In Remembrance Of
Don French
Don French, 72 of Smithville, MO passed away January 11, 2017.
He was born on June 22, 1944 to Charley Elmer and Ruth (Downs) French in Smithville, MO. Don grew up in Smithville and graduated from Smithville High School in 1962.
On August 6, 1966, he was united in marriage to Joyce Jane Atkins. After their marriage, they lived on a farm northwest of Smithville where they made their home.
Don farmed all his life, continuing the tradition of farming with family members. He enjoyed trap and skeet shooting and hunting. Don had legions of friends entertaining them with stories about his life and the lives of others.
Don was a member of the First Christian Church of Smithville and the KCTA.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Leonard, Charles and Howard French. His son Matt French passed on January 12, 2017.
Don is survived by his wife Joyce French; daughter Brooke French; son Clint French and wife Bridget; grandchildren Cassidy, Cole, Adelyn and Kellan French; daughter-in-law Mindi French; sisters Mildred Holtzclaw, Marty Taylor, and Margaret Little and husband Loren; numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Funeral Services: 1:00 p.m. Monday, January 16th at First Christian Church in Smithville with visitation from 11:00-1:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church.
Burial: Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Smithville
Donations may be made to the First Christian Church Food Pantry in Smithville.
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Comments & condolences
16 comments
Kathleen (Keefhaver) Willson
Praying for your family.
Karen Meyers
You will be missed. Liked seeing Don at Harmers&and Cooks Corner.
Carole Hughes
I worship at Webster Groves Christian Church where Brooke was a faithful member. I’m saddened to learn of your losses. I hope that prayers being said for you all now and in the future may be felt.
Patsy Green
So sorry for your losses. May God give you comfort and strength.💕
Bob Davidson
Don taught me a lot of common sense from a farmer’s perspective, when I did odd jobs for him as a kid. No words are possible to express the pain the family and friends must be feeling. It will get better.
Dave & Nelda Thompson
So sorry for your loss, our prayers are with you & all the family members. We will miss him waving as he passed by our house.
Peg Miller
Dear Joyce and all the Frenches, we wish you loving memories, peace and comfort. Don and the whole French family have been so important to the Miller family. Peg Miller (from Smithville) and all the Millers
Howard Brooks and Family
So sorry for the loss of a good man!
Gary and Debbie Doss and Family
So sorry to hear of the passing of Don. I knew him as a farmer in our communtity and shot with him at the Trapshoot in Smithville. Was glad to call him my friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of his family!
Rader Miller
So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with the French Family ive known since I was a kid
Ed O'Dower
Deepest sympathy to all Don's family and friends. We enjoyed many days competing at skeet and trap. Don always had a smile and a wink to lighten every time we met!
Ed O'Dower
Deepest sympathy to all Don's family and friends. We enjoyed many days competing at skeet and trap. Don always had a smile and a wink to lighten every time we met!
Donna Hudlemeyer @Family
I’m am sorry for your loss. My heart and prayers go out to you Joyce and the French family. God is with you always.
Donna Hudlemeyer @Family
I’m am sorry for your loss. My heart and prayers go out to you Joyce and the French family. God is with you always.
Mark and Elaine Flannery
Don was such a nice person. He had a great sense of humor and was so family oriented, loved his grandkids. Though we weren't what one calls close, we enjoyed being around don and Joyce.We like everyone else, will really miss him
Jeremy
I am sorry for your loss, your family are in my thoughts and prayers.