Donald Lee Newcomb, age 87, of Lancaster, Missouri, passed away October 23rd, 2018 he was born January 23rd, 1931 in rural Adair County, Missouri. The second son of Morrise Glen and Mary “Ruth” (Long) Newcomb. He attended rural schools and went to high school at Greentop and Brashear before completing high school at Bible Grove, Missouri in 1949. As a young man, Don showed an interest in farming, Hereford cattle and woodworking. In later years, he made a hope chest out of cedar for a sister-in-law, and one for a niece.

Don was drafted into the Army and stationed in Germany. While overseas, Don was able to travel to other countries during his service. Once he completed his military service, he was discharged on November 3rd, 1956. He returned to his parents’ home in rural Schuyler County, Missouri and began farming.

Don purchased his seed from a local seed corn company where he was later offered a job. It was there that he would meet his future wife, Marilyn Coll. The two enjoyed going to many dances and on November 24th, 1956 the couple married in the Catholic Church of Adair, Missouri. They lived in Milton, Iowa, moving again to Adair, and Youngstown area before settling on a farm east of Lancaster, Missouri. His wife, Marilyn, taught school at Schuyler County. They were active in their community and involved in politics. Don had a love for cattle and dogs. He and his wife raised St Bernard’s and German Shepherds but “Tiny”, a Jack Russell Terrier, may have been his favorite dog.

Don obtained a pilot’s license and his own plane, he built a private airstrip near his home along with large ponds. His nieces, nephews and friends often enjoyed hunting and fishing there.

His wife, Marilyn, unexpectedly passed away, March 5th, 1976 in Kirksville, Missouri after a short illness. Her death devastated Don. He poured his efforts into farming and worked tirelessly at it until his health declined. Don spent his last few years in the Scotland County Care Center of Memphis, Missouri.

Don is survived by one sister, Evelyn “Maxine” Phillips and her husband, Emmett of Memphis, MO, one brother, Charles D Newcomb and his wife, Shirley, of Greentop, MO and a sister-in-law, Betty Newcomb, of Indianola, IA along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and four brothers, Harold Newcomb, William “Bud” Newcomb, Robert Newcomb, and Morrise “Junior” Newcomb and one sister, Maurine Bradley, and one brother-in-law, Okie Deen Bradley, and two sisters-in-law, Mardell Newcomb and Carol Newcomb.

Services will be held Saturday, November 3rd, 2018 at the Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, Missouri. Visitation will open at 9:00 a.m. with the family present from noon to 2:00 p.m. The Funeral will begin at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be in the Fort Madison Cemetery with military rites. Brother, Larry Smith of the Downing First Christian Church will officiate the ceremony.

Memorial donations may be made to Ft. Madison Cemetery or to the Schuyler County Library and may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.