Donald Joseph Emery of Nixa, MO passed away on Sunday, December 19, 2021 at the age of 83.  Don was born on June 11, 1938 in St. Louis, MO to Henry Franklin and Catherine Theresa Emery.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Catherine Emery, and his daughter, Linda Whaley.

Don was raised in St. Louis, MO and graduated from Cleveland High School in 1956.  Following graduation, Don began his career with the St. Louis-San Francisco Railway in St. Louis, MO, retiring in 2000 after 44 years of service.  Additionally, during this time, he spent 6 years serving our country in the United States Army Reserve.

After retirement, he enjoyed keeping busy in several small business adventures as slowing down was never an option.  His love for car racing as a young man led to rebuilding and showing collector cars around the area winning many awards and trophies.

Don was a loving husband, father, and Papa.  He always put the well-being of his family first and his strong work ethic was matched by none.  Don was a man of few words, but he will be greatly missed by so many.

Don is survived by his wife, Laura, of 55 years of Nixa, MO and their daughter, Donna (Steve) Pearcy, and granddaughters, Catie and Emma, all of Springfield, MO, his daughter, Cathy Mikus and granddaughters Marissa, Jessica, Kristina, McKenzi and Amani, all of O'Fallon, MO, his grandson, Joshua Barker of Fredericktown, MO, and 5 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 27, 2021 from 6-8 pm at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, Springfield, MO.  Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at 10 am also at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, Springfield, MO. Burial will immediately follow at Hazelwood Cemetery, Springfield, MO.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children or to the charity of the donor's choosing.