Donald W. Weidenhaft
Donald W. (Don) Weidenhaft of Bourbon, Missouri, died on Thursday, December 30, 2021 at the age of 97 years.
Don was born in Beloit, Kansas on January 17, 1924 to Lester and M. Alieen (Church) Weidenhaft. His family moved to Eldon, Missouri in the late 1920’s, when his father took a job working on Bagnell Dam. While attending Eldon High School, he lived with his grandparents in Tuscumbia, Missouri, helping his grandfather run the family farm. He graduated from high school in 1942. Immediately after graduation, he was drafted by the U.S. Army for World War II. He attained the rank of sergeant, and specialized in Anti-aircraft Artillery. On October 6, 1956, he was united in marriage to Rosemary (Tozer) Weidenhaft. They resided in St. Louis until 1992, when they moved to the Sullivan area.
He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. He is survived by one son, Mark Weidenhaft (the late Diane Weidenhaft) of Liberty, Missouri, and one daughter, Mary Weidenhaft of Sullivan, MO; his granddaughter, Melinda Rose (Cliff Henderson) of Liberty, Missouri; his grandson and best friend, Derek Weidenhaft of Prairie Village, Kansas; and his furry grandson, “Phineas”. He is also survived by his nephews, Roger Scott Emory of Oak Grove, Missouri, and Ron Weidenhaft of Festus, Missouri.
Don was a “Ford Man” through and through, beginning his career at Andy Burgher Motors, and continuing at Mendenhall Rebuilders. Later, he worked for Roper-Danz Ford, where he met Rosemary. He ended his career as the parts manager at Broadway Ford Truck Sales (St. Louis, Missouri) from which he retired in 1990. He worked there for over 25 years. He had an incredible work ethic he learned working on the farm with his grandfather, Guy M. Church. He enjoyed spending time in the outdoors, playing golf, woodworking, gardening and lawn care, and attending games and supporting the Sullivan Eagles sports teams – especially Lady Eagles Softball. When his daughter coached the softball team, he never missed a game. He was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church. He was an active member of the American Legion Post 81, Bourbon, Missouri, and Disabled American Veterans. His favorite activity was working on various projects with his grandson, Derek. Don had a quick wit, and a great sense of humor. By his extraordinary example, he instilled in his children a firm belief that they could achieve anything through hard work and perseverance.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rosemary; parents, Lester and M. Alieen Weidenhaft; two brothers, Richard Weidenhaft and Bill Weidenhaft; one sister-in-law, Margie Weidenhaft; and other relatives and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial was conducted 10 a.m., Saturday, January 8, 2022 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Sullivan, with Father Paul Telken presiding. Interment followed in St. Anthony Cemetery, Sullivan, Missouri.
Visitation for Donald W. Weidenhaft was held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, January 7, 2022 at the Eaton Funeral Home Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alicia Key Scholarship at the Eaton Funeral Home, the DAV - Disabled American Veterans, or the charity of your choice in memory of Donald W. Weidenhaft.
Friends may send online condolences to Don’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.
All arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home & Cremation Center of Sullivan.