Donald Kyle Poage

Donald Kyle Poage, 80 of Cole Camp, MO, passed away surrounded by family on the morning of February 19, 2026. Born inTrenton, MO, he spent his younger years in northwestern Missouri, graduating from Chillicothe High School in 1963. Don's life journey led him to Cole Camp in 1980, where he and his wife, Shirley, built a life together for the next 46 years.

Don was a man known for his quiet strength and love for all things nature. From an early age, he could be found with a fishing pole, rifle, or bow in hand, as hunting and fishing were his lifelong loves. After retiring from the Missouri Department of Conservation, he continued to give back to nature by investing himself into activities such as land preservation and restoration, cultivating the land he shared with Shirley into a Certified Missouri Tree Farm site. He was happiest in his garden, on the lake, or simply walking nature trails. Don also earned his place as a recognized dog breeder and competitor in dog hunting trials across the region.

Don is survived by his wife, Shirley Poage of Sedalia, MO, daughters Amy Pena of Liberty, MO, and Sara (Patrick) Hanlon of Melbourne, FL; step-children Frank (Leslie) Wolfe of Anaconda, MT, David (Deana) Wolfe, and Susan Clevenger of Sedalia, MO; granddaughters Mackenzie Kovich, Nicole Wolfe, Ashley Wolfe, Whitney Hurt; grandsons Dylan Thowe, Alex Pena, Austin Parish, and Jay (Lynn) Hurt; and great-grandchildren Hallie, Madalyn, Carson, Benton, and Harrison. He was preceded in death by his parents Jack and Dorothy (Elliott) Poage, sister Jean Hickman, brother Jack Poage, and his daughter Lisa Poage.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Don's name to the American Tree Farm System.

For dust you are and to dust you will return - Genesis 3:19