Donald Treece

DONALD C. TREECE

Donald C. Treece, age 69, of Kahoka, MO, died Monday, December 8, 2003 at the Clark Co. Nursing Home in Kahoka where he had been a resident for the past month.

He was born December 30, 1933 in Denver, CO, a son of Clarence A. and Marian E. Springer Treece. He lived in Colorado until March 1941 when the family moved to rural Eldon, IA. In 1950, the family moved to a farm near Revere, MO, where he graduated from

Revere High School as salutatorian in 1952.

Don entered the Naval Service in June of 1952 and was commissioned as a Second Lt.,U.S Marine Corps Reserve, and designated a Naval Aviator. He served active duty until 1957 when he was selected a regular officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving until 1961 when he was placed on the disability retired list and was medically discharged in October, 1964.

He attended the University of Mo., serving as P.A. for Cramer Hall under the supervision of Margaret Cantor whom he lovingly referred to as "Mom C" and remained in contact with all of these years. He graduated from the Radio Engineering Institute of Omaha, NE, where he was elected President of the school chapter of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers. During this time he was issued a lst Class Radio Telephone Operator License by the FCC. He was employed by Lee Enterprises Inc. for 33 years, working at their Quincy, IL division where he was an Electronic Technician and Technical Director/Director for KHQA-TV and WTAD and WQCY-FM radios.

On November 4, 1966, he was united in marriage to Donna M. Leach in Kahoka. She preceded him in death on July 3, 2003.

Survivors include his mother-in-law, Flossie Leach, of Kahoka, MO; one son, Donn Treece and his wife, Korena, of Thornton, CO; two daughters, Delma Smith and her husband,Chris, of Kahoka, MO and Denise Stone and her husband, Jeyrl, of Memphis, MO; eight grandchildren, Scott and Lauren Yates of Howard Lake, MN; Toni Yates of Memphis, MO, Tabitha Bartels and Justin Bartels of Kahoka, MO; Kaitlyn Treece and Donn Treece, Jr., of Thornton, CO, Jaime Smith of Champaign, IL, and Ashley Smith of Lomax, IL; two great-grandchildren, Kendra Dawn and Luke Anthony; a brother-in-law, Delmer Leach and his wife, Gerry, of Mesa, AZ; an aunt, Lois Treece of Boone, IA; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; an infant daughter, Donna Lynn; and a brother, Alvin.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Kahoka, Herman Blum Post # 192, American Legion and Ayer-Boatman Post # 4342, V.F.W., both of Kahoka. He was a life member of Hiram Lodge # 362, A.F. & A.M. as well as Past Master and long-time Secretary. He was also a member and Past High Priest of Kahoka Chapter No. 126, Royal Arch Masons. He received the Order of High Priesthood in 1972 and was appointed District Deputy Grand High Priest in 1979. He was a member and Past Illustrious Master of Kirksville Council No. 44 Royal and Select Masters, received the Order of the Silver Trowel and served as Regional Grand Master. He was then elected to the advancing line of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of the State of Missouri and served as Grand Master in 1983-84. He was knighted in Memphis Commandery No. 41 Knights Templar, served as Commander and became a member of the MO. Past Commander's Assoc. in 1968. He served as Grand Representative of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of the State of Oregon and Grand Representative of the Grand Commandery of the State of California. Don was a member of MO. Priory No. 17 Knights of the York Cross of Honor and served as Prior in 1990-91, Scottish Rite, Kansas City Chapter No. 63 National Sojourners, and Heroes of '76. Other masonic affiliations included the Royal Order of Scotland, St. Chrysostom Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine, Charlemagne Council No. 79 Knight Masons, Life Member and Past Governor of Harry S. Truman York Rite College and recipient of the Order of the Purple Cross, and the High Council Masonic Societas Rosicruciana in Cibitatibus Foederatis. He was also a member of Scottish Rite of Freemasonery, 32nd degree, St. Joseph, MO, and Moila Temple (Shriners), St. Joseph, MO. He was also a member of the Missouri Lodge of Research, past Rainbow Dad, and a member and past Worthy Patron of Kahoka Chapter # 40, O.E.S.

Don was also a member of N.R.A., Northeast Mo. Library Board and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. He was a pilot and was very interested in aircraft and enjoyed attending air shows. He loved to read and never went anywhere without a book. He loved doing things for his family and always put them ahead of himself. He and Donna had enjoyed many miles of travel as they attended various masonic activities throughout the state and other places in the country.

Funeral services were held Friday, December 12, 2003 at 10 a.m. at Wilson Funeral Home in Kahoka with Revs. Rick Seaton, Gary Payne, and Scott Yates officiating. Burial with full military rites will be in Kahoka Cemetery.

Friends can call after 9 a.m. on Thursday at Wilson Funeral Home in Kahoka with public Masonic Services beginning at 6 p.m. followed by family receiving friends until 9 p.m.

Memorials are suggested to H. E. Sever Memorial Library, the American Cancer Society for Clark Co. Relay For Life, the Grand Council Charity Endowment Fund or the Cryptic Masons Medical Research Foundation.

Arrangements are being handled by Wilson Funeral Home in Kahoka. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.timeformemory.com/wilsonfh.