Don Trabue

Donald Leonard "Don" Trabue, age 86 of Jefferson City Mo. passed away Thursday, November 30, 2023 at Heisinger Bluffs.
Don was born September 12, 1937 in Jackson County, Missouri the son of Gordon Hugh and Mary Margaret (Budd Barnhart) Trabue. He was married to Eva Lee Studley and to this union his three children were born. He married Elsie G. Crawford on October 28, 2020 in Jefferson City, Elsie survives in the home.
Don was a graduate of Fort Osage High School in Jackson County and later graduated from Missouri S&T in 1959 with a degree in civil engineering. He worked as a professional engineer with the Missouri Department of Transportation for many years. In his retirement, Don started his own business, Tra-Art, selling collectables.
Don was a respected member of The Fraternal Order of Free and Accepted Masons and a fixture at the local Jefferson Lodge #43. Throughout his years with the organization, he has held various positions including, Grand Commander of the Grand Commandry of the Knights Templar of the State of Missouri (1994-1995), and Grand Treasurer of the Missouri York Rite Bodies (1998-2023). Don valued the relationships he built with his fellow masons and considered them to be dear friends. His pride in his country and sense of duty lead him to join the United States Naval Reserves, a decision he was always proud to have made.
He was a man of distinctive tastes and unwavering convictions. With a passion for both the precision of bowling and the delicate beauty of his flower garden. His Type A personality manifested in his meticulous approach to every aspect of his life. Don was a man who never lived in the grey area, he saw the world in black and white, rigid in his principles and steadfast in his ways. His love for a good political debate added a dynamic layer to his character, as he relished in the opportunity to engage in spirited discussions, holding firm to his beliefs and challenging others to defend theirs.
To those who were able to break through his natural rigidity, Don was simply a treasured husband, a loving father and grandfather and a trusted friend. He will be missed by those who knew and loved him.
Survivors include: his wife, Elsie Trabue of Jefferson City, Mo.; his children, Thomas Trabue (Kimberly) of Columbia, Mo., Timothy Trabue (Eva) of Columbia, Mo., and Tamara Bosley (Robert) of Raymore, Mo.; brother, John Trabue (Charlotte) of Warsaw, Mo.; brother-in-law, Kenneth Moore; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Naomi Moore.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, December 10, 2023 at Jefferson Lodge #43, 3211 Masonic Ct, Jefferson City, MO 65109.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to The Masonic Home, 6033 Masonic Dr. Suite A, Columbia, MO 65202.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.