DONALD LEE LAND
Donald Lee Land, 85, of Springfield, Mo., went to be with the Lord Oct. 4, 2011, in Mercy Villa Nursing Home. Don was born Oct. 22, 1925, in Fort Scott, Kan., son of the late Basil and Cora Land.
He served in the United States Navy during World War II as a gunman aboard the U.S.S. Hudson, serving his country honorably. He lost his brother Basil (Sonny) Land during the war and would want to honor the sacrifice of his brother and the other brave men lost during the war.
Upon returning from the war, he returned to Fort Scott where he was united in marriage to Aleta Fern on Feb. 1, 1948, in Fort Scott. Don and Aleta moved to Springfield, Mo., for a number of years and were active members of Galloway Baptist Church.
He worked as an auditor for more than 30 years for the Western Insurance Company. In 1987, he was recognized as the company's man of the year.
They spent the last 25-plus years living in Kimberling City. Don was a founding member of the First Baptist Church of Kimberling City. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening and fishing with his grandson.
He never met a stranger and touched numerous people's lives with his quick wit and jovial personality. He loved his family and friends, and he will be missed dearly, but we are comforted that he is now reunited with his wife and daughter.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Basil and Cora Land; wife Aleta Fern; daughter Debbie Carroll; and his two brothers, Tommy and Basil (Sonny) Land.
He is survived by his sister Mary K. Turley; son-in-law Ron Carroll and wife Cindy; granddaughter Michelle Enno and husband Shawn; great-grandchildren Zack Henry, Brett Henry, Joseph Enno; grandson, Ryan Carroll and wife Katie; great-grandchildren, Koy and Kadyn Carroll.
Services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 7, in Greenlawn Funeral Home East with burial following in Rivermonte Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday before the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Don's great-granddaughter is living with CF.