Donald W. Hessee Jr.

Mr. Donald W. Hessee Jr., age 73 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Sunday, May 12, 2013, at his home. Don was born on May 30, 1939, in Kansas City, Kan., the son of Donald W. Sr. and Ella Margaret McVann Hessee. He was married on December 24, 1970, in Boonville, Mo., to Doris E. Biehl. Don was a 1957 graduate of Central High School in Kansas City, Mo. and a 1968 graduate of Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, Mo. with a degree in History Education. He later received his Masters in History and Counseling from Lincoln University. Don served in the United States Army from June 1958 until May 1961 and was stationed in Germany during his service. He was employed as a teacher in the Maries County Schools from 1968 until 1970 and later with the Bunceton Schools and Linn R-II. For the majority of his educational career, Don was employed with the Jefferson City Public Schools from 1980 until his retirement as a Middle School Counselor at Lewis and Clark Middle School in 2000. He truly loved his job and always cherished time visiting with old students. He was a volunteer with the Runge Nature Center from 1999 until ill health forced him to resign. Don was a member of the Capital Region Stroke Support Group and enjoyed exercising at the Sam Cook Healthplex at Capital Region Medical Center. He also enjoyed model trains, old movies, traveling, old cars, and was a Kansas City Royals Baseball supporter. Survivors include: his wife of 42 years, Doris Hessee; one sister, Jo Ann Reiter of Yorba Linda, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be at the Calvary Baptist Church from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 17, 2013, with a prayer service to be conducted at 9:45 a.m. A memorial service with military honors will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 17, 2013, at the Calvary Baptist Church, 1436 Hough St., Jefferson City, MO 65101, with the Reverend Kevin Kohler officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Jefferson City Public Schools Foundation or the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation for the Runge Nature Center. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com