Donald Lee Bigelow

        Donald Lee Bigelow, 73, Sheldon, MO passed away on Wednesday, October 17, 2018 from an unexpected illness.  Don was born May 28, 1945 in Fremont, OH to Earl Dale and Bertha Evelyn (Twiss) Bigelow. He married Roberta Ann (Banes) Conner on May 27, 1989 in Sheldon and she survives of the home.

      Don lived in Fremont until he was eight years old and then moved with his family to California.  In 1970, he came to Missouri where he lived in Lamar for a number of years later moving to Sheldon following his marriage to Roberta. Don owned Bigelow Electronics in Lamar for many years, worked at O’Sullivan Industries, and then retired from Pittsburg State University in 2006. He could fix almost anything. He was a member of the Sheldon United Methodist Church. He was also a current member of Lamar Masonic Lodge, and a past member of the Carthage Shriner Train Crew.  Don enjoyed restoring old cars and traveling with his wife following his retirement.  He loved all of his family. Don often talked about hayrides and wiener roasts with the grand kids. He was known for his infectious sense of humor and always had a joke ready to tell. Don prided himself in growing up with the Beach Boys in California.

      In addition to his wife Roberta, he leaves behind his children, Doug (Cindy) Conner of Liberty, MO, Dustin (Lori) Conner of Bronaugh, MO, Rebecca (Chris) Jones of Lamar, MO, Christy (Keith) Love of Nevada, MO, Ginger (Nathan) Beerbower of Ft. Scott, KS, Angie (Dave) Blixt of Harrisonville, MO; cousin Lester “Bud” Bigelow; and he was a father figure to Chet Maynard of Lamar, MO;  grandchildren, Cole and Blaine Conner, Samantha Farr, Robby Minor, Jordan Fasano, Hailey Bunton, Erica Whitesell, Courtney Conner, Alex Conner, Robbie McCartney, Jacob McCartney, Christopher Lear, Christian Jones, Cory Lear, Alissa Leverich, Dominque Leverich, Joshua Goodell, Gennifer McMurry, Brandon Beerbower, Brett Beerbower, and Conner Blixt,; 17 great-grandchildren, and two soon to be born; nieces, nephews, and close friends.  He was preceded in death by one brother Richard Dale Bigelow; and one sister, Phyliss Jean Keinzle.

      Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with Pastor Wayne Coble officiating.  Interment will follow in Sheldon Cemetery in Sheldon. The family will receive friends from 10-11:00 a.m. on Saturday prior to the service at the funeral home.

      Memorials are suggested in his memory to the Sheldon United Methodist Church in c/o Ferry Funeral Home.

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