David Leo Donelson

David Leo Donelson, 88, of Springfield, MO, went home to be with our Lord on Wednesday, March 31, 2021.
He was born October 16, 1932, in Plattsburg, MO, to Leo and Agnes (Shepherd) Donelson. David grew up in rural northwestern Missouri with a love of fishing and hunting with his two brothers. After graduating high school in Savannah, MO, in 1950, he attended Central Missouri State University, where he earned his degree in Business Administration in 1954. He graduated as president of his senior class, and while attending, had become such a skilled shuffleboard player that he rarely paid for his own tavern beverages. Also in college, he met his beloved wife Mary Ann Menefee. They were wed on June 11, 1955.
After college, David served his country as a sergeant in the United States Army while stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska. He later attended the University of Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy, where he earned his bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering in 1959. He then went to work for Menefee Construction Company in Sedalia, MO, where he led the initial construction of several sections of major highways in Missouri, most notably Interstate 44, Interstate 70, Interstate 71, and Range Line Road in Joplin.
In 1972, David began the operation of his own business, the Clever Stone Company limestone rock quarry near Clever, MO. He remained the CEO of Clever Stone, one of the oldest operating companies in Christian County, until his passing. He was extremely grateful and proud to work with his three sons in the quarry, as well as other business interests including Donelson Construction Company and Donelson Sealant Technologies.
David was devoted to his faith and his family. He and Mary Ann have been married for 65 years and spent countless days in Missouri and Florida on golf courses with family and friends. Dave was an active member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Springfield since 1972, where he served as a mass lector and eucharistic minister. His generosity and kind heart were evident throughout his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Richard and James, and his daughter Mary Elizabeth.
He is survived by his wife, son David and wife Robin, son Terry and wife Amanda, and son Michael and wife Mary, all of Springfield. He is also survived by his grandchildren Kathleen, Christine, Tyler, Bryant, Lindsey, Colin, Connor, and Amy, and great-grandchildren Evelyn and Thea.
A prayer service and visitation will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Springfield on Tuesday, April 6, from 6-8 p.m. A funeral mass will also be held at the same location on Wednesday, April 7, at 10 a.m. David will be laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery in Springfield.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Springfield, or St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Springfield. Online condolences can be made at www.gormanscharpf.com.