Donald Gene Newberry

Donald Gene Newberry, son of the late Henry and Lois “Cricket” (Hicks) Newberry, was born April 24, 1942, in Macomb. The heavenly angels carried him home on Feb. 5, 2026, in Mountain Grove, at the age of 83. Don grew up the oldest of nine children. He was united in marriage to JoAnn Smith on Dec. 7, 1963, in Mountain Grove. One daughter was born to this union. Don had a great work ethic. Growing up, he worked with his dad and family in the log woods. He spent some time working as a lineman, and later, a ranch hand for Clifty Creek Ranch. The job he was most known for was driving and delivering concrete for Peterson Gravel and Ready Mix for over 26 years before retiring. After retirement, he enjoyed working part-time for Black Gate Cattle Company. Additionally, throughout his working career, he could be found working on his and JoAnn’s farm. Don was also known for helping anyone in need. He worked hard his whole life. Don enjoyed collecting keys; he had amassed over some 700 keys over the years. He truly loved family gatherings. He also loved to take day trips with his family to wherever the road led. Some of his other joys in life were tinkering, going on the occasional fishing trip, listening to Bluegrass music and attending Bluegrass music festivals. It was well known he could be found at estate sales and auctions, and the weekly Vanzant jam sessions. Don had a loveable personality with a great sense of humor. He was known to tell jokes to bring a smile to your face. The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at Three Rivers Hospice and Autumn Oaks Caring Center for the wonderful care and compassion they gave to Don during his time spent with them.
Besides his parents, Don was preceded in death by two brothers, Bob and Ray Newberry; and one sister, Kathy Proctor. Don is survived by his loving wife of over 62 years, JoAnn Newberry; daughter, Donna Frost and husband, Eddie, of Cabool; two grandchildren, Joseph Frost and wife, KaSara, of West Plains, and Emily Schneider and husband, Brian, of Vanzant; two brothers, Jesse Newberry and wife, Linda, of Lebanon, and Wayne Newberry and wife, Lauri, of Tipton; three sisters, Diana Creiger and husband, Mike, of Fair Grove, Connie Klund, of Jefferson City, and Dana Robertson, of Springfield, Ohio; two sisters-in-law, Sherri and Carolyn Newberry, both of Mountain Grove; one brother-in-law, Pete Proctor, of Mountain Grove; numerous nephews and nieces; and a host of other loving family and dear friends who will miss him greatly.
A visitation was held on Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 at 2 p.m. at the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home in Mountain Grove. Pastors Judy Talbert and Terry Ramming officiated at the service.  Serving as pallbearers were Eddie Frost, Joseph Frost, Brian Schneider, Johnny Collins, James Tooley and Mike Creiger. Songs played during the service were “Dueling Banjos,” "Grandpa Don" and “When The Angels Carry Me Home.”
Interment followed in the Vanzant Cemetery in Vanzant, Missouri. If desired, memorial contributions may be made in Don’s name to the Vanzant Cemetery Association. Online condolences may be made at www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.