Tracy “Don” Dace, Sr
Tracy “Don” Dace, Sr., 90, of Anthonies Mill, MO, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 10, 2022 at Missouri Baptist Hospital of Sullivan.
Tracy Donald Dace Sr. was born December 18, 1931 in Sullivan, Missouri to Tracy L. Dace and Deveda (Greenlee) Dace. He rode his horse, Tony, to Metcalf Grade School in Undine, MO and attended 1st -8th grade. Don later graduated in the Sullivan High School class of 1950. Following graduation, he drove a semi-truck cross country and worked road construction as a laborer until going to work for Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). Don enlisted in the United States Navy in 1952 where he honorably served our country for two years.
Don was united in marriage to Darlene S. Woodcock on September 28, 1952 in Yuma, Arizona and they were blessed with four children: Deborah, Tracy Jr., Douglas and Daron. Don and Darlene lived in San Diego, CA, where Don was stationed in the Navy at Miramar Naval Base. In 1954, they returned to the Sullivan, MO area to live until 1959. Then moved to Anthonies Mill until 1972, when they again moved north of Bourbon and lived for 42 years. In 2014, they moved back to their farm on Brazil Creek at Anthonies Mill.
Before his enlistment into the Navy, Don worked for the Missouri Department of Transportation for just a short time, then returned to MoDOT after the Navy. Collectively, he was employed with MoDot from 1951-1993, starting on a survey crew and finishing his career as a Senior Construction Inspector. Don oversaw the surveying of highways and state roads out of the Kirkwood office for 42 years and was well respected among his co-workers. Although he was faithful to his career, his true passion was raising cattle back home with his family at Anthonies Mill.
Both Don and Darlene were faithful attendees of First Baptist Church in Bourbon, where Don was saved and baptized in November, 1970. He volunteered alongside Darlene driving the church bus for several years. Don and Darlene enjoyed traveling together, but their most cherished time was spent at home with their kids and grandchildren. Don was an avid history lover – genealogy and Anthonies Mill history being just a couple of his favorites. Don was a hard worker, excellent provider for his family, a devoted husband and a dear friend to many. He will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.
Don is survived by one daughter, Deborah (Paul) Shasserre of Cuba, MO; three sons – Tracy D. Dace Jr. (fiancé Angela Perry) of Anthonies Mill, MO, Douglas (Kirsten) Dace of Sullivan, MO, and Daron (Marla) Dace of Anthonies Mill, MO; seven grandchildren: Wesley Swyers of MN, Tracy Dace III of Bourbon MO, Jeremy (Sandra) Dace of Sullivan MO, Sarah Dace of Sullivan MO, DJ (Taylor) Dace of Cuba, MO, Nathan and Joshua Dace of Sullivan; seven great-grandchildren Davin, Stormy, Mya and Zoe Swyers, Tracy D. Dace IV, Dallas and Amelia Dace; a sister, Verna May Schmidt of Sullivan, MO; other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years, Darlene; his parents, Tracy and Deveda Dace; a brother in infancy, Daniel Lou Dace; one grandson, Karl Swyers; one sister, Jane Schatz; father and mother in-law, James Earl and Dorothy Woodcock; five brothers-in-law – Eddie Gene Schmidt, David Woodcock Sr., Frank Woodcock, Sr., Kenneth Woodcock and Arnold Woodcock, Sr.; sister-in-law, Pauline Ferry; and his long time best friend, Derl Schatz.
Funeral Services were held at 10 a.m., on Thursday, March 17, 2022 at First Baptist Church of Sullivan, with Pastor Chester Lahmann and Mr. Ray L. Schatz officiating. Interment followed in Anthonies Mill Cemetery.
Visitation was held from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, and from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m., on Thursday, March 17, 2022, all at First Baptist Church of Sullivan.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Anthonies Mill Cemetery.
Friends may send their online condolences to www.eatonfuneralhome.com.
All arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.