In the early hours of March 1^st, 2026, Donald Dean Innes went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Don and his twin sister, Lois Colleen, were born on December 22, 1927 at their family’s home in Springfield, Mo.  Don’s parents were Ava Whittenberg Innes, and Fern Innes.  The family also included an older son, Bobby Gene, who was born two years earlier.  Sadly, Colleen passed away 8 months after her birth due to pneumonia.

Don and his family spent several years farming with his grandfather, Homer Whittenberg.  It was there that Don cultivated a strong work ethic that he carried with him throughout his life.

In his younger years, Don attended High Street Baptist Church where he made numerous life long friends.  He attended Missouri State University after graduation from High School and eventually married Betty Jean Jaynes in 1950.  Subsequent to his college graduation, Don dutifully served his country in the United States Army During the Korean War.  He was chosen for Officers Candidate School which challenged him mentally and physically and again elevated his ability to handle life with determination and aplomb.

Don and Betty were blessed with 2 children:  Brenda and Roger.  He was an admirable father who led his family through faith.  Don had a resonant bass voice and enjoyed singing in numerous church vocal activities.  He also sang with the Beacon Quartet for several years, touring this part of the country.  The quartet was widely regarded for their strong harmonies and well blended voices.

The vast majority of Don’s career was focused on the insurance business with him eventually climbing to the rank of Sr. Vice President and Director of Agency Marketing with Old American Insurance company in Kansas City.  Through the years, Don additionally earned the professional designations of CLU and ChFC, again indicating a high level of ambition in his chosen field.  Don received the Stuben Lifetime Achievement Award in 1990 just before retiring.

Don and Betty loved their retirement years and continued to serve the Lord faithfully.  After nearly 54 years of marriage, God called Betty home in July of 2004.  Though painful, Don rebuilt his life and exampled how the love of God can carry us forward no matter the circumstances.  In his final years, he was blessed to have been reacquainted with Helen Wood, who he had know from High Street church years ago.  Helen was a loving and kind partner to him and supported him well through the final season of his life.

Don leaves behind his daughter, Brenda (William), and his son, Roger (Cyndee).  He additionally leaves behind his 3 grandchildren who were the apple of his eye: Tyler (Katie), Parker and Madison.

Don was a person that everyone called when they needed advice.  He was a supportive and loyal friend, partner and father who always threw a bit of laughter into everyone’s life.  His wisdom and love will be missed every day by those of us he has left behind.

Services for Donald will be at 11:00 am Friday, March 20, 2026 at Greenlawn Funeral Home East. Interment with full military honors will follow at Missouri Veterans Cemetery.