Donald Wayne Veirs

Don Veirs, 79, of Unionville, MO, passed away at the Research Medical Center in Kansas City, MO, on Friday, March 4, 2016, after an extended illness.

Donald Wayne Veirs was born in rural Keytesville, MO, on March 19, 1936, the son of Raymond Edward “R.E.” and Georgia Erma (Smith) Veirs, who preceded him in death. Don grew up in the Keytesville area but, when his mother passed away when he was twelve years old, his normal childhood was cut short and he was forced to take a more active role taking care of his brothers and sisters. It was around this time he began buying fur for his father. Don and his siblings were baptized at the First Baptist Church in Keytesville in 1948, and, at age 16, Don moved with his family to Fayette, MO, and he graduated from high school there. He married Mary Lou Perry in Springfield, MO, on December 4, 1955, and she survives at home in Unionville.

Don and Mary Lou lived in Fayette after their marriage where they owned a record store. Don also worked in various sales jobs and in construction on a bridge crew around the Columbia, MO, area. They moved to Unionville in 1961 and Don continued his life long career in the family fur business. Don was the 11th generation of his family in this business, dating back more that 250 years when his ancestors came to the United States from France. He eventually entered the cattle business in Putnam County and was well known by many farmers in the cattle trade. He was an entrepreneur, selling grain bins and running a successful fertilizer plant. Don epitomized the phrase a “self-made” man. His work his hobby. Recently Don could be seen cruising around town going to local restaurants, Charlie’s Place and socializing with others. He was often generous to others and highly respected by those who knew him.

Two of Don’s favorite quotes were “a liar and a thief go hand-in-hand” and “if you always tell the truth, you’ll never have to remember what you said.” Truth and honesty were important to him, as was his family.

In addition to his wife, Don is survived by two sons, Daniel (Sara) Veirs of Franklin, TN, and Mark (Angela) Veirs of Unionville, MO. His grandchildren are Jordan Veirs, Ethan Veirs, Sarah Elisabeth Veirs, Kathryne Veirs, and Brandon Veirs. Don’s great grandchild is Kanden Veirs. He is also survived by three sisters, Charlotte (Jim) Cox of Garnett, KS, Karen Cruse of Moberly, MO, and Vivian Tucker of Linton, IN.

Don was preceded in death by a brother, Jackie Veirs, and two sisters, Betty Patterson and Jeanie Jeys.

Funeral services for Don Veirs will be at the Unionville Assembly of God Church in Unionville, MO, at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 12, 2016. Visitation will be at Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home in Unionville, MO, on Friday, March 11, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. Cremation will follow the service at a later date.

Memorials for Don are suggested to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and may be entrusted with Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.