Don Demasters

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Donald L. DeMasters, age 88, of Webb City, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his residence on June 17, 2024.

Don was born November 12, 1935 in Joplin, MO to Dudley and Irene (Davis) DeMasters. He was the third of four children in his family- Johnny, Murel, Don and Sandra. Don loved to play and watch ball games. He loved all things baseball.

In 1961, Don met Margaret (Mike) Wheatley at a bowling alley. While Margaret was trying to get away from another boy, she asked Don if he would pretend to be her boyfriend. He liked being her boyfriend so much that he called her up the next day. He was her boyfriend for over 62 years. Don and Mike were married May 25, 1962 in Carl Junction, Missouri. Don and Mike later became parents to two daughters, Lisa and Cean. 

Don always had nicknames for his people, and his girls were known to him as Leroy and Sam. He worked for 41 years at Empire District Electric Company, where he retired as a Billing Supervisor in 1995. 

After he retired, Don was able to spend time doing his favorite thing, being Papa. Papa loved white powdered doughnuts and made sure to share them with his four grandkids- Lane, Austin, Dane, & Hope, also known as Biggin, Blondie, Red and Special Angel. Above all else, Don loved the Lord. He served His Lord faithfully and taught his family to do the same. Now, Don is living in the gift of eternal life.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Johnny DeMasters, son-in-law, Mark Gardner, and multiple loving in-laws.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Margaret, two daughters: Lisa (Mark) Crabill of Newark, Texas, and Cean Gardner of Carl Junction, Missouri, two siblings: Murel (Beverly) DeMasters and Sandra Puckett, four grandchildren: Lane Crabill, Austin (Malarie) Crabill, Dane Gardner, and Hope Gardner, two great-grandchildren: Atley Crabill, and his brother who is expected in October, and many other extended family members.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A funeral service is scheduled for 10:00 am Friday, June 21, 2024, at College Heights Christian Church. Visitation will be at 9:00 am prior to service on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for contributions to be made in memory of Don to College Heights Christian Church.

Arrangements under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory – Joplin, MO.