Donnie Balestrin

(From Parker Mortuary)

Donnie Lee Balestrin, Sr., age 71, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away on Monday, July 17, 2017 at Freeman Hospital, Joplin, Missouri.

Donnie was born September 29, 1945 in Miami, Oklahoma to the late Eli Balestrin and Betty Jean Wall. He served our country during the Vietnam War as a U.S. Marine. Donnie owned several businesses in heavy construction, including Midco Redi Mix that eventually became Associated Redi Mix and Balestrin Construction which is still going today. He also developed Hickory Hills Estates.

Donnie loved racing, owning two different modified race cars. He was a Ford man, loving his Ford pickup truck. He enjoyed taking care of his cattle and going to the casino with Connie and friends. He was just a great guy, very talented and driven to influence a lot of people.

On October 14, 1967, Donnie married Connie Jo Palmer in Joplin. After nearly 50 years together, she survives of the home.

Additional survivors include sons, Donnie Balestrin, Jr. and wife, Debbie of Joplin, Gregg Balestrin and wife, Debbie of Joplin; brother, Sid Clark and wife, Connie of Joplin; grandchildren, Colten Balestrin and wife, Kendra, Amber Balestrin, Cole Howe, Allyson Tyree, Kylee Sikes and Robert Sanchez; great granddaughter, Addisyon.

Other than his parents, Donnie was also preceded in death by a step father, Clarence Clark and a brother, Charles Clark.

A visitation is planned for Friday, July 21, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary, Joplin. Donnie's wishes are to be cremated following the services and burial will take place at a later date in Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery, Joplin.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.