell to the ground wounded. As they pleaded for their lives, the suspect shot and killed them both. The suspect then shot and killed one citizen, wounded Sheriff Bill Gough, and wounded two bank employees before committing suicide. Patrolman Marler was a United States Navy veteran and had served with the Harrisonville Police Department for two years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and child.
Service Record
U.S. Navy
Also Served
Harrisonville Police Department
Patrolman
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpk5hmm5c6n3kn53345t
Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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