Donald Lee Pemberton

Donald “Don” Lee Pemberton, 88, of Odessa, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 30, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Woods Chapel Church Odessa, 813 MO-131, Odessa, MO 64076. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at the church, with burial to follow at Woods Chapel Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to Woods Chapel Odessa Church or the Woods Chapel Cemetery Association. Memories of Don and condolences for his family may be shared at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on the funeral home's Facebook page. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 S. 2nd St., Odessa, MO 64076, 816-633-5524.

Don was born on May 22, 1938, in Odessa, Missouri, to Gordon and Mary Ellen (Proctor) Pemberton. He grew up in Odessa and graduated from Odessa High School in 1956. On June 21, 1958, Don was united in marriage to the love of his life, Peggy Ann Martin, at Woods Chapel Church in Odessa. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and service to others.

Following high school, Don began his career in the printing industry at The Odessan. He later shared his knowledge and talents with others as a graphic design instructor at Joe Herndon Vocational-Technical School. Never one to sit still, Don continued working after retirement, serving as a substitute mail carrier in Odessa for another 15 years, covering Roger Dyer's route. Alongside his professional career, Don was a lifelong farmer who found great satisfaction in returning home each day to tend to his farm. Farming was more than a responsibility to Don; it was a way of life he truly loved.

Don had a servant's heart and a deep commitment to his church and community. A devoted member of Woods Chapel Church Odessa for many years, he faithfully served in numerous capacities within the congregation and on the cemetery board. His dedication to agriculture and young people was evident through his involvement as a former Mighty-Mo 4-H Club leader and his longtime support of the FFA as both a member and alumnus. Don took great pride in his FFA roots and was known for proudly wearing his high school jacket to every FFA dinner and event.

His willingness to lend a helping hand extended throughout the Odessa community. Don volunteered with Habitat for Humanity for many years and served on the Public Water Supply District No. 1 Board of Lafayette County. He was also a familiar face on the sidelines of Odessa High School football games, where he faithfully volunteered on the chain crew for 30 years, continuing until his grandson graduated from high school. Don's connection to Odessa athletics began long before those Friday nights. As a student, he was an accomplished track athlete, setting records that have remained unbroken for decades.

Whether he was working on the farm, serving his church, supporting local youth, or volunteering throughout the community, Don approached life with dedication, humility, and a genuine desire to help others. He believed in the importance of hard work, keeping his word, and giving back to the community he proudly called home.

Above all else, Don's greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was his family. While his many years of service and community involvement left a lasting impression on Odessa, nothing meant more to him than the people he loved. He treasured the life he and Peggy built together, the family they raised, and the generations that followed. His love, guidance, and steady presence will remain a cherished part of their lives.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Peggy Pemberton of Odessa, MO; four children, Penny (Keith) Sisk of Odessa, MO, Lisa Pemberton of Independence, MO, Timothy (Debra) Pemberton of Marshall, MO, and Mary Sue Pemberton and her companion, Nikki Wells, of Grain Valley, MO; 14 grandchildren, Shawna (Nick) Soendker, Adam (Bailey) Whited, Kyle (Juliana) Whited, Devin (Mike) Lewis, Josh Sisk, Nicole Setetzler, Kristin (Chris) Garcia, Brooke Stetzler, Taylor (Ryan) Zvanut, Nicole (Thomas) Campbell, Caleb (Meg) Pemberton, Josh (Shelby) Wells, Tyler (Lindsey) Wells, and Tad (Michelle) Wells; 22 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister, Sherri (Larry) Parks of Palm Bay, FL; two sisters-in-law, Myrtle (Gene) Barker and Helen Miller, both of Odessa, MO; one brother-in-law, Earl Martin; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Mary Ellen Pemberton; and one granddaughter, Keisha Sisk.

Don leaves behind a remarkable legacy of faith, family, service, and dedication to his hometown. His contributions to the Odessa community will be remembered for generations, but his greatest legacy will always be the love he shared with his family and the countless lives he touched along the way.