Donald Lee Driver, age 75, passed away peacefully to be with the Lord on Monday, August 2, 2010, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born to Floyd and Cecil Driver on September 12, 1934, in Seymour, Missouri, which is also the town where he attended high school. During his high school years he was an accomplished trumpet player and a 1st chair member of the schools band, quartet, and trios.
After graduation from Seymour high school he met the love of his life, a beautiful young flower named Norma Russell. They were married on October 11th, 1953 and she remains his loving wife to this day. He worked at the Springfield News-Leader as head ad builder for 41 years until his retirement and was known throughout as a hard working dedicated professional. At one time he was offered a foreman position but turned it down due to the time it would take away from his family because Donald “Don” was a loving family man first and foremost. Always doing everything within his power to help anyone in need. He was also an outdoors enthusiast and few things brought more joy to him than making vacation trips to various state parks and monuments around the United States and Canada.
To us he was the light that cast away the shadows and the pillar of strength that our family is built upon. A man of unmatched character, kindness, and love who was always there for us in times of happiness or sorrow. A man of his word, and a man that gave so much of himself so freely yet asked for nothing but our love in return. A true man of the Lord and a shining example of the good in humanity. You are deeply and dearly missed. Donald was preceded in passing by his parents, Floyd and Cecil Driver; brother, Floyd Driver, Jr. and His and Norma’s unborn child. He is survived, admired, and loved by his brothers, Charles Driver, Alva Driver, and Hilbert Roy Driver; wife, Norma Driver, three daughters Debra Collinge, Donna Ray, and Jayne Kelley; one son, Thomas Driver, and 10 grandchildren.
Visitation will be held in Greenlawn Funeral Home East, in springfield, Missouri on Sunday, August 8th from 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held in South Haven Baptist church, in Springfield, Missouri on Monday, August 9th at 10 a.m. Pastor Calvin Maberry will be officiating.