Donald Edward Stockton

Donald Edward Stockton, son of the late Virgil Edward and Mary Jane (Thompson) Stockton, was born July 23, 1948 at Belleville (Scott Air Force Base), Illinois. Donald and his brother Virgil grew up at the St. Joseph’s Boys Home in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1959 while still in elementary school, Don met Janet Louise Scott by throwing pennies on her desk. Don told Janet’s mother that he was going to marry Janet and he did on December 26, 1970 in St. Louis Missouri. They were blessed with three girls: Barbara Lynn, Donna Michelle and Kimberley Ann. In 1966, Don entered the United States Marine Corp and served for three years during which time he spent in Vietnam. In 1970, he then enlisted in the United States Army and retired in 1989 as a Warrant Officer. He served his country faithfully and earned several awards and commendations; some of which include: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/device, Navy Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Medal w/3 Stars, Combat Action Ribbon, Army Good Conduct Medal 3rd Award, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Army Commendation Medal -4, Vietnam Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal (USMC), Meritorious Service Medal – 3, Army Service Ribbon, Combat Action Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon-4, and the Noncommissioned Officer’s Professional Development Ribbon-3. After retiring from the military, Don continued to serve his country as a civil service employee. He worked as Director of Logistics and served in Kuwait for 10 years while Janet stayed in the Waynesville/Fort Leonard Wood area to raise the girls. In his spare time, Don enjoyed being outdoors playing golf, and coaching girl’s youth softball (1989-1991). He was a lifetime member of the Ozark Memorial VFW #3176 of St. Robert, Lifetime member of the Warrant Officer’s Association and a lifetime member of the Caisson Vietnam Veterans Association. Most importantly, he loved spending time with his family and friends and especially around his favorite holiday-Christmas. Don passed away Monday, May 19, 2014 in his home having attained the age of 65 years, 9 months and 26 days. Don leaves to cherish his memory, his wife: Janet Stockton of St. Robert, MO; three daughters: Barbara Lewis (Jamie) of Lebanon, MO, Donna Minnich (Harry) of Crocker, MO and Kimberley Bruno (Martez) of St. Robert, MO; four siblings: Virgil Edward Stockton, Jr. (Kathy) of Springfield, MO, Peggy Cairns (Tom), Patty Cruz and Debbie Beaugureau, all of the state of California; seven grandchildren: Emily Stockton, Justin Harmon, Dalton Bruno, Abigail Lewis, Jordan Harmon, Ezekyel Bruno and Kayja Bruno; number of brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his foster parents: Robert and Dorothy Kennedy; and mother and father-in-law: John and Clara Scott. Don didn’t have a whole lot growing up, but he never complained about the life he had or didn’t have. Don was a fighter and he loved his wife and girls very much. He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 23, 2014 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Chaplain (CPT) Robert L. Jackson officiating. The songs “The Dance”, “Long Black Train”, “Until I See You Again” and “Check Yes or No” were played. Serving as escorts were the United States Army Honors Team. Burial with military honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery – Fort Leonard Wood of Waynesville, Missouri with honors being provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

Donald Edward Stockton

July 23, 1948 - May 19, 2014