Donald Gene Yoakum, 71, of Harrisonville, Missouri passed away Saturday, December 10, 2022 at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, MO. Funeral services were held  Thursday, December 15, 2022 at the Fellowship Church of Archie (formerly Archie First Baptist Church).  Contributions may be made to the Harrisonville Animal Shelter.

Donald, the son of Clifford Frank and Verna Mae (Gould) Yoakum was born March 23, 1951 at the old hospital on Pearl Street in Harrisonville, Missouri. He lived a short time in Harrisonville before moving to the farm northeast of Archie. Donald was a 1969 graduate of Archie High School, and after graduation, attended Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. He was united in marriage to Marilyn Ann Reynolds, July 10, 1971 at the First Baptist Church in Archie.

Donald managed the grain elevators in Archie and Adrian, Missouri for a number of years, and then became an over the road truck driver, making many trips to California. He most recently worked in the parts department at Heritage Tractor in Adrian, retiring in 2020. He was a lifelong Cass County resident, had served on the Archie City Council, and was a longtime member of the Archie First Baptist Church and the Fellowship Church of Archie. After moving to the farm in 2017, tending to his animals became his passion.

Donald was the happiest when someone needed his help. He was ready and willing to help his sons, whether it was working on a vehicle, feeding their animals, talking about what could be wrong with the lawnmower, and he could usually figure it out and fix it!

Briana, Colt and Addison had an extra special place in his heart. He always said their smiles and hugs would brighten anyone's day.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Richard. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; two sons: Brandon Yoakum and wife, Crystal, Adrian, MO; and Jarod Yoakum and wife, Melinda, Harrisonville, MO; two brothers: Mark Yoakum and wife, Pam, North Richland Hills, TX; and David Yoakum, Kimberling City, MO; a sister, Susan Yoakum, Raytown, MO; a sister-in-law, Vicki Yoakum, Topeka, KS; three grandchildren: Briana Yoakum, Colt Yoakum, and Addison Yoakum; and many other relatives and friends.