Don Clevenger

Don Clevenger passed away peacefully into our Heavenly Father’s arms January 11, 2024 at 90 years loved.

Don was born to Susie and Albert Clevenger on March 29, 1933 in Orrick, MO. He was the fifth of 10 children and leaves behind three siblings who will remember him as a devoted brother, husband and father.

Don graduated from Manuel High School in 1951 and went onto the Air Force in 1952 during the Korean War and was with Honor Flight 3741 / Flight 2461. During his time in the Air Force he was stationed in Germany and traveled extensively throughout Europe.

He married Coetta May Packham in 1958 and had two wonderful daughters, Shelly and Christina, and remarried Mary Alice April, 1983 and added two wonderful step-daughters, Holly and Robin, all of which resulted in five grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He will always be known best by his daughters as “The Dad”, which he lovingly and endearingly was named when they were very young. His grandchildren remember him as PaPa and Poppy and will always remember his funny faces and laughs.

Don and Mary were happily married 40 years and joyfully traveled abroad for many decades. Some of their favorite destinations were Paris, Germany, Ireland and Greece.

After retirement with TWA for 32 years as Lead Inspector, when he wasn’t reading, taking his walks, going to the gym, library or store he was volunteering two days/week at St. Luke’s Hospital. In 2019 he was one of the very few to receive an honorable award for 4500 volunteer hours, which he modestly accepted.

He was an avid reader and walker, enjoyed spending time with his wife Mary, children and grandchildren and truly loved traveling and exploring sites and history. He was grateful he stayed in touch with his brothers and sisters and their families throughout his life. His was a life well spent with lots of love all around him.

Don is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Billie Lee, Norman, Albert, and Ray; and sisters, Joyce and JoAnn; and his step-daughter, Robin.

He is survived by his brothers, Dale and Rex, and his baby sister, Janice; his daughters, Christina, Shelly and Holly; his grandchildren, Ashley, Jim, Jennifer, Kenton and Andy; and great grandchildren, Cole, Hadley, Tate, Mahaley, and Miles; and several nieces and nephews that he loves.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 10 a.m. at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, 217 W. Broadway Ave., Excelsior Springs, Mo. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at The Elms Hotel in Excelsior Springs, Mo.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a tribute gift in memory to Wounded Warrior Project.