Donald Eugene Dyer

Springfield, Missouri

Donald E. (Don) Dyer of Springfield, MO, age 84, passed away Thursday, February 15, 2018 at the Missouri Veteran's Home in Mt. Vernon, MO. Don was born on March 12, 1933 in the rural Fayetteville, AR area.

Don was preceded in death by his parents Charles Dyer and Faye Dyer/Collins and a brother Ralph Dyer of Porterville, CA.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years Lula B. Dyer (Lakey) and their two sons and wives Tim & Mary Dyer of Holly Springs, NC and Steve & Kim of Highland, IL. Don is also survived by five grandchildren: Meaghan and husband Blake White, Kevin Dyer and Nathan Dyer all of the Raleigh, North Carolina area; Emily and husband Tyler Munie of Highland, IL; and Abby and husband Joseph Arnold of Springfield, MO. He also has two great-granddaughters Zoey Grace and Liza Mae Munie also of Highland, IL and two on the way. He is also survived by a brother Charles Dyer, Jr. of Prairie du Chien, WI and two sisters Mary McCall of Republic, MO and Diane Garrison of Springfield, MO.

During the Korean War, Don was an Army Corporal and served as a Military Policeman while in Korea. After his military service, Don married and went to barber school in Kansas City. He worked as a barber in Sparta, MO while attending college to get his teaching degree at Southwest Missouri State University. After graduating from SMS, Don took a job as a high school teacher in Crystal City, MO. He taught several classes during his 30 year career including art, industrial arts, drafting, driver's education and math. Don also served as school librarian. After a 30 year teaching career, he retired in 1992.

Don was a man who wore many hats and enjoyed several hobbies during his life including woodworking and playing his banjo, and he became a computer enthusiast when personal computers became popular. Don was a lover of books and an avid reader. How-to books were among his favorites, and he read daily bible passages. When his boys were young, he was actively involved with Boy Scout activities and attended many outings and camping trips. But his favorite was helping with building Pinewood Derby cars.

Don will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.

Funeral services for Don will be Monday, Feb. 19, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. in the Clinkingbeard Chapel, Ava, MO with burial following in the Ava Cemetery with full military honors by Troy Herd American Legion Post 112 and the U. S. Army.

A visitation will be prior to service Monday from 10:00 a.m. to service time in the funeral home. Officiating will be Pastor Oren Alcorn. Memorials may be made to the Missouri Veteran's Home, 1600 S. Hickory St., Mt. Vernon, MO 65712.