Don was born on November 7, 1929 in Walker, Missouri. He grew up in Nevada, Missouri and married Jean Scanlon (Thurston) on March 3, 1950. They had four children, Donna Jean, Kenneth Steven, Robin Gayle and John Andrew. Don worked for Wonder Bread Hostess Cakes in Grandview, Missouri for 42 years and received a 25yrs safe driver award. After retiring from Continental Baking, he worked for Enterprise Rental until the age of 85. Don loved visiting casinos with his grown kids, and enjoyed visiting Las Vegas. Don was on a bowling league for a number of years, also serving as secretary. He also played on a pool league for years.
Don was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Annis Linton Thurston, father, Robbie Floyd Thurston, sister, Dorothy Gayle Thurston and two grandsons, Corey Douglas Thurston and James Douglas Kuhlman.
He is survived by wife, Jean, daughter Donna (George) Carpenter, Son Ken (Cindy), daughter Robin (Larry) Henry and son Drew (Valerie). Grandchildren, Brian (Kerri) Thurston, Amy (Tom) Keary, Stacy (Ryan) Boehm, Jake (Ally) Henry, Zachary Henry and Luke Henry. He also leaves behind 11 great-grandchildren.
A visitation for Donald will be held at 9:00 AM, Friday, April 14th, 2023 at Floral Hills Funeral Home (7000 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64133). The funeral service will begin at 10:00 AM followed by a procession for the graveside committal service at Longview Cemetery (12700 SE Raytown Rd, Kansas City, MO 64149).
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Wayside Waifs
