Donald Ray FOHN

Donald Ray Fohn, son of Delbert and Mildred Lawson Fohn, was born on December 17, 1949, in Lebanon, Missouri, and passed away peacefully at his home in Eldridge, Missouri, on September 3, 2025, at the age of 75.

A proud graduate of Hoover High School, Class of 1967 in Fresno, California, Donald devoted much of his life to hotel management and hospitality. His career began in Central California, where he rose through the ranks at several convention hotels during the 1970s and early 1980s. After returning to Missouri in the mid-1980s, he spent eleven years as Food and Beverage Director at Lake Valley Country Club in Camdenton and later retired as Director of Operations at the Inn at Grand Glaize in Osage Beach.

Donald and his spouse, David, shared more than forty-two years together, traveling the world side by side. Their journeys took them to India on multiple occasions and across much of Europe, creating memories that spanned continents and decades.

Deeply committed to civic life, Donald served as Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Laclede County Democrats for over twenty years. He also held the position of chairman for Missouri's 28th and 33rd senatorial districts, contributing meaningfully to both local and statewide political engagement. Anyone that knew Don will tell you that he would give you the shirt off his back if you needed some sort of help. He was always there willing to give to family, friends and even strangers when they were in need. Donald even held a close personal friendship with Mother Teresa of Calcutta until her passing in 1997. There are many letters, photos and such to document this.

Donald will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his spouse, David Harkins, of the home; two aunts, Mildred Moore of Eldridge, Missouri, and Betty Lawson of Fresno, California; brothers, Teddy Joe Fohn of Fresno, California, and Jack Fohn of Texas; sister, Debbie Barrack of Waldo, Arkansas; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends both near and far.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Russell and Guelda Fohn; his parents; and his brother, Danny Russell Fohn, who passed away in childhood.

No services will be held at this time. Burial will take place at Hufft Cemetery near Eldridge. Services at a later date.

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