Donald W. Stukesbary

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Donald W. Stukesbary, 87, Nevada, passed away on Friday, Nov. 24, at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin following a short illness. Don was born Feb. 21, 1930, in Nevada, the youngest son of Wilbur Dewey and Hazel Irene (Noyes) Stukesbary. He married Betty L. Ball on Sept. 3, 1950, and she preceded him in death on April 17, 2017, following a lengthy illness.

Don attended Nevada schools and graduated from Nevada High School in 1948. Throughout his life he worked at various jobs including a paper carrier, worked at Miller Drug Store, then started as a meter reader with Missouri Public Service and eventually became line foreman. Don also served in Missouri National Guard Company A 204th Armored Division obtaining the rank first lieutenant. He was involved in Boy Scouts, Elks, Youth Fair Judge, Budget Committee for City Council and on E Board for the IBEW Union.

Survivors include son, Gary Stukesbary, Nevada; daughter, Marsha Harper and her husband Marvin, Nevada; daughter, Karen Short and husband Greg, Nevada; daughter, Pam Trower and her husband Rick, Ozark; daughter, Connie Phillips and her husband David, Compton Junction; son, Dewey Stukesbary, Carthage; and daughter, Chris Stukesbary, Nevada; eight grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; five step great-grandchildren; and one step great-great-grandchild. In addition to his wife, Betty, he was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Gomer; and one sister, Patty Hayes.

Committal services for Donald and Betty will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, at Newton Burial Park in Nevada. Friends may call now and until the hour of service at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.

Memorials are suggested in his memory to American Diabetes Association in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

You may view obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.