Donald James Kitsmiller, 92, Nevada, MO, passed away on Sunday, March 21, 2021 after a brief illness at the Nevada Regional Medical Center in Nevada, MO. Donald was born on September 14, 1928 to Jesse Elmer and Beatrice Achord (Lemaster) Kitsmiller in Jerico Springs, Missouri. He married Margarette Louella Harden in Nevada on June 27, 1953, and she preceded him in death on January 28, 2016.
Donald grew up in Jerico Springs and Arcola, Missouri, and graduated from Arcola High School in 1947. After graduating from high school, he moved to Wichita, Kan., And worked for Beech Aircraft. He then moved to the Kansas City area and worked for Ford Aircraft. On his return to Vernon County he farmed (grain, cattle, pigs), worked for the Denman Land and Title Company and was most recently employed by the Producer’s Grain Company, from which he retired as a manager. In his younger years Donald? Hoppy? I enjoyed playing fastpitch softball for men in Kansas City and Nevada.
Donald was a member of the First Christian Church in Nevada, Missouri, and served as a deacon for many years. The family was particularly important to him. He loved and enjoyed spending time with each of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include five children, David Kitsmiller and his wife Terry, Gary Kitsmiller and his wife Mary, Ronald Kitsmiller and his wife Linda, Sandra Arneson and her husband Mark, and Janet del Rosario and her husband Ron; two brothers, Bobby Kitsmiller of Arcola, MO, and Joe Kitsmiller of Springfield, MO; three sisters, Carolyn Guiltner from Battlefield, Missouri, Kathryn Terrell and her husband Jerry from Higginsville, Missouri, and Martha Griffin from Lee Summit, Missouri; a brother-in-law, Elvis Durrill of Sedalia, Mo .; 10 grandchildren; two stepchildren; 16 great-grandchildren with two on the road; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife Margarette, he was preceded into death by his parents; a sister, Donnis Durrill; and two brothers, Leon Kitsmiller and Thadieus Kitsmiller.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 25th at 2:00 p.m. at the Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada. Rev. Bill Platt will officiate. The funeral will follow on the mountain. Vernon Cemetery in Walker, Mon. The family will meet friends at the funeral home from 1pm to 2pm before the service.
Commemorative donations can be made in Donald’s memory of the mountain. Vernon Cemetery Association for the Ferry Funeral Home.
Those in attendance are asked to maintain social distance and wear face masks to protect themselves and others.
View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.