Donald Lee Short II
With engines quiet and staging lanes empty, Donald Lee Short II completed his final pass on October 10th, 2026.
Donald Lee Short II, age 68, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2026. Born on June 15, 1958, at Excelsior Springs Hospital, Lee lived a life defined by hard work, unwavering devotion to his family, and a lifelong passion for motorsports.
Lee was a dedicated and reliable professional, serving over 40 years as a plant supervisor at Stone Container, where his steady leadership and strong work ethic earned him the respect of all who worked alongside him.
To know Lee was to know his deep, unbridled love for racing. An avid drag racer and dedicated gearhead, he spent countless hours turning wrenches, tuning engines, and perfecting racecars. For over 30 years, Lee was a fixture at US 36 Raceway in Osborn, Missouri, spending nearly every summer weekend surrounded by the roar of engines, the smell of burning rubber, and the camaraderie of the racing family. Whether he was behind the wheel, fine-tuning an engine, keeping up with NASCAR, or simply admiring horsepower in any form, Lee was in his element. If a day included racing, it was a good day.
Above all else, Lee’s greatest joy was his family. He shared nearly four decades of love, marriage, and partnership with his beloved wife, Lisa Suzanne Short, whom he married on June 6, 1987. Together, they raised three sons — Joshua, Jordan, and Jacob — who inherited not only his name and drive, but also his passion for the sport. Lee was never prouder than when he was sharing the pit crew duties, teaching his boys the ins and outs of a engine, or cheering them on in life.
As proud as he was of his sons, becoming a Grandpa or Papa opened up an even deeper layer of joy in his heart. His eyes lit up and his smile shined its brightest whenever his grandchildren walked into the room. Whether he was playing on the floor with the little ones or sharing stories with the older girls, Lee’s love for his grandkids was boundless.
Lee is preceded in death by his loving parents, Donald Lee Short I and Vonnell Elizabeth Short.
He is survived and deeply missed by his devoted wife, Lisa; his three sons and their families, Joshua Short and his wife, Lauren, and their daughters, Scarlett (11) and Blakely (9); Jordan Short and his wife, Stephanie, and their daughter, Kristina (14); and Jacob Short and his wife, Jaele, their daughter Nova (3), son Stetson (1), and a granddaughter on the way. He is also survived by his sister, Gina Short, as well as extended family, dear friends, and a community of fellow racers who will forever remember him whenever the lights drop.
Visitation will be held 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Thursday, October 15, 2026 with service following at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home Lawson Chapel, 214 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Lawson, MO.