Don Short

(From Parker Mortuary)

Donald Ray Short of Joplin, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home with his family and close friends by his side. He was a week shy of his 90th birthday. Don was a beloved husband, loving father, special grandfather, cherished friend, and devoted follower of Jesus.

Don was born in Squires, Missouri, to Rube and Vida Short. He attended Ava High School, Southwest Baptist College in Bolivar, and graduated from Missouri State College in Springfield. While attending Southwest Baptist, he met Sue, his beautiful wife of 68 years. (She was playing the piano at the time, and her ability to play his request for the “12th Street Rag” made quite the impression)! They raised their two daughters in Joplin.

Don worked at Eagle Picher Industries in Joplin and Quapaw for 38 years. His second (and favorite) career was working with his daughter, Debbie Stephens, at Covert Electric Motors for 21 years. In his spare time, he was a “shade-tree” mechanic who had the patience to fix anything, not just cars, and enjoyed traveling with friends.

Don became a Christian as a young man and truly practiced his faith day in and day out. He was faithfully involved in the churches he attended, serving as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, and Choir member. Don and Sue participated in numerous mission trips to Brazil. He was also an active member of the Joplin Camp of Gideons International for several decades.

He is now reunited with his cherished daughter Debbie in Heaven. Don is survived by his wife Sue, daughter Donna Sue Simmons (Woody), granddaughter Jessica Dawn Edwards (Jesse), son-in-law Glenn Stephens and sister Kay Cantrell and her family. He had countless friends who will forever remember his stories, witty quips, compassion and generosity.

The family will receive friends for visitation at Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary, Tuesday, June 24 from 5 – 7 pm. The funeral service will be at Forest Park Church, Wednesday, June 25 at 11 am. A graveside service will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in honor of Don to Gideons International or other charities of choice.