Donald Claude Roberts

Donald Claude Roberts was born on August 20 th, 1936, to Claude and Golden (Inglis) Roberts at the weaning house in Polk, Mo. He peacefully passed away Saturday September 6 th, 2025, at Parkview Care Facility after a short illness. He was saved as a young boy and was a member of Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church.

Don was a lifelong resident of Polk County having been born into the bloodline of Joseph Payne, who arrived at Polk in 1848. Working diligently daily was Don's goal to accomplish something to make that day count. He graduated from Bolivar High School in '54 and earned FFA State Farmer & American Farmer. His next diploma was from Reisch Worldwide Auction School in Mason City, IA.

In 1957 he married Dolores Gamel, the love of his life, and in a 3 ½ year period, they had 4 children. Don continued his auction career at Buffalo Sale Barn and decided to build the Roberts Bros Sale Barn (with his brother, Garland) which opened in 1959 & continues in operation still today.

Don served as a Bolivar city Alderman from 1965-1972 & later as Bolivar special road commissioner & also a National Guard reservist. Throughout his adulthood he raised beef cattle & also rented sire bulls to other cattlemen. Through his rental program he had 1500 bulls available. The livestock auction was his main focus as he aged & his last role was one of the public relations. It was his responsibility to pass out gum to all the future customers.

Don was proceeded in death by his wife, parents, son Dwight, granddaughter Ashley McGinnis, son in law John Pirkle and brother Garland.

He is survived by his children; Debbi McGinnis (Charles), Donita Pirkle, Denise Stutenkemper (David), 12 grandchildren; Isaac McGinnis (Katie), Daberath Yeargain (Bob), Whitney Murray, (Mat), Denver McGinnis (Cheyanne), Sarah Gingerich (Arlan) , Cole Pirkle, Jake Roberts (Rachel), Dusty Roberts (Morgan), Adam Roberts (Becca), Devon Stutenkemper (Courtney), Cody Stutenkemper (Sam), Dakotah Lear (Tyler), 35 great grandchildren; sister in law Evelyn Baker (Floyd); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, & friends.

A visitation will be held on Monday, September 8, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00pm at Pitts Chapel. Funeral services will be held at Pitts Chapel on Tuesday, September 9 th, 2025, at 2:00pm. Burial will follow at Payne Cemetery Polk, Mo. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Bolivar FFA c/o Pitts Chapel, or to: Bolivar FFA: 1401 N Pomme de Terre Dr Bolivar, MO 65613