Don was born February 26, 1945, in Denver, CO, to Bert and Phoebe Jane Handley. His family ended up in Strafford, MO, then moved to Springfield, MO. Don graduated from Central High School in Springfield.  He met and married LaWana Lue Hill.  To this union two sons were born, Donald James “Jayme” and Ronald Douglas “Doug”. LaWana passed away in 1971, leaving Don with two toddler boys.

Don then met and married Patti Ann Whisnant Handley. Together they had a third son, Steven Wayne Handley. They spent many years together raising three boys. They had a full life, but their favorite past time was gospel music. They would attend many MAGMA, Mid-America Gospel Music Association, singings all over the state. Don loved the singing Gaither’s. God and faith were an important part of his life. Don loved his Lord Jesus. Patti passed away in 2013 and once again Don was alone.

Don met Mary Mansker and they spent two years together before Mary passed away. Again, church was a huge part of their time together.

Don was preceded in death by his father, Bert Handley, his mother, Phoebe Jane Handley, Harry Coble (Phoebe’s second husband), he also lost his only sister, Janet Buckley.

Don is survived by his three sons, Jayme Handley (Jon) Douglasville, GA, Doug Handley ( Rosalynn) Ozark, MO, and Steven Handley (Cheryl) Springfield, MO; Don also leaves behind five grandchildren, Stacia Anderson (Bryan), Emma Handley, Carri Eisenhauer (Dave), Tammi Steckling (Tim) and Mark Wells ( Laura); also leaves behind 13 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; Nieces and Nephews; and a host of many friends made through the years.

Don worked several jobs. He worked for the Railroad for many years, before retiring with a work-related injury. He also worked at Gospel Publishing House, Price Cutter, and Hy-Vee. In 2016 after a series of mini-strokes and chronic kidney disease, he went to Glendale Gardens Nursing Facility. He loved everyone there and considered them family and they certainly loved him. Don never met a stranger and was a true “People Person” and never talked to anyone without giving his famous hugs. He was a Hugger!

His boys have said they learned many things from Don, but the three important life lessons they learned from Don were, how to LAUGH, how to LOVE, and how to have a good Work Ethic. This is a legacy to behold. We know you are singing with Jesus, but We will miss you Dad, Pops, Papa, Uncle, and friend.