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Don Greenwell Jr.

Donald Edward Greenwell Jr, passed away peacefully at home in Leawood, KS, October 4, 2020 at the age of 84. He was born in Collin, MO, on January 26, 1936. Don closely held many life experiences and traditions: fatherhood, his faith community at the Church of the Resurrection, scouting, the Leawood Lions Club, the Optimist Club, and vintage automobiles.

 

He is survived by Marsha Greenwell (Mann) who he married in 1981, his children Mary (Tom) Faris, Don III (Tony), Allison (Tim) Fisher, Brad (Jessica) Allen, 9 grandchildren, 2 greatgrandchildren, his sister Evelyn and brothers Ed, Kenny, and Derl (Karen). He was predeceased by his first wife Pat (Haggard) who passed over 40 years ago and his parents Don Sr. and Goldie.

 

Don lived a life of undefeated attitude. He was a survivor of challenges and thrived. One of his favorite stories was about playing on a Belton High School undefeated football team. He graduated in 1955, and alumni formed the “Belton High School Undefeated Attitude Athletic Scholarship” in 1994. He joined the Boy Scouts (now Scouts) in 1948, and had a strong connection with the life values and lessons learned in the days of Scouts’ leader H. Roe Bartle, Chief Lone Bear of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. His sons and grandsons all incorporated “Oak” into their tribal names, following his lead. He had great pride in his daughters and granddaughters and attended an endless stream of school events and dance recitals.

 

Possessing the gift of gab, no one was a stranger to him. He would talk with anyone about anything. This made him a natural-born salesman. He was the first member of his family to earn a college degree, having graduated from the University of Central Missouri in 1959. He was a member of the Kappa Sigma Kappa (now Theta Chi) fraternity. His main career was in the life insurance and annuity business with Kansas City Life Insurance Company and New York Life. He especially liked having clients who were school teachers and farmers. He spent many years talking about death and, so, he had no fear of it. He loved work – really any kind of work. He worked at the Thriftway Store in Belton and the Safeway in Warrensburg while he was in school, and he had many stories he liked to tell. On his 70th birthday, he started a job as a grocery store stocker at Cosentino’s, because he liked the nostalgia of it. Yes, he re-entered that vocation at age 70.

 

He was a vintage car enthusiast and could easily identify the make, model, and year of any of them. In recent times, he bought a bike, a trombone (because he played in the band as a kid) and took an art class with his amazing, caring, life partner, Marsha. He would say what a good life he had and was grateful for it. He never ever complained of health ailments or burdens.

 

The family will intern his ashes during a small, private ceremony at Mt. Moriah in Kansas City, MO. Concerned about a gathering with the current global health crucible, friends and family are asked to celebrate optimism and perseverance and find ways to make these traits a daily practice. Anyone wanting to make a contribution in memoriam is requested to consider the Scouts Heart of America District Council https://app.mobilecause.com/form/JR27Vw?vid=cfuld
Send Condolences

Condolences

Julie & Kevin Clifford Oct 08, 2020

Friend ,Leawood ,Kansas

Mary & Don: I am so very sorry for your heartbreaking loss of your dad. What great memories I have of growing up in Southern Hills with you all - he was almost like my second father I was up at your house so much! When he took us Waterskiing at the lake, and for drives in his convertible (Caddy I think it was?) and to Warrensburg to visit his alma mater are some of the fondest memories I have of my childhood. I’m so glad I was able to come to his 80th birthday party! It was always so nice reconnecting with him because his vibrant sense of humor and personality was still as I always remembered it. He just seemed ageless to me. I will be making a contribution to the Scouts via the link provided in the obituary. Love and Hugs to you all, Julie

Jim Parker Oct 11, 2020

Friend ,Grandview ,Missouri

Don, My sincerest condolences to you and your family. Although it never seems like enough time at what age a love one passes, I was very inspired by the obit and the kind of life your father lead. I know see where you get some of your vigor for life and love of people. He seems like a man I would have been proud to have known and know he has to be proud of you carrying on the type of life he lived as an example. With prayers, Jim Parker

Don Davidson Oct 13, 2020

Church friends ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Marsha and family, I was shocked to read in Adam's email about Don's passing. You may recall that Don and I met in the singles class at Colonial Presbyterian Church back in 70s and would occasionally bump into each other at various singles events over the years. Then we discovered each other more often as we were both members at the Church of the Resurrection (COR). I know that one day our paths will cross again in Glory. May God's peace be with you and the family as you experience his loss but may you be comforted that you'll be together again someday.

Dorothy Buerky Oct 16, 2020

Friend ,Belton ,Missouri

Marsha, I just want you to know how sorry David and I are about Don’s passing. Don was a special person and friend. We will always have fond memories of being with you and Don and being regaled with his tales about Chillicothe and Belton Missouri. You have our love and prayers and the hope that your fond and precious memories bring you peace.

Byron & Suzanne Gilbreath Oct 19, 2020

Friends ,Raymore ,Missouri

Marsha, We are so sorry to hear of Don's passing. We knew from conversations at the COR Small Group meetings that he was having some health problems, but that was at least six or seven months ago, and since then, having no contact with COR, we didn't know about Don's ongoing health situation. So, to hear tonight about his death was a real surprise. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Byron & Suzanne Gilbreath

Vickee Walthall Oct 25, 2020

Family Friend ,Was KC now Clearwater ,Florida

Marsha,I love you so! I’m so sorry, I remember working for Don at the offices, he was one of my favorite Bosses always so appreciative and motivating. He always had goals, and we typically always surpassed them. That way a great life lesson to me:) He always had a story or a joke and if it was too corney to silly and we looked puzzled he would explain it immediately, as soon as we made our funny faces and tilted our heads just a little we would all laugh! I cherish those times hanging out with Allison and Brad you (Marsha) and Don, good times! Allison and Brad I’m so so sorry I’m sure you struggling with the loss of Don and trying to settle your mom in to a life without him. This has to just be so very hard just the normal daily activities are going to be challenging for her and I’m sure time will help but never fix. Mary, Tom and Don, it’s been so long since I’ve seen you, I’m sorry my words have to come to you at a time like this... I’m thinking of you all Lindsey, Tim and Mitch all your families all your children, I am so sorry for your loss and I’m sending you all hugs and love. My heart hurts for all of you! ❤️

Venessa D Abram Oct 28, 2020

Sending my prayers and condolences to the Family.

Tom and Mara Greenwell Nov 02, 2020

Nephew ,Tucon ,Arizona

Sorry to hear about Don’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Marsha, Mary, Don JR and the rest of the family. When I think about Don and his family it brings some good memories growing up and seeing everyone at times like holidays and birthdays. He was a good man- a hard worker- and loved his Belton Pirates. Please accept our condolences.

Allen Luthy Nov 08, 2020

Nephew ,Nashville ,Tennessee

Sending love to the family from TN--