Don Wessel was born on December 5, 1925, in Cincinnati, OH and passed away on February 6, 2012 in Springfield MO. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a BS and Masters in political science. While at UC, he met a lovely woman named Betty Cooper, who became his wife. Don enrolled in law school and went to work for one of Cincinnati's largest firms, Proctor and Gamble. While at P&G, he was offered a chance to work for more money selling cars. The extra money was nice, but being offered a demonstrator clinched the deal, since Don had loved cars since his youth. What started as a temporary job became a life-long career and passion. After working at Superior Chevrolet in Cincinnati for 10 years, Don wanted his own dealership, and after some searching, bought a Buick dealership in Tulsa, OK. He later bought a Mercedes-Benz/Volvo dealership in Tulsa, but wanted to return to his roots with domestic cars. A phone call from his best friend led to Don coming to Springfield to open Don Wessel Oldsmobile in 1966. He later added the Honda franchise in 1973, when Honda was known more for motorcycles than automobiles. Don was very active in the community and was named Springfieldian of the Year in 1987. He served on many boards, including those of the Salvation Army, Cox University, Missouri Auto Dealers Association, National Auto Dealers Association, Children's Miracle Network, Easter Seals, Forest Institute, Springfield Trust Company and numerous banks. He was a founding board member of Ozarks Technical Community College. Don was also a board member, underwriter and former president of Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts and the Springfield Symphony. He also served his country in WWII. Don was preceded in death by his wife Betty, and is survived by his son Jon and partner Debbie Litteken, daughter Ann Madsen and husband Randy, sister Betty, grandsons Michael, Scott and Kevin, granddaughters Jessica and Lindsey, and the second love of his life Rosie Siman. Visitation will be Thursday 5-7pm at First and Calvary Presbyterian Church. Funeral services will be Friday, 1pm in the church, with the Reverend Greg Ellis officiating, under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Burial will be in Hazelwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Salvation Army. That's it!