Donald Bennett Moreau

Donnie Moreau, 93, of Rocheport, MO passed away Friday, March 21, 2025, at home with his family by his side. Donnie was born, January 19, 1932, in Huntsdale, MO to Charles H. and Mary Elizabeth Forbes Moreau. On June 6, 1959, he married Joann Cook in Fayette, and they would spend the next 66 years together until her passing in 2017.

Donnie graduated from Hickman High School in 1949. Edmon and Mary Forbes, Donnie’s uncle and grandmother, raised him on their family farm. Donnie often said that they were dirt poor, but he wouldn’t have traded it for anything. It was working on the farm with his uncle that his strong work ethic was developed. Donnie always said he lived the American dream. After graduation, he served in the National Guard. After leaving the farm, he went to work for a furniture store where he became the assistant manager. A job opportunity opened at the University of Missouri that involved working with computers. He had no education or experience in the field (nor did many other people at that time) but he had confidence in his ability to learn. So, he embarked on a 34-year career in computing that culminated with him retiring as the Director of Computer Facilities. In addition to his work at the university, he and Joann developed a residential real estate rental business. He enjoyed rehabbing properties that they could rent.

Donnie was very involved in the Rocheport Community and sat on the board for five organizations and his church in Rocheport, serving as president of the Friends of Rocheport, Rocheport School District, Moniteau Housing Project, the board for a local square dance group, and the Rocheport Christian Church. The Rocheport Christian Church was extremely important to Donnie. He was an incredibly strong Christian and church leader. The members of the congregation were like family to him. He especially enjoyed the Bluegrass Worship Services that the church had. He and Joann were faithful supporters of the sports teams that their children and granddaughter played on. They were fixtures at the New Franklin High School basketball and softball games for many years and later continued to follow their granddaughter’s softball games at Columbia College.

Donnie was a devoted family man who worked hard to provide for his family. He and Joann made many sacrifices to provide opportunities that they never had. He was an amazing father and grandfather. One of the things that Donnie took great pride in was his years caring for elderly family members. While still in their own homes, he and Joann would visit and ensure they had everything they needed. There were many trips to doctors and visits to nursing homes to ensure they were well cared for once they could no longer stay in their homes. He is survived by his children, Sherry Moreau of Columbia and Terry (Mindy) Moreau of New Franklin; granddaughter, Sarah (Lauren) Moreau of Columbia; a loving extended family; Sondra Small and her family; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joann Moreau; brothers, Charles and Jim Moreau; and a half-sister, JoAnn (Shipe) Welty.

Friends may gather from 10-11am, Saturday, March 29 at Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery 1217 Business Loop 70 West Columbia, MO. Funeral service will begin at 11am, followed by burial in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Rocheport Christian Church 202 Columbia Street Rocheport, MO 65279.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com