Donnis (Don) LaVon Hood was born in Pickering, Missouri on May 30, 1929 to Oliver Donnis Hood and Opal Pauline Loch and passed away on March 20, 2025. He grew up in Pickering, along with a younger sister, Vonda Thompson, who lives in Pickering.

Don graduated from Pickering High School and married Mabel Joy Hood on September 12, 1948. They celebrated 75 years of marriage with family in 2023. Joy preceded him in death in 2024, but their life together exemplified a lifelong love and dedication to each other. They both resided at Gower Convalescent Center in their final days and, even then, Don loyally made sure he watched over Joy's care, along with the wonderful staff. From a friend, "The love they shared with each other and their family was beautiful to witness."

Don proudly served in the Army during the Korean War, traveling to various locations between 1952 and 1954, even maneuvering a tank dubbed "Joy". Upon his return to the states he attended Platte College of Business and eventually worked as a mail carrier for the St. Joseph Post Office, where he retired after 32 years. He and Joy continued to reside in St. Joseph where they raised their family. Along with two daughters, Donna (Danny) and Darla (Dave), they were blessed with four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. One of Don's most important priorities in life was his dedication to his family.

Don enjoyed many passions throughout his 95 years. One of his favorite things to do was to drive - to the Ozarks, Colorado, Iowa, Arizona, Minnesota, anywhere across the US, or simply drive to see the local, colorful trees in the fall. His love of driving led him to a post-retirement job delivering flowers and also to seven years of proudly serving as a volunteer bus driver for Veterans who needed a ride to the Leavenworth VA hospital. He and Joy, along with family and friends, enjoyed sharing their cabin in the Ozarks, boating and helping family learn to water ski, fishing on the dock, and just being out of doors. He visited many of the lakes in the area and often celebrated holidays there over the years. Don and Joy both bowled on a number of bowling leagues, regularly enjoyed playing cards with friends, helped plan and attended Sunday afternoon picnics in local parks, and regularly returned to Pickering to remain close to family and long-time high school friends. Don was a member of the American Legion. He was a third- degree Mason at Pickering Lodge and he went on to become a 32nd degree member of the Moila Shrine in St. Joseph. He truly believed in his commitment to living a life of integrity and was the epitome of honor and loyalty.

Dad, be with Mom, and know that you did a wonderful job in life and love!

Visitation at Heaton Bowman Smith will be 1-2 pm, March 26. A graveside service with full military honors will follow the visitation at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Legion Post 359, St. Joseph.