Donald Lee Backes

Donald Lee Backes, 79, of Jefferson City, passed away Friday, May 27, 2016, at Jefferson City Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was born on April 18, 1937, in Bonnots Mill, a son of the late Leo John and Louise Josephine (Bescheinen) Backes. On May 19, 1987, he was united in marriage to Jane Carolyn Willmeno, she survives at the home. Donnie was a graduate of Fatima High School and served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He worked for Loethen Oil Company and operated the Apache Flats Tire Shop. He was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, mushroom hunting, picking up pecans and was one of the best fisherman you would ever meet. He absolutely loved time spent fishing with his family and friends. Donnie always had a smile on his face and loved teasing and being ornery. Along with his wife, Jane, he is survived by: his daughter, Donna Backes of Colorado; sons, Dale Ellis and Jerry Ellis, both of Jefferson City; siblings, William "Bill" Backes and wife Nancy of Osage City, Betty Pfahl and husband Edward "Eddie" of Loose Creek and James "Jimmy" Backes and wife Carol of Bonnots Mill; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Donnie was preceded in death by: his brother, Vincent "Pooch" Backes and sister-in-law, Rosanne "Fritz" Backes. Friends will be received from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Friday, June 10, 2016, at Houser-Millard Funeral Directors. Memorial Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, June 10, 2016, at Houser-Millard Funeral Directors with Father Ignazio C. Medina officiating. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com