Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Updated Obituary - Donald Leroy Voss


Donald Leroy Voss
Donald Leroy Voss was born August 27, 1929 to Roy Walter Voss and Lola Avis (Park) Voss. He passed away on June 18, 2017 at Truman Lake Manor in Lowry City, MO. He was united in marriage on November 22, 1948 to Iris "Corkey" Malone in Clinton, MO. To that union four children were born: Donna, Randy, Terry and Phillip.

Don grew up and went to school in the Mt. Zion area of Henry County. For a short while, the family moved to the San Diego, CA area where Roy's mother and brothers lived, before settling in the log cabin on the Milo Park farm.

Don enlisted in the US Army Air Force on February 24, 1947 at Ft. Riley, KS and was honorably discharged on February 1, 1950. He did his basic training at Lackland Field, TX and was stationed at McDill Field, FL and later North Field, Guam. While in Guam, he was part of a unit that found Japanese soldiers that did not know the war was over. He loved talking about his days in the Army Air Corps and the friends he had made, especially his friend, Ted Irving, a Native American from South Dakota with whom he was able to reconnect with a few years ago.

Upon his discharge, he returned to Henry County, MO, where he met his daughter, 6 month old Donna. He and Corkey began their married life. In the early days, Don worked for Rusk Hatcheries, Clearfield Cheese, and Commander Larabie Flour Mills before working at Whiteman AFB at the base gas station. In 1958, he was transferred to Richards-Gebaur AFB base gas station as the manager. The family then moved to Grandview, MO where they lived for more than 20 years. Don then went on to become the head bus mechanic for the Grandview School District. While there, he frequently drove the pep club and team buses to the away games. Everyone wanted to be on his bus, as he let all be as loud and raucous as they wanted, he only wouldn't let them get out of their seats. He then went on to become the head mechanic for the City of Grandview. In 1979, Don, Corkey, and Phil moved to Brownington, MO and Don became the mechanic for Lakeland School District. Don's love was always being a mechanic on everything from small engines, school buses, police cars, to the airplanes that he worked on in the military.

While in Grandview, Don was active in Boy Scouts as both a leader and trainer of other Boy Scout and Cub Scout leaders. Don was an Honorary Warrior of the Tribe of Mic O Say and participated in numerous Scouting activities with sons Randy, Terry and Phil. At many of the Scouting ceremonies, Don portrayed Akela, an Indian brave known for his wisdom, authority and leadership. Within this Scouting adventure, many life-long friends were made, especially with the Harold Corwin and Fred Masters families. Upon retirement, Don joined the VFW post in Clinton, MO.

In his spare time, Don loved hunting, fishing, hunting for mushrooms and being with friends and family. For over 30 years, deer seasons were a wonderful time at the Voss house, whether it was at the log cabin home in Mt. Zion, or the house in Brownington. It was always filled with many hunters, and their sons, all regaling everyone with their deer hunting exploits each day and night. Mushroom season would always find Don out in the woods searching for the elusive morel and always finding the smallest and the largest of the bunch. All during the 1980's, you could always find a campfire in the alley with friends and family gathered around, and on holidays, the house was always filled with card games and good times. At Christmas, Don would dress as Santa Claus, entertaining the small children with surprise visits. In 1985, Don was stunned by a surprise German Fest birthday party and had over 250 friends and family greet him with German food, music, decorations, drink and gifts. Don also loved dancing to the old country/western music at the 82 Club and Carol's Place.

In 1996, Don married Patricia Nemeth in Miami, OK. In the last few years, Don became interested in woodworking and spent many hours in his shop building creative birdhouses and small cedar chests.

Don was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Avis, his wife of 45 years Corkey, and son Randy. He is survived by his wife Patricia of the home, daughter Donna Ryles of Brownington, son Terry and wife Juley of Springfield, and son Phil and wife Patty of Warsaw; grandchildren, Dana Candler, Tracey Jeffrey, Misty Brown, Josh Voss, Josh Hull, Amanda Kissenger, Jessica Markle, Jennifer Gentry and Kenzie Blackburn; and 17 great grandchildren Cody, Erin, Lily, Sequoia, Logan, Kristosha, Taylor, Chaz, Nova, Olivia, Scott, Evan, Hunter, JT, Jordan, Cayson and Cora. Don leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 22, 2017 at the Bradley & Hadley Funeral Home, Clinton, Mo. Reverend Alan Anzalone will officiate. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Maplewood Cemetery, Brownington, Mo. Military services will be at the grave under the direction of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1894, Clinton, Mo. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1894, Clinton, Mo.; or a charity of the donor's choice. These donations may be left in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left online at www.bradleyhadley.com.






Search news