Donald James Kitsmiller

      Donald James Kitsmiller, 92, Nevada, MO passed away at Nevada Regional Medical Center in Nevada, MO on Sunday, March 21, 2021 following a brief illness. Donald was born on September 14, 1928 to Jesse Elmer and Beatrice Achord (Lemaster) Kitsmiller in Jerico Springs, MO. He married Margarette Louella Harden on June 27, 1953 in Nevada and she preceded him in death on January 28, 2016.

   Donald was raised in Jerico Springs and Arcola, MO and was a 1947 graduate of Arcola High School. Upon graduating from High School, he moved to Wichita, KS and worked for Beech Aircraft, he then moved on to the Kansas City area and worked for Ford Aircraft. After moving back to Vernon County, he farmed (crops, cattle, swine), worked for Denman Wholesale, and lastly was employed with Producer’s Grain Company from which he retired as Manager. In his younger years, Donald “Hoppy” enjoyed playing men’s fastpitch softball in the Kansas City and Nevada area.

   Donald was a member of the First Christian Church of Nevada, MO and served as a Deacon for numerous years. Family was especially important to him. He loved and enjoyed spending time with each and every one of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

   Survivors include five children: David Kitsmiller and his wife, Terry, Gary Kitsmiller and his wife, Mary, Ronald Kitsmiller and his wife, Linda, Sandra Arneson and her husband, Mark, and Janet del Rosario and her husband, Ron; two brothers, Bobby Kitsmiller of Arcola, MO, and Joe Kitsmiller of Springfield, MO; three sisters, Carolyn Guiltner of Battlefield, MO, Kathryn Terrell and her husband, Jerry, of Higginsville, MO, and Martha Griffin of Lee Summit, MO; one brother-in-law, Elvis Durrill of Sedalia, MO; ten grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren with two on the way; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Margarette, he was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Donnis Durrill, and two brothers, Leon Kitsmiller and Thadieus Kitsmiller.

  A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with Rev. Bill Platt and Pastor Jacob Jones officiating. Interment will follow in the Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Walker, MO. The family will receive friends from 1-2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.  

   Memorial contributions may be made in Donald’s memory to the Mt. Vernon Cemetery Association in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

*** Those in attendance will be asked to maintain social distancing and are asked to wear face masks to protect themselves and others. ***

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