Donald A. Fugate

Ava, Missouri

Donald Allen Fugate,  65 years, 7 months, 5 days old, passed away on July 25, 2025, at Mercy Hospital, in Springfield, Missouri with his family by his side.

On December 20, 1959, Don was born in Macomb, Illinois, to Gale and Beulah (Miller) Fugate, Sr.  He grew up in Illinois and graduated from Industry High School, and soon after he enlisted in the U.S. Marines Corps. He was a veteran having served his country for 12 years. He served in the war in Grenada and also served in Beirut and Panama. He traveled all over Asia.

On September 19, 1998, Don and Teresa Gail Tunis were united in marriage at Hope Mills, North Carolina.

Don worked at Dupont for several years near Fayetteville, NC, after he got out of the Marine Corps. He and Gail later moved to the Ava community in January of 2000. They loved the Ozarks, and it was then that Don started farming.

When Don married Gail, he instantly had a family and was a loved, devoted, and dedicated husband and father.

Don was a Christian and attended church at House of Prayer in Thornfield, Missouri. He taught the kids how to pray, and he and Gail would also have church at home.

Don loved going to the beach every year with family in North Carolina. He also enjoyed fishing and watching westerns.

Don was a life member of the Troy Herd American  Legion Post 112 and Adrian Owen VFW Post 5993.

Don was loved and will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, James and Albert "Ted" Fugate; a daughter, Brandy McCaulla in 2003.

Don is survived by wife, Teresa Gail; daughters, Fannie Santiago and  Christina Harley and his brother Gale Jr.; niece and nephew, Brandy and Casey Fugate of Lakewood, CA; his grandchildren, Michael Santiago, Thomas Anthony McCaulla, Christopher Dylan McCaulla, Brandalynn Burns, Waverly Harley, and Ariya Harley; extended family and friends.

Funeral services for Don will be Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. in the Clinkingbeard Chapel, Ava, Missouri, with a visitation prior to the service at 1:00 P.M. Burial will follow in the Ava Cemetery, Ava, Missouri, with full military honors by Troy Herd American Legion #112 and U.S. Marines.  Officiating will be Pastor Stan Collins. A reception will follow at the VFW Post 5993 building. Memorials may be made to the Troy Herd American Legion Post 112.