Donald L. Carmichael, 84, of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, passed away February 3, 2026 at Liberty Hospital.
Don was born November 29, 1941 in Orrick, Missouri. He was a member of the American Legion and Flack Memorial Church. He joined the United States Navy September of 1960 and was honorably discharged July of 1964 from his last duty station USS Shenandoah, home port Norfolk, Virginia. After returning from the Navy he was hired at Ford Motor Company in Claycomo, Missouri, in 1964. He met his wife Rita Carmichael in 1965 and married 29 May that same year. They had a son, Rob, in 1967, and a daughter, Becca, in 1971. He retired from Ford Motor Co. in 1997 after 33 years.
He enjoyed tending to his property including mowing, planting and nurturing trees, and was an avid tinkerer. He enjoyed attending church services and bible study, which began with his wife Rita and grew after her passing. He was grateful for the friendships established from church. Some of his fondest memories were traveling with Rita to spend time with his kids and to watch his grandkids and great grandkids play sports and participate in other activities. Don loved to take advantage of every opportunity to interact with his grandkids and great grandkids, including numerous games of catch, participating in children’s games, rocking them in his chair, and long phone calls when apart.
He was preceded in death by wife, Rita; mother, Lucille Carmichael; father, Melvin Carmichael; brothers, Toby and Bobby; and sister, Dee.
Survivors include son, Rob (Diane); daughter, Becca; grandson, Reece (Alex), granddaughter, Peyton (Justin) Seaton; great grandchildren, Stetson, Easton, Wrenley, Deacon, and Rowan; brothers, Jr (Linda) and Dennis (Sherry) Parsons; and sisters, Betty Davis, Melva Barb, and Susie Kreitz.
Memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., February 6, 2026 at Flack Memorial Church in Excelsior Springs. Visitation will also be held at Flack Memorial Church at 2 p.m., February 6, 2026.
