Don Green

(From Parker Mortuary)

Donald Dean “Don” Green, age 96, Pittsburg, Kansas, peacefully passed away at his home on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 surrounded by those he loved.

Don was born November 18, 1925 in Asbury, Missouri, son of the late Charles Green and Mary (Hughes) Green. He attended school in Carl Junction and graduated from Carl Junction High School. 

He went to work for DuPont Chemical Company for 17 years before he began his first business as a Television Repairman on Main Street in Joplin. He later began M&M Salvage which he owned and operated until his retirement. He also co-owned Show Me Equipment for many years. He was known for his expertise working with the Ford Model T, and Model A autos. He has restored many Model A and Model T’s and has also helped restore many older cars and trucks over the years. He was a member of several car clubs including Heartland Car Club, and Vintage Rod Car Club. He was a proud member of the Shriners, Scottish Rite, and Joplin Elks Lodge. He was very involved with the Shriner’s Parade detail.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by brothers, Norman and Kenneth, and his sisters, Bernice, Kay, and Willadean.

Don is survived by his wife, Lilly (Mead) Green; sons, Mike Green and wife Debbie of Joplin, Chris Johnson and wife Charlotte of Columbus, Kansas, Donald Emmert and wife Melanie of Carthage; daughter, Elizabeth “Becky” Abela and husband Craig of Australia; step children, Brenda Johns and husband Jim of Pittsburg, Kansas, Brian Barbee and wife Caryn of Lees Summit, Missouri, Michael Barbee of Joplin, Steven Barbee and wife Patty of Eagle Rock, Missouri, and Larry Barbee and wife Lesa of Seneca, Missouri; five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, several step grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Mount Hope Open Air Chapel with Rev. Bob Simon officiating.

The family will receive friends at Parker Mortuary on Friday from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

To honor Don’s lifelong love of antique cars, his family requests that his many friends and car enthusiasts show up in their antique cars on Saturday from 9:00 to 9:15 a.m. at Parker Mortuary to escort Don to his final resting place.

Memorial contributions are requested to the American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Foundation.